Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 July 2026.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Bahrain.

The United Kingdom strongly condemns Iran’s reckless attacks against Bahrain and Kuwait, and on international shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

First, these attacks are directly contrary to resolution 2817, put civilian lives in danger, and risk destabilising an already fragile region.

We stand in solidarity with Bahrain, Kuwait, and all our partners across the Gulf. 

The United Kingdom remains committed to regional security and stability, and we will continue to provide practical support to strengthen the defence and security of our partners.

Second, the UK gives our strong backing to the International Maritime Organisation’s efforts to evacuate vessels and seafarers, which has seen a number of vessels able to safely exit the Strait, some after months of being stranded. 

The IMO have had to pause their efforts as a direct result of these attacks, and we hope they will be able to resume their work as soon as possible.

We call for the right of transit passage to be fully restored in the Strait of Hormuz in accordance with international law, as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

It is critical that the Strait is free from the threat of violence and any form of tolls or unlawful impediments, and that all parties comply with their obligations under international law.  

The UK is committed to playing our part to achieve this, including through a strictly defensive and independent multinational military mission, led jointly with our French partners to provide reassurance to commercial shipping.

Finally, President, the UK welcomes and supports the implementation of the US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding and the ongoing negotiations.

We recognise this as a moment of opportunity to restore stability, not only for the region but also for the global economy. 

It is essential that global security and economic interests are safeguarded under a final agreement.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 July 2026.

Ambassador Holland thanks the Director of the OSCE’s Conflict Prevention Centre for the institution’s work across the region, which remains crucial at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions, with Russia’s malign activities a key factor.

Thank you, Mr Chair.

Director, Dear Kate, thank you for your report and for your leadership of the Conflict Prevention Centre in what you rightly describe as a highly challenging operating environment. Please also pass on our thanks to your hard-working and brilliant team.

As your report makes clear, the context in which the CPC operates is marked by heightened geopolitical tensions and increasing polarisation. At the heart of this challenge lies Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and its continued hybrid activity across the OSCE region. These actions fundamentally undermine our shared security and reinforce the importance of strong and effective conflict prevention tools.

The Russian Federation has a long track record of establishing frozen conflicts on its periphery which it uses as tools to manipulate and to control.  Georgia has been under hybrid attack from Russia since the 2008 war which saw 20% of Georgian territory effectively annexed. We reaffirm our full support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. We call on Russia to respect the territorial integrity of Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova, and rebuild the trust that underpins the OSCE and our common security.

Dear Kate, against this backdrop, your report clearly demonstrates the central role of the CPC, its impact across the region, and the breadth of its reach. The United Kingdom places particular value on its core functions: providing early warning and situational awareness; delivering timely, fact-based reporting; facilitating dialogue and mediation; and maintaining strong connections between the Secretariat, participating States, and field operations.

We are grateful in particular for the CPC’s role in coordinating the Support Programme for Ukraine. This work is vital in helping Ukraine to address the consequences of Russia’s aggression and in strengthening resilience across civilian institutions. And in this context, I am pleased to announce a further UK contribution of about half a million Euros to support this programme.

We also note the CPC’s continued engagement across key regions. Its support to mediation and dialogue processes – including the Transdniestrian Settlement Process and the Geneva International Discussions – underlines the enduring importance of sustained attention to Moldova and the South Caucasus. The CPC’s ability to connect field insight, analysis, and dialogue facilitation remains a critical asset.

The CPC plays a pivotal role, but, like the organisation as a whole, does not always get the recognition it deserves, though I note your great work on digitalisation from your presentation.  I would welcome your thoughts, Director, on whether there is scope to increase the Centre’s visibility?

Director, we reiterate our strong support for your mandate and for the role of Director CPC. Looking ahead, we note ongoing discussions on the structure and resourcing of the Secretariat and we stand ready – alongside other participating States – to work in partnership with you and with the Secretary General on the future structure and focus of the CPC. Your report rightly highlights the need to ensure that the Centre remains flexible, responsive, and adequately resourced to meet evolving challenges. And we strongly agree with that.

