Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 6 March 2025.

Ambassador Neil Holland outlines that progress towards a prosperous world free from poverty cannot be achieved without accelerating gender equality and the empowerment of all girls and women.

Thank you, Mr Chair.

As the United Kingdom prepares to mark International Women’s Day on 8 March, the day serves as an important reminder that gender equality benefits everyone. Progress towards a prosperous world free from poverty cannot be achieved without accelerating gender equality and the empowerment of all girls and women.

The current global trajectory is deeply concerning. Gender equality is under threat, and the world is off track to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 5 on Gender Equality by 2030. The power of online disinformation, harm and abuse, and the harnessing of violent misogynistic narratives by influential actors and groups globally is driving new and acute threats to gender equality. Where there have been hard-won legislative safeguards protecting women’s control over their health and bodies, we are seeing these being undermined and removed. Maternal mortality rates are stagnating and, in some cases, increasing. Human rights defenders and those who have dedicated their lives to advancing gender equality face violence and intimidation. In the OSCE region, there has been horrific evidence of conflict-related sexual violence perpetrated through Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.

Growing levels of conflict and crisis disproportionately affect women and girls. They bear the brunt of conflict; humanitarian disaster; environmental degradation and food insecurity. The rights, freedoms, and wellbeing of women and girls in conflict and under repressive regimes are acutely constrained, driving intergenerational inequality and suffering.

In this context, it is more important than ever that we stand up for gender equality. Accelerated progress on gender equality will deliver global economic growth, contribute to a safer and more secure world, and contribute to solving the energy and climate crises.

The theme of International Women’s Day in 2025 is “Accelerate Action”. This focuses on the importance of taking swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality. According to data from the World Economic Forum, at the current rate of progress it will take until the year 2158 – roughly five generations from now – to reach full gender parity. There is an urgent need to increase momentum in addressing the systemic barriers and biases that women face, both in personal and professional spheres.

The UK is committed to improving the outlook for women and girls globally, including through large-scale programmes to pioneer effective approaches to ending Gender Based Violence, and through supporting women’s rights activists’ advocacy in key decision-making fora. The UK particularly champions the voices and leadership of women and girls in Ukraine, recognising the critical contribution women are making on the frontline and in communities affected by Russia’s illegal invasion.

Mr Chair, we can only build a fairer, freer, safer, wealthier and greener world if we put women and girls at the heart of the OSCE’s work. Women’s inclusion in leadership and meaningful decision making is essential for local, national and regional progress.

It is vital that we, as OSCE participating States, fulfil our commitments to gender equality – as set out in the 1999 Charter for European Security, and related decisions – and ensure adequate funding for OSCE executive structures working to implement the organisation’s gender equality commitments.

As the UK has stated previously, the principles we mark on International Women’s Day are not just for a day. Advancing gender equality is a policy from which everyone benefits. It is vital that we follow through on our commitments to ensure the equal rights of all women and girls.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 6 March 2025.

Ambassador Holland dismisses Russian disinformation and underlines the UK’s support to Ukraine in its aim to ensure Russia cannot attack it again.

Thank you, Mister Chair.  It will not surprise you or anyone else here to hear from me today a restatement of UK commitment to Ukraine. There has been a lot of nonsense spoken in this room about the UK’s position over recent weeks. The actions taken by the UK Prime Minister over the last week, including at the London Summit, make very clear how wrong any suggestion that the UK wants to prolong the war in Ukraine actually is.

But the UK believes that the legal and political commitments that we signed up to after the Second World War mean something. These commitments, including the UN Charter, the Helsinki Final Act and the Charter of Paris, form a framework for our stability. They clearly state how we should expect countries to behave towards each other and to our citizens. Fundamentals such as sovereignty, territorial integrity and the right to choose alliances are not negotiable – or suspendible when inconvenient. For 80 years, when we have lived up to them, they have kept us all safe from unintended conflict in Europe, even during the Cold War.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is therefore not just an unacceptable act of aggression, wrong in absolute terms and brutal and indiscriminate in the way it has been conducted. Although that is all true.  It is also a dangerous repudiation of the framework of principles and commitments that keep us safe. And to allow such aggression to be rewarded is a terrible example to set.  It would encourage more of the same behaviour, in this part of the world and elsewhere.

