Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 12 December 2024.

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

Colleagues, as many before me have already highlighted, the Taliban’s latest announcement to restrict medical education for women is yet another appalling violation of Afghan women’s rights.

The United Kingdom unequivocally condemns this decision. Such a draconian and shortsighted policy will severely undermine the provision of healthcare to Afghan women and children, putting thousands of lives at risk.

It is yet another tragic setback, further adding to the suffering of Afghan women.

Meanwhile, a year since the publication of the Special Coordinator’s independent assessment, the implementation of its recommendations has been stalled.

We call for the swift appointment of a UN Special Envoy, as mandated in resolution 2721, to help bring Afghan stakeholders and the international community together in meaningful dialogue.

Alongside our international partners, the United Kingdom has engaged constructively with the UN-led process, including the establishment of working groups on counternarcotics and the private sector.

But engagement on the Taliban’s priorities requires reciprocity on their part. The Taliban must demonstrate meaningful progress towards Afghanistan’s international obligations on human rights, political inclusion, and counter terrorism.

Finally, we remain deeply concerned by the humanitarian situation as highlighted by USG Fletcher today. The United Kingdom will continue to support the people of Afghanistan through distribution of over $200 million in aid this financial year.

With the 2024 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan less than 40% funded, we call on the international community to do everything possible to support vulnerable Afghans, particularly in these winter months.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 12 December 2024.

Ambassador Holland thanks the Personal Representatives for their collaboration with the UK and work in defence of fundamental freedoms.

Thank you, Mr Chair. Rabbi Baker, Ambassador Akgün and Dr Polak, welcome back to the Permanent Council, and thank you for your reports today.

The UK remains committed to defending freedom of religion or belief for all, and promoting respect between different religious and non-religious communities.  Defending and promoting these principles remains a longstanding human rights priority for the UK’s work in multilateral organisations, including at the OSCE.

Respect for these fundamental freedoms is enshrined in the foundational texts of the OSCE because we recognise that religious intolerance and persecution fuels instability, impeding both conflict prevention and resolution. When freedom of religion or belief is respected, and interreligious dialogue is promoted, we can build trust and understanding between communities. Societies are stronger when they are inclusive – something we also see in understanding and preventing radicalisation and violent extremism, where drivers can be ideological, socio-economic, or personal.

I would like to thank Russia for paying such close attention to interfaith relations in the UK. Unfortunately, I don’t have time to return the favour. The UK is a proud multi-ethnic, multi-faith democracy. We are, however, cognisant of the challenges we face. Domestically, we are seeking to address underlying causes of religious hatred while supporting all victims, including by providing funding for Tell MAMA, the leading national organisation to monitor and support victims of anti-Muslim hatred; our Protective Security for Mosques scheme; and, the Jewish Community Protective Security Grant, which provides funding to the Community Security Trust, and helps keep members of the Jewish community safe.

In other words, we seek to role model the values we raise in this room, which can’t be said for everyone.

As we survey the global landscape, we must be honest with ourselves about the challenges we face in protecting fundamental freedoms and promoting tolerance and non-discrimination. More countries are engaged in conflict than at any time since the Second World War – including in our own region, with Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. And since 7 October 2023, we have seen a surge in antisemitism and Islamophobia.

It is a sobering and chilling picture, but one that should lead us to double down on our shared commitments and values and ensure we learn the lessons of the past.

In this spirit, the UK is proud to hold the presidency of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) until February 2025. The theme of our presidency is “in Plain Sight”, drawing attention to the fact that the Holocaust did not happen in a dark corner. During our time leading the IHRA, we have focused on safeguarding remembrance of the Holocaust, tackling distortion and securing the narrative for the future.

In October, we were pleased to work with you Rabbi Baker on the Holocaust Distortion and Education Conference in Bucharest, which we co-hosted with the OSCE, US and host country Romania. This provided a timely opportunity to examine the impact of emerging technologies on Holocaust denial and distortion.