Mr Chair, in an increasingly contested security environment, the CPC’s ability to link early warning with action, and policy with implementation, remains essential. It is our shared responsibility to ensure that this capability is preserved and strengthened.

I thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 July 2026.

Denmark, on behalf of the UK and 38 other countries, reaffirm commitment to the absolute prohibition of torture, condemning its continued use across the OSCE region, including by Russia and Belarus.

Thank you, Mr. Chair,

I have the honour of delivering this statement on behalf of the following 40 participating states: Albania, Andorra, Bosnia Herzegovina, Canada, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, San Marino, Ukraine, United Kingdom, and the European Union and its Member States, including my own country, Denmark.

The International Day in Support of Victims of Torture provides us with an opportunity to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to prevent and eradicate torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. The prohibition of torture under international law is absolute and unconditional.

Civil society organisations, human rights defenders, media and international bodies have all reported the use of torture by a number of participating States. There can be no doubt that torture is a grave assault on human dignity. Yet worryingly, such acts continue to be perpetrated in the OSCE region.

Such practices stand in stark contrast to the spirit of the Helsinki Final Act and to the human rights commitments that all participating States have undertaken since.

Various international mechanisms, including the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU), the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, the OSCE Moscow Mechanism, and ODIHR report that members of Russia’s forces have committed widespread and systematic acts of torture and ill-treatment against prisoners of war and civilians.

Staggering accounts from Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilian detainees describe torture and ill-treatment experienced during detention by Russian authorities clearly indicating patterns of systemic abuse.

In addition, the lack of Russian cooperation with independent international monitoring mechanisms is alarming. Constrained access to places of detention and external verification denies redress for the victims. This is a continuation of the abuse.

In Belarus, the UN Group of Independent Experts on the Human Rights Situation in 2026 documented widespread and systematic torture and ill-treatment. This includes beatings, electric shocks, forced psychiatric treatment, sexual violence, and inhumane detention conditions.

We condemn these gross violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in the strongest possible terms. We regret the decision of the Russian Federation to withdraw from the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (ECPT) and urge them to reconsider before the withdrawal becomes effective by November this year.

We recall the commitments by all participating States undertaken in the 2020 Tirana Ministerial Council Decision on the Prevention and Eradication of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhumane or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, and call for their full implementation throughout the OSCE region.

These commitments are unequivocal: no exceptional circumstances, whether armed conflict, security concerns or states of emergency, can ever justify torture. We welcome the Swiss Chairpersonship’s important work developing a Roadmap on the Prevention and Eradication of Torture in the OSCE region.

Mr. Chair,

Torture does not end when the act itself ends. It leaves victims and survivors with deep, long-lasting trauma, affecting them both physically and psychologically. And its impact extends to families, communities, and societies as a whole.

Fighting torture and ensuring accountability requires a joint effort, grounded in a victim- and survivor-centred approach. Victims and survivors must have access to effective remedies, including justice, redress and rehabilitation.

This includes ensuring access to appropriate medical, psychological and social support, particularly for victims of sexualized torture, conflict-related sexual violence and other forms of gender-based abuse.

We welcome the survivor-centred approach reflected in the Charter of Rights of Victims and Survivors of Torture as presented by the UN Special Rapporteur on torture. Independent and impartial efforts to document, investigate and prosecute such violations remain essential. The relevant OSCE,

UN and other international accountability mechanisms play an important role in this regard. To this end we recognize the important, autonomous mandate of ODIHR and their valuable contributions towards efforts to combat torture and uphold human rights across the OSCE region.

We urge the participating States that have not yet done so to sign and ratify the UN Convention Against Torture (UNCAT) as well as its Optional Protocol (OPCAT)

Mr. Chair,

We as participating States must continue to advance our efforts. And in these efforts, the needs of victims and survivors have to come first.