We have heard a lot about what the Russian state wants over the last few weeks.  But for peace, when it comes, to be lasting, Ukraine needs to be confident that the Russian aggression cannot happen again.  The UK does not like war.  We do not like our friends being at war.  We do not seek to prolong war. But we do support Ukraine in its aim to ensure Russia cannot attack it again and will continue to support Ukraine until it believes the peace on offer is one which guarantees its security in a sustainable way.  That means they must be able to negotiate from a position of strength. This has always been the UK’s position, before and during this unnecessary war. Ukraine is a sovereign country that can decide its own future without interference from other countries.

Mister Chair, as ever Russia is producing a blizzard of disinformation to distract us from the facts. The facts are that Russia invaded Ukraine without provocation, that tens of thousands of soldiers on both sides have died unnecessarily and that this could stop tomorrow if Russia made the right choices and lived up to its commitments.

Mister Chair, the UK’s position is simple to understand. Aggression should not be rewarded.  The principles we have all signed up should be protected. A peace should be sustainable. And Ukraine should be free to determine its own future.  That is a strategic vision worth holding out for.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 6 March 2025.

UK Statement at the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders. Delivered at the 58th Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Thank you Mr President.

The United Kingdom welcomes the Special Rapporteur’s report and her ongoing work on what is a high priority mandate for the UK. We thank her for drawing attention to the work of human rights defenders in isolated, remote and rural contexts.

We recognise the additional risks that these brave defenders face and deplore the exploitation of their geographical location to threaten and attack them.

Human rights defenders make crucial contributions to human rights, sustainable development and the rule of law. We call on all States to provide a safe, accessible and supportive environment for individuals and organisations carrying out this work.

At a practical level the UK continues to support human rights defenders and their work through our diplomatic network who regularly meet with them. We monitor cases and raise issues both directly with governments, as well as through multilateral organisations and bodies.

Special Rapporteur,

We would like to ask what further practical steps can States take to develop protection mechanisms for human rights defenders working in isolated, remote and rural contexts?

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 6 March 2025.

A one-day training to equip parliamentary officials in Solomon Islands on effective media relations concluded last month.

The objective of the training was to equip parliamentary officers with plans for effective media relations, enabling them to communicate clearly and accurately with the media on the activities of parliament.

The focused workshop would also help parliament officials sharpen their skills in media handling, ensuring professional, clear and timely communication with the public and media.

British High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Paul Robert Turner said:

A vibrant media is a sign of a healthy society – a society that is at ease with itself; that can investigate and report on all kinds of stories; one that can both challenge and reflect on matters in the political arena. “The press is there to serve the governed, not the governors.” – the words of the US senator Hugo Black some 50 years ago. He was right.

Our job in this workshop is to equip and prepare you as Parliamentary officials to be able to flourish in such an environment – to manage the flow of information and sharpen your skills in interacting with the media and ultimately with the public.

Clerk to the National Parliament of Solomon Islands, Jefferson Hallu said:

Parliamentary activities are of public interest, and it is appropriate that people know what the government is doing or decide in their interest.

Supported by the Westminster Foundation for Democracy and BBC Media Action programmes in Solomon Islands, the workshop stemmed from a political economic analysis conducted in 2023 when WFD began its work in the country.

WFD Country Director for Solomon Islands, Vatina Devesi said:

The workshop stemmed from a political economic analysis we conducted back in 2023 which identified gaps in our system, one of which is misinformation and disinformation. However, WFD is not here to recommend any system or practices for Solomon Islands but takes a participant-based approach in working with the National Parliament of Solomon Islands who is taking the lead in implementing activities.

Westminster Foundation for Democracy is the UK public body dedicated to strengthening democracy around the world. BBC Media Action on the other hand is the BBC’s international charity that use media and communication to help deliver stronger democracies, a safer, more habitable planet and inclusive societies.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 6 March 2025.

Foreign Secretary and Business Secretary travel to Japan for the Economic 2+2, a new way for the UK and Japan to coordinate international economic policy.

• huge Japanese market to be further unlocked through new partnership between UK and Japan as Foreign Secretary and Secretary of State for Business and Trade visit to the world’s 4th largest economy
• Japan already invests £86 billion in the UK economy; a business delegation travelling alongside the ministers will drive more investment and opportunities for British companies in Japan
• UK and Japanese defence industrial cooperation will deliver jobs for Brits and security across the Indo-Pacific – building our defence capability and our economy

A new partnership between the UK and Japan will unlock further growth for British business – advancing a relationship worth £27 billion annually and driving forward the government’s Plan for Change.

