![PRESS RELEASE : UK statement – Israel’s revocation of Norwegian diplomats’ status [August 2024]](https://www.ukpol.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/fco-150x150.png)
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 9 August 2024.
UK statement following Israel’s decision to revoke the diplomatic status of 8 Norwegian diplomats.
An FCDO spokesperson said:
We are deeply concerned by Israel’s decision to revoke the diplomatic status of 8 Norwegian diplomats dealing with the Palestinian Authority. Norway has long played a unique and valued role in supporting peace for Israelis and Palestinians. We urge Israel to reconsider.
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 9 August 2024.
The United States of America, Canada, the United Kingdom and the European Union have released a joint statement on the 4th anniversary of the fraudulent presidential election in Belarus.
Joint statement from the Governments of the United States of America, Canada and the United Kingdom, and the European Union:
Four years on from the fraudulent 2020 presidential election and the appalling human rights crackdown in Belarus, the United States of America, Canada, the United Kingdom and the European Union stand in solidarity with the people of Belarus who, in spite of continued repression by the Lukashenko regime, have peacefully and courageously pressed for democratic change, respect for human rights, and the release of all political prisoners. We affirm that the sanctions we have recently announced represent a coordinated, multilateral effort to advance accountability for the Lukashenko regime.
We call on Belarusian authorities to immediately and unconditionally release the almost 1,400 political prisoners being held in Belarusian prisons. We will continue to consider our options, including additional sanctions, to hold accountable those who enable the Lukashenko regime’s suppression of democracy in Belarus. We will also continue to take meaningful steps to expose and cut off the flow of crucial support and components through Belarus that fuel Russia’s unprovoked war against Ukraine, while maintaining our support for the Belarusian people.
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 9 August 2024.
The UK has today (9 August) sanctioned a further 7 individuals and entities on the fourth anniversary of the deeply flawed 2020 presidential elections in Belarus in coordinated action with international partners, taking the total number of sanctions against Belarus to over 200.
The conduct of the election, which was widely condemned by the international community, sparked widespread peaceful protests across the country. These were met by a brutal campaign of repression and a purging of civil society, independent media and the democratic opposition at the hands of the Lukashenko regime, with political prisoners detained in penal colonies. Commanding officers of 4 of these penal colonies, who have contributed to human rights violations and the repression of civil society, have been hit with UK sanctions today.
Belarus has also provided instrumental support for Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine since it began in 2022. It has allowed the use of its territory and airspace to launch attacks and provided kit and logistical support, with three Belarusian entities in the defence and military industrial sector being added to the UK’s sanction list, preventing them from doing business with UK companies.
Following the designations, Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:
Four years on from the brutal scenes we witnessed in Belarus, Lukashenko’s relentless crackdown on civil society has shown no signs of abating: over 40,000 citizens arrested on trumped up political charges, civil society and independent media trampled and a regime with no regard for democracy or human rights.
We stand with the people of Belarus and their pursuit of freedom and democracy and call on the regime to release all political prisoners immediately and unconditionally.
The individuals and entities sanctioned today are:
1. Denis Anatolievich TOLSTENKOV: commanding officer of penal colony 4
2. Andrei Sergeevich PALCHYK: former commanding officer of penal colony 1
3. Filip Vladimirovich STURCHANKA: commanding officer of penal colony 3
4. Aleksey Valerievich LAZARENKO: commanding officer of penal colony 15
All 4 individuals are, or have been, responsible for, engaging in, providing support for and promoting the commission of a serious human rights violation, repression of civil society and democratic opposition and actions and activities that undermine democracy and rule of law in Belarus.
5. OJSC StankoGomel: a Belarusian machine tool manufacturer exporting goods to Russia for use in the Russian military industrial sector
6. JSC NIIEVM: a Government of Belarus affiliated entity carrying on business in the Belarusian defence sector
7. Ruchservomotor LLC: a Belarusian machine tool manufacturer exporting goods to Russia for use in the Russian military industrial sector
Alongside sanctions, the UK is announcing planned funding of £2.5 million this financial year to supporting Belarusian human rights and civil society causes, including further funding to the International Accountability Platform Belarus – a coalition that collect, verify, and preserve evidence of gross human rights violations constituting crimes under international law allegedly committed by Belarusian authorities.
