Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 November 2024.

Deputy Ambassador Brown thanks the Co-Chairs of the Geneva International Discussions for their work in the 62nd round of discussions held on 5-6 November.

The United Kingdom continues to strongly support the Geneva International Discussions (GID). We thank the Co-Chairs for their work in the 62nd round of discussions held on 5-6 November, and welcome Magdalena Grono in co-chairing discussions for the first time as EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the Crisis in Georgia. As the only international forum that brings together all sides from the conflict, the GID plays a vital role in trying to achieve a lasting resolution and address the consequences of the conflict.

The United Kingdom welcomes the continued discussion on core issues, in particular the implementation of the 2008 six-point agreement. We encourage further efforts to make tangible progress, and once again call on the Russian Federation to immediately fulfil its obligation under the ceasefire agreement to withdraw its forces to pre-conflict positions and cease all borderisation tactics.

The United Kingdom also welcomes the constructive discussions on humanitarian issues, including freedom of movement, documentation, livelihoods, education and missing persons. We regret that important issues including of internally displaced persons and refugees were once again not discussed due to a walkout by Abkhaz, South Ossetian and Russian participants. It is vitally important that there is movement on these key issues through the GID, and walkouts undermine this process.

We underline our continued support for the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanisms (IPRM), and urge the resumption of the Gali IPRM without further delay or pre-conditions.

The United Kingdom reaffirms its full support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. We continue to call for immediate and unimpeded access to Georgia’s breakaway regions for international and regional human rights mechanisms to fully implement their mandates.

We welcome the continuation of dialogue on challenging issues through the GID platform, and look forward to the next round of discussions in March 2025.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 November 2024.

Ambassador Holland marks the grim forthcoming milestone of 1000 days of Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Next week marks the 1000th day since Russia launched its unprovoked and illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine – a grim milestone. From the outset, Russia has shown a blatant disregard for sovereignty, territorial integrity, human rights and the impact of their actions on the frameworks that supports global peace and security.

Russia illegally annexed Crimea in 2014. For nearly a decade, Ukrainian citizens in Crimea – particularly Crimean Tatars – have endured systematic persecution, arbitrary detention and enforced disappearances. And with its renewed aggression, Russia has implemented its campaign to erase Ukrainian culture and identity throughout the newly occupied territories.

In the 995 days since, Russia’s aggression has targeted schools, hospitals, and homes across Ukraine with indiscriminate shelling. Just last week, Russian shells killed 14 civilians, including a one-year-old child, and left 88 more injured. Thousands of other Ukrainian civilians have been killed since February 2022, and millions have been forced to flee. The true scale of devastation is difficult to quantify, but cities such as Mariupol, Bucha, and Kharkiv bear the scars of a terror campaign designed to destabilise Ukraine.

Russia’s attacks on civilians, the systematic use of torture, forced deportations, and weaponisation of energy resources show complete disregard for human life. Recently, Russia has escalated its attacks on Ukrainian export infrastructure, blocking essential grain supplies to the global south and delaying aid to parts of the world that need it the most. As my Prime Minister said: “Putin is willing to gamble on global food security […] harming millions across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East to try and gain the upper hand in his barbaric war.”

Russia has even turned to Iran and DPRK for substantial military support. DPRK’s deployment of thousands of troops to Russia is a dangerous and reckless development that further destabilises European security and raises tensions in the Indo-Pacific. Russia relies on third country support to fuel its war machine and prolong the suffering of the Ukrainian people. So together with our partners we will continue to call on those responsible to stop enabling Russia’s illegal war.

Russia’s actions violate the UN Charter and every OSCE commitment, from the Helsinki Final Act to the Paris Charter. The international community has responded with unity, implementing sanctions that cut off Russian military funding and providing humanitarian and military support to Ukraine. We commend the resilience of the Ukrainian people, who have shown remarkable ingenuity in defence of democratic values.

