Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 28 February 2025.

UK Statement at the 58 Human Rights Council for the Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on the report of the Commission of Human Rights in South Sudan. Delivered by the UK’s Permanent Representative to the WTO & UN, Simon Manley.

Thank you Mr Vice President.

And thank you to the commission and the ASG for their poignant interventions today. Your ongoing work is vital to securing long-term peace and reconciliation in South Sudan.

We also welcome the presence of the Honourable Justice Minister of South Sudan.

Mr President, as this report makes clear, the human rights situation in South Sudan remains grave. Violence continues to escalate. Elections have been delayed. Media freedom is severely restricted. And journalists are being arbitrarily detained under the National Security Service Bill.

We are particularly concerned by appalling reports of conflict-related sexual violence. Victims being left without access to essential medical care or recourse to justice. The Anti-Gender-Based Violence Bill, drafted five years ago, must be put into full and immediate action.

What we’ve read and heard underlines why we need to maintain this Council’s attention on South Sudan, and why the work of the Commission must continue. It is essential to achieving the inclusive, democratic future promised to the people of South Sudan. The Commission’s robust scrutiny of South Sudan’s human rights situation must continue.

Commissioners, what more can the international community do to help South Sudan end this devastating cycle of conflict-related sexual violence?

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 28 February 2025.

Core Group Statement at the 58 Human Rights Council for the Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on the report of the Commission of Human Rights in South Sudan. Delivered by the UK’s Permanent Representative to the WTO & UN, Simon Manley.

Thank you, Mr President.

I am pleased to speak on behalf of the Item 2 core group for South Sudan – Albania, Norway, Ireland and the UK.

We thank the Commissioners for their important report. We also welcome South Sudan’s continued cooperation with the Commission and the Minister of Justice’s presence today.

The Commission’s report demonstrates the scale of ongoing human rights violations and abuses committed in South Sudan. Civic space and media freedom are severely restricted. Appalling acts of conflict-related sexual violence are being committed frequently, and with impunity, across the country.

While the recent passing of legislation on transitional justice institutions represents some progress, only fully resourced and operational institutions can deliver justice and accountability for the South Sudanese people.

During this extension period, the Revitalised Agreement must be fully implemented, including operationalising the Chapter Five transitional mechanisms and holding peaceful, inclusive and credible elections in 2026.

We remain committed to continuing our support to the people of South Sudan and their path to peace, reconciliation and accountability.

The Commission plays a vital role in supporting such efforts. Its mandate must therefore be extended in full in this Session, to ensure continued, robust scrutiny of the human rights situation.

We will continue to engage with South Sudan in the hope that this extension can be agreed by consensus.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 28 February 2025.

UK Statement at the 58 Human Rights Council during the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Afghanistan. Delivered by UK Ambassador for Human Rights to the UN, Eleanor Sanders.

Thank you, Mr Vice President,

Special Rapporteur,

Thank you for your valiant efforts to shine a light on the dire human rights situation in Afghanistan. The UK Government fully supports your mandate.

As you have said, the Taliban continues to oppress women and girls, in particular denying them employment, freedom of movement and expression, and education. The latest ban on women accessing medical education is appalling. Courses in nursing, midwifery and dentistry were some of the few educational avenues left open to women in Afghanistan – their removal violates their human rights. The Taliban must reverse these inhumane restrictions to ensure a brighter future for all Afghans.

We, the international community, must maintain collective pressure and stay committed to the people of Afghanistan. The UK’s current £171 million aid programme provides lifesaving support, and access to assistance and services, to the most vulnerable. The UK will continue its unwavering commitment to Afghanistan and to promoting the human rights of all Afghans.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 28 February 2025.

The Rt Hon Rachel Reeves MP shared the UK’s growth mission with key stakeholders and her G20 counterparts in South Africa this week.

Over the past two days in Cape Town, the UK’s chief finance minister, Chancellor Rachel Reeves, spent time in and around the G20 finance ministerial meetings emphasising that the UK’s relationship with South Africa is key to the delivery of the UK’s Growth Mission for the mutual benefit of both our countries.

The Chancellor emphasised the significance of South Africa to her counterparts at the G20, highlighting that the UK is the largest investor in the country, with UK companies having invested over R500 billion.

Building on UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s recent agreement to develop a UK-South Africa Growth Partnership with Minister Lamola, she reiterated that free trade is the best way to achieve economic growth internationally and demonstrated how the UK is meeting the ambition to drive job creation in our two economies.

Infrastructure was a major theme at the G20 meetings the Chancellor attended, given the need to ensure that people can do their jobs and get around with improved railways and roads to facilitate economic growth. Which is why she said the UK is helping to accelerate projects in South Africa, including promoting the involvement of UK companies and sharing government expertise.

The Chancellor announced the next stage of the UK programme boosting urban economic development in South Africa, unlocking opportunities through improved urban planning and infrastructure in disadvantaged areas of the country’s municipalities. The intention is to strengthen UK cooperation with local governments in South Africa, to build their financial and technical capabilities.

A highlight of her time in SA was a visit was to the V&A Waterfront, where the Chancellor witnessed the unveiling of the design for the R25 billion expansion project, which has been produced by UK architects Heatherwick Studio. She also welcomed the news that British engineering firm Arup had won key contracts to support South Africa’s ambitions to boost green and sustainable growth across the country, not only contributing to the design of more resilient infrastructure but also working with public and private sector clients to improve the energy efficiency of buildings here in Cape Town and across South Africa.