It comes as the Foreign Secretary and Business Secretary travel to Japan today (6 March 2025), for the Economic 2+2, a new strategic way for the UK and Japan to coordinate international economic policy. The visit is part of the government delivering its Plan for Change to boost growth, create jobs and put more money in people’s pockets.

Economic growth and future prosperity depend upon strong security foundations, a reliable trading system, resilient supply-chains, energy security, and an economy resilient to shocks.

Japan’s decision to enter into an Economic 2+2 with the UK, a dialogue that they only currently have with the US, demonstrates that Japan and other major world economies view the UK as an important partner for driving long-term sustainable growth and security.

UK-Japan joint defence industrial projects are driving jobs across the UK while providing new defence capabilities and protecting British security interests in the Indo-Pacific.

This is delivered through programmes like GCAP (Global Combat Air Programme), the UK, Japan and Italy’s joint future fighter jet programme. The programme currently employs more than 3,500 people, including engineers and programmers, across the UK, and British workers are building jets that will protect British security interests and international trade, whilst boosting jobs in the UK.

The 2+2 will encourage future opportunities to collaborate on growth and defence. The Foreign Secretary will see the impact these programmes are having first hand during a visit to Japan’s Ministry of Defence and meetings with UK companies actively engaged in GCAP.

This further builds on the Prime Minister’s announcement that defence spending will increase to 2.5% of GDP from April 2027. Investments in defence like GCAP will protect UK citizens from threats at home but will also create a secure and stable environment in which businesses can thrive and increase jobs, supporting the government’s number one mission to deliver economic growth.

In 2023 to 2024, defence spending by the UK government supported over 430,000 jobs across the UK, the equivalent to one in every 60.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

This government is boosting growth to the UK by taking our relationships with major economies like Japan to new heights. It’s fantastic to arrive in Tokyo with a business delegation as we start a first of its kind economic dialogue.

The UK and Japan’s interests have never been more closely aligned. From our shared understanding of the indivisibility of Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific security, to our desire to grow more together as we embrace the opportunities of new technologies like AI.

By working more closely with Japan, we will give UK firms more business, put money in people’s pockets and help deliver our Plan for Change.

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

I’m looking forward to having the chance to discuss how the UK and Japan can strengthen the many economic ties that bind our 2 countries together as we deliver on our Plan for Change.

The UK and Japan share a proud, historic trading relationship that has only deepened in recent years, opening up new opportunities for businesses in both of our countries, and with our upcoming industrial strategy we will find even more common ground.

The Economic 2+2 will strengthen UK and Japan cooperation in a range of areas– such as continued commitment to a fair-trading system, joint research into the technologies of the future and mutual investment to support growth, innovation and jobs in the defence industry.

The joint visit will also move forward work with Japan on our modern, ambitious industrial strategy. Japan is an incredibly important investment partner, with 1,000 Japanese companies supporting 160,000 jobs in the UK.

The UK’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) combined with the new economic partnership announced today will strengthen that relationship even further.

A business delegation, representing the key high growth sectors of the future, will travel alongside the ministers to see first-hand the opportunities for growth and development UK-Japanese collaboration will bring.

The Foreign Secretary and Business and Trade Secretary’s discussions with Japan will give UK businesses access to Japanese industry and further open up trade. Japan is a manufacturing powerhouse – ranking third globally in terms of value added to the manufacturing industry.

Chief Economist at the CBI – member of the travelling business delegation – Louise Hellem said:

Cooperation with like-minded partners like Japan will be critical to achieving the government’s Growth Mission.

As a significant and growing trading partner, Japan’s economy offers unique opportunities for UK firms looking to expand and internationalise. This delegation is an important next step in our relationship, enabling both governments to explore deeper collaboration across topics like digital and technology, advanced manufacturing, and sustainability.

As the voice of business, the CBI will continue to work closely with our Japanese sister federation – Keidanren – in the B7, B20 and bilaterally to promote a strong and mutually beneficial UK-Japan relationship.

In Tokyo the Foreign Secretary and Business and Trade Secretary will host an AI business reception to promote the UK’s AI Opportunities Action Plan and discuss with Japanese AI leaders the scope for new growth opportunities between British and Japanese AI.