As I said, we are also taking action to support Muslim communities in the UK. Islamophobia is abhorrent and the UK Government is committed to working with police and community partners to monitor and combat it. We are grateful to Ambassador Akgün for her contribution to a roundtable discussion at 10 Downing Street in London last month on anti-Muslim prejudice, the steps needed to combat it, and how we can foster greater inclusion and community cohesion.

Mr Chair, we have all seen the consequences of intolerance, discrimination and hatred and how they poison our societies. We made shared commitments to respect fundamental freedoms and prevent this from happening again. Together we can – and must – tackle this scourge.

Thank you, to all three of you for your important contributions this year.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 12 December 2024.

Joint Declaration by the Foreign Ministers of Germany, France, Italy, Poland, Spain, the United Kingdom as well as the High Representative of the European Union.

We, Foreign Ministers of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain and the United Kingdom as well as the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, have come together with the Foreign Minister of Ukraine today at a watershed moment in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.

The goals of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace for Ukraine and durable security for Europe are inseparable. Ukraine must prevail.

This is why after more than 1,000 days of Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine, we remain steadfast in our solidarity. We will continue to support Ukraine in its right of self-defence against Russian aggression.

We condemn in the strongest possible terms Russia’s decision to escalate its war of aggression through brutal and deliberate attacks against Ukraine’s cities and critical civilian infrastructure, by the deployment of DPRK troops and by using intermediate-range ballistic missiles to attack Ukraine.

We will continue to support Ukraine on its irreversible path to full Euro-Atlantic integration, including NATO membership.

We will continue to support Ukraine on its path towards accession to the European Union.

We reiterate our firm support for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine in accordance with international law, including the UN Charter with full respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

We will step up military, economic and financial aid to Ukraine, including by mobilizing additional European funding.

We stress that a rapid and collective implementation of the G7 50 billion dollar loan, in which Europeans play an important role, will help Ukraine cover urgent needs, including military ones.

We remain committed to supporting Ukraine’s repair, recovery and reconstruction, in coordination with international partners. URC 2025 will be hosted by Italy.

We will keep constraining the build-up of Russia’s military capabilities. We will pursue additional pressure on the Kremlin’s sources of revenue, including from energy.

We reaffirm our commitment to President Zelenskyy’s Peace Formula, as credible path towards a just and lasting peace.

There can be no negotiations about peace in Ukraine without Ukrainians and without Europeans by their side.

We are committed to providing Ukraine with ironclad security guarantees, including reliable long-term provision of military and financial support.

Convinced that peace in Ukraine and security in Europe are inseparable, we are determined to stand united with our European and transatlantic partners to think and act big on European security.

We therefore reaffirm the Warsaw Declaration of 19 November 2024. As one element, we need to improve European defense industry’s access to public and private finance with a view to closing the European capability gaps.

We consider this an opportunity to renew the foundations of the transatlantic Alliance with the United States of America by strengthening NATO and ensuring fair burden sharing within the Alliance, including through increased EU efforts in security and defence, and to build a more secure and more united Europe.

To that effect, we reiterate our steadfast commitment to a European security architecture based on the principles of the UN Charter and the OSCE.

We also discussed the current situation in Syria. After the downfall of the Assad regime, it is critical to preserve the territorial integrity of Syria and to respect its independence, its sovereignty, as well as state institutions, and to reject all forms of extremism. All stakeholders must uphold international law and protect members of all minorities, while engaging in an inclusive, Syrian-led and Syrian-owned dialogue on all key issues to ensure an orderly, peaceful and inclusive transition, in the spirit of UN Security Council Resolution 2254 and in accordance with the will of the Syrian people. Syria must be looked at also from a broader regional perspective. We welcomed the recent ceasefire in Lebanon and stress the need for a ceasefire, a hostage release deal and provide humanitarian aid at scale also in Gaza.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 12 December 2024.

