Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 29 January 2025.

UK Statement at Madagascar’s Universal Periodic Review at the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Thank you, Mr Vice President,

The United Kingdom thanks Madagascar for setting out its efforts to protect human rights. We urge the government to implement the new code of work, and to provide clarification that the work code also covers child labour.

We urge the government to ensure that all children have access to free primary and secondary education and to strengthen children’s rights and fair living conditions.

We recommend:

1. Improve the quality and accessibility of services in health centres by applying free primary care, eradicating discrimination against the poor, lowering the price of medicine, and increasing the number of hospitals, health centres and health staff working in childcare.
2. Implement a registration and identification process of children who are effectively homeless and to strengthen existing laws to protect them from further exploitation.
3. Strengthen women’s economic empowerment and strengthen support for victims of sexual abuse.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 29 January 2025.

Ambassador Holland reiterates the UK’s support to Ukraine, and calls on Russia to end its war and return to dialogue and risk reduction – including in the Forum for Security Cooperation.

Thank you Mr Chair, dear Cristobal, and to your Foreign Minister, for setting out Spain’s priorities for the Forum for Security Co-operation this Trimester.  You can count on the UK’s steadfast support, as you Chair our Forum at this crucial time for Euro-Atlantic Security.

Over the winter period, many of us marked Christmas and the New Year.  But the people of Ukraine have had no rest.  Today marks 1069 days of their ongoing defence of their homeland, from a full-scale invasion which continues to violate the UN Charter and to contravene the Helsinki Final Act’s core principles, including those on sovereignty, territorial integrity and the non-use of force.

That is why each week, we have met in this Forum to support Ukraine and to hold Russia accountable for breaching its commitments.  And that is why we particularly welcome Spain’s proposed FSC topic on Women, Peace & Security.

Mr Chair, our Ministers mandated the Forum to hold a weekly politico-military dialogue, with tasks that include risk-reduction.  They mandated the Chair to ‘ensure the good order and smooth running of meetings’.  To set the agenda.  And to select and invite guest speakers.  We fully support the Chair’s prerogative to execute its mandate.

Unfortunately, at the closing session last Trimester, we had to condemn the Russian delegation – for a fourth Trimester in a row – for its attempts to disrupt the FSC from functioning at all.  Once again, I express my thanks to Denmark, and to other previous Chairs, for keeping the Forum functional, despite Russia’s attempts to prevent it.

As we said repeatedly, there remains another path.  If the Russian state’s professed wish for peace is genuine, it must end this war by withdrawing all of its forces to outside of Ukraine’s internationally recognised borders.  And from Georgia and Moldova.  If the Russian state is serious about dialogue and risk reduction, it must stop trying to undermine our Ministerial mandate of this Forum meeting each week.

I wish to conclude by welcoming Estonia to the FSC Troika, and to thank Croatia for their work as they leave the Troika.  And most importantly, I wish you, Mr Chair, and your able teams here in Vienna and in Madrid the best of luck this Trimester.  You can count on the support of the UK delegation.

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

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

The UK is deeply alarmed by the events that have unfolded in eastern DRC.

Since we met on Sunday, M23, with support from the Rwandan Defence Forces, have closed in on Goma. M23 have declared that it is now under their control.

The humanitarian impacts are dire. The advances have displaced close to one million people in North and South Kivu. Civilian casualties are rising.

Hundreds of thousands of people who have already fled from M23’s advances, many of them several times before, are now on the move again, with virtually nowhere safe to go.

How many times must they pack up their lives and flee? The cycle must end.

The UK is also deeply concerned by the limited ability of humanitarian actors to get help to those who need it.

Key humanitarian routes – land, water and air – are closed and hospitals are overcrowded, with staff risking their own lives to provide emergency assistance.

More than 800,000 people in the area who were prioritised for support may no longer receive vital food and nutritional assistance.

We call on the parties not to obstruct the vital services that humanitarians are providing, and to cease hostilities and uphold the protection of humanitarian workers, as required in international humanitarian law.

We also urge all parties to consider essential humanitarian corridors to allow the resupply and delivery of essential life-saving items and the freedom and safe movement of civilians and humanitarian actors.

President, the UK is deeply concerned by the continued endangering of peacekeepers’ lives.

On Sunday I expressed my condolences to the families of the thirteen who have already been killed. Since then, four more peacekeepers have tragically been killed. We urge an immediate end to this violence.

We commend the leadership of MONUSCO and your courage under fire, and we thank you for their vital work.