Colleagues, we are approaching the 1000th day of what was sold as a 3-day war. Even in its original conception it was completely unnecessary. Russia can choose to end this war. The UK reaffirms our commitment to Ukraine’s independence and territorial integrity, alongside international partners. We will continue to hold Russia accountable and urge a just and lasting peace that respects the UN Charter and Helsinki Final Act.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 November 2024.

At COP29 in Baku, Minister for Development Anneliese Dodds will commit to help the Global South access clean forms of cooking that does not burn wood or coal.

• UK Minister for Development Anneliese Dodds will commit to supporting Global South countries to access clean forms of cooking
• the package, to be announced at COP in Baku, Azerbaijan, will help people to avoid burning wood, charcoal and other polluting fuels to cook – helping their health and the environment
• the minister is also announcing a package to help countries in Africa predict and prepare for extreme weather events

UK Minister for Development Anneliese Dodds will announce a major package to boost global access to clean forms of cooking that avoid burning wood or coal.

Globally, around 2.1 billion people still have to cook on firewood, charcoal or other polluting fuels, often worsening the health of many women and girls in particular, and damaging forests.

The funding of £74 million will extend clean cooking access to an additional 10 million people in countries across Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and the Indo-Pacific.

Minister for Development Anneliese Dodds said:

Britain is back with a voice on the world stage, and we are leading on new initiatives to support health and the environment.

This package will support 10 million people across Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and the Indo-Pacific to leave coal and wood cooking behind, helping the environment while also improving the health of women and girls who are so often exposed to damaging fumes from burning coal and wood.

Nothing could be more central to the UK’s own national interest than delivering progress on arresting rising temperatures. This is our chance to achieve clean and secure energy, both globally and at home, and, in doing so, drive growth for the UK.

The Minister for Development will make these pledges while attending COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. With the Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary, Energy Secretary and others also attending, UK ministers are seeking to encourage ambitious emissions reductions and agreements that take the needs of the Global South into account while also growing the UK’s economy and maximising opportunities for Britain.

£44 million of the clean cooking package will come from a 5-year extension to the UK government’s Modern Energy Cooking Services (MECS) programme up to 2030. The remaining £30 million will come through the Ayrton Fund, which aims to accelerate the clean energy transition in Global South countries.

Alongside this, the minister will announce a $16 million investment by British International Investment (BII) into Africa Go Green, a fund backing early stage businesses taking climate action in Africa including accelerating access to clean cooking solutions.

The Minister for Development has also announced at COP29 a boost to support the Weather and Climate Information Services (WISER) programme in Africa.

WISER sees the UK Met Office partner with meteorological organisations across Africa to increase countries’ capacity to forecast and plan for extreme weather events and climate change. Additional funding of £30 million from the UK will support farmers and communities in adapting to a changing climate. This brings total funding up to £47 million.

This aligns with the modern approach to development outlined by Minister Dodds at Chatham House in October, based on working in partnership with the Global South.

This is additional to a £6 million commitment to launch Jahez, a project supporting climate vulnerable refugees in Jordan. This includes through the restoration of water supplies and introducing climate smart agriculture to generate growth that can withstand the impacts of the climate crisis.

The UK will continue to prioritise the most vulnerable and remains committed to spending £1.5 billion in 2025 to support countries with building resilience to the impacts of climate change, tripling adaptation spend from 2019 levels. This is part of the existing UK commitment to spend £11.6 billion in International Climate Finance between April 2021 and March 2026.

Minister Dodds also met with the Executive Director of the Green Climate Fund (GCF). The UK has confirmed its commitment to the GCF, helping millions of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people deal with the impact of climate change, and help countries build a cleaner, greener future. The £1.62 billion funding – the UK’s largest single International Climate Finance (ICF) investment – shows the UK is playing a leading role in supporting the fund, which is already delivering 286 projects in 133 countries.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 November 2024.

The UK, Denmark and Kenya have officially opened a critical link road at Mombasa Port, which is driving growth through trade and improving the lives of residents.

