Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 20 December 2022.

Ambassador James Kariuki speaks at the UN Security Council emergency meeting on Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Thank you, President, and thank you to Assistant Secretary General Jenca for the very helpful update.

The United Kingdom remains deeply concerned at the recent closure of the Lachin corridor.

We are pleased that the gas supply to the region has been reinstated, but we continue to call for the immediate reopening of the corridor. The Lachin corridor is the only means by which daily necessities can be delivered to the region. The closure of the corridor for over a week raises the potential for severe humanitarian consequences – especially in the winter. We also note with concern the civilians who have been stranded by the closure and urge that their unimpeded return is urgently prioritised.

We are in touch with the governments of both Armenia and Azerbaijan. It is only through diplomacy, in line with the principles of the UN Charter, that lasting peace can be achieved. The United Kingdom continues to support the internationally-led negotiation efforts that seek to secure stability and peace in the region.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 20 December 2022.

Ambassador Barbara Woodward speaks at the UN Security Council briefing on Afghanistan.

Thank you, President.

Like others, I would like to start by thanking USG Griffiths and SRSG Otunbayeva for their briefings, and thank UNAMA for all its ongoing work to support the Afghan people in such challenging circumstances. I also thank Ms. Mahbouba Seraj for returning to brief us again.

As we’ve heard, in the midst of one of the harshest winters on record, two thirds of Afghanistan’s population face severe hunger. The 2023 Humanitarian Response Plan for 2023 is expected to be the largest in UN history and it reflects the scale of the challenge.

The UK remains steadfast in our support for the Afghan people. As the second largest donor to this year’s HRP, we have disbursed over $600 million in humanitarian and development assistance for Afghanistan since April 2021. We continue to work with the World Bank and others on measures to put the Afghan economy on a more sustainable footing.

President, I’d like to highlight three priorities.

First, humanitarian aid. While 97 percent of Afghans are in poverty, two thirds in dire humanitarian need, the priority is for aid to reach those in need. The Taliban should end interference in UN operations immediately and, in particular, give assurances on the safety and access of humanitarian workers. In particular, female humanitarian workers who, as we’ve heard, are particularly constrained by the Mahram requirement.

Second, human rights. The Taliban continue to fail to live up to their commitments to the Afghan people. As we’ve heard, repression of human rights is widespread; there are reports of honour killings, child marriage, and floggings and executions have returned.

As we’ve heard from Ms. Seraj, in recent months, violations of women and girls’ rights and freedoms – already the most drastic in the world – have sharply increased. These policies are a systematic attempt to erase women and girls from all spheres of social, economic, political and public life.

The UN has estimated that excluding women from the workforce is already costing the Afghan economy up to $1 billion. In the absence of fair and impartial justice systems and access to education, there can be no self-reliant, prosperous Afghanistan.

Third, counter-terrorism. We’ve heard from the chair of the 1988 committee of the deteriorating security situation, and Ms. Seraj endorsed that point. We’ve heard that the number of sanctioned individuals among the Taliban has increased. We’ve heard of Al-Qeada, ISIL-K, Da’esh –– members of this Council have suffered from terrorist attacks in Afghanistan.

We should be clear that while the Taliban is failing to meet its counterterrorism commitments, it cannot expect to see sanctions relief or acquire legitimacy in the eyes of the international community or the Afghan people.

In conclusion, President, this is truly a situation that is, as the SRSG said, fraught with challenges. The Taliban is manifestly failing to live up to its commitments and to meet the needs of the Afghan people for prosperity, peace and security. We should be of no doubt that we need a robust international response that delivers humanitarian aid, but also delivers the mandate of UNAMA.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 December 2022.

The governments of France, Germany and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement on the JCPoA.

Good afternoon. Today, the Security Council discussed the implementation of UNSC Resolution 2231, particularly Iran’s nuclear, ballistic and proliferation activities inconsistent with that resolution.

Iran has been in violation of its commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA) for three and a half years and continues to escalate its nuclear programme while cutting down significantly on its transparency commitments. Iran has no credible civilian justification for these actions, which carry very significant proliferation-related risks. Today, Iran’s nuclear programme has never been more advanced.

In November, Iran announced it was increasing its enriched uranium production capabilities at Fordow and Natanz well beyond JCPoA limits. These activities provide Iran with irreversible knowledge gains. It also reduces the time needed for Iran to gather enough fissile material for multiple nuclear weapons, should it choose to do so.