Statement by UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) David True, at the 66th Meeting of the Executive Council (EC-M-66).

Thank you Director-General for convening the Council and for your detailed briefing. I assure you of the UK’s continuing full support.

The brutal history of chemical weapons use in Syria must never be repeated. We are monitoring developments in Syria and engaging with our partners in the region. We note Hayat Tahrir al-Sham’s commitment to protect chemical weapon sites, and not use chemical weapons under any circumstances. I reiterate that all parties in Syria are prohibited under UNSCR 2118 from using, developing, producing, otherwise acquiring, stockpiling or retaining chemical weapons, or transferring them to other States or non-State actors. Syria must continue to meet its obligations to the Chemical Weapons Convention. We also expect that personnel designated by the OPCW or the United Nations will be provided immediate and unfettered access — and the right to inspect — any and all chemical weapons sites. As my Foreign Secretary said, we will judge HTS by its actions.

The OPCW’s Declarations Assessment Team increased the number of outstanding issues with Syria’s chemical weapon declaration to 19 this year. Considering the complete lack of credible engagement with the OPCW by the previous Syrian Regime and at least 38 Assad directed chemical weapons attacks since 2013, it is likely that Syria’s declaration is even less accurate that many of us feared.  Any unsecured toxic chemicals, research and production facilities present a significant proliferation risk at a time of increasing instability in the Middle East.

The priority must be, therefore, to identify the extent of the Syrian chemical weapons programme, to secure it and then begin the work of destroying it. This will be no simple task. It will require significant financial and logistical resource, wide diplomatic engagement, and coordination with the UN, other international organisations and civil society – including Syrian NGOs operating within the territory.

The OPCW is not new to this. It has verified the destruction of large scale programmes, including within countries suffering the effects of civil war.  But the Technical Secretariat cannot do this alone. This Council and all Chemical Weapon Convention States Parties must commit to providing the support it requires to deliver its mandate and help eliminate the serious risk posed by the Assad regime’s chemical weapon programme. We must step up. The UK is committed to ensuring the Technical Secretariat can deliver an expanded Syria mission.

Assad has committed brutal atrocities against his own people for the last 13 years. The Syrian people have suffered for too long under his cruel tyranny. So many have been victim to his use of chemical weapons. They deserve a brighter future. They deserve justice. The work of the OPCW Fact Finding Mission and the Investigation and Identification Team must continue and both teams should be afforded unfettered access to Syria. Meanwhile, the UK will continue to work with a group of states from Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe to consider criminal accountability for chemical weapons use.

I offer the UK’s full support to the Technical Secretariat as it works to confirm the status of the Syrian chemical weapons programme and prepares for an expanded mission.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 12 December 2024.

Ambassador Holland sets out some of the examples of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and its OSCE commitments that we have witnessed so far in 2024.

Thank you, Madam Chair. We are nearing the end of another calendar year of Russian aggression against both Ukraine and the foundational principles of the OSCE. 2024 has seen no shortage of lowlights.

We have seen an intensification of attacks against critical energy infrastructure, particularly over the past few months. These attacks threaten the power supply to Ukraine’s nuclear power plants and further demonstrate Russia’s disregard for nuclear safety. The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine concluded that they potentially constituted a crime against humanity.

There have been countless strikes against civilian targets, with the UN reporting at least 1770 civilian casualties between the start of the year and 31 October. On Tuesday, a Russian missile attack killed at least ten  people and injured another 22 – including a child – in the city of Zaporizhzhia. This follows a missile strike, in May, on a busy hardware store in Kharkiv and the appalling attack on the Okhmatdyt Children’s Hospital in July.

In April, we received a Moscow Mechanism expert report which confirmed that thousands of Ukrainian civilians had been arbitrarily detained by Russia since 2014.  Among those illegally detained are our Special Monitoring Mission colleagues and representatives of local government, including at least three mayors of Ukrainian municipalities. We note with concern recent reports that Yevhen Matvieiev, mayor of Dniprorudnyy, has died in Russian captivity.