Since August 2020, the Belarusian authorities have made over 40,000 politically motivated arrests and pursued at least 12,000 politically motivated criminal cases. According to the Viasna Human Rights Centre, a Belarusian non-governmental organisation, 1389 political prisoners remain incarcerated in Belarus, including human rights defenders, journalists, members of the democratic opposition and trade unionists.
At least 6 political prisoners have died in detention since 2021, while many others remain held in appalling conditions, subject to violence, deprived of medical attention and starved of contact with the outside world.
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 8 August 2024.
British High Commissioner to Malaysia Ailsa Terry CMG has been appointed the UK Prime Minister’s Private Secretary for Foreign Affairs – advising Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer on foreign policy issues, and working closely with the UK’s Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office in London.
This is the first time that a British High Commissioner to Malaysia has been nominated as the Private Secretary to the Prime Minister. Terry will officially take on her new role in No. 10 Downing Street early next month.
On her move, Terry says:
This is a huge privilege. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has set out ambitious plans for the country. I am honoured to be given this opportunity to serve in the Prime Minister’s Office.
Since I started as the British High Commissioner to Malaysia in August 2023, my team here and I have accomplished so much in strengthening the UK-Malaysia’s partnership in the areas of trade, technology, education, climate, defence and security. I have visited many states and my family and I have also made so many friends around Malaysia. We will miss the people, sights and sound, smell and flavours of Malaysia.
With effect from 29 August 2024, David Wallace will take over as Chargé d’Affaires. Wallace, who has been the Deputy High Commissioner since 2022, will ensure that the work of the High Commission continues as usual during this transition.
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 8 August 2024.
Security Council Statement by Jess Jambert-Gray, Deputy Political Coordinator, at the UN Security Council meeting on threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts.
The UK remains deeply concerned about the rising threat from Daesh and its affiliates. Whilst Daesh has been unable to resurge territorially it continues to propagate its poisonous ideology globally. Its branches present an acute threat to at-risk communities, whilst its propaganda seeks to exploit global events to inspire terrorist violence across the world.
The increasing threat from Daesh’s continued focus on Africa, including attacks from Daesh affiliates ISWAP and ISSP in West Africa and the Sahel threatens regional stability. As the Secretary General’s report notes, their activities in the region afflict grave violations on children, and in particular girls. This Council’s recent decision to include sexual and gender-based violence as a criterion for listing under the 1267 regime sends a strong message that these crimes should not go unpunished.
The development of African-led initiatives like the Abuja Process are a crucial response. Working closely with Regional Economic Communities and with the support of UN entities, the African Union plays a central role in these efforts. The Malabo declaration for a whole-of-government and a whole-of-society approach to tackling terrorism was a positive step forward and we stand ready to support the development of national action plans. It is vital these collective approaches work to address the underlying drivers of terrorism including reducing corruption, improving governance, and ensuring respect for the rule of law.
The threat from ISKP is increasing, and in recent months we have seen abhorrent attacks by the group on civilians in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, Russia and Turkey. This emphasises our need to tackle ISKP at a strategic level. The international community must take a collective and creative approach to understand how they operate, starve their resources, and tackle their propaganda.
As part of this effort, the UK launched the ISKP Diplomatic Grouping in May 2023 to focus on increasing threats with regional partners. The Grouping most recently convened in Doha last month to share expertise and drive action on countering ISKP finance, travel, and propaganda.
Attacks on military bases in Iraq are increasing tensions across the Middle East, causing instability and threatening Iraq’s and the coalition’s collective ability to counter Daesh. De-escalation should be a collective priority, and we call for continued work with partners to suppress the threat.
As we mark ten years since Daesh perpetrated genocide against the Yazidi people, we cannot lose focus in the fight against Daesh as it spreads to new theatres.
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 7 August 2024.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has responded to the dissolution of the main opposition party in Thailand.
In response to the Thai Constitutional Court’s decision to dissolve the Move Forward Party, an FCDO spokesperson said:
Pluralism and freedom of speech are central principles of democracy. The dissolution of another major political party in Thailand is therefore a setback for these principles. We encourage all parties to uphold democratic rights and representation.
