Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 September 2024.

The government has taken the decision that the UK will suspend arms export licences to Israel for use in military operations in Gaza, following a review of Israel’s compliance with international humanitarian law.

• government announces immediate suspension of around 30 licences for items used in the current conflict in Gaza which go to the IDF, from a total of approximately 350 licences to Israel
• UK assessment concludes there is a clear risk certain military exports to Israel might be used in violations of International Humanitarian Law
• Foreign Secretary underlines our support for Israeli security
• sanctions announced against 3 individuals within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force and an IRGC unit for threatening the stability of the Middle East

The government has taken the decision that the UK will suspend arms export licences to Israel for use in military operations in Gaza, following a review of Israel’s compliance with international humanitarian law.

The UK’s robust export licensing criteria states that the government will not issue export licences if the items might be used to commit or facilitate serious violations of International Humanitarian Law.

The suspension will not change the UK’s steadfast support for Israel’s security, and the decision will be kept under review.

On day one in office, the Foreign Secretary commissioned a thorough review into Israel’s compliance with International Humanitarian Law, and has travelled to Israel twice since being appointed to the role to understand the situation on the ground.

These assessments have led to serious concerns about aspects of Israel’s compliance, and the government has concluded there is a clear risk that items exported to Israel under these 30 licences might be used in serious violations of IHL and is therefore suspending certain exports immediately from today.

It comes after repeated calls by UK ministers for Israel to do more to ensure lifesaving food and medical supplies reach civilians in Gaza, and for improved treatment and access to detainees.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

Facing a conflict such as this, it is this government’s legal duty to review export licences.

It is with regret that I inform the House today, the assessment I have received finds that for certain UK arms exports to Israel there exists a clear risk that they might be used to commit or facilitate a serious violation of International Humanitarian Law.

Therefore today we are announcing the suspension of around 30 export licences to Israel as required under the Export Controls frameworks.

The UK continues to support Israel’s right to self-defence in accordance with international law.

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

Our world renowned defence industry operates under one of the most robust export licence regimes in the world, and we have a duty to uphold both our domestic and international legal obligations.

That is why after assessing the latest available advice, I have taken the difficult decision to suspend certain arms licences for exports from the UK to Israel. By suspending these licences, I am fulfilling our commitment to avoiding the risk that UK exports could be used in IHL violations in the Gaza conflict. There will remain however an important commitment to maintaining the F-35 programme which is integral to international security.

The suspension will apply to around 30 items used in the current conflict in Gaza which go to the IDF, from a total of 350 licences to Israel. The list of suspended items includes important components which go into military aircraft, including fighter aircraft, helicopters and drones as well as items which facilitate ground targeting, that would be used in Gaza.

There are a number of export licences which we have assessed are not for military use in the current conflict in Gaza and therefore do not require suspension.

These include items that are not being used by the IDF in the current conflict (such as trainer aircraft or other naval equipment), and other, non-military items.  Export licences cover a range of products including things such as food-testing chemicals, telecoms and data equipment.

UK components for the multi-national F-35 joint strike fighter programme will be excluded from this decision, except where going directly to Israel.

Any suspension of those pooled parts is not possible without having a significant effect on the global F35 fleet with serious implications for international peace and security.

Today the Foreign Secretary has also announced sanctions against 3 individuals within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force and an IRGC unit for threatening the stability of the Middle East.

These targets seek to destabilise the region by sponsoring and providing weapons to Iranian proxy groups and partners across the region such as Lebanese-Hizbollah.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 30 August 2024.

32 of Malaysia’s brightest have been awarded the prestigious Chevening scholarship to pursue their postgraduate studies in the UK for the 2024/25 academic year.

In addition to the existing number of Chevening scholarship awards, the United Kingdom (UK) government has also now launched a Chevening ASEAN Scholarship Programme. Every ASEAN member country and Timor-Leste will receive one additional Chevening scholarship award for the 2025/26 academic year.

David Wallace, Acting British High Commissioner to Malaysia, hosted a pre-departure briefing and reception for the scholars this evening. He said:

The Chevening Scholarship programme is a testament to the UK government’s commitment to nurturing Malaysia’s leaders of tomorrow. It provides an opportunity to experience a world-class education in the UK as well as gaining invaluable exposure and experiences along the way.