Finally, President, the UK’s Foreign Secretary and Minister for Africa have spoken with Rwanda at the highest levels, as well as with wider partners in the region.

And we have made clear that there can be no military solution.

We urge all parties to cease hostilities and return to diplomatic talks immediately without preconditions.

We remain committed to ensuring this Council takes the necessary action to support an end to this conflict.

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

UK Statement at Iraq’s Universal Periodic Review at the Human Rights Council in Geneva. Delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

Thank you, Mr President,

The United Kingdom welcomes the steps taken by Iraq in 2024 to implement the Yazidi Survivors Law, a groundbreaking piece of legislation and an important first step to provide justice for survivors.

We urge the Government to ensure the protection of freedom of expression and freedom of peaceful assembly, and to strengthen legal protection guarantees for journalists, the media and civil society.

We recommend that Iraq:

1. Protects the right to freedom of assembly, including by holding accountable any perpetrators of violence against protestors.
2. Strengthens the capacity and independence of the judicial system to investigate and prosecute perpetrators of sexual violence, and provide effective and necessary support for victims.
3. Ensures that amendments to Iraq’s Personal Status Law, including the code to be subsequently developed, are in line with Iraq’s International Commitments on women and children’s rights.

Thank you.

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

UK Statement at Iran’s Universal Periodic Review at the Human Rights Council in Geneva. Delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

Thank you, Mr President.

The United Kingdom welcomes Iran’s engagement with the UPR.

We have noted President Pezeshkian’s election campaign comments on human rights issues, including the negative implications of hijab enforcement and internet filtering.

We remain deeply concerned about Iran’s failure to uphold its international legal obligations. In particular, its violent enforcement of mandatory veiling, intimidation of human rights defenders and journalists, and discrimination against minority groups.

We recommend that Iran:

1. Guarantees all individuals, but especially those facing charges carrying the death penalty, a fair trial, consistent with obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Right, including access to a lawyer of their choosing.
2. Grants access to Human Rights Council mandate holders, including the Special Rapporteur on Iran.
3. Ratifies the UN Convention Against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.

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

Statement at Egypt’s Periodic Review at the Human Rights Council in Geneva. Delivered by the UK’s Permanent Representative to the UK, Simon Manley.

Thank you, Mr President.

The United Kingdom recognises Egypt’s progress, including the 2021 National Human Rights Strategy.

The arbitrary detention of journalists, activists and human rights defenders remains deeply concerning. The continued detention of Alaa Abd El-Fattah, detained for spreading false news, who has now served his five-year sentence including pre-trial detention, is unacceptable.

We recommend that Egypt:

1. Releases Human Rights Defender Alaa Abd El-Fattah,
2. Releases all detainees held for exercising their right to freedom of expression and lifts restrictions on news and social media websites in line with the ICCPR.
3. Ensures the new Criminal Procedures Code guarantees fair trial standards, and ends the practice of ‘rotating’ detainees in pre-trial detention,

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

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on the ICC’s work in Sudan.

First, the Prosecutor was clear that the conflict in Sudan has gone on for far too long.

My Foreign Secretary saw the scale of the suffering for himself when he visited the Adre crossing on the Chad-Sudan border on Saturday.

As the Foreign Secretary said, this is the biggest humanitarian crisis in the world.

For this reason, the UK has announced a further £20m in funding to assist with increased food production and life-saving sexual and reproductive health services for refugees fleeing Sudan.

This builds on our announcement in November of the doubling of our aid to over £226m.

These funds are delivering emergency food assistance to almost 800,000 displaced people.

They are providing improved access to shelter, drinking water, emergency healthcare and education.

Further efforts to galvanise international support are also required.

This is why my Foreign Secretary announced his intention to convene a meeting of foreign ministers to ensure aid gets to where it is needed most and to re-energise efforts to end this conflict.

Second, the International Criminal Court has a key role to play in ensuring perpetrators are held accountable for crimes committed in Darfur.

In that context, the United Kingdom welcomes the creation of a structured dialogue between the Office of the Prosecutor and Civil Society Organisations.

This can help ensure that the voices of victims are heard.

We further welcome the conclusion of the Ali Kushayb trial in December 2024.

As the first trial to be concluded in a Situation referred to the Court by the UN Security Council, this represents a historic milestone.

We look forward to hearing updates on any further applications for arrest warrants.

Third, the UK reiterates our call for full cooperation with the Court.

We welcome the constructive engagement by the Sudanese authorities with the ICC during this reporting period.