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 7 August 2024.
The government has called for British nationals in Lebanon to leave now as it bolsters its support for British nationals still in the Middle East.
The UK continues to advise against all travel to Lebanon and advises British nationals still in the country to leave now while commercial options remain available. British nationals in Lebanon are also advised to sign up to Register your presence to receive the latest information and important updates directly from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
Officials have been sent to the region – including Lebanon – to provide additional support to embassy staff as part of government’s preparatory planning for a range of possible conflict scenarios, and with regional tensions rising.
Consular experts will assist with strategic planning and responding to enquiries from British nationals to make sure they get the help and advice they need, and Border Force has deployed officers who stand ready to aid consular operations.
With the potential for exit routes out of Lebanon – including roads – being affected, limited, or closed, due to events escalating with little warning, teams will continue to urge British nationals to leave while commercial options remain available.
Military personnel are also in the process of deploying to the region to provide Embassies with operational support to help British nationals. This is alongside Landing ship RFA Cardigan Bay and HMS Duncan already being in the eastern Mediterranean to support allies with humanitarian requirements, with the Royal Air Force also putting transport helicopters on standby.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:
Tensions are high, and the situation could deteriorate rapidly. While we are working round the clock to strengthen our consular presence in Lebanon, my message to British nationals there is clear – leave now.
A widening of this conflict is in nobody’s interest – the consequences could be catastrophic. That’s why we continue to call for de-escalation and a diplomatic solution.
The deployment of additional staff to the region follows the Foreign Secretary and Defence Secretary visiting the Middle East, including Lebanon this week, where the pair stressed the need to de-escalate tensions and pushed calls for peace and stability.
Defence Secretary John Healey said:
Our Armed Forces will always step up to support British citizens around the world and reinforce regional stability with their professionalism and bravery.
As I told leaders in the Middle East this week, de-escalation must be the primary focus in the region, and we are urging all to dial down tensions. There must be an end to the fighting, an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, and a diplomatic path to peace and security.
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 7 August 2024.
Security Council Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda.
President, as our briefers today have made clear, the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda recognises the critical role women play in building sustainable peace. Women’s contributions are integral in all stages of peacekeeping missions, including drawdowns, transitions and withdrawals.
I will set out three priorities today: perspective, participation and prevention.
First, perspective. We must integrate a gender perspective into all components of peacekeeping missions, including preventing and responding to Conflict Related Sexual Violence (CRSV). Gender-responsive conflict analysis and technical gender expertise are critical to mission effectiveness, including in transition planning.
I am pleased that we have secured strong gender commitments in recent mandate renewals, including on gender-based violence in Haiti and on women’s participation in Colombia.
We call on Member States, UN entities and NGOs to prioritise WPS considerations in all disengagement planning, including the planned withdrawal of MONUSCO.
Second, participation. Women peacekeepers engage with populations and in places less accessible to men, bringing unique insights. This improves awareness of security risks, including CRSV, and builds trust with local communities.
The UK is creating an enabling environment for women peacekeepers. We contributed £1 million to the Elsie Initiative Fund last year, and the British Peace Support Team is training women in driving and weapons handling, improving women’s pass rates in assessments.
Participation of women’s rights organisations is also key. MINUSMA was a strong example of this; their engagement with civil society allowed them to change attitudes towards CRSV and better advocate for survivors.
Lastly, prevention. Transitions and drawdowns expose local communities to heightened risks of CRSV due to security gaps, weakened institutions and increased political tensions. It is therefore vital to ensure prevention remains an ongoing priority through the development of mission-wide, coordinated and survivor-centred approaches for addressing CRSV. This particularly in the context of in live transitions and withdrawal.
Prevention also includes tackling sexual exploitation and abuse. This is why, last year, through the British Peace Support Team, the UK trained 2,208 troops and police on sexual exploitation and abuse.
President, to be truly effective, peace and security mechanisms must understand and address the security needs of all people, including women and girls. Let us commit to ensuring that the WPS agenda plays a central role in all peacekeeping plans, including drawdowns, transitions and withdrawals.
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 7 August 2024.
