Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 October 2022.

The UK Human Rights Ambassador, Rita French, delivered a statement on the ongoing situation on gender rights in Somalia.

Thank you Mr Vice President,

The United Kingdom thanks the Independent Expert and strongly supports the extension of her mandate. We welcome the peaceful conclusion of Somalia’s elections and the historic appointment of the first female Deputy Speaker. Regrettably, the 30 per cent quota for female representation was not met and delayed elections left little room for progress on human rights.

More broadly, we remain deeply concerned by persistent insecurity in Somalia and the cost in civilian lives; the marginalisation of displaced people, minorities and women; continuing sexual and gender-based violence; and restrictions on freedom of expression. A lack of accountability for perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses persists. The impending famine in the Baidoa and Burhakaba districts and the resulting increase in internally displaced persons compounds our concern.

We urge the Somali Government to strengthen the rule of law, tackle impunity, and enhance basic freedoms in Somalia by establishing a National Human Rights Commission and accelerating progress on pending legislation, particularly the Sexual Offences Bill, the Female Genital Mutilation Bill, and the Child Rights Bill. These are crucial to deliver the commitments made in the National Development Plan for 2020-2024. The UK stands ready to work with Somalia on this, and calls for the international community to do the same.

Ms Dyfan,

We welcome the continued engagement and cooperation of Somalia with this mandate.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 October 2022.

The UK’s Ambassador to the WTO and UN in Geneva, Simon Manley, delivered this statement at the 7th WTO Trade Policy Review of Mexico on 5 October 2022.

Chair, let me speak, for the first time at a TPR, on behalf of His Majesty’s Government and to welcome the Mexican delegation under the leadership of the Undersecretary of Foreign Trade, Luz María De La Mora. Thanks to the Mexican Federal Government and the WTO for their reports. Let me also thank the Chair and our distinguished Discussant, Clare Kelly for kindly facilitating this Trade Policy Review and providing us such an insightful basis for our discussions.

In our written questions for this Review, we were keen to gain a deeper understanding of Mexico’s regulatory framework in areas including Intellectual Property, domestic regulating bodies and agencies, the government procurement regime, Trade in Services, and SPS measures. This broad range of questions covering a panoply of themes is an indication of the range of opportunities available to Mexican and UK business from our accelerating bilateral trade.

Chair, this review includes a period of acute economic instability globally. WE are therefore pleased to welcome the positive steps which the Mexican Federal Government took to mitigate these shocks, notably through the expansion of digitisation services for administrative procedures for imports and agri-food exports.

It is encouraging that in periods of economic stress, actions such as these demonstrate that opportunities can be found, notably digital opportunities, which can accelerate best practice and improve the free trading environment. This also builds on previous efforts to reform customs procedures, as identified during Mexico’s last TPR, back in 2017.

In that TPR, the then Chair outlined in her concluding remarks Member’s concerns that Mexico’s trade was highly dependent on a single export market, noting that there was a need to diversify. During this review period, Mexico has indeed enacted some of the suggestions made to address this, including strengthening economic ties with different trading partners.

To this same end, the UK was pleased to sign a Trade Continuity Agreement (TCA) with Mexico which came into force on 1 June last year. We look forward to delivering our Factual Presentation to the Committee on Regional Trade Agreements next month

To realise the full potential of our trading relationship, Mexico and the UK launched negotiations in London on 20 May this year to secure a more modern and comprehensive bilateral FTA. As Mexico highlighted in its Report to this review, we have agreed on the modernisation of rules relating to investment and intellectual property, and the inclusion of innovative provisions relating to SMEs, gender and innovation, among others. We look forward to bringing this agreement to fruition as soon as we can and to our businesses making full use of the opportunities that the FTA should offer to grow their business and generate prosperity for British and Mexican citizens.

As others have noted, Mexico has also signed agreements with the United States, Canada, and the EU, and has signed the entry-into-force of the CPTPP. As the Secretariat recognises in its Report, these and other preferential trade agreements demonstrate the importance that regionalism plays in Mexico’s trade relations.

Back In 2017, Members also encouraged Mexico to join plurilateral agreements, notably the GPA. We would welcome Mexico’s indication of progress from Mexico with regards to this key plurilateral agreement.

Let me welcome Mexico’s support for the Inclusive Trade Action Group ITAG and Global Trade and Gender Arrangement (GTAGA), as well as its engagement in the WTO own Informal Working Group on Trade and Gender. All these important initiatives help to increase women’s economic empowerment through enhanced trade opportunities, an objective the UK fully shares with Mexico.

