Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 21 September 2026.

UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on Iran. Delivered by the UK’s Permanent Representative to the WTO and UN, Kumar Iyer.

The United Kingdom thanks the Fact-Finding Mission for its report.

We remain horrified by the dire human rights situation in Iran.

The Mission’s findings regarding the violent repression of peaceful protests that began in December, including the use of lethal force against those who posed no imminent threat, such as children, are particularly alarming. The crackdown was the deadliest in the Islamic Republic’s history.

Iran’s abhorrent use of the death penalty, prolonged nationwide internet shutdowns, torture and ill treatment, and restrictions on fundamental freedoms fuel cycles of repression for the people of Iran.

The report documents civilian deaths arising from the March 2026 conflict – in Minab in Iran, and across the region. Innocent civilians should never be caught in the crossfire.

The United Kingdom continues to support the work of the Fact-Finding Mission and the Special Rapporteur. Independent documentation of violations is essential to accountability, justice for victims and survivors, and the prevention of future abuses.

The UK calls on the Iranian authorities to end the use of repression and to respect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all people in Iran.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 21 September 2026.

UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on Russia. Delivered by the UK’s Permanent Representative to the WTO and UN, Kumar Iyer.

Thank you, Special Rapporteur.

Your report’s findings are stark, and demonstrate that the Kremlin’s system of domestic repression is extending beyond the country’s borders. The UK condemns the continued deterioration in the Kremlin’s dire domestic human rights record. The international community has a shared responsibility to protect and promote the values it upholds.  

We are concerned but not surprised by your finding that Russia has become one of the world’s most prolific perpetrators of transnational repression and that these practices have intensified significantly since 2022 including as you report, on UK soil. The UK condemns Russia’s use of threats, surveillance, digital repression, cyber-enabled activity and legal mechanisms to target activists, journalists, human rights defenders and anti-war voices, including those in exile.

The UK reiterates its call for the Russian state to release all those imprisoned on political grounds, including for their opposition to Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. The Russian authorities must uphold its international obligations, and protect fundamental freedom of expression, association, and religion or belief.

Special Rapporteur, how can States best strengthen protection for those targeted by Russian transnational repression and ensure they can safely engage with international human rights mechanisms?

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 21 September 2026.

UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on Nicaragua. Delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

Thank you, Mr Vice-President.

We remain deeply concerned by the human rights situation in Nicaragua. The report describes a troubling concentration of executive power and erosion of the separation of powers. Proposed constitutional reforms will further centralise power and weaken institutional checks and balances.

The report also highlights continued restrictions on civic and democratic space. We are concerned by reports of arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances, deaths in custody, and intimidation of political opponents, journalists, human rights defenders, religious leaders and indigenous communities. We are also concerned by reports of transnational repression targeting Nicaraguans abroad.

We were alarmed by the reported death in custody of Brooklyn Rivera, following prolonged arbitrary detention and enforced disappearance, and call for a full and transparent investigation.

The UK urges Nicaragua to release anyone arbitrarily detained and restore nationality and political rights to those stripped of them. Nicaragua must uphold freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly, association, religion or belief, and participation in public affairs. We also urge Nicaragua to safeguard judicial independence and re-engage with the UN human rights system, including by granting OHCHR access.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 21 September 2026.

NB – UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on Afghanistan. Not delivered due to time constraints.

Mr Vice President,

The United Kingdom thanks the Special Rapporteur for his report.

Five years after the Taliban’s return to power, we remain deeply concerned by the continued deterioration of human rights in Afghanistan.

The Taliban’s systematic restrictions on women and girls have deprived them of opportunities that many of us take for granted: the freedom to learn, to work, to move freely and to participate fully in society. Afghanistan will never reach its potential while half its population is denied its fundamental rights.

We also note the impact of the Taliban’s repressive policies on children. The consequences of the Taliban’s repressive policies on children will be profound and long-lasting, affecting an entire generation. We fully support the Special Rapporteur’s work to protect children’s rights. 