ASEAN is an important partner to the UK. In 2022, the UK became a Dialogue Partner to ASEAN, the first new dialogue partner in 25 years. The Chevening ASEAN Scholarship Programme will enable more scholars from South East Asia (including Malaysia) to study in the UK. It also augurs well with Malaysia’s chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025.

The Chevening award is the UK Government’s global scholarship programme that is funded and administered by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). This is complemented by generous sponsorships from Malaysian corporate partners namely CIMB Foundation, Yayasan Khazanah, PETRONAS and the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation. British universities also provide additional funding in support of the Chevening programme.

Chevening partners in Malaysia

Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Jeffrey Cheah AO, Founder and Chairman of the Sunway Group said:

It has been a pleasure and privilege for the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation to have been the sponsor of a Chevening Scholarship since 2018. Each year I am thrilled by the quality of the applicants, and especially that of the candidates for our Scholarship; and we are delighted to be able to provide the opportunity over the years to well-deserving Malaysians to enhance their professional and leadership skills at a UK university and partake of the many interesting activities that are provided by the Chevening Secretariat in London.

Ahmad Shahriman Mohd Shariff, Chief Executive Officer of CIMB Foundation said:

CIMB Foundation is pleased to continue our collaboration with the UK for the Chevening Scholarship programme, a platform which provides life-changing opportunities for exceptional individuals to transform their lives through the power of education and networking. Aligned with our core impact area of Education, we firmly believe that the Chevening Scholarship plays an instrumental role in shaping the next generation of Malaysian leaders. The scholarship provides the recipients an edge through wide exposure and knowledge transfer, enhancing their value to the nation in returning to create positive and lasting change in their respective areas of specialisation.

Intan Zalila, Chief Programme Officer of Yayasan Khazanah said:

Our partnership with Chevening allows us to connect with a diverse pool of talented individuals who are poised to make significant contributions to society. We look forward to the continued success of our partnership with Chevening, as we work together to empower future leaders and make a lasting impact!

Ruslan Islahudin, Vice President & Group Chief Human Resource Officer of PETRONAS said:

Our alliance with the Chevening Scholarship reflects our commitment to empowering future leaders who are not only equipped with a world-class education but are also dedicated to driving sustainable solutions to global challenges in navigating a just energy transition. We are optimistic that these scholars will significantly contribute to the aspiration of shaping a more sustainable future by bringing innovative ideas and responsible business practices to the forefront here in Malaysia.

The Malaysian scholars

The current batch of scholars will be heading to the UK as early as September this year to pursue a wide range of postgraduate programmes at top UK universities, including subjects such as Early Years Education, Creative Writing Poetry, Global Health Policy, Cyber Defence and Information Assurance as well as Competition Law.

Scholar Muhammad Farhan Shahmi bin Abdullah who will be attending University of Cambridge to study Sociology (The Sociology of Media and Culture) said:

Misinformation and hate speech are ever-evolving threats in Malaysia, and preparing our youth to tackle them is crucial. I am driven to study Sociology at Cambridge to enrich myself with knowledge and skills in building effective, yet inclusive solutions to this conundrum. Certainly, interventions in sociology consider broader factors like culture and social dynamics, thus viewing social issues like misinformation and hate speech through a holistic lens. With the knowledge gained and network fostered from the Chevening experience, I aim to ultimately advocate for media literacy’s inclusion in the national school curriculum, making it a fundamental skill for all Malaysians.

Lydia Hong Wen Xin who will be attending Imperial College London to study Climate Change, Management and Finance said:

The field of climate change and finance is rapidly evolving, driven by urgent global demands to address climate risks and transition to sustainable energy systems. In Malaysia, recent initiatives like the target to achieve a 70% renewable energy mix by 2050 exemplify this momentum. Studying in the UK, with its environmental stewardship and cutting-edge research, offers an ideal platform to gain the expertise needed to contribute effectively to this global challenge. The holistic approach provided by my program enables me to communicate effectively across both business and scientific contexts.