Through our Embassy in Mexico City, the UK has been pleased to work with Mexico on developing a methodology to measure the wage gap in Mexico and help to identify a remedy. This is an on-going and important work, and we encourage Mexico to continue to advance the necessary actions in order to reap the full reward of Mexico’s ambitions in this area.

Regarding transparency, like others the UK notes that less than 200 measures have been recorded by Mexico in the WTO’s Trade Monitoring Database, a low notification level in both relative and absolute terms. The median G20 Member notifies around 400 measures. Notifications and transparency obligations are we all recognise a cornerstone of the ongoing success of the WTO, and we therefore encourage Mexico to continue their efforts to ensure maximum levels of transparency regarding notifications.

Furthermore, recent data suggests that of 257 policy intervention measures in force, 69% (or 177of them) are trade restrictive rather than trade-facilitating. As such, the UK encourages Mexico to pursue balanced trade policies.

As the Secretariat’s Report identifies, Mexico is working to open-up untapped potential within its economy. Export diversification and the spreading of regional exporting opportunities have significant potential to achieve this, expanding the benefits of free trade at a global level and contributing to an improved, strengthened international trading system, it s in all our interest. The UK looks forward to working with our Mexican partners to help make the most of these opportunities.

Finally Madame Chair we like to thank the delegation Mexico for their fruitful engagement in this important transparency exercise and we wish them a successful 7th Trade Policy Review, and thank the Distinguished PR and excellent team to reap all possibilities of WTO

Thank you, Chair.

 

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 October 2022.

Ms Ailsa Terry has been appointed British High Commissioner to Malaysia in succession to Mr Charles Hay MVO who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Ms Terry will take up her appointment during July 2023.

Curriculum vitae

Full name: Ailsa Terry

Spouse: Adam Terry

Children: Two

Year	Role
2022 to Present	FCDO, Director, Sanctions
2021 to 2022	FCDO, Director, G7 Presidency
2018 to 2021	Cabinet Office, Director/Deputy Director, National Security Secretariat
2014 to 2018	Brussels, United Kingdom Permanent Representation to the European Union, Counsellor to the Permanent Representative
2012 to 2014	FCO, China Department, Team Leader, Asia Pacific Directorate
2011 to 2012	FCO, Head of Operations, Middle East and North Africa Directorate
2011	Kabul, European Union Delegation, Political Adviser to the EU Special Representative to Afghanistan
2009 to 2011	Islamabad, Second Secretary (Political)
2008 to 2009	FCO, Head of Middle East and Africa Casework Team, Consular Directorate
2007 to 2008	FCO, Desk Officer, Economic and Financial Affairs, Europe Directorate
2006 to 2007	Department for Communities, Private Secretary to the Secretary of State

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 October 2022.

The UK Human Rights Ambassador, Rita French, delivered a statement on the Myanmar regime’s access to weapons and arms.

Thank you, Mr President.

Thank you Acting High Commissioner for your report.

The United Kingdom supported the council’s Fact Finding Mission on Myanmar and its’ important work to shine a light on the military’s economic interests. We call on all States to engage with its recommendations, which remain all the more important amid today’s calamitous situation in the country.

We are committed to working with partners to target the regime’s access to finance and arms, which facilitate the most egregious human rights violations. These violations must stop.

The UK has a comprehensive arms embargo on Myanmar and we are clear that no Member State should sell arms to Myanmar; doing so exasperates conflict and instability and directly contributes to violations in the country.

Since the coup, we have announced targeted sanctions on the military leadership, and its access to revenue, arms and military equipment.

While responsible businesses have a role to play in Myanmar in job creation, poverty alleviation and standard setting, we must ensure that their work does not inadvertently support the military regime. For this reason, the UK has also strengthened its advice to UK business, encouraging enhanced due diligence to avoid inadvertent support for the military.

Madam Acting High Commissioner,

What more can the international community to do to pressure those who sell arms to the military?

Thank you.

 

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 October 2022.

The UK delivered a statement on the on-going human rights situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Thank you, Madam Vice President,

The United Kingdom thanks the speakers for their presentations and we welcome the reports of the high commissioner, and the team of experts.