At meetings of this Council in 2024, 40 States have documented Russia’s malign activities and interference in the OSCE region. These reckless actions aim to undermine support for Ukraine. They will not work – and have only succeeded in strengthening our resolve.

We have seen a dangerous expansion of Russia’s cooperation with Iran and DPRK, including the provision of ballistic missiles, and the deployment of thousands of North Korean troops on European soil.  This is a violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions and carries serious implications for the security of Europe and the Indo-Pacific region.

Madam Chair, this is not an exhaustive list.  It doesn’t cover the increasing execution of prisoners of war, the grim milestone of 1000 days since Russia launched its full-scale invasion, reports on the use of chemical weapons on the battlefield, strikes against civilian ships carrying grain for the world’s most vulnerable, and independent bodies finding Russia’s use of torture is “widespread and systematic”. I could continue.

While it is important that we record Russia’s many violations of its OSCE obligations, we should not lose sight of the moments for optimism. Almost 100 countries and institutions coming together for the Summit on Peace. Further progress on Ukraine’s journey towards Euro-Atlantic integration. Agreements reached on the exchange of POWs. And, over 3000 delegates attending the 2024 Ukraine Recovery Conference in Berlin and securing over $16bn in new support for Ukraine. But most important of all, Ukraine and Ukrainians have remained resilient and strong in defence of their homeland and our shared values. We confirm once again our strong support of them and urge the Russian state to immediately end its war of aggression and respect its OSCE commitments. Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 12 December 2024.

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

Thank you, Mr President,

We welcome the delegation from Ethiopia, led by Ministry of Justice State Minister, Belayihun Yirga Kifle. We welcome their election to the Human Rights Council.

The UK recognises the government of Ethiopia’s recent progress through the Transitional Justice policy and implementation roadmap, and we welcome the commencement of the Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration programme.

However, it is clear that ongoing conflicts since the last review threaten progress on human rights.

We recommend the government of Ethiopia:

1. Ensures that all perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses are held to account;
2. Ensures too that the implementation of laws during a state of emergency is consistent with Ethiopia’s obligations under international human rights law; and
3. Resolves all internal conflicts in Ethiopia, with the most impact on human rights, through commitment to genuine political processes.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 12 December 2024.

UK joins statement at the OSCE which says Russian measures are tools of authoritarianism and control – creating a climate of fear, impacting the human rights and freedoms of all Russians.

Madam Chair,

I am delivering this statement on behalf of Liechtenstein, Iceland, Norway, the United Kingdom, the United States and my own country Canada.

December 10th, Human Rights Day, commemorates the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948. The UDHR laid the foundation for a series of widely ratified human rights treaties, which form much of the structure of international human rights law today. These are the rules. commitments, and obligations to which states bound themselves with a view to respecting and protecting the inherent dignity of the human person.

In 1975, in the Helsinki Final Act, participating States reaffirmed their commitment to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms and acknowledged the intrinsic link between human rights and security. The signing of the Helsinki Final Act had a profound impact on human rights activism, sparking the creation of “Helsinki Committees” and “Helsinki Watch” groups which monitored their governments’ compliance with human rights principles. We have seen in our region how increased respect for human rights can bring tangible change and benefit for people.

We are also seeing how a disregard for human rights can bring not only suffering for individuals but also undermine security and stability for communities and societies.

In the OSCE region, we are reminded of this daily by the terrible abuses of human rights committed by Russia in the context of their war of aggression against Ukraine.

But human rights abuses and violations are not limited to the context of this war.

We are alarmed by reports this week of a new wave of raids conducted in clubs and bars in Moscow, described by the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs as part of the “fight against LGBT propaganda.” In some establishments clients were forced to lie face down on the floor, other clients were reportedly given summonses to the military registration and enlistment office, while others were fined for hooliganism. Individuals have even been charged with “organizing extremist activity” simply for providing business services to LGBTQIA+ people.