There was cause to celebrate in Mombasa as the new Mbaraki-Nyerere Road and the Bamburi Drainage Outfall were officially opened in a ceremony at the coast.

The road and drain have been operational since July 2022, and the upgrade from a murram road to a high-quality bitumen road has transformed the lives of the businesses and residents of Mombasa.

The construction of the road was made possible by a three-way partnership between the County Government of Mombasa, the UK Government and the Royal Danish Embassy – and delivered by TradeMark Africa, a pan-African aid-for-trade organisation, whose work has reduced cargo clearance times at Mombasa Port from 11.2 to 3.4 days and led to a reduction of 16.5% in cargo transit times on the Northern Corridor, from the Port of Mombasa to Bujumbura in Burundi.

Prior to the construction of the road, traffic congestion from Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) – the workhorses of Mombasa Port – negatively impacted the productivity and profitability of businesses. The road is – literally – driving growth through trade, as it has led to higher truck utilisation rates, and quicker turnaround times for cargo at the Mbaraki Terminal. 160 local people were directly employed during construction, and 15% were women. The lower congestion has also improved air quality for residents.

The 1.2km road that runs from Mbaraki to Nyerere has also positively impacted the lives of Mombasa’s citizens, due to the incorporation of a 100-meter-long drain, funded by the Royal Danish Embassy. This drain collects water from catchment areas along the roadside, transports it underneath the road, and dispatches it to the Indian Ocean – preventing flooding.

Children’s education was disrupted due to excessive floodwater at a nearby school and an estate. At the Star of the Sea school, for example, children were carried across the floodwaters to their classrooms.

Not only has the road been built to a high-quality, but it was designed and constructed considerately, to meet the needs of the local community. The road comes complete with wide pavements which make pedestrians safer, provide access for persons with disabilities, and make climate-friendly transport options more attractive. It has also been fitted with solar streetlights, which are not dependent on the electricity grid, and also connects to existing drainage from nearby businesses. The road also increases access to local goods and services, such as markets.

The impact of the road is not just limited to Kenya, but also the East Africa region. The Port of Mombasa handles 31 million tons of cargo annually- expected to increase to 50 million by 2050 – and is a gateway for the flow of goods between Burundi, DRC, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda.

Principal, The Star of the Sea School, said:

This small intervention is having a big impact on the lives of our students. The construction of the drain has prevented severe flooding, meaning our girls at the Star of the Sea school can learn without interruption, they can access school safely, and they have a happy and healthy learning environment.

Mohammed Ali, CEO, BossFreight, said:

The construction of the road has been a game changer for us – we can now transport more cargo, more efficiently, and have happier clients. We would welcome the construction of more high-quality roads that can handle more HGVs.

Mr. Abdullswamad Sheriff Nassir, Governor of Mombasa County, said:

Today marks a pivotal step towards realising our vision of a modern, efficient, and resilient Mombasa. This road is not just an infrastructural improvement; it is a transformative investment that will catalyse trade, enhance mobility, and foster economic growth for our people. We are committed to continuing our collaboration with international partners like TradeMark Africa, Denmark, and the United Kingdom to drive projects that uplift our communities, support sustainable development, and cement Mombasa’s role as a key gateway for regional trade.

Leigh Stubblefield, Deputy British High Commissioner to Kenya and Development Director, said:

As the Swahili proverb goes – unity is strength. One of the best ways we can drive growth is through partnerships that deliver high-quality infrastructure, that facilitate smooth trade, that do not load Kenya with debt – and crucially, are considerate of the needs of the local community. The UK is proud to have helped deliver this project with the County Government of Mombasa, The Danish Embassy, and TradeMark Africa. We go far, when we go together.

Elma Adwa, Regional Manager, Royal Danish Embassy, said:

Denmark and the United Kingdom have worked together for over a decade with TradeMark Africa in various projects. Denmark is extremely excited to be part of this initiative of officially opening a critical link road at Mombasa Port, which is driving growth through trade and improving the lives of residents within Mombasa County and beyond. We look forward to more projects that will enable the smooth flow of trade in Kenya.

