Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 February 2025.

UK Statement at the 58 Human Rights Council during the Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on Sudan. Delivered by the UK’s Permanent Representative to the UN & WTO, Simon Manley.

Mr Vice President,

High Commissioner, thank you for your report.

Nearly two years of wholly unnecessary conflict after an unnecessary coup d’etat.

Thousands of civilians killed. Millions facing starvation. Targeted attacks on civilians. And rampant sexual violence, as our Foreign Secretary heard first-hand on the Sudan-Chad border just last month.

It is appalling that those seeking refuge in IDP camps are subject to further violence. The recent RSF attacks on ZamZam IDP Camp and drone strikes in El Fasher are simply unacceptable.

We welcome the continued cooperation between your office High Commissioner, the Designated Expert and the Independent Fact-Finding Mission. These efforts to document and investigate human rights violations and abuses are critical to ending the cycle of violence.

Vice President.

All parties must uphold their Jeddah Declaration commitments and bring an end to the violence.

Aid actors need safe and unhindered humanitarian access to areas of greatest need, including Darfur.

And all perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses need to be held to account to end the entrenched impunity in Sudan.

High Commissioner, what more can we do to end impunity in Sudan?

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 February 2025.

UK and others commemorate Alexei Navalny and Boris Nemtsov and call on Russia to release political prisoners immediately and unconditionally.

Thank you  Mr Chair.  I am making this statement on behalf of Albania, Canada, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, Ukraine and my own country the United Kingdom.

Following the anniversary of Alexei Navalny’s death, which followed years of arbitrary detention in poor conditions, we extend our condolences to his family and reiterate that the ultimate responsibility for his death lies with the Russian authorities. Today we also commemorate Boris Nemtsov, ten years after his brutal murder.

We regret that Russia’s dire human rights record continues to deteriorate. The Russian government crushes peaceful dissent, maintains a climate of fear and undermines the rule of law. This stands in direct contradiction to shared OSCE principles and commitments on inter alia the right to a fair trial, freedom from arbitrary detention, the right to freedom of assembly and association and the prohibition on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment.

As we reflect on Navalny and Nemtsov’s enduring legacy, our countries continue to stand with civil society and human rights defenders working tirelessly to build a better future for Russia in the face of immense personal risk.

In July 2022, 38 participating States invoked the Moscow Mechanism on threats to the fulfilment of the provisions of the Human Dimension posed by human rights violations and abuses in the Russian Federation.  That Moscow Mechanism report determined that:  “a decade of reform legislation in Russia has completely changed the scope of action of Russian civil society, cutting it off from foreign and international partners, suppressing independent initiatives, stifling critical attitudes towards the authorities, silencing the media and suppressing political opposition”.

Such internal clampdowns on human rights and fundamental freedoms helped the Russian Federation prepare the ground for its war of aggression against Ukraine. Since February 2022 the Russian authorities have further tightened internal repression in an apparent attempt to silence all opposition voices.  There are now over 800 political prisoners in Russia, including many imprisoned for speaking out against Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and the brutality shown towards the Ukrainian people.

In this context we regret Russia’s lack of response to the Vienna Mechanism of March 2024 on treatment of prisoners.   We also recall the 11 October 2024 report by the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Russian Federation which inter alia examined the widespread and systematic use of torture and ill treatment in the Russian Federation.

We reiterate our call to the Russian authorities to immediately and unconditionally release all political opposition activists, human rights defenders, journalists and other media actors.

We will continue to hold Russia to account against its international obligations and commitments on human rights and fundamental freedoms, including OSCE principles and commitments to which it signed up willingly.

For as we all agreed in Moscow in 1990, respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms, democracy and the rule of law constitutes one of the foundations of the international order.  And as we also agreed in Moscow, commitments undertaken in the field of the human dimension are matters of direct and legitimate concern to all participating States and do not belong exclusively to the internal affairs of the State concerned.

Thank you, Mr Chair.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 February 2025.