The incompatibility of Russia’s “anti-LGBT propaganda” laws with its human rights obligations was confirmed by the European Court of Human Rights. Furthermore, UN experts and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights have raised serious concerns about the dangerous precedent set by declaring the “international LGBT movement” as “extremist.” Since the adoption of these laws, we have seen the tangible impact of these designations in the repeated use of the state apparatus to harass and persecute LGBTQIA+ individuals in Russia.

Moreover, the measures Russia has introduced are tools of authoritarianism and control – creating a climate of fear and ultimately impacting the human rights and freedoms of all Russians.

Regrettably, we have seen other participating States move to replicate this approach by restricting LGBTQIA+ content in media, education, and public spaces.

We urge those participating States, and those considering such legislation, to reconsider. We urge this not based on our opinion or perspective but rather based on the standards that we have all agreed – on the basis of the UDHR, on the basis of our human rights obligations, and on the basis of our OSCE commitments.

This is not a culture war. It is not a question of West of Vienna versus East of Vienna, because there is no difference in the human dimension commitments that we all, as participating States, have accepted. The best way to protect values is to ensure that the human rights of all individuals are respected.

Madam Chair

No country or society is free from discrimination and intolerance. All participating States must work to ensure respect for the human rights of their populations.

In marking this Human Rights Day, let us recommit ourselves to respecting and protecting the inherent dignity of the human person everywhere in this region.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 12 December 2024.

David Lammy begins his first visit to the Caribbean as Foreign Secretary, where he will launch new partnerships to strengthen national security.

• UK announces new programme to tackle organised crime, corruption and drug trafficking
• Foreign Secretary will visit Guyana and Barbados, 2 of the most dynamic economies in the Caribbean
• major infrastructure deal for British business on the agenda, highlighting the government’s commitment to opening new overseas markets for UK firms and driving up prosperity

David Lammy begins his first visit to the Caribbean as Foreign Secretary, where (on Thursday 12 December) he will launch a new partnership to help tackle organised crime, boost economic growth and adapt to the climate crisis, all key to strengthening national security.

While in Barbados, the UK will finalise agreements aimed at preventing organised crime and reducing violence, making people in the Caribbean and the UK safer. The government will offer British expertise – to help regional authorities investigate and disrupt criminal networks to strengthen law enforcement, tackle gangs and keep drugs out of the Caribbean Sea and off UK streets – a part of this government’s mission for making safer streets and so British people can live their lives without fear of crime. He will make the announcement at the IDB Latin America & Caribbean Security Ministers Conference.

The Foreign Secretary will then travel to Guyana, the world’s fastest growing economy, to strengthen ties between both countries. On Friday 13, he will visit a maternity hospital in Guyana’s capital Georgetown, which is being constructed using steel manufactured in Yorkshire. This underscores how UK exports are improving Guyana’s healthcare provision, while creating jobs back in Britain to help build the foundations of a stronger economy and deliver on this government’s Plan for Change.

He will also seek to push forward a major infrastructure deal for British construction businesses to help in the expansion of Guyana’s main international airport. This highlights the government’s commitment to opening new overseas markets for UK firms, driving up prosperity and deliver national renewal.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

As the son of Guyanese parents, I am living proof of the ties the UK shares with the Caribbean. Building our ties with these fast-growing economies in the region will make the UK and the Caribbean safer, stronger, more prosperous and more resilient against the climate crisis.

Growth and prosperity in the UK rely on security and stability around the world – which is why we are helping to tackle organised crime and corruption, keeping drugs off UK streets and hitting the criminal networks involved in the narcotics trade in the Caribbean. The government’s plan to smash the gangs means working with our partners to bolster our national security.

Following the devastation caused by Hurricane Beryl, the Foreign Secretary will travel with Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Mottley to areas damaged by the storm and see firsthand how climate change is having a real impact on the Caribbean and island states.