TMA Deputy CEO and Chief of Programmes, Ms Allen Asiimwe, reaffirmed TMA’s dedication to regional trade, saying:

>TradeMark Africa recognises that efficient physical infrastructure is the backbone of regional trade, directly impacting economic growth, job creation, and community welfare. This road is more than a logistical upgrade—it is an investment in the economic future of Mombasa and Kenya. With our partners, we are committed to facilitating green growth and enhancing trade routes that empower local industries and uplift communities. TMA remains focused on developing resilient trade infrastructure that supports sustainable development goals and strengthens Africa’s trade competitiveness on the global stage.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 November 2024.

The UK highlights the appalling human cost of Russia’s illegal, unprovoked war against Ukraine with Russian forces suffering their heaviest losses of the conflict so far in October 2024.

Thank you, Mr Chair.  We are approaching 1000 days of Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine.  The costs for Ukraine have been immense, and we will continue to hold Russia accountable against its OSCE commitments for its actions.  But President Putin, who chose to start this war, should also be held accountable for the cost of his war to Russia and the Russian people.

For example, the cost to Russia’s international credibility, after it so clearly violated its commitments under the UN Charter, the Helsinki Final Act and the Geneva Conventions. Undermining fundamental commitments, including sovereignty, territorial integrity and the non-use of force – principles which we all rely on for our safety and security.

But Mr Chair, the human cost of this war is extraordinary and appalling. Almost 12,000 Ukrainian civilians have been killed as a direct result of Russian aggression and 6.2m Ukrainians forced to leave their country as refugees. Each day President Putin continues with his war of choice, more lives are lost – including those of his own people.  October 2024 saw the highest number of Russian casualties since the full-scale invasion began.  Nearly 42,000 losses were reported, taking the total number of Russian casualties since the war began to approximately 700,000.  Hundreds of thousands killed and seriously wounded, not out of necessity, but because of the Russian President’s imperial ambitions.  Tragically, human lives are a commodity in which the Russian leadership appears to place little value.

We know that the human rights situation within Russia is dire. Last month the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Russian Federation, Mariana Katzarova published a report on the Russian State’s complicity in and encouragement of widespread and systematic torture and ill-treatment, including against the brave Russians who dare to speak out against the invasion. But also among the victims mentioned in this report are Russia’s own mobilised men and regular servicemen, some for refusing to obey orders to fight against Ukraine. Hundreds are reportedly detained in unofficial detention centres near the front lines. This goes against the OSCE’s Code of Conduct, which compels States to abide by international law, including the Geneva Conventions.

And how are these soldiers seen by Russia’s elite?  Well, a member of President Putin’s ruling party in the State Duma, Mr. Alexander Borodai, boasted that Russian authorities were sending troops with “no social value” to fight in Ukraine.  According to Mr Borodai, they are seen as “expendable” or “spare people”.

Perhaps having exhausted these “spare people”, Russia’s leadership is now turning to Pyongyang to bolster its combat capability. Not only does this latest move recklessly endanger security in the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific, it is a stark reminder of Russia’s increasing reliance on third-country support.    At last week’s joint meeting of this Forum and the Permanent Council, participating States and Partners for Cooperation made clear their concern at the growing military relationship between Russia and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, which stands in violation of several UN Security Council Resolutions.  Regrettably, Russia chose not to engage seriously and erroneously claimed that the topic was outside the OSCE’s remit.  Preventing unintended escalation or misunderstandings, including from unusual military activity within the OSCE’s Zone of Application, is why the OSCE was built.  Russia owes participating States transparency on why these troops are there and with what intent.  Enhancing transparency and risk reduction is in our collective security interests.

Thank you, Mr Chair.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 November 2024.

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

Thank you, Madam Vice-President,

We too are increasingly alarmed by the deterioration of human rights in Nicaragua, including the closure of church-affiliated organisations and the harassment and arbitrary detention of members of the Church.

