Tag: Foreign Office

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.

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

Ambassador Neil Holland thanks Denmark for their professional and principled chairing of the Forum for Security Cooperation, despite Russia’s repeated distractions and breaches of its OSCE commitments.

Thank you to you Mr Chair and to the Acting State Secretary from Denmark for your remarks. Mr Chair, dear Christian, I want to also thank you and your team for your professional, polite and principled stewardship of this Forum over the past Trimester.

We fully support your efforts to keep the FSC focused on Russia’s unprovoked, full-scale and illegal invasion of Ukraine. The invasion is in its third year and continues to violate the UN Charter and the Helsinki Final Act’s core principles, including those on sovereignty, territorial integrity and the non-use of force. Principles which Ukraine is fighting for, and which my Prime Minister has promised the UK will ‘support for as long as it takes’. Under your stewardship, we have shown that these principles and this Forum continue to matter and that we will keep on defending both.

Mr Chair, all of your Security Dialogues rightly focused on different aspect of Russia’s war, notably on the Code of Conduct and the Helsinki Decalogue. We discussed the pattern of Russia contravening OSCE principles across the OSCE region. As we have documented since February 2022, Russia’s war in Ukraine is contravening the whole Decalogue and the Code. Russia stationing its forces in Georgia and Moldova, without their consent, also contravenes the Decalogue and Code.

Mr Chair, perhaps that is why Russia continues to do everything it can to avoid this Forum from meeting to discuss these violations. For a third Trimester in a row, Russia has attempted to prevent the FSC Chair from hosting Security Dialogues. For a second Trimester in a row, Russia has attempted to prevent the FSC Chair from holding sessions with only mandated agenda items. For a second year in a row, and despite repeated requests from Chairs and other States, the Russian delegation has studiously avoided articulating any issues with the mandated Agenda, let alone offering alternatives.

The Rules of Procedure remain clear. Under these, the Chair is mandated to ‘ensure the good order and smooth running of meetings’. It is the Chair’s prerogative to set the agenda. And it is the Chair’s prerogative to select and invite guest speakers. No other State may dictate to the Chair – let alone issue ultimatums. Mr Chair, thank you for standing up for the mandate in a polite and principled manner. You ensured that the FSC has met weekly to discuss its mandated agenda items.

As I said last Trimester, there remains another path. If Russia’s professed wish for peace is genuine, Russia must end this war by withdrawing all of its forces to outside of Ukraine’s internationally recognised borders. And from Georgia and Moldova. If Russia 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 thanking Croatia as it leaves the FSC Troika, and to welcome Estonia. The incoming Chair, Spain, can count on the UK’s full and continued support next Trimester – including in its prerogative as FSC Chair. Thank you.

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

David Smith MP has today been appointed as the new UK Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB). He will take up the appointment in the New Year.

As Envoy, David will champion FoRB for all overseas, promoting tolerance and mutual respect through and alongside the UK’s global diplomatic network and engagements in multilateral fora. David will represent the UK in international discussions on FoRB, working closely with other special envoys, experts and civil society partners. This work supports the UK’s wider human rights efforts, underpinning our belief that human rights are universal.

David’s appointment underlines the UK’s ongoing commitment to freedom of religion or belief for all.

Minister for Human Rights, Lord Collins of Highbury said:

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. There is, however, still much to be done to ensure this right is upheld around the world.

David’s appointment is a clear signal of the value placed by the UK on championing freedom of religion or belief for all around the world. No one should live in fear because of what they do, or do not, believe in.

David brings a wealth of relevant experience to the role from his work in the charity sector and faith based organisations. He has spent much of his career working in the UK and overseas to promote fairness, egalitarianism, compassion and the empowerment of the vulnerable.

David Smith MP said:

I am delighted to be appointed as the Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief.

From sub-Saharan Africa to the Middle East and Asia,  I have personally worked with those of different faiths who face religious persecution, and so these are issues that I care passionately about.

I look forward to taking forward the Government’s commitment to supporting freedom of religion or belief for all.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 28 November 2024.

E3 foreign ministers renew calls for the urgent extension of reciprocal banking arrangements by at least 12 months to prevent economic collapse in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

Foreign ministers’ statement:

The foreign ministers of the United Kingdom, France and Germany are deeply concerned that Israel has yet to provide assurances it will extend the indemnifications for essential correspondent banking relationships between Israeli and Palestinian banks for a minimum period of at least 12 months.