During the visit, the Business and Trade Secretary will announce plans to develop a new industrial strategy partnership – the first of its kind for Britain, as well as sign a UK-Japan Memorandum of Cooperation on Offshore Wind as the UK races ahead to net zero. He will meet with global automotive manufacturers Nissan and Toyota, and with CPTPP Minister Akazawa – their first meeting since the UK’s accession to the trade group last year.

While in Tokyo Reynolds will also tour some iconic UK exporters, visiting major brands including Warhammer, Brompton and Burberry. UK exports to Japan totalled £14.7 billion in the 12 months to September 2024 – an increase of 5% from the previous year.

The Foreign Secretary will travel onto the Philippines, where he will drive forward cooperation with one of our key security partners in the region. Growth and security go hand in hand – a third of global maritime passes through the South China Sea – and so the Filipinos’ work to stand up for freedom of navigation and international law in the region is vital to ensure these trade routes remain safe and secure.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 March 2025.

The UK sets out plan agreed with leaders in London on 2 March to work with Ukraine and the United States on a strong, just and durable peace.

Thank you, Mr Chair.  On Sunday 2 March, the UK hosted in London leaders from various European countries and Canada, the NATO Secretary General and the Presidents of the EU Commission and the EU Council to discuss our support for Ukraine.

Together we reaffirmed our determination to work for a permanent peace in Ukraine, in partnership with the United States.

The UK Prime Minister made clear that we must not repeat the mistakes of the past when weak deals allowed President Putin to invade again.  The UK, France and our international partners will work closely with Ukraine on a plan to stop the fighting.  And we will work directly with the United States on a strong, just and lasting peace that ensures Ukraine’s sovereignty and security.

The plan agreed with leaders in London has four clear principles.

First, we must keep military aid flowing and keep increasing the economic pressure on Russia.  To that end, we are doubling down on military aid.  At the weekend the UK agreed a new £2.2 billion loan for Ukraine, backed by profits from frozen Russian assets.

Second, we agreed that any lasting peace must guarantee Ukraine’s sovereignty and security – and that Ukraine must be at the table when negotiating their future.

Third, in the event of a peace deal, we would continue boosting Ukraine’s own defensive capabilities to deter any future invasion.

And lastly, we will develop a “coalition of the willing” to defend a deal in Ukraine and to guarantee the peace. Those willing to contribute will intensify planning now.

Mr Chair, Ukraine has been clear that it wants to reach a durable peace as soon as possible. This can happen only if we continue to show strength and provide Ukraine with the support it needs to defend itself against continued Russian aggression. There will be no let-up in the UK’s support, which we will continue for as long as it is necessary.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 4 March 2025.

France, Germany and the UK (E3) gave a joint statement to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors on Iran’s implementation of its nuclear commitments under the JCPoA.

Chair,

On behalf of France, Germany and the United Kingdom, I thank Director General Grossi for his latest report on Iran’s nuclear programme.

Once again, we commend the Agency’s professional, independent and impartial work and their objective reporting on Iran’s nuclear programme. Unfortunately, the Agency’s findings are gravely concerning. The IAEA’s latest report confirms that Iran continues to undertake activities in blatant violation of the JCPoA and that there has been no improvement in its cooperation with the IAEA. The extent of Iran’s enrichment activities is unprecedented for a state without nuclear weapons, and have no credible civilian justification. The IAEA is currently unable to verify that Iran’s escalating nuclear programme is exclusively peaceful. This taken together with the recent statements by high-ranking Iranian officials calling for a change in Iran’s so-called nuclear doctrine, poses a serious threat to international security, and the non-proliferation regime.

Chair,

In the reporting period Iran has further expanded its enriched uranium stockpile and enrichment capacity. Iran has increased its stockpile of high enriched uranium by an alarming 50% since the last reporting period. Iran now has six significant quantities of high enriched uranium, which the Agency defines as six times the approximate amount of nuclear material from which the possibility of manufacturing a nuclear explosive device cannot be excluded. Iran’s overall stockpile of enriched uranium is now approximately 40 times the limit Iran committed to in the JCPoA.

Iran has increased the rate of production of high enriched uranium at the underground Fordow facility by seven times compared to the previous reporting period. And overall, Iran is now producing roughly one significant quantity of highly enriched uranium every six weeks. In addition, Iran has substantially expanded its enriched uranium production capacity by installing and operating new advanced centrifuges. In the reporting period, it has begun operating 5 new cascades in Fordow and 13 cascades in Natanz. It remains particularly concerning that enrichment continues to take place at Fordow, which we recall is a former undeclared enrichment facility.