We further encourage investigation and documentation of allegations of torture and other ill-treatment, including sexual violence, to align with the “Méndez Principles” that outline Principles on Effective Interviewing for Investigations and Information Gathering.

We urge all participating States to use all appropriate measures to prevent torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment and to apply international standards such as the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, the UN Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-custodial Measures for Women Offenders (the so-called Bangkok Rules), the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Administration of Juvenile Justice (the so-called Beijing Rules) and the UN Rules for the Protection of Juveniles Deprived of their Liberty.

Mr. Chair,

In closing, we jointly reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the absolute prohibition of torture and to strengthening our efforts to eradicate its use across the OSCE region. We owe that to the people of our region. I thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 July 2026.

Ambassador Holland condemned Russia’s ongoing aggression, highlighting rising civilian casualties, cultural destruction and reports of conflict-related sexual violence, while exposing persistent disinformation. He criticised Russia’s disinformation and conduct in the OSCE and underlined that such actions must not be normalised.

Thank you, Mr Chair.

Mr Chair, accompanying Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine is an attempt to normalise the unacceptable. Through its actions on the ground and in this Council, Russia seeks to condition us to accept the unacceptable .

Every day brings further death and destruction across Ukraine. The Russian attack on Kyiv overnight, which killed at least thirteen people and injured a further 86, is the latest example. Our thoughts are with all those affected.

Colleagues, despite attempts to persuade you otherwise, we believe any loss of life is tragic. Yet the scale of suffering we continue to witness is the direct result of a deliberate decision: Russia’s choice to launch and sustain this war. That is the root cause of the instability in our region.

Since February 2022, the UN has verified over 62,000 civilian casualties, including more than 16,000 killed. Recent data underline that this toll is not diminishing rather intensifying. May 2026 saw the highest monthly casualties since April 2022. Early data indicates that June may be even higher. Civilians are killed and injured across the country, often far from the frontline, as missile and drone strikes reach cities and towns nationwide. These are the foreseeable consequences of Russia’s aggression.

Cultural and religious heritage has not been spared. Historic sites – symbols of identity and continuity – have been damaged or destroyed. The recent Russian attack that damaged the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra is a stark example. This struck the cultural foundations of Ukraine.

A further example is Russia’s use of conflict-related sexual violence. And such is the weight of evidence against Russia, the 2026 UN Annual Report lists the Russian armed and security forces among the parties credibly suspected of committing or being responsible for patterns of conflict-related sexual violence.

And alongside its actions on the ground, Russia continues to undermine this Council. We see a steady stream of disinformation, including fabricated allegations and  “false flag” narratives. This is not good-faith engagement. It is a deliberate effort to obscure reality and deflect responsibility from the root cause of conflict in our region – their invasion of Ukraine, starting with Crimea in 2014 and leading on to the full scale invasion in 2022.

For example, in relation to Bucha, we see repeated attempts to deny, distort, and recast compelling evidence of atrocities as staged provocations, despite extensive documentation and verification by independent and international sources. Such tactics aim to blur the line between truth and falsehood – and, again, to normalise what should never be accepted.

We also see a degradation of language and conduct in this room. Established diplomatic norms are increasingly cast aside. Baseless slurs, including references that trivialise the gravest chapters of history, are deployed. Last week, this trend reached a new low, and we will come back to this topic later in this meeting.

Mr Chair, recent remarks by President Putin illustrate clearly what we have long argued: that Russia is not serious about peace. While Ukraine has repeatedly made clear its desire for a ceasefire or direct Leader-level talks, Russia remains committed to continued territorial advances, whatever the cost. This again demonstrates where the commitment to peace lies. Ukraine continues to pursue practical avenues to reduce harm and create space for diplomacy. Russia continues to reject them.

This Council must continue to speak with clarity and purpose. We must support Ukraine, uphold international law, and ensure that the unacceptable is neither accepted nor forgotten.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 1 July 2026.

