Tag: Foreign Office

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

UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on High Commissioner’s report on technical cooperation in Colombia. Delivered in Geneva on 8 July 2024.

Thank you, Mr President,

First, let me thank OHCHR for their report which, despite restricted access to critical locations, has managed to highlight the serious human rights violations which continue unabated across Libya.

The participation of victim and civil society  is essential for delivering transitional justice. We therefore welcome that some victims’ representatives were engaged in capacity-building activities. However, we remain deeply concerned by reports of shrinking civic space, and call upon Libya to enable the safe and meaningful participation of civil society in transitional justice and reconciliation.

We welcome House of Representatives’ endorsement of the draft law aimed at protecting women from violence and the engagement of women in capacity-building activities. We encourage the Libyan authorities to ensure and enhance women’s safe and meaningful participation in politics and public life.

The UK would also like to thank Libya for bringing once again its Item 10 resolution renewing the OHCHR technical assistance and capacity building. It is clear from the reports of continued gross and widespread human rights violations that this is the very minimum required. Libya must stay on the Council’s agenda.

Finally, we urge the Libyan authorities to  grant OHCHR and United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) unhindered access to all locations as requested in HRC resolution 52/41.

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

The British High Commissioner to Kenya, Mr Neil Wigan, on Tuesday 27 officially opened the 6th Annual Counter-Improvised Explosive Devices (C-IED) conference at KCB Leadership Centre in Nairobi. Also present at the event was Kenya Army Lieutenant, General David Kimaiyo, Director International Peace and Security Training Centre, Brigadier Joyce Sitienei and British Peace Support Training – Africa (BPST-A), Commander Col. Andy Pitt.

The three-day conference brings together security experts in the region with the aim of discussing current Counter-IED trends and threats, and highlight lessons learnt from Peace Support Operations (PSO) across the continent. Furthermore, the conference seeks to provide a platform from which the African Union (AU) can deliver direction and updates on the African Counter – Explosive Ordinance strategy.

Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) continue to proliferate both in number and complexity. IEDs have been used to target peacekeeping personnel, national security forces, aid workers and civilians.

Speaking during the opening of the conference, the British High Commissioner, Neil Wigan said:

Improvised Explosive Devices continue to be a critical threat across the continent, including on the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and the Kenyan borderlands. The severity of their impact and the speed of development by our adversaries demands that we leverage our respective expertise and work together. The UK remains committed to tackle shared threats, and support efforts to address the underlying drivers of fragility and conflict.

We congratulate Kenya for hosting this conference and we will continue working closely with the AU and the UN to provide the much-needed training and operational direction to deter the influence of IEDs, al-Shabab and other violent extreme organisations alike.

The UK’s support through the British Peace Support Team (Africa) BPST(A) is strengthening the C-IED capability of ATMIS and partner nations personnel. Since 2016, BPST(A) and Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) have trained more than 1,700 military and police from 22 countries in detecting and disarming IEDs.

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

UK explanation of vote delivered by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, following the Security Council vote to renew the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

With the situation on the Blue Line the most precarious it has been for years, we cannot overstate the importance of UNIFIL for calming the situation on the border.

That’s why we voted in favour today.

We commend the UN troops and staff of the Mission who are working in such difficult circumstances – risking their lives – to fulfil the mandate.

Near daily exchanges of fire across the Blue Line have killed and injured civilians. UN peacekeepers have been wounded too. This is deeply concerning and we welcome the mandate’s call for all parties to protect civilians in accordance with international law and to take all measures to respect the safety and security of UN Peacekeepers.

Over the weekend, my Foreign Minister spoke with Lebanon’s PM Mikati and Israel’s Strategic Affairs Minister Dermer to reassure them of our support for security on both sides of the Blue Line.

But while the UK is supporting Lebanon’s security and stability through its government and Armed Forces, Iran is sowing further conflict and chaos by supplying advanced weaponry to Hizballah.  We urge Iran to stand down their proxy and we call on Hizballah to deescalate immediately.

Only a political solution can deliver the peace we so desperately need.

As my Foreign Minister said earlier this month: a widening of this conflict is in nobody’s interest – the consequences could be catastrophic. One miscalculation is all it takes. All parties need to engage immediately with diplomatic efforts based on the principles set out in UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

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

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

First, this month we have seen yet another series of attacks by Iranian-backed militia groups against Coalition forces in Syria. Malign actors continue to seek to capitalise on the instability to secure their influence and in turn destabilise the region.