David Lammy will announce new UK funding to help countries in the region harness green energy resources and move away from fossil fuel use. He will set out a new programme to help protect forests and tackle illegal logging, helping protect vital natural habitats.

UK minister for the Caribbean, Baroness Chapman will also be part of the UK delegation meeting Prime Minister Mia Mottley in Barbados. She will accompany the Foreign Secretary around the island alongside the Prime Minister.

The minister will then join the Foreign Secretary at the Regional Security System (RSS) headquarters in Barbados, where they will be shown how the UK is supporting the fight against drug trafficking and organised crime across the region.

In Guyana, the fastest growing economy in the world and the UK’s biggest trading partner in the region, the Foreign Secretary will hold talks with President Ali to discuss how to boost commercial ties between both countries, alongside tackling issues of common concern, including the climate crisis. He will also show the UK’s steadfast support for Guyanese territorial integrity, in the face of illegitimate Venezuelan claims to Essequibo.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 12 December 2024.

The UK Special Representative to Sudan, Richard Crowder, led a UK delegation to Port Sudan this week – the first official UK visit to Sudan since the outbreak of the conflict in April 2023.

Richard met with several members of the Transitional Sovereignty Council. He emphasised the importance of allowing unrestricted humanitarian access into Sudan and across conflict lines.

He pressed for a resolution to the conflict, and for all parties to engage constructively in mediation talks, including complying with the Jeddah Declaration of Commitments to Protect Civilians.

The UK will continue to call for the protection of civilians and condemns the recent attacks on a marketplace in Kabkabiya and shelling of Omdurman.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

For over eighteen months, Sudanese civilians have endured unimaginable violence, and their suffering is a scar on our collective conscience.

The UK has doubled our aid commitment, but every aid route must be open, accessible and safe. The UK will not stop working with our partners in Africa, the region and around the world to help. We will not forget Sudan.

The UK delegation, which included humanitarian experts, also met humanitarian partners and saw the impact of UK aid on the ground in Port Sudan.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 11 December 2024.

FCDO’s Minister for Human Rights, Lord Collins of Highbury, gave a speech at a stakeholder event to mark International Human Rights Day.

Welcome everyone.

It’s great to see you all – both here in the room and all of you online joining from our overseas network.

At its heart, human rights are about our inherent dignity.

The idea that everyone, regardless of who they are, should be treated with respect.

For me, human rights, rule of law and democratic governance are not just abstract values.

They are powerful enablers for the key missions of this government.

Indeed, the missions of our government, including economic growth, can enable the realisation of rights.

Since I took office, I have seen much of the great work we do to support human rights and democratic governance across the world.

I passionately believe in our ability to make a positive impact.

But only a coherent approach, working in partnership with others, can deliver the impact we want.

So as Human Rights Minister, I want to share my 5 priorities to help deliver the key missions of the government.

First, I want to focus on defending civic space and fundamental freedoms.

Because one of the most important ingredients of a healthy democracy is a vibrant civil society and it enables people to hold their governments to account.

Yet a third of the world’s population today lives in countries with a closed civic space.

Clearly we need to find better ways of empowering local civil society.

So we will change the way we work with them.

Prioritise their sustainability and help them advocate for the needs of the communities they serve.

And we will promote media freedom to ensure free flow of reliable and trustworthy information.

Finally, we must support human rights defenders, including trade unions and those promoting workers’ rights, who sometimes risk their lives by speaking out.

We are doing that by refreshing our human rights defender guidance and redirecting funding to support those at risk.

I am delighted that Becky, a Human Rights Defender from Kenya, will be joining our discussion later today, someone who I met earlier on and heard her first hand account. It’s her voice that we need to hear, not simply government voices.

My second priority, is upholding the rule of law.

We are committed to the institutions that promote the international rule of law, including at the United Nations, the Council of Europe and OSCE.

