Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 24 February 2025.

UK statement at the annual High-Level Segment of the Human Rights Council. Delivered by Lord Collins, FCDO Minister for Africa, UN, Commonwealth & Human Rights.

Mr Vice President,

I stand here not just as a life-long trade unionist but also as a Minister of a government committed to human rights and the rule of law.

We have gathered today against the backdrop of an increasingly volatile and uncertain world. Conflicts and geopolitical tensions are robbing people across the world of their most basic rights.

That’s why the United Kingdom backs Ukraine’s right to choose its own future. That’s why the ceasefire in Gaza must be fully implemented. We want to see an end to the conflict, with every hostage released and vital aid reaching Gaza, leading to a credible process towards a two-state solution.

That’s why we welcome the Syrian interim authorities’ efforts to build a more inclusive future for all Syrians. It’s why we welcome Bangladesh engaging with the High Commissioner as it addresses past crimes and future aspirations.

It’s why we are heartbroken by the suffering in Sudan and commend the DRC for bringing the appalling situation in the East of their country to this Council just two weeks ago.

That’s why we are urging China to implement the recommendations of the United Nations High Commissioner’s Xinjiang assessment and respect the Joint Declaration on Hong Kong.

Against this worsening global climate, the United Kingdom is determined to champion equal and inalienable rights for all. So I’m proud that the United Kingdom is standing for election to the Council for the 2026 to 2028 term.

Throughout its many terms on the Council, the United Kingdom has always put respect and partnership at the heart of our approach. And we promise to collaborate in the same spirit once again. If elected, we pledge to defend civic space and fundamental freedoms, supporting civil society organisations and human rights defenders.

We pledge to champion equal rights for all, by standing up for the rights of women and girls and LGBT+ people whose hard-won rights and freedoms are being so cruelly undermined, and by promoting women’s economic empowerment. And we will do all we can to uphold the rule of law. Because human rights and the rule of law are the basic building blocks of sustainable economic growth, stable societies, and humane migration policies.

We will prioritise human rights and governance principles, including the use of new technologies and responding to modern slavery.

But the United Kingdom is under no illusion that we can do all this alone. We cannot. That’s why we need your support. And if we have the honour of serving on the Council, we will prioritise practical action to achieve our shared human rights goals and change people’s lives for the better.

Ultimately, it is only by building genuine, respectful partnerships that we can work together to defend the freedoms we all hold so dear.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 21 February 2025.

Explanation of vote by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, following the vote on the UN Security Council resolution on Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The United Kingdom is grateful for the efforts of France, as penholder, and the engagement of all Council members to enable the adoption today of this important resolution.

The United Kingdom welcomes and fully supports this text. We hope it makes a positive contribution to the diplomatic leadership in the region, especially the recent EAC-SADC summit, and helps bring an end to the conflict.

UK ministers are engaging intensively to support a diplomatic end to the conflict because there is no military solution.

President, the violations we have seen in recent weeks in eastern DRC are wholly unacceptable. Today’s resolution sends a clear message that these violations must stop and the parties to return to the African-led political processes.

It makes clear that there needs to be a ceasefire and the withdrawal of M23 from Goma and Bukavu. We strongly urge M23 to immediately cease hostilities. No Member States should impede this.

It also makes clear that international humanitarian law must be respected, as must MONUSCO’s mandate.

And critically, it makes clear that DRC’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, as well as the UN Charter must be respected. The UK supports this resolution’s call for all Rwandan Defence Forces to withdraw from Congolese territory.

We urge the parties to fully abide by this resolution. Otherwise this Council will need to consider further action.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 20 February 2025.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on the Central African Republic.

President, like others I extend condolences to the fallen Tunisian peacekeeper’s family, and express our gratitude for the personal sacrifices that peacekeepers and their families make in support of peace.

We condemn all attacks on UN peacekeepers.

I will make three points today.

First, the UK welcomes the work by the government of CAR, in coordination with MINUSCA, to advance voter registration for elections.

The elections should be an important milestone in expanding the political participation of all individuals in CAR.

However, the UK has information that Proxies directed by the Russian state have plans to interfere with CAR elections, including through suppressing political voices and conducting disinformation campaigns to interfere in political debate.