UK Senior Military Advisor, Colonel Joby Rimmer condemns the contradiction between Russia’s rhetoric of dialogue and its continued aggression, and calls for an immediate ceasefire and meaningful negotiations.

Mr Chair, the United Kingdom remains unequivocally committed to a just and lasting peace in Ukraine: one that protects Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the right of every participating State to choose its own security arrangements, in line with the Helsinki Final Act. Our support for Ukraine is long-term, and we support every credible diplomatic effort to bring this war to an end. But credible diplomacy requires seriousness, a willingness to engage directly, and to negotiate in good faith.

The Russian Federation has not done any of these. It is not choosing negotiation. It is choosing to continue the war. This is the contradiction at the heart of Russia’s position. Russia speaks of dialogue but rejects the conditions that would make talks meaningful. Russia speaks of peace but refuses a ceasefire. Russia speaks of diplomacy but continues to attack Ukrainian cities. Russia’s message is negotiation but Russia’s method is war.

On 23 June, President Putin again claimed Russia was open to peace. Yet the Russian Federation continues to refuse a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire. President Putin has not accepted President Zelenskyy’s repeated offers of direct dialogue, including in his recent open letter to the Kremlin. A State serious about peace does not refuse every opportunity to meet, to talk, and to stop the killing.

A short while ago on 6 May, the Russian Foreign Ministry issued formal notes to Embassies in Kyiv. On 25 May, after one of the largest single-night attacks on Kyiv since the start of the full-scale invasion, the Russian Ministry of Defence advised diplomatic personnel to leave the city “as soon as possible”. And on 24 June, in this Forum, Russia reiterated that this threat “remains in force”.

This is not diplomacy. It is pressure. It is an attempt to intimidate the diplomatic community, undermine confidence in Ukraine’s capital, and present Russian escalation as inevitable. The response has been clear: Embassies have not left or announced plans to leave Kyiv.

Last week, in this Forum, the distinguished representative from Belarus stated the Union State framework includes the use of, in its own words, “all possible means available, including nuclear means”. The Russian Delegation repeated and amplified this nuclear signalling multiple times. This rhetoric is irresponsible and coercive nuclear signalling. This does not support negotiation. This is designed to intimidate. This does not bring peace closer, it increases risk. But let me reiterate, this is not a nuclear crisis, and nor should it become one.

The Russian Federation’s conduct of the war tells the same story. It continues to sustain casualties of some 38,000 a month, for negligible gains on the ground. It persists in the reckless use of Oreshnik nuclear-capable intermediate-range ballistic missiles against Ukrainian cities. It intensifies long-range strikes that kill civilians far from the front line. These are not the actions of a State seeking peace. They are the actions of a State seeking to sustain the war while blaming others for the absence of negotiations.

The Russian Federation must stop the war and engage meaningfully in negotiations. Peace will not come through rhetoric while the Russian Armed Forces continue to fight. Peace will not come through threats while Russia refuses direct engagement. And peace will not come through claims of openness while Russia rejects the ceasefire.

Mr Chair, we continue to call on the Russian Federation to de-escalate, starting by ending its illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. The Russian Federation should agree to an immediate ceasefire and open the channels with Kyiv that President Zelenskyy has repeatedly offered. The path to peace is clear and Russia can choose to take it at any time. Thank you, Mr Chair.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 30 June 2026.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, at the UNRWA Pledging Conference 2026.

Let me start by paying tribute to the 392 UNRWA staff who have been killed since October 2023, and to those who continue to serve in the most challenging conditions. 

UNRWA remains indispensable to the delivery of essential services to millions of Palestinian refugees across Gaza, the West Bank, Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan. 

In Gaza, UNRWA has delivered over 18.7 million health consultations since October 2023. It is also reaching around 860,000 people each day with clean water. This is essential public health work.

In Lebanon, UNRWA has been operating two emergency shelters, supporting 1,900 people displaced by the conflict, and providing more than 200,000 medical consultations through its clinics. 

