Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 October 2025.

UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on the High Commissioner’s Oral Update on Ukraine. Delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

Thank you, Mr Vice President.

Thank you, High Commissioner, for your update.

We condemn the Russia’s treatment of Ukrainian civilian detainees. Civilians are subjected to arbitrary detention, to torture and frequently held in dire conditions.

International humanitarian law is unambiguous: civilians can only be detained on lawful grounds and must be released from detention as soon as the lawful grounds for their detention cease to exist. Russia must cease unlawful detention and abuse of Ukrainian civilians, ensure humane conditions, and release those who have been arbitrarily detained.

They must also ensure the return of all Ukrainian children who have been illegally deported to Russia and the temporarily occupied territories. Children must not be a pawn of war.

We recognise that, as a result of Russia’s illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, the number of conflict-related detainees has strained the Ukrainian criminal justice system. We welcome the progress the Ukrainian authorities have made to improve detention conditions.

We urge the Ukrainian authorities to ensure that conflict-related civilian detainees are treated in full compliance with international humanitarian and human rights law. How best can the international community support Ukraine in these efforts?

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 October 2025.

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

The UK fully supports the 2016 Peace Agreement, which remains one of the most successful peace processes of the past 50 years. 

It has delivered tangible improvements in security and prosperity for Colombia and remains a roadmap for further progress.

Approaching the ninth anniversary of the Agreement, we remain concerned at the speed of implementation and call on the Government to accelerate its efforts. 

The UN Mission continues to have a vital role to play.

While nothing could put right the wrongs of fifty years of crimes, the 2016 Agreement put restorative justice at its heart to promote reconciliation within Colombian society.  

Last month, landmark sentences were issued by the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (SJP) against those responsible for hostage taking and extra-judicial killings. 

This represents real progress in delivering justice and accountability for the victims. 

We urge the Colombian government and the SJP to work together to ensure full implementation of these and future sentences, in line with the expectations of victims. 

We also welcome progress on rural reform and reintegration efforts of former combatants. 

But sustainable progress to deliver the transformational change envisaged through the 2016 Agreement will only be possible with sustained parallel action to tackle criminality. 

This includes drug trafficking, extortion and illegal mining which plague communities across Colombia. 

The UK is concerned about ongoing violence towards peace signatories, community leaders and security forces. 

480 peace signatories have been killed since the Agreement was signed. 

We call upon the Government to do more to protect signatories and all vulnerable communities.  

As we look ahead to elections next year, we are clear political violence, has no place in Colombia. 

The assassination of Senator Miguel Uribe was a tragedy and a warning of the risks that Colombia faces. 

We urge strengthened protection measures and improved institutional coordination to counter further violence.

The UK is and will remain a committed friend and partner to the people of Colombia as they journey towards lasting peace and security.  

We look forward to working with partners in the council on the mandate renewal of the UN mission. This should reflect the situation on the ground and include efficiencies and streamlining of the mission, where appropriate.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 October 2025.

UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Cambodia. Delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

Thank you, Mr Vice President, and thank you, Special Rapporteur.

We welcome Cambodia’s progress in healthcare, education, social protection and climate action. We reaffirm our support for its ambition for a smooth transition from Least Developed Country status in 2029.

However, we remain concerned about ongoing restrictions on civic space. Judicial harassment of opposition voices, human rights defenders and journalists undermines democratic principles. We are particularly concerned by the wide application of Article 495 of the Penal Code on incitement and its chilling effect on freedom of expression.

The UK is concerned by tensions along the Cambodia-Thailand border, and we support efforts to uphold the ceasefire, rebuild trust and address the humanitarian needs of affected communities.

We are deeply concerned by reports of trafficking and forced labour linked to the online scamming industry. We encourage stronger, more consistent law enforcement and victim support.

We also urge Cambodia to continue working towards the Special Rapporteur’s recommendations, including on strengthening judicial independence and enabling civil society to operate freely. Looking ahead to the next elections, inclusive dialogue and the participation of all stakeholders, will help build confidence and stability.

A vibrant press, active civil society and respect for freedom of expression will not only reinforce democratic principles, but also support Cambodia’s long-term prosperity and international reputation.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 October 2025.

UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on Technical Cooperation in Libya. Delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

Thank you, Mr Vice President.

We welcome OHCHR and United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) technical assistance and capacity building in Libya, and their growing cooperation with the Libyan authorities. We support Libya’s renewal of this Item 10 resolution so that it stays on this Council’s agenda. 

The OHCHR’s report raises a number of concerns, including arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances, and torture, with limited accountability. 

We urge Libya to address threats to civic space, including reprisals against civil society and restrictions on youth organisations. Women and girls reportedly face violence and discrimination while migrants suffer abuse and are subjects of disinformation. We call for international non-governmental organisations to be permitted to operate in accordance with international humanitarian law and domestic regulations, and deliver vital services to vulnerable groups.