We further urge them to cooperate with the ICC to ensure the arrest and surrender of those subject to outstanding arrest warrants: Omar Al Bashir, Abdel Raheem Muhammad Hussein and Ahmad Harun.

Mr President, let me conclude by reiterating the UK’s continued support for the Court, and our respect for its independence.

It is important that the ICC is able to carry out its important work in Darfur and elsewhere without interference.

Sanctioning the ICC in response to one of its decisions would impede its ability to carry out this important work, in Darfur, Venezuela, Ukraine and in all situations where the Court is active.

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

Australia, Canada, the EU, New Zealand and the UK have released a joint statement following Belarus’ sham presidential elections on 26 January 2025.

Joint statement from the Commonwealth of Australia, Canada, The European Union, New Zealand, and The United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland:

We are united in our condemnation of the sham presidential elections in Belarus on 26 January and the ongoing human rights violations perpetrated by the Belarusian regime. Recently announced sanctions represent a coordinated, multilateral effort to hold the Lukashenko regime to account.

No election can be considered free, fair or in line with international standards when it is held in a climate of ongoing repression, marked by a clampdown on civil society, arbitrary detentions, and restrictions on genuine political participation. The regime’s decision to invite the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe / Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights to observe only 10 days before the elections prevented ODIHR’s access to key stages of the election process. These actions are at odds with Belarus’ international commitments and demonstrate a clear desire to avoid transparency in the electoral process.

We condemn the ongoing appalling human rights violations committed by the Lukashenko regime and call on them to release the over 1,250 political prisoners who remain unjustly detained. We urge Belarus to follow its international human rights obligations and OSCE commitments in all respects, including restoring an open civil society, to create an environment in which new elections which meet international standards can be held. We stand with the Belarusian people and recognise their right to determine their own future in a genuinely free and fair manner, without fear, oppression or external interference.

We will continue to support the aspirations of the Belarusian people for a free, democratic and independent Belarus.

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

The UK has sanctioned 9 individuals and defence sector entities in Belarus in coordination with Canada.

• UK sanctions 6 individuals and 3 entities alongside Canada, in an immediate response to rigged presidential election in Belarus
• sanctions target leaders of institutions responsible for serious human rights violations and companies in the Belarusian defence sector supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine
• action demonstrates government’s commitment to working internationally to deter threats and protect national security, a foundation in the government’s Plan for Change

The Chairman of the Belarusian Central Election Commission is among 9 individuals and entities designated by the UK today (Monday 27 January) in a fresh wave of sanctions in response to yesterday’s sham election in Belarus.

Following Lukashenko’s brutal crackdown in which critical voices within Belarus have been silenced, yesterday’s sham election failed to meet international standards and has been condemned by international partners.

Alongside sanctioning leaders of institutions responsible for serious human rights violations in the country, the UK has excluded Belarusian defence companies from the UK economy – a sector of strategic importance to Lukashenko’s regime which is helping to facilitate Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Working with international partners to protect UK national security is essential to deliver the foundations of the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

The world has become well-accustomed to Lukashenko’s cynical pretence of democracy in Belarus, while in reality he brutally represses civil society and opposition voices to strengthen his grip on power.

The UK, alongside our partners, will continue to stand by the people of Belarus and expose those who deny them their legitimate right to freedom and democracy.

According to the Viasna Human Rights Centre, a Belarusian non-governmental organisation in exile, over 1,250 political prisoners are incarcerated in Belarus, including civil society representatives, human rights defenders, journalists, political opponents, religious leaders,  and trade unionists. Many political prisoners are held in shocking conditions, facing isolation, mistreatment and a lack of medical care.

Today’s designations include Heads of ‘GUBOPiK’; one of the main security forces responsible for political persecution in Belarus. Individuals sanctioned today are:

1. Igor Vasilyevich KARPENKO – Chairman of the Belarusian Central Election Commission.
2. Viktor Alexandrovich DUBROVKA – Head of the Belarusian correctional institution Penal Colony No11, Vaukavysk
3. Pavel Ivanovich KAZAKOV – Head of the Belarusian correctional institution Prison No 1, Hrodno.
4. Andrey Mikhailovich TSEDRIK – Commanding Officer of Pre-trial Detention Centre (SIZO) No 1, Minsk.
5. Andrei Valerievich ANANENKO – Head of GUBOPiK.
6. Mikhail Petrovitch BEDUNKEVICH – Deputy Head of GUBOPiK.