Across the region, UNRWA anchors stability and, through its mandate, supports Palestine refugee rights pending a just and lasting political solution. 

But the extensive challenges facing the agency are undermining its ability to operate. 

The United Kingdom condemns actions taken by the Israeli Government including Knesset legislation aimed at restricting its operations in Palestine and the demolition of UNRWA’s headquarters in East Jerusalem. Israel must comply with its obligations to respect the inviolability of UN premises. 

UN Security Council Resolution 2803 is clear. Humanitarian assistance must reach civilians in Gaza at scale, in coordination with the United Nations and its agencies. UNRWA remains indispensable to that effort.  

So we must work together to protect its vital mandate, both politically and through adequate and sustained financing. 

To this end, I am pleased to announce that the United Kingdom will provide $30.7 million to UNRWA this year, including $1.3 million to support implementation of the Colonna Report. 

We welcome progress on implementation to date and urge UNRWA to continue this effort. Through our role as co-chair of the Neutrality Working Group, we will continue to support reforms to strengthen neutrality, governance, and oversight. 

Chair, the United Kingdom stands ready to work with partners here today to support and safeguard UNRWA’s important role, ensuring it can continue to provide stability, dignity, and hope across the region.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 30 June 2026.

Ms Jemima Gordon-Duff has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic in succession to Ms Melanie Barlow.

Ms Gordon-Duff will take up her appointment during August 2026.

Curriculum Vitae

Full name: Jemima Gordon-Duff

Year	Role
2022 to 2026	Scottish Government, Deputy Director International Climate Change
2018 to 2021	Accra, Head of Social Sectors
2016 to 2018	Jerusalem, Head of Governance and Security
2013 to 2016	Maputo, Governance Adviser
2011 to 2013	Islamabad, Governance Adviser
2011	Quito, Deputy Head of Mission
2009 to 2011	Head of Human Rights and Democracy, Human Rights Department
2006 to 2009	Kathmandu, Second Secretary (Political)
2003 to 2005	Desk Officer for Serbia and Montenegro
2003	Joined FCO

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 30 June 2026.

Ms Jennifer Elizabeth Anderson CMG has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Turkey in succession to Ms Jill Morris CMG. Ms Anderson will take up her appointment during August 2026.

Curriculum Vitae

Full name: Jennifer Elizabeth Anderson

Year	Role
2020 to 2024	FCDO, Director, Consular and Crisis
2017 to 2020	Ankara, Deputy Head of Mission
2016	Pre-post training, including Turkish language training
2013 to 2015	FCO, Head of Counter Terrorism Department
2013	Jakarta, Deputy Head of Mission
2010 to 2013	Gaborone, High Commissioner and UK Representative to the South African Development Community (SADC)
2006 to 2009	FCO, Head of Business Engagement Group
2003 to 2005	FCO, Deputy Head of Security Policy Department
2001 to 2003	Brussels, First Secretary (Political/Military) UK Permanent Representation to the European Union
1999 to 2001	FCO, Head of Bosnia and Croatia Section
1997 to 1999	FCO, Head of Visegrad Section
1997	Joined FCO

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 29 June 2026.

Statement by Jennifer MacNaughtan, UK Minister Counsellor, at the Security Council meeting on Belarus.

Any loss of civilian life is a tragedy.

We are saddened by reports of the incident on 17 June involving a bus carrying Belarusian civilians in Bryansk, Russia.

Our thoughts are with the families of those killed and injured. 

Civilians must never bear the consequences of conflict, and children must always be protected.

At present, we are not aware of any independent verification of the circumstances surrounding the incident.

We note that Ukraine has publicly denied any claims that a Ukrinaian drone struck the bus.

What we do know is that if Russia truly wished to protect civilians, it would agree to a full, immediate, and unconditional ceasefire. 

According to OCHA, over 16,000 civilians have been killed in Ukraine since Russia launched its war of choice on 24 February 2022.