Iran also continues to produce unprecedented levels of Low and High Enriched Uranium, enriching up to 60%. This is especially concerning as Iran has suspended the IAEA’s ability to monitor and verify an important part of Iran’s nuclear activities, making it harder for the IAEA to provide assurance of the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme.

Iran’s continued escalation has severe impacts on international security and the non-proliferation regime. Iran refused to take the deal tabled by the JCPoA Coordinator in March and August to return to full compliance with its JCPoA commitments, with continued unacceptable demands beyond the scope of the JCPoA.

The JCPoA and the implementation of IAEA Safeguards are separate. Iran has internationally binding legal obligations to account for all nuclear material and to cooperate with the IAEA.

Today, the Security Council has also discussed key developments regarding Iran’s missile programme and its destabilising transfers of missiles and drones to actors in the region and beyond.

First, Iran continues to undertake ballistic missile activities that are inconsistent with UNSC Resolution 2231, including by testing space launch vehicles, which employ technology applicable to long-range and intercontinental range ballistic missile development.

Second, Iran’s weapons proliferation poses a real and significant threat to the region and the whole international community. We strongly condemn Iran’s destabilising activity in the region and we call upon Iran to stop all ballistic missile activities and proliferation inconsistent with UNSCR 2231 and other UNSC resolutions.

Third, since August, Iran has transferred hundreds of UAVs to Russia, which has used them to kill civilians and target infrastructure, as it did once again today against Kyiv. We strongly condemn such transfers, which violate UN Security Council Resolution 2231. Indiscriminate attacks against civilian populations and infrastructure constitute war crimes. We strongly caution Iran against any further deliveries of weapons to Russia, in particular of any short-range ballistic missiles, which would constitute a serious escalation.

We encourage the Secretary General to examine and report any evidence of transfers of items, materials, equipment, goods and technology or related services inconsistent with UNSCR 2231. We would welcome a visit by competent UN experts to Ukraine as requested by the Government of Ukraine and supported by other member states.

We are discussing our next steps with our partners.

We remain determined that Iran must never develop a nuclear weapon, must refrain from supporting Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and must stop its proliferation of conventional weaponry to state and non-state actors in the Middle East. Such activities, alongside Iran’s violent repression of peaceful protests will only result in Iran’s further isolation from the international community.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 December 2022.

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the Security Council Briefing on the Middle East.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 December 2022.

A Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office spokesperson said:

North Korea continues to violate UN Security Council Resolutions by launching two medium-range ballistic missiles on 18 December.

We call on North Korea to prioritise the well-being of their people instead of the illegal pursuit of nuclear and ballistic missile programmes. The UK, alongside our allies and partners, is committed to peace on the Korean Peninsula, the upholding of the rules-based international system and securing an end to North Korea’s illegal activities.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 December 2022.

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the Security Council briefing on Libya.

Thank you President,

I thank SRSG Bathily and you Ambassador Kamboj and you as 1970 Committee chair for your briefings and updates.

I’d like to make three points.

Firstly, we welcome SRSG Bathily’s clear message to Libya’s political elite that they are blocking progress and must urgently come together to agree a pathway forward on the political process. As we approach a year since elections were due, the lack of progress is striking, despite the demonstrable desire of the Libyan people to vote. We stand ready to support SRSG Bathily as he works towards an inclusive Libyan-led process that can deliver long-term political stability, economic prosperity, security sector reform and the removal of foreign forces and mercenaries, including the Wagner Group, from Libya.

Secondly, we note with disappointment the lack of progress towards agreement on a legal and constitutional basis for elections. The continued inability of the House of Representatives and High State Council to deliver this undermines their credibility and stalls progresss. As a Council, we should collectively bring pressure to bear on Libya’s political leaders to work constructively with SRSG Bathily and a broader range of Libyan actors to agree an achievable basis for free, fair and inclusive parliamentary and presidential elections without further delay.

Thirdly, vibrant and open civil society should be an integral part of the political process. I remain deeply concerned by reports of increased restrictions and decreased operating space for civil society organisations. I call on all Libyan parties to ensure civil society actors, including women activists and peacebuilders, can continue their roles safely and unhindered. I also ask SRSG Bathily to ensure civil society and the voices of Libyan citizens are represented in the political process that seeks to determine their future.