We urge the Libyan authorities to adopt legislation on reconciliation, women’s protection, and to close all unofficial detention centres.

We welcome the extension of the ICC’s jurisdiction in Libya, and we support calls for a comprehensive, rights-based transitional justice process. The UK stands ready to support inclusive Libyan-led efforts to restore the rule of law and deliver justice for victims.

Mr Vice President, how can the international community support Libya to ensure transitional justice efforts are inclusive, victim-centred, and lead to meaningful accountability?

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 October 2025.

UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on the report of the Independent Expert on the human rights situation in Somalia. Delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

Thank you, Madame Vice President,

Let me thank the Independent Expert. We are grateful for her work on Somalia since 2020. As we transition to a nationally led partnership with OHCHR, we recognise the invaluable work of the Independent Expert mandate since 1993 in documenting and reporting on the situation of human rights in Somalia and supporting the government.

We welcome the presence of the Minister of Family and Human Rights Development and her team from Mogadishu.

We welcome the passing of the Juvenile Justice Bill in March 2025, and the adoption by the Council of Ministers of the Amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code Bill in January 2025.

We remain concerned at the continuing loss of civilian life due to ongoing conflict and insecurity, continuing cases of sexual and gender-based violence, and restrictions on the freedom of expression, including detention of journalists.

We encourage the Somali government to strengthen the rule of law and enhance fundamental freedoms by finalising the establishment of the National Human Rights Commission. We also emphasise the importance of promoting the rights to freedom of expression and opinion, protecting vulnerable and marginalised groups, and fostering a broad consensus, as Somalia prepares for timely, free and fair elections in the coming year. The UK stands ready to work with Somalia on all these issues.

To the independent expert: what action can the UN and other international partners take to support the work of the National Human Rights Commission over the next year?

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 October 2025.

UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with Independent Expert on Central African Republic. Delivered at the 60th session of the HRC in Geneva.

Thank you, Madame Vice President,

We welcome the Central African Republic’s continued engagement with this Council and the Independent Expert’s scrutiny of the human rights situation. Ongoing implementation of national human rights policies remains vital to translate commitments into results.

The UK welcomes the Central African Republic’s commitment to hold local, legislative and presidential elections in December. However, holding combined elections presents significant challenges. We urge the government to strengthen the National Electoral Authority to ensure the constitutional timelines for elections are met and encourage stakeholders to support the Authority in delivering free and fair elections.

We are pleased the measures taken under the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation has led to an improvement in the human rights situation, but we remain deeply concerned by abuses committed by Russian proxies and armed groups. These groups do not improve security or stability. We urge the authorities to strengthen the implementation of the Agreement, and to support the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) as it seeks to fulfil its mandate.

Intercommunity tensions represent a serious threat to peace and human rights. We ask the independent expert, what can the international community do to support the Central African Republic in combatting these tensions?

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 October 2025.

UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on the High Commissioner’s Report on Haiti. Delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

Thank you, Madam Vice President.

We are grateful to the High Commissioner for his report.

Criminal gangs continue to commit abuses, including killings, kidnappings and sexual violence. Over a million Haitians have been displaced, and access to essential services is severely restricted.

Restoring security is essential to Haiti’s long-term stability. The UK supported the Multinational Security Support Mission by providing £5 million to the Office of the High Commissioner to ensure the Mission complies with international standards on human rights, conduct and discipline. We welcome the Office’s role in ensuring the Mission operates in line with the highest standards of human rights protection.

We also welcome efforts at the UN Security Council to develop a coordinated and sustainable way forward for Haiti’s security and stability. Any future arrangements should seek to protect the rights and civil liberties of Haitians.

Moreover, we will continue to act against perpetrators of human rights abuses in Haiti, including through our human rights sanctions regime.

How can the international community ensure that future security arrangements in Haiti support a Haitian-led political process that protects rights and freedoms?

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 October 2025.

Ambassador Holland welcomes the preliminary conclusions of the ODIHR Election Observation Mission, and congratulates President Maia Sandu’s Party of Action and Solidarity on its decisive election victory.

The United Kingdom notes the results of Moldova’s parliamentary elections on 28 September, and congratulates President Maia Sandu’s Party of Action and Solidarity on its decisive election victory.

We look forward to further strengthening our partnership and friendship with the government and people of Moldova, and continuing our support to Moldova’s economic and democratic reforms as it works towards its European future.

The UK welcomes the preliminary conclusions of the ODIHR Election Observation Mission that elections were competitive and offered voters a clear choice between genuine political alternatives. We are deeply concerned by the serious reported cases of foreign interference, illegal funding, cyber-attacks and widespread disinformation – as well as credible evidence of vote-buying schemes.