The Chancellor also attended a reception at the High Commissioner’s official residence for prominent South African investors and businesses to further deepen the close economic ties between the UK and South Africa.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 28 February 2025.

UK Statement at the 58 Human Rights Council at the Interactive Dialogue on the report of the Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua. Delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

Thank you, Mr President.

Yesterday, Nicaragua declared that it is leaving this Council. We want to make it clear that this will not change the need to hold the authorities accountable for the suppression of human rights in Nicaragua.

In this spirit, we welcome the report of the Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua. We are alarmed by its findings, including further reports of extrajudicial killings and arbitrary detention. We are concerned that authorities have used physical and psychological violence (including threats, rape, beatings and prolonged solitary confinement) against those who participated in the 2018 protests, and against individuals who have been accused of publicly criticising the authorities.

In addition, the approval of the wide-ranging constitutional amendments passed on 30 January undermine the separation of the powers of the state and mark a further tragic development in the dismantling of the rule of law in Nicaragua.

Moreover, the increase in reports of transnational repression, including intimidation and harassment of Nicaraguans in exile, represents a further attack on human rights.

The ongoing limitation of Nicaraguans’ civil, political, and other human rights is unacceptable.

Thank you.

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

Statement by Fergus Eckersley, UK Minister Counsellor, at the UN Security Council meeting on UN Peacekeeping Operations.

Let me start by recognising the contributions and sacrifices of the 6,100 UNPOL women and men currently deployed across 12 UN missions worldwide.

As we’ve heard, UNPOL’s role is is fundamental to the successful delivery of the Action for Peacekeeping Plus Initiative (A4P+). Supporting and advising countries in crisis, conflict, and post-conflict situations, preventing crime, protecting life and property, and maintaining public order and safety.

In particular, we support UNPOL’s vital work to protect civilians and maintain public safety, with full respect for the rule of law and international human rights law, contributing to more responsive and accountable policing by host nations.

The United Kingdom also continues to champion the principles of the landmark WPS resolution 1325 on this, its 25th year, and are pleased to support – in collaboration with the UN Institute for Training and Research and police contributing countries – gender-responsive courses and training, including for sexual and gender-based violence investigations and police logistics.

As we look to the future, we must ensure UN policing has the capabilities it needs to effectively deliver mandates and tackle emerging challenges.

This includes ensuring effective policing structures within the wider UN peacekeeping architecture, bringing in specialist expertise and, critically, making best use of new technologies.

In conclusion, the United Kingdom remains committed to supporting UNPOL, in line with the principles of Action for Peacekeeping Plus, and to continuing to work together to ensure they contribute positively to peace and security around the world.

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

A total of 4,000 fish, including chub dace and roach, have been released into the River Weaver at two key locations in Cheshire.

The restocking aims to help replenish populations after two pollution incidents in October 2023, which sadly led to the loss of thousands of fish.

The two key locations include Mill Island Weir and downstream in “The Willows” area.

Restocking is done where natural population numbers have been depleted or to create new fisheries and opportunities for anglers. It occurs in winter because water temperatures are low and this minimises any stress on the fish, giving them the best possible survival rates.

February is a good time to introduce the fish into rivers, as it enables them to acclimatise to their new surroundings, ahead of their spawning season in the spring.

Fish also play a critical role in sustaining a river’s finely-balanced eco-system, so the wider natural environment will also get a helping hand, as a result of the restocking.

James Grosscurth, Fisheries Officer for the Environment Agency in Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire, said:

Sometimes our native fish populations need a helping hand, particularly following pollution incidents.

After careful and consistent monitoring, increased agricultural site inspections and enforcement and an enhanced officer presence upstream of Nantwich Lake, we were pleased to confirm that the water quality in the River Weaver can provide a healthy habitat for thousands of new recruits.

This first restocking will form part of a three-year program, funded by rod licence income, to encourage natural recovery. Our thanks go to Nantwich Angling Society who have been working tirelessly, alongside our officers, to help make this happen.

All of the fish introduced to the Weaver have been reared at the Environment Agency’s National Coarse Fish Farm in Calverton, Nottinghamshire.

Every year, the Environment Agency stocks almost half a million fish of nine different species into England’s rivers. Being the principal supply of coarse fish for 32 years, the fish farm plays a crucial role to help improve fisheries around the country.

Fisheries officers use data from national surveys to identify where there are problems with poor breeding, issues with survival rates, or where numbers have been impacted following a pollution incident.

These surveys help the officers ensure that fish are released into the right locations and where the need is greatest as well as supporting angling clubs to boost local fishing spots.

Fisheries Officers inspect rod licences 24/7 throughout the North West, and work continually on cases of illegal fishing and other associated fisheries crime. Fishing illegally can result in a fine of up to £2,500, and offenders can also have their fishing equipment seized.

It’s easy to buy a rod fishing licence online. Get yours here: Buy a rod fishing licence: When you need a licence – GOV.UK

illegal fishing and other offences can be reported to the Environment Agency’s Incident Hotline on 0800 807060.

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.