This past year has seen Libya face many obstacles, with a disappointing absence of sustainable progress on the way forward. I urge all Libyan actors, with support from the region and the wider international community, to fulfil their responsibilities to deliver political progress. We the Council should give our full support to SRSG Bathily in ensuring they achieve this.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 December 2022.

Lord Ahmad began by reflecting on the theme of Human Rights Day 2022: ‘Dignity, Freedom, and Justice for All’. This theme got to the nub of what human rights mean to peoples’ lives, something that Eleanor Roosevelt – who was instrumental in drafting the Universal Declaration – had alluded to when she said universal human rights begin:

in small places…the neighbourhood…the school…the factory, farm, or office…Unless these rights have meaning there, they have little meaning anywhere.

Lord Ahmad stressed that, this year, the UK’s resolve to promote and protect human rights had only been strengthened by the injustices around us. He gave an overview of the UK’s work to promote human rights, which spanned every continent. From Ethiopia to Pakistan, from Iran to Ukraine. From the right to life, to media freedom, to education.

From the UK’s role in evacuating Afghans at risk following the Taliban takeover in August 2021, to the UK’s global leadership in promoting Freedom of Religion or Belief and Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict, to UK targeted programming to end modern slavery, the UK had, and would continue to, stand up for the human rights of everyone, everywhere.

Lord Ahmad noted he had met with countless human rights survivors from across the world. He gave personal reflections on the importance of making sure survivors’ voices are heard, and stressed that we all have a role to play in creating the conditions for everyone to enjoy their human rights.

Lord Ahmad ended by paying homage to human rights defenders, the ultimate guardians of equality and freedom, and by extending his heartfelt thanks to everyone who works with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office to champion human rights – for their creativity, tenacity, and unwavering resilience. He stressed that together we can change the world for the better, and secure “dignity, freedom, and justice for all”.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 December 2022.

The Troika (UK, US and Norway) and the EU have issued a statement on the escalation in violence in the Upper Nile and Jonglei, South Sudan.

Members of the Troika and EU are deeply concerned by an escalation in violence in Upper Nile and Jonglei, South Sudan, where there have been reports of scores of civilians killed and around 50,000 displaced. These killings, homes and livelihoods burned and destroyed, and sexual and gender-based violence including against minors, are horrifying and cannot go unaddressed. The impact of this violence on an already dire humanitarian situation is further devastating vulnerable communities and their access to health and education services.  It is clear that South Sudan’s transitional leaders bear a share of the responsibility for the escalation of this violence, and primary responsibility for ending it. The Troika and EU urgently calls on South Sudan’s transitional leaders to act now to end the violence and protect civilians. We call on all South Sudanese authorities to allow and facilitate the safe access and delivery of humanitarian assistance to Upper Nile and Jonglei State as well as in other conflict areas in the country, and to the more than 9.4 million people in need of aid across South Sudan.

We call on all sides to abide by the conditions set out in the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement. Each missed implementation benchmark further calls into question the political commitment of South Sudan’s leaders to end the transitional period in two years. Inaction now will lead to more innocent South Sudanese lives lost and a humanitarian situation that continues to worsen with each month. An enduring, nation-wide peace is the only way to address South Sudan’s appalling human rights and humanitarian situation.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 December 2022.

Slovak Ambassador to the OSCE, Peter Mišik, highlights that Russia has systematically clamped down on its own people over the last two decades.

I am delivering this statement on behalf of the following 39 participating States, inter alia those that invoked the Moscow (Human Dimension) Mechanism on 28 July: Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, the United States and my own country Slovakia.

Human Rights Day is an occasion to celebrate the inalienable rights that everyone is entitled to as a human being. But Human Rights Day also reminds us to address the deficits.

The report under the Moscow Mechanism that our countries initiated concluded that the Russian Federation has systematically clamped down on its own people over the last two decades. In addition, with its internal clampdown on human rights and fundamental freedoms, the Russian Federation has helped prepare the ground for its war of aggression against Ukraine.

Repressive legislation and administrative practices are being used to restrict the exercise of human rights and fundamental freedoms of people in Russia, most notably through the so-called “foreign agents” and “undesirable organisations” laws. The report found that “Russian legislation in this area is clearly incompatible with the rule of law.” Particularly, the foreign agents law, the report went on, “can be understood as one of the major tools for curbing civil society activities both of associations and individuals and for bringing them under control of the authorities.”