As was the case during presidential elections in 2024, the information environment during the electoral campaign was weaponised by malign actors to sow division in society in an attempt to subvert Moldovan democracy. We, alongside partners, will redouble our efforts to aid Moldova’s ability to hold elections that both meet international standards and that are free of external interference in the future.  

The United Kingdom fully supports the findings outlined in the ODIHR preliminary conclusions, and encourages the Moldovan government to engage constructively with international partners to address outstanding recommendations. We will continue to support Moldova’s efforts to stop interference from Russia undermining democracy in their country.

Let me also take this opportunity to reiterate the UK’s strong support for ODIHR, and its vital work in observing elections across the OSCE region.

Thank you, Mr Chair.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 October 2025.

UK Statement for the Item 9 General Debate. Delivered at the 60th session of the HRC in Geneva.

Thank you.

This October, the UK marks Black History Month – a time to honour the enduring contributions of Black people to British society, reflect on the past, and champion a more inclusive future for all.

The UK is committed to building a fairer society where everyone – regardless of background – has an equal chance to succeed. While progress has been made in tackling racial discrimination, systemic inequalities still persist in areas like housing, employment, and healthcare. That’s why we are taking action to root out structural racism and level the playing field.

We will publish a draft Equality (Race and Disability) Bill, which will include measures to introduce mandatory ethnicity pay gap reporting for large employers. This will provide transparency and help businesses identify and address disparities. We are working closely with employers to ensure this leads to meaningful change.

We have also launched a Race Equality Engagement Group to enable an effective two-way dialogue with ethnic minority communities and guide our efforts to tackle race inequalities.

We stand firmly against racism and remain committed to taking meaningful action – both at home and abroad – to create a more inclusive and equitable future for all.

Chair, what actions can be taken to address structural racism in employment and promote inclusive workplaces globally?

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 October 2025.

Ambassador Holland examines the various falsehoods that Russia deployed in seeking to justify its illegal and unjust war of aggression against Ukraine.

Thank you, Mr Chair.

The recent Moscow Mechanism report further highlighted widespread and systematic mistreatment of Ukrainian prisoners of war, reflecting Russia’s ongoing disregard for International Humanitarian and Human Rights Law. Now, it is right that this Council devotes significant attention to Russia’s conduct in its illegal war against Ukraine. But we should also not forget to challenge the falsehoods that have been used as justifications for this war.

This week marks three years since Russia’s unlawful attempts to annex Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, Donetsk, and Luhansk oblasts.  Russia attempted to justify these actions, along with its eleven-year occupation of Crimea, by claiming to protect Russian-speaking populations.  But there is no credible evidence that these communities faced any genuine threat.  Instead, the occupation has brought suffering, violence, and fear—denying freedoms, abducting children, forcing Russian passports, and destroying local communities.  Furthermore, the notion that speaking Russian in Ukraine equates to support for Moscow and its war is flawed.  Russia’s narrative of “protecting Russian-speakers” is unsubstantiated, oversimplifying Ukraine’s diverse linguistic and ethnic landscape.

On 24 February – in addition to the false claim that Russian-speakers in Ukraine were facing a genocide – President Putin claimed that Russia’s “Special Military Operation” aimed to demilitarise and “denazify” Ukraine and prevent NATO’s expansion.  These justifications have proven to be gross distortions.

Firstly, the assertion that Ukraine needed to be demilitarised is unfounded. Indeed, Russia itself thought the Special Military Operation would last three days. Ukraine posed no threat to Russia; its military was significantly smaller, and it had voluntarily given up its nuclear arsenal, with Russia pledging in the Budapest Memorandum to respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence. We have seen, though, over the past three and a half years that size isn’t everything.

Secondly, the objective to “denazify” Ukraine is a misapplication of historical facts.  Ukraine’s president is Jewish and has family members who were Holocaust victims.  Far-right parties received only 2.15% of the vote in the last parliamentary election, which further undermines Russia’s claims.

And thirdly, President Putin’s claim of acting to prevent NATO expansion does not stand up to scrutiny.  NATO is a defensive alliance, and membership is voluntary.  Allies do not seek expansion, though experience shows states may feel compelled to seek membership in such alliances precisely because of the aggressive behaviour Russia has displayed towards Ukraine and its neighbours.  And the Helsinki Final Act guarantees each nation’s sovereign right to determine its own alliances.

Russia’s illegal war is built on falsehoods and has resulted in the deadliest conflict in Europe since the Second World War.  So, while we rightly tackle the appalling conduct of its war, we should always remember that this is an unjust war. Moscow’s true objections are to Ukrainian sovereignty and the existence of an independent, democratic neighbour.  The 1991 Ukrainian independence referendum, where Ukraine voted overwhelmingly for independence and three years of determined resistance demonstrate Ukraine’s clear desire for self-determination and freedom from external control.  Russia must respect this will and withdraw its forces unconditionally from all of Ukraine.

Thank you.