Minister for the Indo-Pacific Catherine West, welcomed Mongolian Deputy Prime Minister Amarsaikhan Sainbuyan to London for the 15th UK-Mongolia roundtable.

Joint Statement

British Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Indo-Pacific, Minister Catherine West MP, welcomed Mongolian Deputy Prime Minister Amarsaikhan Sainbuyan to London on 26 February 2025 for the 15th UK-Mongolia roundtable, and the first annual political dialogue under the UK-Mongolia Joint Cooperation Roadmap towards a Comprehensive Partnership.

Minister West and DPM Amarsaikhan affirmed the strong partnership between the UK and Mongolia, grounded in shared democratic values, open societies, and a growing economic relationship.

Both sides noted deepening geopolitical tensions, stressed their commitment to upholding the principles of the UN Charter, and called on all countries to refrain from using force against the territorial integrity and political independence of any state. They agreed to continue to work closely to uphold international law and advance our shared principles.

Economic Growth

The Ministers confirmed that the UK and Mongolia will work together with a view to increasing the volume of trade and investment between the two countries – to drive mutual economic growth

They agreed to continue discussions with UK Export Finance to explore support for the construction of the metro system in Ulaanbaatar.

Talks also focused on facilitating trade and investment by working towards the removal of barriers to trade and red tape, and creating stable and transparent business environments.

Energy Transition

The Ministers stressed the urgency of action to address the impacts of climate change. They committed to achieving the UK and Mongolia’s NDC and welcomed the recent allocation from the NDC Partnership to Mongolia, including funding from the UK, to reach Mongolia’s climate goals.

They encouraged greater public-private partnerships to leverage public finance for private sector investment in line with both countries’ climate strategies.

They looked forward to Mongolia hosting COP17 on Desertification in 2026 and agreed to facilitate an exchange of experts to support preparations for and the outcome of COP17.

Women’s empowerment

The Ministers reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to gender equality and to expanding the number of women elected to both parliaments. Minister West welcomed the expanded number of female parliamentarians in the Mongolian parliament following elections in 2024, and commended Mongolia for its quota target of 40% of female candidates by 2028. DPM Amarsaikhan welcomed the UK achieving its highest level of female representation in the UK parliament following the 2024 UK general election.

The Ministers agreed to work together in multilateral fora ahead of the 30th anniversary of the “Beijing Declaration and Platform Action”.

Critical minerals

The Ministers agreed on the importance of extracting Mongolia’s mineral wealth in a manner that preserves Mongolia’s unique environmental legacy. They discussed the importance of responsible mining, and of high environmental, social and governance standards, as well as investing in Mongolian’s skills development.

In this regard, both sides expressed their commitment to cooperate within the framework of Memorandum of Understanding on critical minerals.

Education, Civil Society and People-to-people ties

The Ministers noted the strength of people-to-people ties between the UK and Mongolia, including the exchange of students through the Chevening Scholarship programme and “Mission 2100” scholarship programme initiated by the President of Mongolia.

Minister West reaffirmed the UK’s support for English language teaching in Mongolia and both ministers welcomed the progress in expanding English language provision. This could include building on existing partnerships with British companies to increase access to and improve the quality of English Language teaching, as well as supporting remote and disadvantaged communities with UK Overseas Development Assistance.

The Ministers agreed to explore possibilities to expand higher education opportunities for Mongolian students, including through the Chevening Scholarship, and to expand partnerships between universities.

They looked forward to the exhibition of the Arts of the Mongol World to be held at the Royal Academy in 2027, and welcomed expanding cultural cooperation.

They noted the important contribution that civil society organisations play in democratic societies, and committed to continue to engage with and seek inputs from civil society organisations representing a broad range of communities to strengthen democratic debate.

Minister West and DPM Amarsaikhan looked forward to and highlighted the importance of future high-level visits between the UK and Mongolia.