We need to bring this legislation to the attention of this council again because the Russian Federation has further toughened the foreign agents law through a legislative amendment of 14 July. Despite the clear guidance provided in the report, this legislative amendment entered into force on 1 December. Under this new legislation, it even constitutes criminal behaviour to “receive support and/or otherwise be under foreign influence”. The report explains the “very broad margin for interpretation” that this legislation provides, and the chilling effect it will have on participation in State affairs and public life.

The law thereby expands the definition of a so-called “foreign agent” to a point where almost any person or entity, regardless of nationality or location, could be designated as such. This makes it even easier for Russian Federation authorities to threaten critics, impose harsh restrictions on legitimate public activities and even ban them. It makes thoughtful public discourse about Russia’s past, present and future harder – yet not impossible, as also evidenced by the recent OSCE Parallel Civil Society Conference 2022 in Łódź.

The public discourse the Russian authorities are most desperately trying to suppress is the one on Russia’s unprovoked, unjustified and illegal war against Ukraine. In that regard, the Moscow Mechanism report identified the use of legislation on state secrets and treason as a “growing concern”. In October, the opposition activist and long-time champion of OSCE principles Vladimir Kara-Murza was charged with high treason. Investigators claim that Mr Kara-Murza committed high treason when he spoke against the war in Ukraine at public events in Lisbon, Oslo and Washington. Apparently, the crude logic goes, Mr Kara-Murza is deemed to have cooperated with NATO simply for expressing an anti-war stance in NATO countries. We reiterate our call to the Russian authorities to release Mr Kara-Murza and all political prisoners, and to stop their relentless attacks on dissidents and ordinary citizens who dare to express their opinions.

The rapporteur further notes that recently adopted legislation prohibiting the sharing of so-called fake news about the Russian military, statements “discrediting” the Russian Armed Forces, and calls for sanctions against Russia are politically motivated and instrumentalized by the Russian authorities to silence dissenting voices, leading to a “total information blackout on the war.” On 8 July, municipal deputy Aleksei Gorinov was sentenced to seven years for disseminating so-called “knowingly false information” for speaking out against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. On December 9, Russian opposition politician Ilya Yashin was sentenced to 8.5 years in prison for allegedly “spreading false information” about the Russian military by speaking the truth about atrocities committed by Russia’s forces in Bucha.

In the Moscow Mechanism report, the rapporteur noted with great concern the developments in Russia regarding the human rights of LGBTI individuals, particularly a new draft law of 18 July prohibiting the dissemination of information denying family values and propagating so-called non-traditional relationships, inter alia on the internet and in the cinema. Only last week, President Putin enacted the law with his signature after the State Duma had adopted the law on 24 November and the Federation Council had approved it. The law reinforces stigma and prejudice against LGBTI persons despite our OSCE commitments to combat intolerance and discrimination and to promote mutual respect and understanding.

The Russian Federation has failed to reverse its policy contrary to OSCE commitments in the field of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

The Moscow Mechanism report reminded us that internal repression and external aggression are “connected to each other as if in a communicating tube”. The two OSCE Moscow Mechanism reports circulated on 13 April and 14 July 2022 documented violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law. Therefore, the exercise of human rights and fundamental freedoms in Russia needs to remain under close international scrutiny. We are pleased that the UN Human Rights Council decided to implement the recommendation of the Moscow Mechanism report to appoint a special rapporteur on the human rights situation in the Russian Federation.

Russia cannot dispense with its international obligations by violating them. Our OSCE commitments stand and they will withstand the challenge by Russia’s government. We will continue to remind the Russian Federation of its OSCE commitments.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 December 2022.

Lebanon’s Court of Cassation has rejected the appeal by Tariq Houshieh, and affirmed his guilt for the brutal murder in 2017 of our dear colleague Rebecca “Becky” Dykes. We are grateful to all of those who have contributed to the final resolution of this case after many months of delay.

The British Embassy in Beirut, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and her family and friends, are committed to continuing to honour her legacy, including through efforts to combat the scourge of violence against women and girls, and to promote community cohesion and stability.

We hope this verdict will bring some closure for Becky’s family, for the many around the world who loved Becky, and for all those whose lives she touched through her humanitarian work in Lebanon and elsewhere.