Rajwin Kanagarajah who will be attending the University of Cambridge to study Population Health Sciences said:

One of the most pressing challenges in population health in Malaysia today is the growing burden of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and heart disease driven by lifestyle changes and an ageing population. This not only strains healthcare resources but also widens health disparities. Through this Chevening scholarship, I aim to gain expertise in public health policy, health economics and digital health solutions. Upon my return, I hope to contribute to Malaysia’s healthcare transformation by driving innovative, data-driven approaches in reducing disease burden, improving access to care and closing healthcare gaps on a national scale.

Syamim S. who will be attending the University of Kent to study Autism Studies said:

As an autistic person, equal opportunities are core to my Chevening journey. They allow persons with disabilities like myself equitable access to education. Personally, experiencing how such legislations may protect disabled persons is its own learning curve—one that I look forward to exploring further in the UK and adapting back home. I hope to build capacity within myself and my community through this academic and existential journey, moving Malaysia towards a better state of autistic and disability rights, benefiting everyone.

Malaysia is the second largest recipient of Chevening awards in ASEAN and there are already over 2,000 members of the Chevening alumni in Malaysia.

The UK government has recently reiterated that the UK welcomes international students. Malaysians who wish to get a scholarship to pursue a post-graduate degree in the UK can apply now until applications close on 5 November 2024. More information is available on www.chevening.org/malaysia.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 30 August 2024.

Statement by Fergus Eckersley, Minister Counsellor, at the Security Council meeting on Ukraine.

Since calling this meeting, and accusing the West of escalation, Russia has bombarded Ukrainian cities across fifteen regions, more than half the country, using hundreds of drones, cruise missiles, hypersonic ballistic missiles, glide bombs, and more.

Some of these were procured from Iran and DPRK, in violation of UN Security Council Resolutions.

Moscow’s intent is to terrorise the civilian population in Ukraine into submission. The latest attacks have caused widespread blackouts, cutting off access for ordinary people to power, heating and water. Imagine that happening to your country.

Direct attacks on civilian infrastructure constitute a war crime. Ukraine has a right to defend itself, under Article 51 of the UN Charter, against Russia’s attacks.

This does not preclude its right to project force into Russian territory, so long as action complies with international law.

Russia cannot step up the war from its own soil, while increasing attacks on the civilian population, and expect Ukraine not to seek to remove the source of the threat.

We will continue to provide Ukraine with the capabilities it needs to defend its people.

Neither the UK nor our partners seek direct confrontation with Russia, nor a wider escalation of tensions.

Let me be clear. There is only one aggressor here.

It was Russia that willingly and deliberately tore into the security of Europe by illegally invading a sovereign country.

It was Russia that unilaterally sought to annex a neighbour’s land, against every principle the international system, and all of us, rely upon.

It was Russia that chose to use hypersonic missiles and other advanced weaponry against civilians and their infrastructure.

And it was Russia that chose, at the start of this war, that chose to illegally seize the largest nuclear power plant in Western Europe at Zaporizhizhia even recklessly installing military equipment in the turbine hall and on reactor roofs.

Russian disinformation and threats and false accusations will not deter the UK or our allies from our steadfast support for Ukraine, including providing it with the capabilities it needs to defend its people.

We remain committed to securing a just and lasting peace for Ukraine and for Europe, in line with the UN Charter.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 30 August 2024.

Statement from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) on the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) military operation in the Occupied West Bank.

A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) spokesperson said:

The UK is deeply concerned by the ongoing IDF military operation in the occupied West Bank.

We recognise Israel’s need to defend itself against security threats, but we are deeply worried by the methods Israel has employed and by reports of civilian casualties and the destruction of civilian infrastructure.

The risk of instability is serious and the need for de-escalation urgent. We continue to call on Israeli authorities to exercise restraint, adhere to international law, and clamp down on the actions of those who seek to inflame tensions. The UK strongly condemns settler violence and inciteful remarks such as those made by Israel’s National Security Minister Ben-Gvir, which threaten the status-quo of the Holy Sites in Jerusalem.

It is in no one’s interest for further conflict and instability to spread in the West Bank.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 30 August 2024.

A British Embassy official attended the launch of the plan to create a water law in Guatemala, which will start this year until 2025. This national commitment was announced on 29 August by the Executive and endorsed by Congress, civil society, and indigenous peoples.

A British Embassy spokesperson said:

We congratulate the Guatemalan Government for presenting the initiative to create a water law in Guatemala.

Guatemala now joins the path travelled by many countries to preserve their natural resources while addressing the impacts of climate change.