On the sidelines of the roundtable meeting, DPM Amarsaikhan held a bilateral meeting with Minister Gareth Thomas. During the meeting, the Ministers held constructive and fruitful discussions on further broadening the bilateral relationship in areas of mutual interest, including the promotion of trade and economic cooperation.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 February 2025.

The UK has launched the ‘Visa Fraud Ton Bacho’ campaign to help protect Indian citizens from the physical, financial, and emotional risks of visa fraud and irregular migrations.

• Campaign will raise awareness of visa scam tactics in Punjab, helping protect people from exploitation, financial loss, and emotional distress.
• It encourages those traveling to the UK to check facts and stay safe. Visa application guidance is freely available on gov.uk, and via a new WhatsApp support line.

The UK Government has today [27 February] launched the ‘Visa Fraud Ton Bacho’ campaign to help protect Indian citizens from the physical, financial, and emotional risks of visa fraud and irregular migration.

The campaign includes a new dedicated WhatsApp support line (+91 70652 51380) in English and Punjabi, helping to identify common visa scam tactics and providing access to official guidance for those seeking legal routes to travel to the UK.

The campaign was launched at the Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Jalandhar in the presence of LPU Chancellor and Member of Parliament from Rajya Sabha, Dr Ashok Kumar Mittal.

Alongside the WhatsApp line, the campaign will highlight the warning signs of visa scams.  People will be advised to look out for the common spurious claims such as the promise of jobs in the UK, no requirement for English-language tests (IELTS), and exorbitant fees.

Visa fraud leads to unacceptable and unnecessary levels of debt and puts people at risk of physical harm and exploitation. A person found committing visa fraud could receive a 10-year ban on travel to the UK. Under the Mobility and Migration Partnership Agreement, the UK and India have a shared commitment to tackling irregular migration. The campaign represents a further element of joint efforts to step up the fight against irregular migration and visa fraud.

Christina Scott, British Deputy High Commissioner to India, said:

The opportunity to visit, study, and work in the UK has never been greater and Indian nationals continue to receive the largest share of UK visit and work visas. However, young peoples’ dreams are being exploited, and too many are becoming victims of visa fraud. That’s why we are launching the Visa Fraud Ton Bacho campaign. The campaign seeks to raise awareness of the risks and help people to check the facts on safe and legal routes to the UK.

Caroline Rowett, British Deputy High Commissioner Chandigarh, said:

Punjab is known for its hardworking and ambitious people who have made significant contributions both in the UK and globally. We want to ensure that these dreams are fulfilled safely and legally. We urge people to spread the ‘Visa Fraud Ton Bacho’ message and help protect individuals from falling victim to fraudulent agents.

Further information

• The WhatsApp support line is available in English and Punjabi language on +91 70652 51380.
• Under the Visa Fraud Ton Bacho campaign, outreach activities will be conducted in and around Amritsar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Chandigarh to make people aware of potential scams while applying for visas.
• Indian nationals now receive almost a quarter of all UK visas worldwide and the UK is expected to issue approximately 1 million visas this year.
• February has also marked the third year of the UK-India Young Professionals Scheme, which has increased opportunities for internships and cultural exchanges in both the countries.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 February 2025.

UK Statement at the 58 Human Rights Council during the Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on Eritrea. Delivered by a UK spokesperson.

Thank you Mr President,

We thank the Special Rapporteur for his update and share his deep concern about the human rights situation in Eritrea.

And we express our disappointment. Despite Eritrea’s membership on this Council, it has not improved its own Human Rights record, nor made any progress in engaging with the Special Rapporteur.

We reiterate the urgent need for Eritrea to reform its national service. Eritrea should take steps to regularise the duration of national service and increase the exemptions to it. This would enable young people to determine their own career path, as well as restoring their trust in the government.

We also call upon Eritrea to address concerns surrounding transnational oppression. Reports of refugees being harassed and facing intimidation, including in the UK, are completely unacceptable. We will not hesitate to prosecute any perpetrators.