As a result of Iran’s continued non-cooperation and lack of transparency, the DG’s latest report restates that the Agency has lost and will not be able to restore continuity of knowledge in relation to the production and inventory of centrifuges, rotors and bellows, heavy water and uranium ore concentrate.

Iran refuses to re-designate several experienced Agency inspectors. This is a politically motivated decision which seriously affects the IAEA’s ability to conduct its verification in Iran, particularly at its enrichment facilities. We deeply regret that Iran has not accepted the designation of the four additional experienced inspectors after pledging to consider it ahead of the November 2024 Board of Governors meeting.

The DG’s report also notes that it has been four years since Iran stopped provisionally applying its Additional Protocol, depriving the Agency of complementary access to critical sites and locations in Iran. Alongside this we remain alarmed by Iran’s repeated threats to leave the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. This poses a serious threat to the non-proliferation system upon which we all rely.

Chair,

The E3 have consistently worked towards a diplomatic solution to address Iran’s nuclear programme. In 2022 it was Iran who twice refused a negotiated outcome and instead escalated and expanded its nuclear programme. Let us be clear: Iran has chosen to escalate its nuclear programme, far beyond the limits it committed to in the JCPoA and far beyond any credible civilian use, thereby causing a proliferation crisis.

We therefore urgently call on Iran to change course, and:

(i) Halt and reverse its nuclear escalation and refrain from making threats regarding nuclear weapons; (ii) Return to the limits imposed by the JCPoA, in particular those regarding enrichment levels and enriched uranium stockpiles; (iii) Implement the Iran-IAEA March 2023 Joint statement and the commitments it made regarding transparency and cooperation with the IAEA including re-applying all transparency measures that it stopped in February 2021; (iv) Allow the Agency to install surveillance and monitoring equipment where requested; (v) Re-implement and swiftly ratify the Additional Protocol; and (vi) Fully reverse its September 2023 decision to withdraw the designations of experienced inspectors.

Chair,

In light of the threat posed by Iran’s nuclear programme, there is an urgent need to address these concerns. The international community must remain united and firm in its determination to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. The E3 will continue to work towards a diplomatic solution, and we stand ready to use all diplomatic levers to achieve this goal.

We ask the Director General to keep the Board informed on all relevant activities and developments within Iran’s alarming nuclear programme by regular and, if deemed necessary, extraordinary reporting. We ask for this report to be made public.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 March 2025.

During meetings, the Defence Secretary will hail the unparalleled depth of the UK-US relationship, which bolsters security and supports economic growth.

Securing a lasting peace in Ukraine and strengthening bonds between NATO allies will be the focus of discussions during the Defence Secretary’s visit to Washington DC on Wednesday and Thursday – including a meeting with his US counterpart Pete Hegseth.

John Healey MP will hail the unparalleled depth of the UK’s special relationship with the US – the UK’s closest security ally – as both nations continue to collaborate on military operations, peacekeeping, intelligence gathering, and development of advanced technologies – bolstering security and supporting economic growth.

The Defence Secretary’s arrival in Washington DC comes as the UK receives the last of an order of 50 of the latest generation AH-64E attack helicopters for the British Army, the most advanced attack helicopter in the world. The helicopter was handed over yesterday (4 March) at the Boeing site in Arizona under a programme that supports more than 300 UK jobs, helping to grow the UK economy – underscoring defence as an engine for driving economic growth.

The visit also comes at the conclusion of the 50th occurrence of Exercise Red Flag in Nevada, a joint exercise with the UK, United States and Australia. The training is designed to test equally matched air forces in a realistic combat scenario and involves more than 3,000 military personnel in high-intensity training, such as dogfighting, air-policing and practicing bombing runs, at Nellis Air Force Base.

At their bilateral meeting tomorrow [Thursday], the two Defence Secretaries are due to discuss the plan for peace in Ukraine being worked on by the US, UK, France, and European allies. It comes after Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to Washington last week, where the Prime Minister and the President confirmed both nations will work together on security arrangements to deliver a lasting peace in Ukraine. The discussions follow the Prime Minister’s meeting of international leaders in London last weekend, where allies discussed the need for a lasting peace settlement, with US support.

The latest defence engagement with the new US administration follows a first meeting between the two Defence Secretaries last month, when the UK convened the 50-nation strong Ukraine Defence Contact Group, which coordinates urgent military support for Ukraine.