These actions demonstrate that Russian proxies act without regard for CAR’s sovereignty in order to secure continued support for their destabilising objectives.

Furthermore, they jeopardise the dedicated UN role, mandated by this Council, to help support inclusive, free and fair elections in 2025 and 2026.

Second, the UK also welcomes progress by the government of CAR to improve its security and accountability capacity.

This includes delivering the first disciplinary sanctions against magistrates since 2013.

However, as the Secretary-General’s report highlights, CAR faces many security challenges.

Attacks by Sudanese Rapid Support Forces in CAR threaten progress made in implementing the 2019 Political Agreement.

The UK calls on all actors to respect CAR’s territorial integrity.

We also encourage the government of CAR to enhance border management with Sudan to support refugees and prevent their exploitation by armed elements.

Third, we remain concerned at the human rights situation in the country.

The UK condemns reports of ‘Wagner Ti Azande’ and other armed groups committing atrocities against civilians, including conflict-related sexual violence.

Grave violations against children are also increasing.

We urge the government of CAR to enhance their efforts to identify recruited children and secure their handover to child protection actors.

We also call on all actors to the conflict to uphold their obligations under International Humanitarian and Human Rights Law.

President, to conclude, the coming year will be important for supporting peace and security in CAR, including through elections.

The UK remains committed to supporting MINUSCA and the government of CAR to embed genuine long-term security while preserving CAR’s sovereignty.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 February 2025.

The UK-India strategic partnership has taken another major step forward with the formal launch of Defence Partnership – India (DP-I) and the signing of several defence agreements at Aero India 2025.

Announcing DP-I, UK Defence Minister Lord Vernon Coaker opened the UK-India Defence Partnership Pavilion, establishing a dedicated programme office within the UK’s Ministry of Defence that will serve as a one-stop shop for strengthening bilateral defence collaboration between the two countries.

The UK and India have today agreed to expand their collaboration on next-generation weapons with Thales and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL). Thales and BDL have signed a contract that will deliver Laser Beam Riding MANPADs (LBRM), with an initial supply of High Velocity Missiles (STARStreak) and launchers to be delivered this year. This contract represents an important next step for UK-Indian defence co-operation in the critical area of air defence.

Lord Vernon Coaker, UK Defence Minister, said:

It was a pleasure to visit India and continue to grow our already strong defence relationship. Our Defence Partnership and the UK-India Defence Partnership Pavilion will help strengthen our cooperation further, supporting economic growth in both our countries and India’s Atmanirbhar ambition.

This event showcases our collaboration in next generation capability, and the massive potential the UK and India can unlock by working together.

Following the signing of this initial LBRM contract, both Thales and BDL will further collaborate to produce Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM). This develops and expands the partnership between Indian and British industry, laying the foundation for BDL and Indian industry to form an integral part of Thales’ global supply chain. It will address mutual security concerns, create jobs in both countries and enable interoperability by both armies.

Lindy Cameron, British High Commissioner to India, said:

India is taking significant steps in its journey to become Atmanirbhar in its defence capabilities. The UK is really looking forward to working with India as a partner of choice in supporting this ambition: collaborating on defence technologies lies at the heart of this. These are landmark agreements that support our economic growth and joint security.

In a separate development, MBDA UK and BDL have been working together on the installation of a first of its kind Advanced Short-Range Air to Air Missile (ASRAAM) assembly and test facility in Hyderabad, arming current fleet of India’s fighter jets as well as exporting to the world.

On the maritime front, the UK and India have signed a Statement of Intent to design and develop an Integrated Full Electric Propulsion (IFEP) system for India’s next generation Landing Platform Dock (LPD) fleet. As next steps, GE Vernova and BHEL are working to develop India’s first maritime Land Based Testing Facility to deliver LPD in the water by 2030.

The strengthening of UK-India partnership will directly support India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ ambition and deliver the UK Government’s growth agenda and Plan for Change.