International Development Minister Anneliese Dodds will pledge new UK aid and meet key Jordanian Ministers in her first official visit to the Middle East.
As tensions rise between Israel and Lebanon, the minister will call for calm in the wider Middle East, and continue diplomatic efforts made by the Foreign and Defence Secretaries in Qatar, Lebanon and Israel last week to lead a renewed push for peace.
She will also repeat calls for British nationals to leave Lebanon now, due to rising risks associated with the ongoing conflict between Israel, Lebanese Hizballah and other non-state actors in Lebanon.
Amid the threat of growing instability in the wider region, Gazans continue to face a devastating humanitarian crisis.
During her visit to Jordan, the minister will announce £6 million in funding for UNICEF’s work to support vulnerable families in Gaza.
The £6 million package will help tens of thousands of Gazans access food and water, as well as health, education and wellbeing services.
She will also visit a World Food Programme depot, which plays a key role in the delivery of aid to Gaza.
Development Minister Anneliese Dodds said:
Now is the time for calm, if we are to achieve lasting peace and stability in the Middle East. It is in no-one’s interests for tensions to escalate and spread across the wider region.
We are seeing the humanitarian impact of conflict on Gazans. This new UK support will provide a lifeline for vulnerable families, giving them access to basic food and water during a desperate time. I am grateful to the Jordanian Government for supporting UK efforts to get aid to those in such desperate need.
But this appalling situation cannot continue. We must see an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages and unfettered access to lifesaving aid for those in Gaza.
UK funding will support the vaccination and immunisation of over 20,000 children, provide over 8,000 school-aged children with recreational activities to boost their wellbeing and help over 55,000 people in Gaza access clean water and sanitation.
During her visit, the minister will also meet key charity partners, including the World Food Programme to hear about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and Jordan.
Separately, the UK is also announcing today it is allocating £14 million to support refugees in Jordan. The funding will be delivered in September this year, with £7 million going to UNHCR – the UN Refugee Agency – and the same amount to the World Food Programme. Jordan is currently home to over 3 million refugees, many of them from neighbouring Syria.
During her visit the minister will meet Jordanian Minister of Finance, Mohamad Al Ississ, and the foreign ministry’s Secretary General, Majid Al-Qatarneh to discuss Jordan’s successful economic performance in a challenging geopolitical environment. The ministers will agree steps for the UK and Jordan to accelerate efforts to boost their economic prosperity, as well as find ways of building resilience to the climate crisis.
British nationals should not travel to Lebanon and those who are already there should leave Lebanon while commercial flights are still available
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 6 August 2024.
The UK will donate essential security equipment for Ecuador’s fight against organised crime as part of the new British Minister for Latin America’s first official overseas visit.
Baroness Chapman met senior members of the Ecuadorean Cabinet to discuss how the UK and Ecuador can deepen security co-operation.
They also signed a double-taxation agreement between the UK and Ecuador – removing tax barriers to doing business in both countries, boosting growth, trade and investment.
The Minister will later meet National Police officers at an anti-narcotics base to learn about the challenges they face.
On behalf of the UK, she will donate four vehicles and other equipment. The items will make police officers safer and bolster capability in combating criminal gangs.
Ecuador is the first country the Minister is visiting in Latin America since being appointed last month.
Baroness Chapman, Minister for Latin America and the Caribbean, said:
The new UK Government is committed to renewing our partnership with Latin America – co-operating closely on shared priorities including climate change, security and economic prosperity.
I’m making my first visit, as Minister, to Ecuador – a country with which we share democratic values – to offer my unequivocal backing in your fight against organised crime.
Which is why the UK is donating essential security equipment to brave police officers putting their lives on the line daily to protect the Ecuadorean people.
Violence must never be allowed to prevail over democracy and the rule of law.
Baroness Chapman’s programme – which will also include travel to the Amazon and meeting indigenous leaders – reflects the growing environmental, trade and security ties between the UK and Ecuador.
The UK manages over $200 million of projects in the Ecuadorean Amazon – including $34 million in direct funding to communities – to enable sustainable use of land and reduce deforestation.
Trade is also increasing between the two countries. In 2023, it grew by 10 per cent to total £329 million per year.