On October 31, the Israeli government renewed its indemnifications of Israeli banks for 30 days, the shortest extension to date. This disappointing decision prolongs uncertainty and endangers the Palestinian economy. Cutting off these banking ties, which Israel has a clear duty under the Paris Protocol to maintain, would create significant economic turmoil in the West Bank, jeopardising the security of Israel and the wider region.

There is no technical basis on which to withhold a year-long extension. We are fully satisfied that the Palestinian Authority has taken significant steps to counter the risks of terror financing, and that financial institutions within the West Bank maintain adequate controls to manage these risks. The issue of cross-border payments must not be leveraged to undermine the Palestinian Authorities, and Israel must pursue policies which promote internal and external financial stability.

As the deadline of 30 November approaches, we therefore renew our call for Israel to immediately extend the indemnifications by at least one year, and for future extensions to be transparent, predictable and de-politicised.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 28 November 2024.

UK announces contribution to International Development Association (IDA), the World Bank’s fund for the world’s lowest income countries.

• UK’s boost to World Bank signals “new partnership” between the UK and the Global South and will mobilise billions of dollars in private finance.
• Boost will provide growth and stability around the world in our shared interest, as the UK Government announces pledge and calls on other countries to step up.
• Grants and low-interest loans will tackle root causes of issues facing the UK such as the climate crisis and irregular migration.

The world’s lowest-income countries will receive access to billions of dollars in transformative grants and low-interest loans as a result of a new UK investment announced today.

Development Minister Anneliese Dodds today announced that the UK will provide £1.98 billion over three years to the International Development Association (IDA), the World Bank’s fund for the world’s lowest income countries, to go towards projects promoting economic growth, tackling poverty and addressing the impacts of climate change.

Through a unique funding mechanism, the UK contribution will help to unlock billions of dollars through other sources of finance, including from private markets: for every $1 a country pledges, up to $4 can be spent. This will be funded from the UK’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget.

IDA is the largest source of grants and low interest loans for low-income and vulnerable countries and the UK’s contribution will help the World Bank support more than 1.9 billion people across the globe.

The World Bank’s model has seen it provide $93 billion in finance to 75 countries, 39 in Africa, over the last 3 years. In that time, IDA has supported more than 86.5 million children with a better education and 75 million people with new or improved access to electricity, lifting individuals out of poverty and boosting economic growth in recipient countries.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

Growth and stability in lower income countries is firmly in the UK’s interest. If we are to grow our economy, tackle the climate crisis and reduce irregular migration, we need to work in partnership with these countries.

IDA’s track record shows that it is one of the best ways to do this. I urge other donors to step up at next week’s conference.

Minister for Development Anneliese Dodds said:

Britain is back with a voice on the world stage. When we said we would take a new approach to development, built on genuine partnerships and based on respect, we meant it.

Leaders of low-income countries around the world called for stronger IDA contributions and we listened.

We listened because we understand that more growth in IDA countries means stronger global growth, which benefits all of us. This funding will unlock billions to support vital economic growth, changing and saving lives.

Today’s announcement is the latest example of the UK’s updated and modern approach to development, based on respect, partnership and common interests.

The UK is a strong support of IDA due to its strong track record of working in partnership with recipient countries and delivering sustainable growth. Since 1960, 36 countries have ‘graduated’ from IDA.

For example, South Korea, formerly a low-income country supported by IDA loans, is today one of the world’s wealthiest countries, and will be hosting the IDA donor conference next week.

Anneliese Dodds set out the government’s “new approach to development” at a major speech to Chatham House in October. She outlined four key “shifts” needed to modernise the UK’s approach to development and restore its world-leading status: partnership, multilateral reform, harnessing UK expertise and growing opportunity for all.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 November 2024.

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN at the UN Security Council meeting on the maintenance of peace and security in Ukraine.

Last week, we marked 1000 days since Russia launched its illegal, full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

We recalled the devastating impact the war has had upon the Ukrainian people and the world, and reiterated our steadfast commitment to ensuring Ukraine gets the support it needs to defend itself and to achieve a just and lasting peace, in line with the UN Charter.

President Putin has demonstrated, time and again, that he has no interest in such a peace. In recent weeks and months, Russia has intensified its attacks on Ukraine.

First, it has stepped up the use of indiscriminate glide bombs against Ukrainian cities. Last week, the UN announced that the number of civilians killed since February 2022 had reached over 10,000, with over 18,500 injured.

Second, Russia has intensified its deliberate targeting of civilian energy infrastructure. This is a war crime and puts the lives of millions of Ukrainians at serious risk during the cold winter months.

Third, Russia is using experimental weapons. Last week, it fired an intermediate-range ballistic missile on Dnipro. Ukraine is not a testing ground for new weapons.