Mr President, Afghanistan currently faces a severe humanitarian crisis. More than twenty-two million people require humanitarian assistance. Food insecurity and malnutrition remain widespread, with women and girls among those most acutely affected.

Special Rapporteur, what more can the international community do to address the worsening humanitarian situation while also protecting the human rights of all Afghans, particularly women, girls and children?

Thank you

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 21 September 2026.

UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on Burundi. Delivered at the 63rd Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Thank you, Mr Vice-President.

The UK thanks the Special Rapporteur for his report.

Ahead of Burundi’s 2027 presidential election, his findings are concerning with reports of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detention, restrictions on fundamental freedoms, and the shrinking of civic and political space. The UK calls on Burundi to protect the rights of all citizens to participate freely and peacefully in public life.

We encourage Burundi to continue supporting the safe return of Burundian refugees and asylum seekers, in line with international law. Burundi continues to welcome refugees from DRC, and we thank Burundi for its work with the UN in particular to support their presence in Burundi, and ensure any returns to DRC are voluntary, safe, and dignified.

We remain concerned by the Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC and the risk of spillover to other countries. We commend Burundi for prompt work to strengthen surveillance and preparedness and emphasise the importance of protecting human rights during public health responses.

Special Rapporteur, what practical steps can the international community take to support conditions for a credible, and inclusive, 2027 presidential election in Burundi?

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 21 September 2026.

UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on Belarus. Delivered at the 63rd Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Mr Vice President,

The United Kingdom thanks the Group of Independent Experts for its update.

We remain deeply concerned by the systematic repression of fundamental freedoms in Belarus. Arbitrary arrest and detention, politically motivated prosecutions, torture and ill-treatment all remain tools to silence dissent, while independent media, civil society and trade unions continue to face severe restrictions.

We welcome the recent release of political prisoners. However, these releases do not address the structures that enable repression, and many others remain unjustly detained. We call for their immediate and unconditional release, full rehabilitation, and access to effective remedy.

We are particularly concerned by the continued use of incommunicado detention, denial of adequate medical care, and intimidation of prisoners’ families.

The United Kingdom continues to support the UN’s accountability mandates and the International Accountability Platform for Belarus, which collects and preserves evidence of alleged crimes under international law. We will continue working with partners to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable and victims receive justice.

We ask the Group of Experts: how can States best strengthen accountability pathways while ensuring that victims, survivors and Belarusian civil society remain central to these efforts?

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 17 September 2026.

Ambassador Holland recognises the OSCE continued work to promote gender equality and ensure women’s participation in politics, peace processes and conflict resolution.

Thank you, Secretary General, for your presentation of the Annual Progress Report to the Permanent Council this morning.

Gender equality, empowering women in politics, and combatting violence against women and girls remain key elements of the OSCE’s comprehensive concept of security.

We support the organisation’s continued efforts to promote gender equality, and to ensure women’s participation in politics, peace processes and conflict resolution. The launch of the OSCE Roadmap on Women, Peace and Security, and the Secretary General’s endorsement of the UN Common Pledge, are important steps forward.

The UK particularly welcomes the report’s strong focus on violence against women and girls. The publication of the first OSCE-wide report on femicide and the convening of the High-Level International Conference against Femicide represent significant contributions to tackling one of the gravest manifestations of gender-based violence. They also underline the importance of reliable data, effective prevention and accountability.

At the same time, technology is creating new threats. Online harassment and abuse silence women’s voices and restrict their participation in public life – online and offline. OSCE efforts to address violence targeting women journalists is particularly valuable.

The UK commends the excellent work of the OSCE WIN programme, particularly its support for women leaders in Ukraine, and exchanges between women activists from Ukraine and Bosnia and Herzegovina. We welcome the work of the Women’s Peace Leadership Programme and YoungWomen4Peace in investing in the next generation of women peacebuilders and security leaders. These are practical investments in more representative institutions and sustainable peace.