On Wednesday, the Defence Secretary will attend a reception to mark the 250th Anniversary of the US Marine Corps, held at the British Ambassador’s Residence in Washington DC.

Defence Secretary, John Healey MP, said:

Amid a period of growing global instability, the unique and special relationship between the UK and US is as strong as ever – underlined by a shared commitment to freedom and democracy.

It is crucial that the UK and Europe step up further to take more responsibility for our security, and we are doing so. In the face of increasing global threats, we are cementing our ties as NATO allies, bolstering our national security and economic security, too.

The Prime Minister was clear following his meetings over the past week, that we will continue our dialogue with friends and allies to secure a path to a lasting peace in Ukraine. We will advance that work in Washington over the coming days.

Discussions are also expected to cover deepening the UK-US defence relationship. The British and US Armed Forces operate in close alignment around the world, from the long-standing global coalition to combat Daesh in the Middle East to joint maritime security patrols in the Indo-Pacific.

Collective security and stability also support both nations’ economies and delivers on our Plan for Change.

The AUKUS programme to develop a fleet of world-class nuclear powered, conventionally armed submarines for the UK and Australia, is a perfect example of this work – with a £9 billion contract with Rolls Royce awarded in January as part of the programme, creating more than 1,000 jobs and supporting a further 4,000 roles.

The Apache programme also supports the UK economy, with numerous components manufactured in the UK. This benefits 75 British companies, including 33 SMEs, with jobs being supported at the Army Aviation Centre at Middle Wallop in Hampshire and Wattisham Flying Station in Suffolk.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 March 2025.

Statement from the foreign ministers of the UK, France and Germany (E3) on humanitarian access in Gaza.

Joint statement on behalf of the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany and the UK (E3):

We, the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany and the United Kingdom recall our continued support for the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

It is vital that the ceasefire is sustained, all the hostages are released, and continued flows of humanitarian aid to Gaza are ensured. We urge all parties to engage constructively in negotiating the subsequent phases of the deal to help ensure its full implementation and a permanent end to hostilities. We welcome Egyptian, Qatari and US efforts in mediating and seeking to agree an extension to the ceasefire.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza is catastrophic. We express our deep concern at the Government of Israel’s announcement on 2 March to halt all entry of goods and supplies into Gaza. We call on the Government of Israel to abide by its international obligations to ensure full, rapid, safe and unhindered provision of humanitarian assistance to the population in Gaza. This includes supply of items such as medical equipment, shelter items, and water and sanitation equipment, essential to meet humanitarian and early recovery needs in Gaza, but which face restrictions under Israel’s “dual use” list. A halt on goods and supplies entering Gaza, such as that announced by the Government of Israel would risk violating International Humanitarian Law. Humanitarian aid should never be contingent on a ceasefire or used as a political tool. We reiterate that the civilians of Gaza who have suffered so much must be allowed to return to their homes and rebuild their lives.

All hostages must be unconditionally released and Hamas must end their degrading and humiliating treatment. We reiterate our unwavering solidarity with their families and with the Israeli people in the face of the terrorist attacks committed by Hamas on 7 October 2023.

We need all parties to uphold the ceasefire and ensure it leads to a sustainable peace, the reconstruction of Gaza, and to allow for a credible pathway towards a two-state solution in which Israelis and Palestinians can live side by side in peace.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 March 2025.

UK Statement at the Panel on Early Warning and Genocide Prevention. Delivered by UK Ambassador for Human Rights to the UN, Eleanor Sanders.

Mr President, Deputy High Commissioner,

The UK thanks the Special Adviser for her presentation.

As we approach the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the Responsibility to Protect, protecting people from atrocities remains vital and necessary.

To highlight one worrying conflict, we continue to see disturbing reports of ethnically motivated attacks and killings in Darfur. The international community must hold perpetrators to account.

As well as protection from and accountability for atrocities, we need earlier action to prevent atrocities from occurring in the first place.

We are concerned by escalating tensions across South Sudan including between parties to the 2018 peace agreement and call on all parties to act urgently to prevent further violence, including against civilians.

The UK supports efforts to improve early warning systems, including leveraging global advances in data analytics and Open-Source Intelligence, allowing the international community to identify and understand the emerging risk of atrocities.

Mr President, Panellists,

How can the 2 Special Advisers ensure that the UN system’s existing foresight and risk analysis processes better incorporate an atrocity prevention lens in all its work and that it is more joined up?

Thank you.