Finally, we call for all those arbitrarily detained in Eritrea to be released, and for concrete steps to protect freedom of expression to be urgently taken. A free and open society is the bedrock of stability and prosperity.

Special Rapporteur, what is your assessment of the state of civic space in Eritrea and what are your recommendations to address this?

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 February 2025.

Ambassador Holland comments on the eleventh anniversary of Russia’s illegal annexation of Ukraine, a violation of international law, and the campaign of systematic human rights violations and abuse against its people that followed.

Thank you, Mr Chair.  This month marks 11 years since Russia illegally annexed Crimea —a violation of international law.

Yesterday marked the Day of Resistance, commemorating the courage and resilience of Ukrainians who continue to stand against Russian occupation of Crimea. On that day in 2014, thousands of Ukrainians gathered peacefully in Simferopol, defending Ukraine’s territorial integrity and their democratic rights.

Since 2014, the situation in Crimea has deteriorated significantly. Russia’s occupation has been characterised by systematic human rights abuses and a campaign to suppress dissent, erase Ukrainian cultural identity, and silence those who speak out.

The UN reports that the Crimean Tatar community continues to face serious persecution, including arbitrary detentions, forced disappearances, and the closure of media outlets. It concludes that their cultural and political rights have been violated.

OHCHR reports that at least 219 Ukrainians from Crimea, including 133 Crimean Tatars, have been arbitrarily detained in Russia since Russia’s annexation of Crimea. At least 40 of these are being denied the urgent medical care they need — among them, human rights defenders Tofik Abdulhaziiev and Enver Ametov.

Religious freedoms are also under attack. Communities that refuse to conform to the Russian Orthodox Church, including Ukrainian Orthodox believers, Muslims, and Jehovah’s Witnesses face harassment, surveillance, and unjustified legal action. These actions violate fundamental human rights, including the freedom of religion and belief, which are enshrined in international law.

And since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia’s repressive measures in Crimea have become the blueprint for the restrictions on human rights and fundamental freedoms in the newly occupied territories.

Russia’s attempts to legitimise its occupation of sovereign Ukrainian territory through sham referenda and forced passportisation are equally concerning. These actions attempt to manipulate the demographic and political landscape of Ukraine, further isolating the occupied regions from Ukraine and the international community. The UK rejects these measures as unlawful.

We call for the immediate release of all those arbitrarily detained by Russia in Ukraine, including the three members of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission—Vadym Golda, Maxim Petrov, and Dmytro Shabanov—who have been unjustly held since 2022 for performing their official duties. International human rights monitoring bodies be granted full and unrestricted access to Crimea. Justice must be served for victims of human rights abuses, including those forcibly disappeared or tortured.

The UK reaffirms its unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders, including Crimea. We will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes, and we will continue to work with our international partners to hold the Russian authorities accountable.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 February 2025.

Respect for sovereignty, international law, and territorial integrity were key areas of discussion during the first annual UK-Mongolia political dialogue in London on 26 February, 2025.

British Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Indo-Pacific, Minister Catherine West MP, welcomed Mongolian Deputy Prime Minister Amarsaikhan Sainbuyan to London on 26 February 2025 for the 15th UK-Mongolia roundtable, and the first annual political dialogue under the UK-Mongolia Joint Cooperation Roadmap towards a Comprehensive Partnership.

Minister West and Deputy Prime Minister Amarsaikhan affirmed the strong partnership between the UK and Mongolia, grounded in shared democratic values, open societies, and a growing economic relationship.

Both sides noted deepening geopolitical tensions, stressed their commitment to upholding the principles of the UN Charter, and called on all countries to refrain from using force against the territorial integrity and political independence of any state. They agreed to continue to work closely to uphold international law and advance our shared principles.

Economic growth

The Ministers confirmed that the UK and Mongolia will work together with a view to increasing the volume of trade and investment between the two countries – to drive mutual economic growth

They agreed to continue discussions with UK Export Finance to explore support for the construction of the metro system in Ulaanbaatar.