None of this would be happening had Russia not launched its illegal full-scale invasion against Ukraine.  

President, the United Kingdom’s position is consistent and clear: all allegations of civilian harm should be taken seriously, wherever they occur. 

The protection of civilians remains a fundamental obligation under international humanitarian law.

We made that same point when this Council met last week following reports of civilian casualties resulting from recent Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities. 

We reiterate it today.

Children have been particularly affected. 

The UN has reported that at least 796 children have been killed in Ukriane and a further 2,835 injured since the start of Russia’s war, bringing the total number of child casualties to 3,631.

In Ukraine, children’s homes, schools, and hospitals have been damaged and destroyed. 

Russia has targeted the electricity infrastructure that heats their houses in winter, it has disrupted their education, and its attacks have displaced families across Ukraine and beyond.

We should all strive to prevent further civilian suffering.

Russia could do so immediately.

Ukraine has time and again reiterated its commitment to a ceasefire.

We call on Russia also to commit to a ceasefire, to engage meaningfully in peace talks, and to end its illegal war against Ukraine.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 29 June 2026.

New UK envoy Lord Collins will champion LGBT+ rights globally, strengthening partnerships to tackle discrimination, violence and persecution.

• new Special Envoy for LGBT+ rights Lord Collins will champion UK efforts to protect LGBT+ people from violence, persecution and discrimination globally
• appointment builds on the UK’s commitment to international LGBT+ rights and role as host of the European IDAHOT+ Forum in 2027
• new Envoy will strengthen partnerships with civil society, governments, parliamentarians and business to defend human rights and support locally led change

LGBT+ people facing violence, persecution and discrimination around the world will be championed by the appointment of Lord Collins of Highbury as the UK Special Envoy for LGBT+ Rights.

The appointment comes as LGBT+ communities, human rights defenders and civil society organisations face rising hostility, less freedom to speak publicly and more severe discriminatory laws in a number of countries.

As Special Envoy, Lord Collins will strengthen UK partnerships with civil society, governments, parliamentarians, business and international organisations. He will support diplomatic and development work to protect and advance human rights and reduce violence against LGBT+ people.

FCDO Minister for Multilateral and Human Rights, Chris Elmore, said:

“Everyone should be able to live safely and freely, no matter who they are or who they love. Lord Collins’ appointment strengthens the UK’s work with civil society and international partners to defend LGBT+ rights, tackle violence and persecution, and support practical change around the world.”

Lord Collins of Highbury, UK Special Envoy for LGBT+ Rights, said:

I am honoured to be appointed as the UK Special Envoy for LGBT+ Rights. No one should face violence, criminalisation or exclusion because of who they are or who they love.

I look forward to working with governments, parliamentarians, civil society, business and communities to defend human rights, support those at greatest risk and help ensure LGBT+ people everywhere can live safely, freely and with dignity.

Lord Collins has a strong record of championing human rights, equality and inclusion. He serves as Deputy Leader of the House of Lords and Government Spokesperson for Equalities and has previously served as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

The role will report to the FCDO Minister for Multilateral and Human Rights and will complement the UK’s wider work to defend human rights and fundamental freedoms globally.

The appointment forms part of wider government action to advance equality and protect LGBT+ people from abuse, including the draft Conversion Practices Bill and the UK’s role as host of the European IDAHOT+ Forum in London in 2027.

Notes to editors:

• Lord Collins of Highbury succeeds Lord Herbert of South Downs, who served as the first UK Special Envoy for LGBT+ Rights from May 2021 until January 2025
• the UK announced a £21 million commitment in May 2026 to advance LGBT+ rights internationally over three years, supporting legal reform, people’s right to speak freely, and locally led organisations tackling violence and persecution
• the UK will host the European IDAHOT+ Forum in London in May 2027, bringing together governments, civil society organisations, policymakers and advocates from across Europe
• Lord Collins will continue to fulfil his separate duties as Deputy Leader of the House of Lords and Government Spokesperson for Equalities