Violence by regime forces, backed by Iran, against the Syrian Democratic Forces along the Euphrates River risks further destabilising a country already marred by conflict. This instability will continue to play out across the borders in Lebanon and in Iraq.

Second, a number of anniversaries this month have been a stark reminder of the devastating impact of the conflict on the lives of Syrians. It is 11 years since the Assad regime used chemical weapons to kill over 1,400 people in Ghouta.

A decade has passed since Daesh began committing genocide against the Yazidis. I want to highlight the plight of missing Yazidi women and of the families that have been torn apart by these horrendous acts.

As we mark the International Day of the Disappeared, we recall that forcibly disappeared persons account for around five percent of the total Syrian population. All parties must engage in good faith as the Independent Institution on Missing Persons is established to clarify the fate of the missing.

Third, President, despite the deep trauma of these horrific crimes, the Syrian people have continued to demonstrate bravery and resolve in demanding freedom and democratic rights. There has now been a year of protests in Sweida standing up to and demanding change from the Assad regime.

The demonstrations serve as a dramatic testimony to the unresolved issues that first drove people to the streets in 2011. We continue to call on the Assad regime to realise the protestors’ demands for political, civil, and human rights. And to end the systematic subjugation of Syrians fairly seeking freedom, democracy and change.

President, ultimately it is within the Assad regime’s gift to implement UNSCR 2254.  This offers a pathway out of conflict that would protect the rights of all Syrians. The United Kingdom honours the perseverance of those bravely seeking truth, justice, freedom and stability.

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

This visit underscores the UK’s dedication to fostering peace, prosperity, and sustainable development in collaboration with Angola.

Luanda, Angola – From August 14 to 16, Lord Collins of Highbury, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Africa, made his inaugural visit to Africa, marking a significant step in strengthening UK-Angola relations.

During his visit, Lord Collins met with President João Lourenço to discuss Angola’s pivotal role in mediating peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The UK acknowledges and supports Angola’s efforts in conflict resolution in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Lord Collins also engaged with key ministers, including Finance Minister Vera Daves and Transport Minister Ricardo Viegas d’Abreu, to highlight the UK’s commitment to trade, growth and addressing climate and sustainability challenges. His visit to the Province of Huambo included a meeting with Governor Pereira Alfredo, where he witnessed the impactful demining work of The HALO Trust, funded by the UK and Angola.

In the Province of Benguela, Lord Collins met with the Vice Governor for Technical Services and Infrastructure, Adilson Gonçalves to gain insights into the Lobito Corridor, further emphasizing the UK’s support for regional development initiatives.

Expressing optimism about the future of the UK-Angola partnership, Lord Collins stated:

This was my first visit to Angola and Africa since my appointment, and I am delighted to be here at such an exciting time for the UK-Angolan partnership. Meeting President Lourenço and other key leaders has reinforced our shared commitment to regional stability and development.”

I visited Huambo to understand more about the Lobito Corridor and how it will improve cross-border economic activity across the region. During my visit, I also saw how UK funding is having a positive impact on demining efforts in the country, thanks to the fantastic work of The HALO Trust, transforming land for growth.”

I look forward to seeing the UK and Angola partnership continue to thrive and improve outcomes that benefit all of us.”

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

Indo-Pacific Minister Catherine West will announce £12.9 million in new climate funding on her first overseas visit.

• UK supporting Pacific-led climate solutions with £12.9 million in new funding
• announcement comes as Indo-Pacific Minister Catherine West joins Pacific leaders for regional ministerial meeting in Tonga

The UK is providing targeted funding and expertise to support Pacific-led climate action, Indo-Pacific Minister Catherine West will tell a meeting of regional leaders in Tonga later this week.

Minister West’s first overseas travel saw her arrive in New Zealand Sunday (25 August) for discussions focused on climate, defence and trade before travelling to Nuku’alofa on Tuesday 27 August to attend a meeting of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF).

Ahead of the meeting, Minister West said:

The government is seeking to reconnect the UK with partners around the world and to return to the forefront of international climate action.

The climate crisis needs global, long-term action – but we must also take rapid steps to support countries on the frontline, like our partners in the Pacific.