I could go on. But this pattern of reckless activity by Russia serves only to prolong the war and the suffering of the Ukrainian people, whilst posing serious risks to international peace and security.

There is only one aggressor here and only one country in breach of the Charter. To seek de-escalation, we must focus on deterring Russia from that aggression.

No one wants peace more than Ukraine, but Ukraine needs to be able to defend its civilians from these brutal attacks.

Ukraine has a right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter, and we will support them in their efforts to achieve sustainable peace.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 November 2024.

Ambassador Holland underlines ongoing relevance of Helsinki Decalogue and calls on Russia to return to full compliance with its OSCE commitments.

Thank you Chairs for hosting this Security Dialogue to mark the Helsinki Final Act turning 50 next year. Thank you to the speakers for their interventions. I will speak along the lines that your concept Note suggested – on the purpose, the current state and the future of the Decalogue.

Firstly, the purpose of the Decalogue. It underpins the collective peace, sovereignty, and cooperation in our Euro-Atlantic region. In it, we all committed to ensuring conditions for “true and lasting peace free from any threat to or attempt against their security”. It enshrined core, simple, yet foundational principles – including on sovereignty, inviolability of frontiers, territorial integrity, the non-use or threat of force, peaceful settlement of disputes, and the non-intervention in the internal affairs of other States.

Secondly, the current state of the Decalogue. This September, the Russian Delegation called the Helsinki Final Act our “lodestar”. We agree. Yet, last week, we marked 1000 days of Russia’s full-scale, illegal invasion of Ukraine. An invasion that the Russian delegation repeatedly insisted, on the OSCE record, would not happen. And yet it did. In contravention of all ten Decalogue Principles. We have deployed the OSCE toolkit to demand that Russia and Belarus return to compliance with the Decalogue. The OSCE toolkit, including Moscow Mechanism and ODIHR reports, has also established violations of OSCE commitments and international law. The ODIHR’s fifth interim report catalogued a “multiplication of rights violations” by Russian forces “some of which may amount to war crimes or crimes against humanity”.

Sadly, there is a pattern of Russia contravening the Decalogue over decades. I highlight three: invading neighbouring States; undermining the right of States to join alliances; and waging a campaign of hybrid attacks across the OSCE region. In more detail:

• Contravening all of our ten Principles, Russia intervened with force in Moldova in 1990, Georgia in 2008, and Ukraine in 2014. In Ukraine, Russia has staged illegal and illegitimate annexations of territory. Russian armed forces also remain stationed illegally in the territories of the three.
• In the Decalogue, States have the “right to be … a party to treaties of alliance”. Yet Russia tries to dictate against States choosing to join NATO – including through the use of force.
• In the Decalogue, States must refrain from the “intervention in the internal affairs … of another State”. And yet, at Permanent Councils on 16 May and 25 July this year, 40 States documented Russian malign activities and interference in the region. This highlighted a pattern of espionage, sabotage, cyber, disinformation, conventional and other unacceptable attacks by Russia.

Chairs, the Helsinki Decalogue remains valid, important and relevant today for the security of the whole OSCE region. These shared commitments underpin our shared security. Any breaches are a direct and legitimate concern for us all. The UK remains fully committed to the Decalogue. And we once again call on Russia to return to full compliance with its commitments and for all cases across the entire OSCE Zone of Application.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 November 2024.

The UK is investing in the largest solar energy project in the Philippines and is developing four new wind farms across the country.

The British Embassy in Manila is delighted to celebrate two major milestones in UK-Philippines renewable energy collaboration.

Over two consecutive events, the Embassy underscored the United Kingdom’s commitment to driving sustainable energy solutions in the Philippines and supporting its transition to cleaner, greener power sources.

On November 20, the Embassy hosted a celebratory dinner reception to highlight the partnership between Citicore Renewable Energy Corporation and Actis, a UK-based infrastructure investment company through its Southeast Asia renewable energy platform.

This dynamic collaboration involves the development of four new wind farms across Luzon and Visayas, with a total capacity of 380 megawatts.

Backed by an equity investment of $150 million, this partnership marks a significant step forward in expanding the Philippines’ renewable energy capacity. The projects, which secured offtake agreements through the Department of Energy’s Green Energy Auction Program (GEAP), exemplify the potential of partnerships to advance clean energy initiatives.

The following day, on November 21, Actis celebrated the groundbreaking of the Terra Solar Project in Nueva Ecija, which is set to become the largest solar energy project in the Philippines. This project, developed by Solar Philippines New Energy Corporation, is supported by Actis’ monumental USD 600 million equity investment.