Belarus has provided support for Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, allowing the use of its territory and airspace to launch attacks and provided kit and logistical support.

The 3 entities from Belarus’ defence sector sanctioned today are:

1. ALEVKURP OJSC – a company affiliated to the Government of Belarus specialising in research and development and manufacturing of radar systems and weapon control systems.
2. Legmash Plant JSC – a Belarusian company producing ammunition for the Belarusian defence sector.
3. KB Unmanned Helicopters (UAVHeli) – a Belarusian unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developer and manufacturer.

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

• Minister for Africa Lord Collins announces support to extend electricity access to millions across Africa.
• New deal between British International Investment and UK cleantech company MOPO will connect over a million people across the DRC to renewable energy sources, delivering on the Plan for Change by unleashing the power of British technological innovation.
• UK partnership with the African Development Bank will also channel private sector capital into African clean energy.

Millions more people across Africa will have access to clean power thanks to UK investment, Africa Minister Lord Collins has announced.

This comes as UK Special Representative for Climate Rachel Kyte attends the Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit today [27 January] in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.

The UK is one of the largest investors in clean energy in Africa and is working in partnership to support the Mission 300 initiative, which aims to expand electricity access to 300 million people in Africa by 2030. Half of Africa’s population – 600 million people – lack vital access to electricity.

Lord Collins is announcing a £5.3 million new deal between British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance institution, and UK cleantech firm MOPO.

This investment will enable MOPO to expand its pay-per-use battery rental operations in the DRC where over 80% of the population lack access to electricity. It demonstrates how UK companies are unlocking new opportunities for growth and positive impact that the clean energy transition has to offer in the UK and beyond.

Lord Collins will also announce new UK support of £8.5 million towards the African Development Bank’s Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA) to build on existing efforts between the UK and African partners to connect millions of people across the continent with clean, reliable power.

Today’s announcement will unlock private sector investment in renewable energy projects including clean cooking and energy efficiency.

The support, which will be delivered as part of the UK’s Africa Regional Climate and Nature Programme (ARCAN), will accelerate renewable energy adoption and improve energy efficiency, developing solar-powered mini-grids in rural communities and providing technical assistance for large-scale renewable energy projects.

Minister for Africa Lord Collins of Highbury said:

The UK has set a landmark goal to be the first major economy to deliver clean power by 2030, and through our Plan for Change we’ll harness technology to transform the UK into a clean energy superpower. We want to leverage this ambition with our African partners to power green growth, eradicate poverty and tackle climate change.

Connecting the continent to clean, reliable energy is vital, and UK support is helping ensure millions are getting the access they need to prosper through planet-friendly solutions. This will also allow us to deepen our partnerships across Africa, sharing expertise, finance and innovation.

These announcements from Lord Collins show how the UK Government is delivering on the Plan for Change, which will transform the UK into a clean energy superpower, cutting bills and guaranteeing our energy independence, while championing clean technology innovation overseas  and generating opportunities for investment and jobs in British businesses.

Speaking at the summit, the UK’s Special Representative on Climate, Rachel Kyte, said:

Reliable, affordable and clean energy is the cornerstone of economic growth and development. Clean energy, through modern grids and distributed renewable energy offers an opportunity for inclusive growth. Helping end energy poverty supports growth, builds resilience and puts countries on a pathway that helps our common challenge of fighting climate change.  The UK is working with partners across Africa to connect millions of people in the region with cleaner and more efficient power. That is why I’m pleased to be at this summit, supporting Mission 300 and reaffirming our commitment to our shared sustainable development goals especially in Africa.

At the summit, the UK’s Special Representative for Climate will set out how the UK is deepening our partnerships with African nations and multilateral institutions to fuel the clean energy revolution and stimulate growth whilst tackling the climate emergency.

Leslie Maasdorp, BII CEO said:

At BII we want to use our distinctive position, and track record, to create more early-stage solutions that help expand access to energy for more Africans. This is demonstrated through our investment in MOPO, which is expected to reach over a million people in DRC where energy access is limited.

More broadly, we welcome the partnership of African governments, as well as other institutions like the African Development Bank, in making that ambition a reality.

Today’s announcements at the Dar Es Salaam summit also reinforce the long-standing UK-Tanzania partnership.

Tanzania was one of the first countries to sign up to the first mission of the UK’s Global Clean Power Alliance. The two countries are working together to boost the global clean energy transition, whilst furthering trade opportunities that will create jobs and deliver economic growth.