Further information

• Free-to-use high resolution images of the UK delegation at Aero India will be uploaded online: www.flickr.com/photos/ukinindia.
• The British companies at Aero India 2025 are Rolls Royce, BAE Systems, MBDA UK, Thales UK, GE Vernova, Leonardo, Strongfield Technologies, ASL, SEKO Logistics, Jaguar Engineering Centre of Excellence, Aviation Defence Supplies Ltd and Ricardo.
• Following the signing of the LBRM contract both Thales UK and BDL will further collaborate to co-produce Lightweight Multirole Missiles with BDL forming an integral part of the Thales supply chain, increasing manufacturing capacity for global export.
• UK Defence invested £69 million to secure Thales UK supply chain for key components used in the manufacture of missiles in 2024.
• The landmark maritime electric propulsion capability transfer will ensure self-reliance in the power and propulsion of the Indian Navy’s next generation fleets.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 February 2025.

Mr Charles King has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Somalia in succession to Mr Michael Nithavrianakis MVO. Mr King will take up his appointment during May 2025.

Curriculum Vitae

Full name: Charles Nicholas King

Year	Role
2023 to 2024	FCDO, Joint Head of Israel/OPTs Gaza Taskforce
2020 to 2023	FCDO, Head of Levant and North Africa Department and UK Special Representative for Syria
2017 to 2020	Paris, Counsellor, Foreign Policy and Strategic Affairs
2015 to 2016	FCO, Chief of Staff to Jonathan Powell, PM’s Special Representative for Libya
2012 to 2015	Istanbul, Head of Syria Office
2010 to 2012	FCO, Head of Afghanistan Reconciliation and Regional Team
2009 to 2010	Baghdad, Deputy Head of Political Section
2008 to 2009	Damascus, Second Secretary Political/Economic
2007 to 2008	Cairo, Arabic language training
2006 to 2007	FCO, Head of Africa/Middle East Consular Casework Team
2004 to 2006	FCO, Deputy Head of EU Accessions Bill Team and Desk Officer for Romania and Bulgaria
2004	Joined FCO

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 February 2025.

Politico-Military Counsellor Ankur Narayan says that the UK’s priority is to ensure Ukraine is in the strongest possible position for negotiations.

Thank you, Mr Chair. The UK’s commitment to supporting Ukraine is unwavering. Our support is not only about providing military assistance, which remains crucial in ensuring Ukraine’s ability to defend itself, but also about standing by Ukraine as it seeks a just and lasting peace. As we take stock, it seems timely to reiterate the importance of the principles of the Helsinki Final Act.

Principle I includes the phrase: ‘Sovereign equality, respect for the rights inherent in sovereignty, including the right to belong or not to belong to international organisations.’

On 14 February the Prime Minister yet again reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to Ukraine’s irreversible path to NATO and has since called for ongoing support from Allies, as agreed at the Washington Summit last year. Ukraine’s aspiration to join NATO reflects its desire for security and recognition of shared values on democracy, rule of law, and human rights. The UK believes Ukraine’s NATO membership would strengthen the Alliance and contribute to European stability and security. NATO has shown its commitment to Ukraine’s security through military support, training, and intelligence-sharing, and remains determined to assist Ukraine in defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Principle III includes the phrase: ‘Inviolability of frontiers. States will refrain from any demand for, or act of, seizure and usurpation of part or all of the territory of any participating State.’

Principle IV includes the phrase: ‘Territorial integrity of States. States will refrain from making each other’s territory the object of military occupation or other measures of force in contravention of international law. No such occupation or acquisition will be recognized as legal.’

We all want to reach a durable peace as soon as possible, no one more so than Ukraine. Russia could end this war tomorrow, if Russia chose to respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and withdraw its troops.  A just and lasting peace is only possible if we continue to show strength and provide Ukraine with the support it needs to defend itself against continued Russian aggression.  The UK stands firmly with Ukraine in its struggle for freedom, sovereignty, and security.

Principle V includes the phrase: ‘Peaceful settlement of disputes. States will use means such as negotiation, enquiry, mediation, conciliation, arbitration, judicial settlement, or other peaceful means of their choice, including any settlement procedure agreed to in advance of disputes to which they are parties.’

We understand that peace cannot be achieved through force alone but through a comprehensive, diplomatic process that respects the rights and aspirations of the Ukrainian people. And we must be clear that peace cannot come at any cost. It is vital that Ukraine’s voice is at the heart of any talks. President Zelensky and the Ukrainian people have shown the most extraordinary resilience. This is why the UK continues to work closely with its allies to ensure Ukraine is in the strongest possible position for legitimate negotiation when the time comes.