That is why the UK is supporting Pacific-led action to equip vulnerable communities facing the impacts of climate change with £12.9 million in new funding.

The programmes being announced are:

• technical support worth £1.3 million to establish a new Pacific Resilience Facility, a regionally-governed investment fund through which countries will be able to access long-term, reliable climate finance
• £5 million further funding for the UK’s Transforming Energy Access (TEA) Pacific programme, which supports early testing and scaling of new technology to provide communities with clean, affordable energy. Among the projects already being supported by the TEA fund are a solar and hydrogen powered ‘mini grid’ system providing clean water and oxygen to a remote hospital in Papua New Guinea, serving 15,000 people
• technical assistance and training worth £2 million to develop evidence-based financial and climate finance policy, provided through the International Monetary Fund
• £3 million for the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), the foremost Pacific-led organisation for environment and nature conservation
• £1.6 million for the new Digital Earth Pacific programme, a regional initiative which monitors how environments are changing over time through satellite data, enabling governments and communities to better understand and respond to the impacts of climate change

In addition to climate action, the minister will discuss UK work to strengthen defence and economic links with PIF members including through police training and the UK’s Trade Partnerships Programme. While in Tonga the minister will also celebrate the role of sport in tackling gender inequality, with the delivery of UK-funded rugby kit for local women and girls’ teams.

In Wellington, talks focused on joint action to protect regional and global security including support for Ukraine and New Zealand’s ongoing contribution to Operation Interflex, which has so far trained over 30,000 Ukrainian troops in the UK.

Minister West will set out the UK’s ambition to reach zero carbon electricity by 2030 with a visit to Octopus Energy, a UK clean energy provider. Clean energy cooperation is among the sectors boosted by the implementation of the UK-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which entered into force in May 2023 and is expected to increase total 2-way trade by 60% by 2035.

Since taking office in July 2024 Foreign Secretary David Lammy has pledged to reconnect the UK with global partners to ensure security and prosperity at home and around the world. This includes pushing for global coordinated action to address the climate and nature emergency, in partnership with countries facing its worst impacts.

Background

New funding for the Transforming Energy Access Pacific programme includes:

• £4 million contribution to the World Bank’s Accelerating Sustainable Energy Transition (ASET) programme, which will increase renewable energy generation capacity and enhance the financial and environmental sustainability of the power sector in the Pacific (including Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga)
• £1 million to support the Pacific Community’s Framework for Energy Security and Resilience in the Pacific (FESRIP) including development and implementation of robust national energy policies and regulations, capacity development and improve gender balance in the energy sector

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

David Wallace started in the role following departure of Ailsa Terry who has returned to London to be the Prime Minister’s Private Secretary for Foreign Affairs.

Malaysia is not new to Wallace as he has been serving as the Deputy High Commissioner to Malaysia since July 2022. He is now the Charge d’Affaires until a new High Commissioner arrives in Malaysia in 2025.

On his new role, Wallace said:

The UK and Malaysia share strong historical ties and deep people-to-people links. I want to build on this and develop a modern partnership based around many shared interests.

The UK’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) will be a milestone in our bilateral relationship. By the time CPTPP enters into force in December this year, both our countries are set to benefit from the first ever free trade agreement, giving bilateral trade and economic growth a major boost.

Wallace added that the UK also looks forward to working with Malaysia on issues affecting regional security, stability and prosperity especially during the Malaysian chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025.

In his 22-year diplomatic career, Wallace has covered a range of political, economic and security roles, focused in central Europe and East Asia. Prior to Kuala Lumpur, Wallace was previously posted to Berlin, Warsaw, Seoul and Baghdad.  In the Foreign Office Head Office he has worked on sanctions, counter proliferation, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Wallace, who hails from Edinburgh Scotland, has a BA (Hons) in Philosophy and an MA in International Economics.  He speaks English, German and Polish. During his free time, Wallace enjoys reading, diving and baking. The Scotsman, who loves curry puffs in Malaysia, has travelled to almost all states around Malaysia including scaling Mount Kinabalu and diving off Pulau Tioman, Kapas and Gaya.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 August 2024.