Talks also focused on facilitating trade and investment by working towards the removal of barriers to trade and red tape, and creating stable and transparent business environments.

Energy transition

The Ministers stressed the urgency of action to address the impacts of climate change. They committed to achieving the UK and Mongolia’s NDC and welcomed the recent allocation from the NDC Partnership to Mongolia, including funding from the UK, to reach Mongolia’s climate goals.

They encouraged greater public-private partnerships to leverage public finance for private sector investment in line with both countries’ climate strategies.

They looked forward to Mongolia hosting COP17 on Desertification in 2026 and agreed to facilitate an exchange of experts to support preparations for and the outcome of COP17.

Women’s empowerment

The Ministers reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to gender equality and to expanding the number of women elected to both parliaments. Minister West welcomed the expanded number of female parliamentarians in the Mongolian parliament following elections in 2024, and commended Mongolia for its quota target of 40% of female candidates by 2028. UK and Mongolia’s joint statement after the first annual UK-Mongolia Political Dialogue Amarsaikhan welcomed the UK achieving its highest level of female representation in the UK parliament following the 2024 UK general election.

The ministers agreed to work together in multilateral fora ahead of the 30th anniversary of the “Beijing Declaration and Platform Action”.

Critical minerals

The Ministers agreed on the importance of extracting Mongolia’s mineral wealth in a manner that preserves Mongolia’s unique environmental legacy. They discussed the importance of responsible mining, and of high environmental, social and governance standards, as well as investing in Mongolian’s skills development.

In this regard, both sides expressed their commitment to cooperate within the framework of Memorandum of Understanding on critical minerals.

Education, Civil Society and People-to-people ties

The Ministers noted the strength of people-to-people ties between the UK and Mongolia, including the exchange of students through the Chevening Scholarship programme and “Mission 2100” scholarship programme initiated by the President of Mongolia.

Minister West reaffirmed the UK’s support for English language teaching in Mongolia and both ministers welcomed the progress in expanding English language provision. This could include building on existing partnerships with British companies to increase access to and improve the quality of English Language teaching, as well as supporting remote and disadvantaged communities with UK Overseas Development Assistance.

The Ministers agreed to explore possibilities to expand higher education opportunities for Mongolian students, including through the Chevening Scholarship, and to expand partnerships between universities.

They looked forward to the exhibition of the Arts of the Mongol World to be held at the Royal Academy in 2027, and welcomed expanding cultural cooperation.

They noted the important contribution that civil society organisations play in democratic societies, and committed to continue to engage with and seek inputs from civil society organisations representing a broad range of communities to strengthen democratic debate.

Minister West and Deputy Prime Minister Amarsaikhan looked forward to and highlighted the importance of future high-level visits between the UK and Mongolia.

On the side lines of the roundtable meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Amarsaikhan held a bilateral meeting with Minister Gareth Thomas. During the meeting, the Ministers held constructive and fruitful discussions on further broadening the bilateral relationship in areas of mutual interest, including the promotion of trade and economic cooperation.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 February 2025.

The UK, Canada, Iceland and Norway underline non-recognition of the illegal so-called Presidential elections in Georgia’s Abkhazia region on 15 February 2025.

Thank you, Mr Chair. I am delivering this statement on behalf of Canada, Iceland, Norway, and my own country the United Kingdom.

We were concerned to hear of the illegal so-called Presidential elections in Georgia’s Abkhazia region on 15 February 2025.  We do not recognise the legitimacy of these elections.

We reaffirm our full support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. We continue to call on the Russian Federation to reverse its recognition of the so-called independence of Georgia’s Abkhazia and South Ossetia regions.

We call upon the Russian Federation to immediately fulfil its obligation under the EU-mediated ceasefire agreement of 12 August 2008 to withdraw its forces to pre-conflict positions, fulfil its commitments to allow unfettered access for the delivery of humanitarian assistance, and cease all borderisation tactics.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 February 2025.