The UK continues to work with Guatemala on this and other environmental priorities, such as the protection of biodiversity and forests, and addressing global climate challenges.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 29 August 2024.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

The UK, alongside Switzerland, called this humanitarian meeting after yet another alarming warning from the UN.

The situation in Gaza is intolerable and worsens with each day that passes. Over 100 hostages remain trapped in Gaza, subject to unimaginable horror. We reiterate our call for Hamas to immediately release them, and for ICRC to be granted humanitarian access.

And Palestinian children, already suffering, are now facing the imminent threat of a major polio outbreak caused by the devastation of water and sanitation services, as well as widespread malnutrition and famine risk in Gaza.

A ten-month old baby has already been paralysed by this disease – the first such case for 25 years. This is a tragedy that could have been prevented.

As we’ve heard, the UN plans to deliver vaccines as soon as this weekend. We strongly welcome Israel’s agreement for pauses on military operations so that the WHO and health agencies can deliver a safe and effective campaign. We now need to see this in action and these pauses need to be long enough to deliver the 90% coverage required.

When the campaign starts and thousands of vulnerable and unaccompanied children gather at vaccination sites, they must all be protected.

Israel’s ramping up of short-notice evacuation orders, including in areas that should provide safe refuge, is causing more chaos, again leaving Palestinians with no safe place to turn.

The UN Department of Safety and Security this week warned us that the UN too are running out of safe places for its staff. They cannot deliver desperately needed aid when IDF mass evacuation orders force them to uproot their homes and offices with just a few hours’ notice.

Israel must minimise evacuation orders and provide sufficient notice of at least 48 hours.

And despite repeated calls by this Council for deconfliction and the protection of aid operations, we continue to see appalling and unacceptable attacks on UN and aid convoys. This conflict already represents the deadliest by far for humanitarian personnel.

Just this week, the UN confirmed the IDF opened fire on a World Food Programme truck which had been fully coordinated with Israel and had UN workers inside.

Israel must take immediate steps to protect aid workers. And if its personnel are responsible for incidents, hold them accountable. All parties must abide by their obligations under international humanitarian law.

Sadly, President, it is not only in Gaza where we are witnessing violence. We are deeply concerned by rising levels of violence in the West Bank. Over 130 Palestinians, including 26 children, have been killed this month alone. We join the Secretary General in calling for urgent de-escalation.

Colleagues, the only way to bring an end to this suffering is an immediate ceasefire. We fully support the ongoing efforts of the US, Egypt and Qatar to reach an agreement on this which will get all the hostages out and significantly more aid in. We call on both Israel and Hamas to urgently take the deal on the table.

We must then see irreversible steps towards a two-state solution, the best means of ensuring long term peace for Israelis and Palestinians alike.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 29 August 2024.

The UK government is providing an additional £450,000 (BDT 7 crores) of vital humanitarian assistance to support more than 36,000 people affected by flooding in eastern Bangladesh, where more than five million people have been impacted.

This builds on the £33,000 (BDT 52 lacs) of initial emergency funding released on Monday 26 August. It brings the UK government’s total support to disaster preparedness and response across Bangladesh this year to over £1,500,000 (BDT 23.4 crores) and is additional to the UK government’s ongoing support to help increase Bangladesh’s resilience to climate change.

This assistance will support people in seven of the worst affected districts: Feni, Cumilla, Noakhali, Lakshmipur, Moulvibazar, Khagrachari and Chattogram. Some areas are facing their most severe flooding in 40 years.

One component of this new UK support will be managed by Start Fund Bangladesh and implemented by NGOs. This will support over 36,000 people with food, cash transfers, clean water, sanitation and hygiene supplies.

A second component will be managed by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and provide emergency maternal, newborn and reproductive health services to 4,500 women and adolescent girls. This includes helping to establish and run 30 mobile medical camps, which will provide essential medicines and healthcare.

Sarah Cooke, British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, said

“The UK government stands beside all of those affected by the current flooding in eastern Bangladesh. I am pleased to announce the UK government is providing further humanitarian assistance to support those impacted.

“This includes £450,000 of new funding released today (BDT 7 crores) to provide vital supplies and services to over 36,000 people. This is in addition to the UK government’s responses to Cyclone Remal and flooding earlier this year in Bangladesh, and our broader support to increase Bangladesh’s resilience to climate change.”