Ambassador Holland marks Ukraine’s Independence Day and condemns Russia’s efforts to eradicate Ukrainian identity through its illegal war of aggression.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Last Saturday we marked two milestones: 30 months since Russia launched its illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine and 33 years since the Ukrainian people chose independence. The contrast between these two events could not be greater.

President Putin’s illegal war is a story of desperation and attempted subjugation, the latest chapter of which has been the massive barrage launched on Ukraine’s cities and energy infrastructure last night. Ukraine’s independence story, however, is one of values; of hope and freedom. Ukraine’s Act of Declaration of Independence received overwhelming support across the country. It received broad international recognition, including from President Yeltsin. In contrast, Russia’s war has resulted in sham referenda that received almost no international recognition. And because the Ukrainian people, and the majority of the world, stand united behind Ukraine’s sovereignty, its independence will endure, while this illegal war will ultimately fail.

Madam Chair, following Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion, which is a violation of the UN Charter and OSCE principles, Ukrainians are fighting for their land and their centuries-old identity. Russia has tried to erase Ukrainian identity and culture through a systematic effort of repression.

Since the start of the full-scale invasion, Russian attacks have damaged as many as 400 cultural sites, including religious sites, museums, and other cultural property. Russian forces are believed to have stolen more than 28,000 artworks and artefacts from the Kherson Regional Museum. In May, a Russian missile destroyed one of the largest printing houses in Europe, Factor Druk in Kharkiv, destroying 50,000 books.

These attacks on Ukraine’s past and its present are abhorrent, but we are seeing evidence that Russia is also targeting Ukraine’s future. Thousands of Ukrainian children have been taken from their families, forcibly deported from their homes and subjected to targeted re-education in an attempt to sever their link with their homeland. The independent OSCE Moscow Mechanism report on this issue concluded that Russia’s actions constitute violations of international humanitarian law, international human rights law and, in some cases, war crimes.

Madam Chair, Ukraine’s culture is important in its own right but also significant for what it represents. Now more so than ever, it stands as a symbol of resilience and resistance. Ukrainian national identity burns brightly despite Russia’s efforts to steal artefacts, re-educate children and eliminate national traditions. And Ukraine’s identity – forged in the face of adversity and hardship – will endure. For this reason, I look forward to 2025, when we will again celebrate Ukraine’s independence, resilience and national identity, and I hope we can do so without needing to remark on another milestone in this senseless and illegal war.

Madam chair, before I conclude, we are deeply saddened by the news that a British national media worker has died following a Russian strike on a hotel in Kramatorsk. Our thoughts are with his family, and we join all those who are mourning their loved ones as a result of this war. Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 23 August 2024.

British High Commissioner Neil Wigan pays first visit to Wajir County to discuss partnership and the impact of UK programming in the county.

• British High Commission team visited Wajir County 22 and 23 August.
• British High Commissioner announced INSPIRED programme to ensure quality education for 100,000 children and met beneficiaries of innovative cash assistance programme.
• The British High Commissioner and Development Director held meetings with Wajir County Commissioner and Governor, Mandera County Governor and the Wajir Women Council.
• The team also visited Wajir County Police Station to better understand the impact of UK-funded gender desks in tackling VAWG.

British High Commissioner to Kenya, Neil Wigan, visited Wajir County on 22 and 23 August, accompanied by Development Director Leigh Stubblefield.

During the visit, the High Commissioner met Wajir County Governor Ahmed Abdullahi and County Commissioner Karuku Ngumo to discuss the UK-Wajir partnership and the impact of UK programming in the county, particularly in support of women and girls, regional peace and security and cash assistance to vulnerable communities.

On 23 August, the High Commissioner announced INSPIRED, our new flagship education programme. INSPIRED will provide quality education for 100,000 children in Wajir and Mandera Counties over the next three years, ensuring Kenya’s future generations can reach their full potential. He discussed details of this new and impactful programme with Wajir and Mandera County Governors.

The High Commissioner also spent time at Wajir County Central Police Station, hearing about the impact of UK-funded gender desks at Wajir Central, Giriftu, Habaswein and Bute police stations, which are helping prevent and handle cases of violence against women and girls in the County. Delivered through the UK’s REINVENT programme, gender desks offer a safe space for victims of sexual and gender-based violence to speak to specially trained officers, which has helped increase reporting rates by 57%.