The UK remains deeply concerned about the human rights situation in the DRC. Recent violence by armed groups, especially the Allied Democratic Forces and M23, has led to human rights abuses, which jeopardises efforts to pursue peace and prosperity, and exacerbates the already severe humanitarian situation. All of this raises dire concerns about the protection of civilians in the conflict-affected regions.

We urge all actors to address the humanitarian impacts of the violence, ensuring the affected people, including the 5.9 million internally displaced civilians, receive the assistance they need. We welcome ongoing diplomatic efforts to pursue dialogue and de-escalation, and we reiterate our call on all armed groups to immediately cease violence and participate unconditionally in the political process.

We are deeply concerned about the recent violent protests against the UN peacekeeping mission, which resulted in the deaths of civilians and peacekeepers. We continue to offer our full support for MONUSCO’s vital work, and call on the government of DRC to help ensure the safety of MONUSCO’s personnel and hold all perpetrators of violations and abuses to account.

We will continue to support regional engagement to find a diplomatic solution to conflict in the east, and DRC’s efforts to launch a community-based Disarmament, Demobilization and Re-integration programme.

Madam Vice President,

Our question to the panel is how will the UN work with the East African Community to ensure the protection of civilians remains a priority, with any deployment of a regional force?

Thank you.

 

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 October 2022.

The UK delivered a statement on for the Interactive Dialogue with the OHCHR regarding the providing of technical assistance amid ongoing human rights issues in the country.

Thank you Madam Vice President,

The United Kingdom thanks the Director for his presentation and the continued work of the Office of the High Commissioner in South Sudan.

The UK is deeply concerned by the continuing and dire human rights situation in South Sudan. This year, hundreds of civilians have been killed or been victims of Conflict Related Sexual Violence at the hands of government and opposition forces. Horrific attacks in southern Unity State and ongoing violence in Upper Nile State are prime examples of this. There needs to be urgent action by the South Sudanese Government to protect civilians and hold perpetrators to account.

The UK commends the OHCHR and UNMISS for their continuing technical assistance, but it is clear that technical assistance alone will not lead to sustainable peace and justice without clear mechanisms for scrutiny and accountability. The Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan therefore plays a vital role in helping to hold those responsible for human rights violations and abuses to account, including through their monitoring and reporting.

The UK acknowledges the Government of South Sudan’s extension of the 2018 peace agreement and accompanying Roadmap. We call on the South Sudanese Government to implement the peace agreement, including all of Chapter V, in full and to the timelines set by their new Roadmap.

Mr Director,

What prospects do you see for the establishment as soon as possible of the truth and justice mechanisms under Chapter V, including the Hybrid Court? How can this be most effectively supported?

Thank you.

 

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 October 2022.

Justin Addison (UK delegation to the OSCE) says sustainable management of natural resources is essential to mitigate impacts of climate and biodiversity crises.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 4 October 2022.

Statement by Richard Croker, UK Ambassador to the General Assembly, at the Third Committee meeting on advancement of women.

Thank you Mr Chair,

Multiple and interconnected barriers are preventing women and girls from reaching their full potential. Where women and girls are unable to reach their potential, whole countries suffer. We know that when we challenge discrimination and progress gender equality, everybody benefits.

The UK is committed to protecting and promoting women and girls’ rights and freedoms at home and abroad so that they can have their voice, choice and control over all aspects of their lives.

Women’s rights are human rights, as enshrined by numerous conventions that the UK supports. Our ambition remains higher than ever, and we cannot be complacent when reviewing our progress.

That is why we have committed to placing women and girls at the heart of our foreign and development policy, prioritising action on 3 areas: Educating girls; Empowering women and girls; and Ending violence.

We know that achieving gender equality is fundamental to building democracies and accelerating progress on securing freedoms, prosperity and trade, as well as strengthening global security and resilience. Women’s knowledge and leadership strengthens decision-making, driving better, more sustainable, and fairer policies that benefit whole communities.

Together, over many years, we have made real, hard-won progress on this agenda. There are more girls in school; fewer girls forced into early marriage; more women serving in high political offices and private sector leadership positions; and there have been encouraging legal reforms in many countries to address inequalities.

However, progress has stalled. At the current rate, it will take 135 years to close the gender gap worldwide. Women and girls are, and continue to be, disproportionately impacted by crises, be it the COVID pandemic, conflict, or climate change.

Take COVID as an example. At a global level, we have witnessed women shouldering the unpaid care burden and being hardest hit economically, deepening poverty for women and girls. There has been a global surge in gender-based violence, reduced access to sexual and reproductive health and rights; and increases in child marriage and adolescent pregnancy. An estimated 20 million girls will never return to school because of COVID.