Peace comes through strength. This is the moment for us all to step up – and the PM has made clear that the UK will do so, because it is the right thing to do for the values we hold dear, and because it is fundamental to our own national security. Ukraine needs strong security guarantees, further lethal aid, and a sovereign future. The UK is ready to play a leading role in accelerating work on security guarantees for Ukraine. This includes further support for Ukraine’s military – where the UK has already committed £3 billion a year until at least 2030.

In closing, it is critical to note that Ukraine is still fighting with immense courage. Our priority is to ensure Ukraine is in the strongest possible position for negotiations, and we believe Ukraine’s future is in NATO, as a member of a secure and stable Europe. The UK remains resolute in its belief that Ukraine must have a central role in shaping its future. This illegal war instigated by Russia can end only when Russia chooses to withdraw its forces and cease its unlawful aggression, allowing Ukraine to chart its own course free from external threats. At this crucial moment, we will not step back but step up our support to Ukraine. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 February 2025.

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on practising multilateralism, reforming and improving global governance.

The United Kingdom remains deeply committed to the United Nations.

But 80 years since its creation, with more countries engaged in conflict than ever before, we are falling short of its founding mission to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war.

And despite progress on health and education, significant global challenges remain.

The climate crisis is accelerating and the Sustainable Development Goals are off-track.

Why so? There is more to this than the often-mentioned liquidity crisis.

In 80 years, UN membership has increased from 51 to 193 Member States, but the UN and its institutions are not fully representative of all its members.

We now live in a multipolar world, not a bipolar or unipolar one, whose challenges, climate, pandemics and cyber security are more transnational than national.

As the Secretary-General reminded us and so many speakers today have reiterated, the Pact of the Future demonstrated a clear desire and a clear commitment to reinvigorate the multilateral system, including through reforming the UN and the international financial system.

Together, we need to redouble our efforts and find new ways to address emerging challenges.

2025, the UN’s 80th anniversary and a year of key summits, is the first step on this path.

Next month we have the Commission on the Status of Women and the Beijing +30 meeting; in June we have the UN Oceans Conference; in July FFD4.  And later in the year the UN Social Summit and COP30, back in Brazil.

Together, these summits seek to address our shared concerns.

Their success is critical for progress and the UN’s reputation as our multilateral home.

Second, we need to use the UN more effectively to deliver international peace and security.

Such progress must go hand in hand with upholding human rights.

This starts first and foremost with the defence of the UN Charter as colleagues have references.

Nowhere is that more true today than in Ukraine, whose sovereignty and territorial integrity is under threat from Russian aggression.

We must work to ensure that all UN tools, including its good offices, are used to deliver and advance peace.

For example, Personal Envoy Lamamra has a crucial platform to bring together the warring parties in Sudan.

We encourage reinvigorated momentum for mediation efforts, as well as a renewed focus on prevention to reduce crises before they happen.

This year’s Peacebuilding Architecture Review is an important opportunity in this regard.

We also need to refresh our peacekeeping approach to ensure missions are fit for purpose and defend UN peacekeepers wherever they serve.

Attacks against them are unacceptable.

We honour, in particular today, MONUSCO peacekeepers who have fallen in defence of civilians in the DRC.

Finally, in the face of growing global crises, from Sudan to Myanmar, we need to support the UN’s development and humanitarian programmes, across its agencies.

In Gaza, UNRWA, alongside the WFP and UNICEF, provides over 50% of all food aid.

We commend OCHA’s tireless efforts to reach those in need.

Humanitarian access and the protection of aid workers are integral to their successful delivery.

In conclusion, President, colleagues, the Council is often characterised as an ineffective geopolitical theatre.

While reform of its membership is needed and the UK supports that, this body has the tools to implement its peace and security mandate.

We now need to strengthen our collective will to use them more effectively and, as the Secretary-General has said, in our 80th year, work to build the more peaceful, just and prosperous world that we know is within reach.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 February 2025.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has summoned the Rwandan High Commissioner today (18 February) following advances made by the Rwandan Defence Force and M23 in eastern DRC.