The Terra Solar Project will provide affordable, reliable, and sustainable power to millions of Filipinos, reinforcing the UK’s role as a key partner in the Philippines’ renewable energy transition. The groundbreaking ceremony highlighted Actis’ long-term commitment to sustainable infrastructure and clean energy in the Philippines.

His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Laure Beaufils, said: > The United Kingdom is proud to be a partner in the Philippines’ renewable energy journey. These investments reflect our shared vision for a sustainable future and underscore the strong ties between our two nations. Projects like these not only provide clean energy to millions but also create opportunities for innovation and progress in the fight against climate change.”

Both events demonstrated the transformative impact of UK-Philippines partnerships in renewable energy. The Embassy also celebrated Citicore’s achievement in securing $12 million in UK investment through its IPO, further solidifying the UK’s support for the Philippines’ clean energy ambitions.

Together, these initiatives symbolize the shared commitment of the UK and the Philippines to innovation, sustainability, and a greener future for all.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 November 2024.

Explanation of vote by Tara Soomro, Ambassador to ECOSOC, at the UN Second Committee on the International Tax Cooperation.

Chair, the United Kingdom voted ‘No’ on this resolution.

We have been a strong advocate of international tax cooperation, to enable the participation of a broad range of jurisdictions and collaboration of different International Organizations in addressing global policy challenges.

We have championed efforts to combat Base Erosion and Profit Shifting, increased tax transparency through the Automatic Exchange of Information and via HM Revenue and Customs’ capacity-building partnerships with developing countries.

We believe there is a role for the UN to play in international tax cooperation and we recognise the desire to make progress on this. We will continue to engage constructively with these negotiations.

From the outset, we set out what we see as the crucial principles for this work to be effective and inclusive. We believe decision-making should be based on broad consensus, to ensure that any outputs are widely implemented and maximize participation. And we need to ensure that a Framework Convention will not undermine existing tax rules.

In July, we made six proposals for changes to the zero draft of the Terms of Reference, none of which were reflected in the final text. While we welcome flexibility shown in this resolution, neither the Terms of Reference nor this resolution provide sufficient reassurance on our concerns.

In addition, we are concerned about the programme budget implications. During negotiations, we and other delegations had a number of questions, however these were not resolved. Full costs were only shared this week once negotiations had concluded. We need more robust consideration to understand the implications of this resolution, and will reflect our concerns in the Fifth Committee.

We will continue to work actively with all of you and be constructive and collaborative in considering how to accommodate different perspectives.

We hope that we can all deliver a positive contribution to international tax cooperation.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 November 2024.

Botswana and the G7 announce plans to improve transparency in the diamond trade. A new certification node will help stop Russian origin diamonds entering G7 markets.

Joint Statement by Botswana and the G7 diamond technical team:

A G7 import ban on Russian origin diamonds began on 1 January 2024. On 1 March 2024, Russian diamonds processed in third countries were also banned in the G7 jurisdictions.

On 1 March 2024, the first certification node with the ability to certify the origin of rough diamonds and issue G7 certificates became operational in the EU. Following this, the G7 diamond technical team and Botswana have increased collaboration on enhancing traceability and transparency in the diamond trade.

To enhance Botswana’s capacity in certifying rough diamonds for export, aligning with the G7 requirements to prevent Russian-mined diamonds from entering G7 markets and ensure traceability throughout the supply chain, the Belgium and Botswana teams conducted a comprehensive gap analysis, assessing current frameworks and identifying areas that require further alignment.

As a result, Botswana and the G7 diamond technical team are now crafting a roadmap to address any identified gaps, aiming to have the export certification node fully operational in Botswana as soon as possible next year.

H.E. President Duma Boko of Botswana, in his recent keynote address at the FACET event in Antwerp on 26 November 2024, underscored the importance of ethical and sustainable diamond mining as a cornerstone of Botswana’s ongoing efforts to enhance transparency and accountability within the diamond industry. “Botswana is committed to pioneering traceability and responsible mining practices, ensuring that our diamonds not only shine in beauty but also embody integrity and ethical stewardship,” he said.

Establishing this certification node will reinforce Botswana’s position as a responsible global leader in diamond production, offering reassurance to international buyers and stakeholders. This development is expected to increase investor confidence, support economic growth, and promote ethical practices across the diamond supply chain. The G7 diamond technical team will continue engaging with other African diamond-producing countries such as Namibia and Angola to consider setting up additional export certification nodes.