“This contribution complements the active and ongoing response of the interim government of Bangladesh, civil society and local communities.”

Notes to editors:

1. The UK government’s response to the current flooding builds on the £530,000 (BDT 8.2 crores) provided this year in Bangladesh to support those affected by flooding in Sylhet and Cyclone Remal.
2. The UK government’s response to the current flooding in eastern Bangladesh will be managed by Start Fund Bangladesh. It will be implemented by ASHIKA Development Associates, Center for Natural Resource Studies (CNRS), Coastal Association for Social Transformation (COAST) Trust, UTTARAN, ActionAid Bangladesh, Caritas Bangladesh, Christian Aid, and Islamic Relief Bangladesh.
3. The UK’s ongoing support to the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office and CARE Bangladesh, totalling £495,000 (BDT 7.7 crores) this year, is helping coordinate responses and produce needs assessments in Bangladesh when disasters hit.
4. The UK government is also working to help increase Bangladesh’s resilience to climate change. This includes ongoing support to CARE Bangladesh, totalling £33.6m (BDT 52.4 crores) over four years. This is working to increase climate resilience for one million vulnerable people, including by helping to protect and restore two Ecologically Critical Areas (ECA), the Sundarbans Reserve Forest and Hakaluki Haor.

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 Russian attacks on Ukrainian civilians and civilian infrastructure.

Colleagues, as we discuss the situation in Ukraine today, we are once again compelled to highlight the continued barbarity of President Putin’s tactics against the Ukrainian people.

Last weekend, Ukraine marked its third Independence Day since Russia’s illegal invasion. Instead of celebrating, Ukrainians were fighting for their country, their land and their families.

They are also fighting on behalf of all our countries, in defence of the principles that this institution, the United Nations, was founded: that every Member State has the right to sovereignty and territorial integrity, and borders cannot be redrawn by force.

Let us be clear: under Article 51 Ukraine has a right of self-defence. The UK and other allies fully support Ukraine in exercising that right.

President Putin thought Kyiv would fall within days. He was wrong. And Ukrainian courage continues to prove him wrong every day.

Russia is getting increasingly desperate as we heard again today. And as it does, the attacks become more cowardly.

On Monday, Russia launched a wave of missile and drone attacks across Ukraine, striking numerous civilian areas. Further attacks took place on Monday night and Tuesday morning. At least 7 people were killed and many more injured. We were deeply saddened to learn that a British national, Ryan Evans, was also killed in recent attacks.

Over 35,000 civilians in Ukraine have been confirmed killed or injured since Russia’s invasion began. These most recent attacks represent continued evidence that Russia is intentionally targeting civilian energy infrastructure, risking further humanitarian crisis this coming winter.

To be clear: intentionally directing attacks against civilians and civilian objects constitute a war crime.

At the same time, the consequence of Putin’s miscalculation for the Russian people is increasingly evident.

This week’s attack alone cost Russia almost $1.3 billion. It is estimated that more than 1,000 Russian troops were either killed or wounded on Monday alone. So once again, we call on Russia to end its illegal invasion and immediately withdraw its forces.

The UK, along with our international partners, will not falter in our support for Ukraine. We will stand with the Ukrainian people for as long as it takes to secure a just and sustainable peace based on the principles of the UN Charter and international law.

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

UK Statement for Universal Periodic Review Adoption of the Republic of Mauritius.

To note, this statement was not delivered.

The United Kingdom welcomes the engagement of Mauritius with the Universal Periodic Review process and its commitment to promoting and protecting human rights. We thank Mauritius for its consideration of our recent recommendations.

We welcome Mauritius’ acceptance of our recommendation to fully implement and report regularly on progress of the National Gender Policy and the National Strategy & Action Plan on Gender-Based Violence.

We also welcome that Mauritius, as a Small Island Developing State, accepted our recommendation to report on the impact of climate change on its human rights situation.

The UK invites Mauritius to clarify its position on amending Section 250 of the Criminal Code. This is a vital step in fully implementing the Supreme Court’s decriminalisation of same-sex sexual relations in November 2023, which the UK welcomed, and for safeguarding the rights of LGBT people in Mauritius.

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.