An FCDO spokesperson said:

“The UK strongly condemns the advances of the Rwandan Defence Force and M23 in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

“These advances constitute an unacceptable violation of DRC’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Government of Rwanda must immediately withdraw all Rwanda Defence Force troops from Congolese territory.

“We urge Rwanda to immediately cease all hostilities and return to dialogue through African-led peace processes.”

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 February 2025.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations (C-34).

Peacekeeping is one of the UN’s most valuable tools to support global peace and security, including by preventing conflicts from escalating and creating space for political solutions. However, the nature of conflict is evolving and so must our approaches to addressing them.

I will make three points.

First, this year marks the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, which recognised the vital role women play in supporting peace and security.

To promote this agenda, the UK is proud to serve as co-chair of the Elsie Initiative for 2025, advancing the full, equal, and meaningful participation of women in peacekeeping, which, in turn, enhances the operational effectiveness of missions.

We also recognise the critical role that peace operations can play in countering conflict-related sexual violence. We should ensure that peacekeepers are equipped with comprehensive training to help them prevent and respond to the growing threat of sexual and gender-based violence.

We also need to ensure the highest standards in peace operations. This requires a zero-tolerance approach to sexual exploitation and abuse with stronger mechanisms to respond to instances where it occurs.

Second, peacekeeping depends on strong cooperation between the UN and Member States, including host countries and regional partners. We should continue enhancing collaboration and partnerships, including with regional organisations, in order to give missions the best chance of success. Security Council resolution 2719, enabling AU-led peace operations to access UN-assessed contributions, was an important step. And the UK supports the use of 2719 for the AU Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia.

We should also continue to challenge restrictions on the freedom of movement of missions, and violations of the Status of Forces Agreements which make mandates harder to deliver and undermine the protection of civilians.

Third, peacekeeping in 2025 remains a dangerous activity. I pay tribute to the 61 UN peacekeepers who lost their lives in 2024 and four so far in 2025. Attacks on UN peacekeepers are absolutely unacceptable and may constitute war crimes.

We particularly note the work and bravery of MONUSCO peacekeepers currently serving in Eastern DRC. They have worked tirelessly, and under great pressure, to deliver their mandate, especially the protection of civilians, in the face of M23’s takeover of Goma with support from the Rwandan Defence Forces.

To safeguard missions, we need robust contingency plans, intelligence capabilities, effective strategic communications, and measures to counter misinformation and disinformation. Peacekeepers should be equipped with the tools they need.

To conclude, the United Kingdom underscores its support for UN peacekeeping. We remain committed to working with partners to strengthen peacekeeping’s effectiveness and to ensure it can adapt to new challenges. We look forward to constructive discussions over the coming weeks and to agreeing a report which will help steer the work of the UN and its Member States over the coming year.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 17 February 2025.

Explanation of vote by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, following the vote on the UN Security Council resolution renewing the mandate of the 1591 Committee Panel of Experts.

We voted in favour of this resolution renewing the 1591 Panel of Experts and we thank the US for leading the negotiations.

I’ll make two points.

First, I want to highlight the catastrophic situation currently faced by thousands of displaced people at Zamzam Camp in Darfur.

We’ve seen reports that the Rapid Support Forces have launched a further assault contrary to this council’s demands in Resolution 2736.

There are harrowing accounts of shelling and targeting of civilians.

It’s reported that at least 40 civilians have been killed and shelters have been razed to the ground.

These are people who were already facing devastating levels of humanitarian need, including famine.

So we condemn these attacks.

We underscore the need for the protection of civilians in line with international law and the commitments made by the warring parties in the 2023 Jeddah Declaration.

The situation underscores the continued importance of the Panel’s reporting to support the Council’s work on Sudan.

And once again, we call on all Member States to refrain from external interference, which foments conflict and instability, and instead to support mediation efforts for a durable peace.

Second, we note that while the UK welcomes the renewal of the Panel’s mandate for a further 12 months, we would have preferred to maintain previous language which, among other things, called for the parties to the conflict to cease violations of international humanitarian law and abuses and violations of international human rights law, and strongly condemned attacks against civilians, including sexual and gender based violence.

President, it is vital that this Council remain focused on protecting civilians in Sudan given the violence being committed against so many.

The UK will continue to press for a much more urgent and more effective international response to the crisis, including a reinvigorated mediation process.