UK funding through REINVENT previously helped establish the Wajir Women Council. At a dinner with the Council, the High Commissioner heard how the forum had ensured women’s voices were heard at the political and leadership level in the county, how it had helped transform how cases of violence against women and girls are handled, and its role in peacebuilding.

With partners in the Boma Consortium, the team met beneficiaries of the UK-Government of Kenya cash transfer programme, provided under the Hunger Safety Net Programme. Residents of Wajir town explained how cash grants had helped them set up businesses and even a community level loan scheme, enabling them to support their families and establish a regular income.

Local partners in the UK-funded Borderlands programme set out to the High Commissioner how projects are helping provide education and skills development to women entrepreneurs, as well as contributing to women’s participation and trust-building initiatives in support of peace.

British High Commissioner Neil Wigan said of his visit:

Travelling outside of the capital, I am always struck by the strength of the UK’s partnership with Kenya’s counties and their residents.

In Wajir, UK support is helping tackle violence against women and girls, increase access to education and improve security and stability. I’m proud of our partnership with the county – we’re going far, together.

The UK-Kenya partnership is delivering real impact for Kenyans across the country, whether improving economic growth, local governance and stability, access to education and healthcare, empowering women and girls, or working together to ensure regional peace and security.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 August 2024.

Ed Miliband worked on strengthening the UK’s bonds with Brazil on climate focused agenda ahead of Brazil’s presidency of G20 this year and COP30 in 2025.

Climate leadership is essential if we are to protect both the UK and global citizens from the climate crisis, the Energy Secretary highlighted during his first international visit to Brazil – a key ally in driving forward the global clean energy transition.

Ahead of taking personal control of the UK’s climate negotiations later this year, Miliband has met key figures from the Brazilian Government to position the UK as a trusted partner to help deliver an ambitious G20 Presidency and COP30.

On his first day in the country (Sunday 18 August), he saw how the Amazon Fund is supporting the Quilombola in Abaetetuba. In 2023, the UK committed to providing £115 million to the Fund, which as part of its work helps develop economic alternatives and sustainable production practices for small farms and indigenous peoples, who are the best stewards of the forests.

On Monday 19 August, he visited Pecem Port – a huge industrial complex which has recently received $35 million to scale up its green hydrogen production via UK-backed Climate Investment Funds.

The Energy Secretary also set out his ambitions to tackle the climate and nature crisis in a series of bilateral meetings and engagements with his Government counterparts and the finance and energy industries in the capital, Brasilia, 20-21 August – with industrial decarbonisation continuing to be a key theme of his visit.

Following their meeting in London last month, he first held talks with National Secretary of Climate Change, Ana Toni. He also met with the Secretary for Climate, Energy and the Environment at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, André Corrêa do Lago and Minister for the Cabinet Office, Rui Costa.

On his final day in Brazil, he met Climate Minister Silva and Minister of Mines and Energy, Alexandre Silveira. During his visit he spoke to major businesses too – holding a renewables-focused roundtable with major energy companies, including Shell Brazil, BP, Rolls Royce, Subsea 7, ERM, and the British Chamber of Commerce to discuss the economic opportunities the clean energy transition presents.

There was a separate roundtable focused on mobilising finance for the clean energy transition – which was attended by the Brazilian Ministry of Finance and the Brazilian Development Bank. This follows the recently-signed MOU between the UK and the Brazilian Development Bank that supports cooperation between the two countries on this important issue.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said:

“The UK Government has a duty to protect current and future generations in the UK and around the world from the devastating effects of the climate crisis.

“In my first international visit to Brazil, I have been loud and clear that the UK stands ready to work with our Brazilian partners to keep 1.5C alive in this critical decade.

“From hosting this year’s G20 Presidency to next year’s COP30, Brazil is in a unique position to drive climate action on the world stage. As home to the largest rainforest on Earth, the potential to deliver real change here is huge. From speaking to business and energy leaders and fellow Ministers, we have discussed how we can tackle this shared challenge together and encourage others to match our clean energy ambitions.”

Ends

Notes to Editors:

• Since co-founding in 2008 alongside the US, Japan and the World bank, the UK has been one of the largest donors to the Climate Investment Funds having contributed £2.7bn to date.
• The CIFs are a leading part of the international climate finance architecture, working exclusively through Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) to leverage wider public and private financing to deliver climate investments at scale in developing countries.