We also recognise the efforts to strengthen gender equality within the organisation. Progress in recruitment is encouraging, but women remain underrepresented in senior leadership positions. We as participating States have an important role to play in nominating women for senior seconded posts.

The United Kingdom remains committed to working with participating States, the Secretary General and OSCE institutions to advance these goals. We owe it to women and girls in our region to deliver on our commitments – and doing so is directly in our shared security interests.

Thank you, Mr Chair.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 17 September 2026.

UK Statement for the panel discussion on the International Covenants on Human Rights. Delivered at the 63rd Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Mr President,

The United Kingdom welcomes this opportunity to mark the sixtieth anniversary of the two International Covenants.

When these Covenants were adopted in 1966, it was recognised that, together, they gave effect to the vision of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. By enshrining civil, political and economic, social and cultural rights in binding international law, they affirmed the dignity and worth of every individual.

This anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on the progress achieved and reaffirm our shared commitment to uphold these rights and to remain steadfast in the face of any efforts to weaken them.

As we look to the next sixty years, the United Kingdom is committed to working with the UN and partners worldwide to promote and protect human rights for all.

And as noted in the agenda, “showcasing” the real-world value of these rights is essential to building and sustaining commitment to them.

Mr President,

We therefore welcome reflection from the panellists on what more we can do collectively to bring to life how these rights support people’s everyday experiences, making clear their relevance, impact and importance for communities around the world.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 8 September 2026.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has today summoned the Serbian Chargé d’Affaires to condemn commemorations surrounding the funeral of convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić.

The UK’s Special Envoy to the Western Balkans, Dame Karen Pierce DCMG, summoned the Serbian Chargé d’Affaires to condemn the involvement of Serbian state and military officials in the funeral of Ratko Mladić.   

Minster for Europe, Lord Wood of Anfield said:  

“As a military commander, Mladić presided over crimes that are among the worst committed in Europe since the Second World War.  He was convicted by an independent UN tribunal of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.  The denial and whitewashing of his crimes is an affront to international law and directly undermines regional stability and trust.  

“The thoughts of the UK Government are with Mladić’s victims and their families.  They deserve respect, compassion and accountability, not efforts to rewrite proven history.  Political leaders and public institutions have a responsibility to look to the future, not to the past, and to act in ways that support regional reconciliation, not to reopen old wounds.  

“The International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia was established by the UN Security Council and Serbia is obliged to respect its judgments.  

“That is why today we summoned the Serbian Chargé d’Affaires. Glorification of a convicted war criminal directly undermines trust, fuels division and is incompatible with the process of reconciliation within Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region.  

“The UK remains firmly committed to international justice, accountability, and lasting reconciliation across the Western Balkans and will continue to work with partners across the region and internationally in support of peace, justice and a secure and prosperous future for all communities.”

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 8 September 2026.

UK Statement for the Item 2 General Debate. Delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

Mr President,

In Syria, we welcome the steps taken by the government on its political transition, including convening a new parliament, addressing Assad-era legacies, and engaging the international community. But the situation remains delicate. We urge the government to proceed in an inclusive and representative way, protecting the rights of all Syrians.

In South Sudan, the human rights situation remains fragile, while developments cast doubt on prospects for peaceful, inclusive and credible elections. We remain concerned by violence against civilians, restrictions on political space and continued impunity, including conflict-related sexual violence. All parties must demonstrate restraint, engage in dialogue and ensure accountability.

China has yet to implement the recommendations of the Office of the High Commissioner’s Xinjiang Assessment. Evidence of violations in Xinjiang and Tibet persists, freedom of religion or belief is being further restricted, and the Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress risks undermining the rights of individuals belonging to minorities. We welcome the High Commissioner’s continued engagement on these issues.

Finally, five years into Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the human cost continues to grow. As Russia continues its assault on Ukraine’s sovereignty, the international community must not look away. We remain steadfast in our support for Ukraine and in efforts to hold Russia to account.

Thank you.