Recent months have also shown the deep resilience of the human spirit and of free societies, with women and girls on the frontline of and being affected by multiple brutal conflicts, including most recently due to Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.

Increasing authoritarianism is undermining democratic values, human rights and effective institutions and placing these hard-won gains under threat. Systematic attempts by several actors to roll back and reverse women’s and girls’ rights have gained momentum at the international and community level.

In Afghanistan, twenty years of progress on women’s rights have been reversed. Afghan girls have been largely banned from secondary school for over a year, the only country in the world where this is the case.
In Iran, the death of Mahsa Amini is a shocking reminder of the repression faced by women. No one should face violence because of what they wear, how they practice their beliefs or any expression of fundamental rights.

The UK stands steadfast in its commitment to protect and promote women’s and girls’ rights. In particular, we must respect the bodily autonomy of women and girls throughout their lives by supporting them in exercising their sexual and reproductive rights, preventing all forms of gender-based violence and eliminating harmful practices including female genital mutilation and child, early and forced marriage.

The UK has a long record of leading the charge against gender-based violence, including conflict-related sexual violence. This November, the UK will host a major international conference to promote prevention, justice and support for survivors, and strengthening the global response.

Mr Chair,

We are prepared to do things differently, to think differently, and to work differently to achieve true gender equality. We must act across multiple sectors and disciplines simultaneously and tackle the many forms of disadvantage that women and girls face, spanning age, race, disability, economic status, gender identity, religion/belief and geographical location.

And we cannot do this alone. We will continue to work with our partners, including women’s rights organisations who are at the frontlines of this work, to deliver for women and girls everywhere.

I thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 4 October 2022.

Statement by Fergus Eckersley, UK Political Coordinator at the UN, at the Security Council meeting on Iraq.

Thank you Mr. President, and let me start by commending the tireless efforts of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq and of the Special Representative in difficult circumstances.

We’d like to make four points today.

First, the UK offers our deepest condolences for the deaths and casualties caused by the violence in the International Zone in Baghdad on the 29th and 30th of August. As the Special Representative said, the country stood on the brink of chaos. We cannot allow violence to destabilise the political process.

We urge Iraq’s leaders to work together urgently in the coming weeks to find a peaceful, inclusive solution to the political crisis. The political impasse has gone on too long. This will enable Iraq to address and tackle the considerable challenges faced by its people, from ensuring the country’s long term security, to tackling climate change, delivering urgent economic reform, and reconstructing the areas of the country liberated from the control of Da’esh.

Second, the UK condemns in the strongest terms Iran’s indiscriminate missile attack on Kurdish towns on the 28th of September, which led to the loss of innocent lives and damaged civilian infrastructure. These attacks are a violation of Iraq’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and are wholly unacceptable. They demonstrate a repeated pattern of destabilising activity in the region by Iran. We stand with the Kurdistan Regional Government in condemning these attacks and continue to support the security of Iraq, including the Kurdistan region.

Third, we need to manage carefully the humanitarian risks. We welcome the efforts by the FAO and the WFP to support food production and sustainable resource management. We urge regional neighbours to engage with the government of Iraq on water shortages. The UK is also working with UNDP to support the government of Iraq in dealing with the worst effects of climate change, including providing support on the governance of water resources.

Finally, we welcome the Special Representative’s update on missing Kuwaiti and third country nationals and missing Kuwaiti property. We note the progress made on the identification of burial sites, including in Najaf, and we urge continued progress on this file.

Mr President, the fundamental point is this: As the Special Representative has said, Iraq’s political leaders must step up their efforts to resolve the current impasse and begin delivering for the Iraqi people. And as a Council, we must be united in encouraging progress on this.

Thank you.

 

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 4 October 2022.

Lord Zac Goldsmith, Minister for Asia said:

The UK condemns North Korea’s launch of an Intermediate-range ballistic missile on 3 October and calls on the regime to immediately stop all activity that violates UN Security Council Resolutions.

This is the first ballistic missile since 2017 that has been launched over Japan and demonstrates North Korea’s reckless actions. The UK stands alongside our allies and partners as we confront the growing threat North Korea poses to regional and international security.  Once again North Korea shows no regard for its international obligations.

We urge the DPRK regime to put the well-being of its own people ahead of the illegal pursuit of nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.