We need to build and broaden alliances, and listen to the views of others, even where we might disagree.

To that end, I am pleased to confirm that we are bidding for another term on the Human Rights Council from 2026.

It also matters that perpetrators of atrocities know that justice awaits them.

That’s why we strongly support an effective and independent International Criminal Court.

But accountability is not just about justice in international courts, but justice at the local level too.

So we are helping Ukraine build capacity to investigate and prosecute allegations of war crimes in its own judicial system.

And in Nigeria we are sharing best practice with prosecutors on dealing with vulnerable witnesses such as children, and survivors of sexual violence.

We will also continue to promote compliance with International Humanitarian Law.

And I of course, cannot talk about that without mentioning Gaza, where the humanitarian situation is catastrophic and completely unacceptable.

We will work tirelessly with international partners to bring about a ceasefire,  release of hostages, and get aid flowing.

Finally, as the Prime Minister’s newly appointed Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict, I will put survivors at the heart of our approach, helping amplify their voices and strengthen our collective action.

My third priority is to champion equal rights for all.

Stalling progress on the rights of women, girls, LGBT+ people, and those belonging to other marginalised groups is troubling.

Those fighting the backlash, often face violent reprisals.

Now more than ever, we must stand in solidarity with them.

We will advocate for the rights and freedoms of women and girls at every opportunity.

That includes sexual and reproductive health and rights.

And we will support Women’s Rights Organisations and challenge harmful disinformation.

When it comes to women in politics, I know how stark the challenge is.

That’s why we will support the Westminster Foundation for Democracy to work with female parliamentarians to address barriers to their political empowerment.

We have also announced a ground-breaking global programme to tackle online violence and abuse against women and girls around the world, backed by more than £27 million of funding.

Finally, we will defend the rights of people belonging to vulnerable and marginalised groups.

This year, for the first time, we are funding the Commonwealth Disabled People’s Forum to advocate for disability rights.

And by championing freedom of religion or belief for all, we are fighting back against the threats so many people face for simply what they do, or do not, believe in.

Moving to my fourth priority, to support accountable, effective, and inclusive institutions.

This is essential for the delivery of Sustainable Development Goal 16, building peaceful and inclusive societies.

We will strengthen institutions that contribute to peaceful, free and fair elections and to work with partners to protect democratic processes and strengthen government legitimacy.

In Moldova, for example, we’ve helped President Sandu’s government counter Russian disinformation, and in Brazil we’re sharing UK expertise in online safety.

This is also about improving citizens’ faith in democracy.

So in Nigeria, we’re supporting Kaduna State to improve budget transparency.

And in Nepal, we’re continuing work with the country – to support the transition from conflict to democracy.

My final priority is to respond to the global challenges by prioritising human rights and governance principles.

We are sadly living in a time of unprecedented change and uncertainty, whether that’s caused by climate, technology or conflicts.

And we cannot tackle them unless we make human rights and governance principles central to our efforts.

So we will work flat out to end all forms of modern slavery and promote business and human rights.

We will ensure that human rights and governance principles are embedded in the use of new technologies.

We will engage internationally to address the human rights impacts of the climate and nature emergency.

Finally, with armed conflict reaching record heights, our ability to anticipate atrocities will be critical to preventing them.

So we are acting to support civil society organisations to improve best practice.

For example, we’re funding the UK-based Centre for Information Resilience, to remotely verify and document digital content relating to horrific violence relating to conflict in Sudan.

In summary, these priorities are designed to provide a framework to anchor the work of our global network of embassies.

Of course, it is not possible to implement them  everywhere at once.

We will have to prioritise and be realistic.

Change will only happen through partnership with all actors, including many of you in this room.

Because change only happens when we follow up the grand words with practical action, using our diplomatic and development levers to deliver maximum impact on the ground.

Only then can we succeed in giving everyone, and I mean everyone, the dignity they want, need and deserve.

Thank you very much.