UK Statement at the 58 Human Rights Council during the Interactive Dialogue with the High Commissioner on the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Delivered by Eleanor Sanders, Human Rights Ambassador.

High Commissioner, thank you for your update.

Back on 7 October 2023, Israel suffered the worst terror attack in its history at the hands of Hamas: the hostages have suffered an unbearable trauma.

The people of Gaza, so many of whom have lost their lives, homes or loved ones, have also experienced a living nightmare.

We’ve been crystal clear. Palestinian civilians must be permitted to return to their communities and rebuild. It is for Palestinians to determine the future of Gaza. And international humanitarian law must be respected.

In the West Bank, the UK is deeply concerned at the expansion of Israel’s war aims and operations. Civilians must be protected.

But let me be clear, the UK is opposed to the existence of item 7. The UK wants to see all countries face appropriate scrutiny of their human rights record but opposes the disproportionate focus of this item.

Mr President,

The UK has urged all parties to sustain the ceasefire deal, implement the agreement in full, and support efforts to move to phase two and a sustainable peace.

Indeed, let me reaffirm, once again, our support for a credible pathway towards a peaceful future for both Palestinians and Israelis, based on a two-state solution where they live side-by-side in peace, dignity and security.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 February 2025.

UK Counsellor, Ankur Narayan, cites multiple independently-verified sources documenting Russia’s widespread use of torture against Ukrainian prisoners of war, a clear violation of its obligations under the Geneva Conventions.

Thank you, Mr Chair.  This month marked eleven years since Russia began its illegal annexation of Crimea.  Earlier this week marked three years since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, enabled by Belarus.  Each week, this Forum has executed its mandate by recording the related breaches of OSCE commitments and violations of international law.

At last month’s FSC Opening Session, the Russian Delegation called on us to “create favourable conditions for the fulfilment of the [FSC’s] mandate … including the Code of Conduct”.  We agree.

As Russia knows, paragraphs 30, 31 and 34 of the Code of Conduct compel States to ensure that their armed and security forces abide by international law.  As Russia knows, Paragraph 34 explicitly references the Hague Conventions and the Geneva Conventions.  As Russia knows, I will only cite independently-verified, internationally-respected sources.

Mandate after mandate, the UN has consistently reported that the torture of Ukrainian prisoners of war by the Russian authorities is widespread and systematic.  In recent months, assessments have only worsened.  The Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine has concluded that Russia’s use of torture against POWs and civilian detainees amounts to “crimes against humanity”.

The OHCHR continued to document the “widespread use of torture and ill-treatment”, including sexual violence, against civilians and Ukrainian prisoners of war held by the Russian Federation. The OHCHR also documented the continued efforts of family members to obtain information about the fate and whereabouts of civilian detainees and POWs in captivity.

Mr Chair, Russia must abide by its Geneva Convention obligations.  This means it must treat all civilian detainees and prisoners of war humanely.  It must also allow immediate unimpeded access by the ICRC.

The UK condemns Russia’s exploitation of Prisoners of War for political and propaganda purposes. We are deeply concerned that Russia has detained two British nationals Mr James Anderson and Mr Hayden Davies on false charges of so-called mercenaryism. They are not mercenaries. They are Prisoners of War. Ukraine has confirmed that both are members of Ukrainian Armed Forces. They must be provided all the rights and protections afforded to Prisoners of War under the Geneva Conventions. We demand Russia respects its obligations under International Law.

The Code of Conduct commits us to act in solidarity if OSCE norms and commitments are violated.  As catalogued by the OSCE Moscow Mechanisms, ODIHR and UN, there is irrefutable independent evidence of Russia violating international law, including international humanitarian law.  As per paragraph 1 of the Code, such breaches are a “direct and legitimate” concern for us all.

That is why we call on Russia to respect the Geneva Conventions and ensure the humane treatment of Prisoners of War.  That is why Russia must also release all civilians who have been arbitrarily detained – including the three Special Monitoring Mission staff.  Thank you.