We are also concerned by the shutdown of civic space, including space for freedom of expression and independent media, and the growing climate of intimidation and repression affecting Nicaraguans in exile.

We therefore recommend that Nicaragua:

1. Releases all political prisoners immediately and without condition, and amends the Special Law 1145, relating to Nicaraguan nationality.
2. Addresses concerns regarding this year’s reform to the Penal Code, which allows the prosecution and confiscation of the assets of exiled Nicaraguans or foreigners accused of crimes against the State.
3. Ensures that religious and non-religious individuals can share information and materials about their beliefs without interference or threat to their safety.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 November 2024.

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

Thank you Vice President,

The United Kingdom welcomes steps taken by Equatorial Guinea to move away from capital punishment and encourages further concrete, and constitutional, steps towards full abolition (including in military courts) including by satisfying provisions to become a signatory to the Second Optional Protocol to the ICCPR (International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights).

We also welcome that Equatorial Guinea accepted a broad range of UPR recommendations from the previous cycle in 2019, especially in regards to strengthening human rights protections for all citizens. However, we remain concerned by limited progression on implementation and call for actionable next steps to be agreed and delivered to implement the accepted recommendations.

We recommend that Equatorial Guinea:

1. Sign and ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
2. Continue to work with the UNFPA and other international organisations to protect and promote the rights of women and girls, including by banning underage marriage.
3. Take concrete steps to engage with the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, including by both responding to recent opinions made by the Working Group and facilitating a visit by them, as accepted in 2019.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 November 2024.

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

Thank you, Mr President,

We welcome Costa Rica’s commitment to tackling discrimination including as the first country in Latin America and the Caribbean to launch a national strategy against hate speech and discrimination.

We urge the government to take further steps to reduce discrimination, particularly against women and children, and the LGBTQ+ community.

In addition, we welcome Costa Rica’s commitment to the American Convention on Human Rights, but are concerned by recent criticism of the media.

We have three recommendations:

1. Take additional steps to implement Act No.9406, to enhance legal protection for girls and adolescent women associated with abusive relationships, to help tackle the recent surge in domestic violence.
2. Take further measures to protect rights of LGBTQ+ persons, including banning the process of conversion therapy.
3. Ensure the protection of media freedom by strengthening legal protection guarantees for journalists, the media and civil society.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 November 2024.

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

Thank you, Madam Vice President,

I’d like to warmly welcome the delegation and congratulate Qatar on its re-election to the Human Rights Council. We recognise progress since its 2019 review including on improved protections for migrant workers, particularly the removal of the Kafala system.

We call on Qatar to recognise the importance of Freedom of Expression and Freedom of Religion or Belief for all, and to make its death penalty moratorium permanent.

We have three recommendations :

1. Adopt legislation that ensures effective prosecution of violations against domestic workers, while protecting their rights to remain in Qatar.
2. Adopt legislation to ensure workers’ rights are protected when employers issue a certificate of good conduct.
3. Adopt legislation to ensure non discrimination on the grounds of disability, gender, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 November 2024.

Explanation of vote by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Yemen.

We thank the Council for its show of unity in the adoption of a twelve-month technical rollover. The Council’s continued positive engagement on this file is crucial to rejuvenating the Yemeni peace process.

This demonstration of consensus sends a clear signal that the Council continues to value the critical role Resolution 2140 plays in maintaining pressure on the Houthis, who continue to block the pathway to peace in Yemen.

The international community continues to strongly support the UN’s institutions and mandates, which ensure effective implementation of sanctions, contained in 2140, and the arms embargo, contained in Resolution 2216.

These tools play a vital role in limiting the ability of the Houthis to destabilise Yemen, threaten the Red Sea and hamper peace efforts.

As a Council, we stand ready to support the efforts of UN Special Envoy Grundberg and Yemeni stakeholders in securing a durable peace in Yemen.