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Tag: Press Release

  • PRESS RELEASE : Preventing domestic homicides in Scotland [November 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Preventing domestic homicides in Scotland [November 2022]

    The press release issued by the Scottish Government on 3 November 2022.

    Multi-agency taskforce to ensure lessons are learned from each case.

    A multi-agency taskforce will develop a new approach to helping prevent homicides in Scotland where domestic abuse is suspected.

    Partners including COSLA, Police Scotland, social work, Scottish Women’s Aid, Health Boards and victims’ representatives will work together to create Scotland’s first domestic homicide review system.

    The taskforce will examine approaches in other jurisdictions, elsewhere in the UK and internationally, to help develop a Scotland-specific system which learns from the circumstances around domestic abuse-related homicides in Scotland.

    This will help agencies and organisations better identify and respond effectively to the risks associated with abuse and ultimately prevent further deaths.

    Homicide figures for 2021-22, published last month, showed a record low homicide rate, but also narrated that the number of female victims rose from 10 to 16, with more than half (56%) of those killed by a partner or ex-partner.

    The new domestic homicide review system will further deliver on Scottish Government commitments to eradicate violence against women and girls. It follows the passage and implementation of the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018 – heralded as gold-standard legislation by campaigners – which has made ongoing controlling and coercive behaviour in a relationship a criminal offence.

    Justice Secretary Keith Brown said: “Men’s violence against women and girls is one of the most devastating and fundamental violations of human rights.

    “Any form of abuse is wrong, and in many cases the victim and perpetrator may have been in contact with services ranging from drug, alcohol and mental health services where there may be signs of risk that can be identified and dealt with at an earlier stage before it escalates to homicide.

    “Domestic Homicide Reviews are not about finger pointing or apportioning blame among agencies. This is fundamentally about learning lessons, identifying areas for change and improvement within and across agencies, preventing further domestic homicides and giving a voice to the relatives and victims of those affected by such devastating crimes.

    “This new taskforce will meet in the coming weeks to begin developing a review model, in line with evidence and best practice, with a view to proposals going to public consultation next year.

    “This particular project continues our close working with criminal justice and third sector partners in a collective effort to reduce and ultimately eliminate domestic abuse.”

    Dr Marsha Scott, Chief Executive of Scottish Women’s Aid, said: “We have long called for a domestic abuse killings review model in Scotland that makes the deaths and murders of women and children visible, and we welcome the Scottish Government moving in this direction today.

    “We must create a system that is prepared to learn lessons swiftly and that takes into account all deaths because of domestic abuse – including deaths by suicide and killings of children – and we are looking forward to discussions about how we create a Scottish model that is robust and fit for purpose.

    “One death because of domestic abuse is one death too many – Women’s Aid staff and surviving family members across the country know this. We thank all of them who have campaigned with us on this issue for their tenacity and determination in memory of their mothers, sisters, friends, children and loved ones.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : Russia destroys Ukraine’s civilian energy infrastructure – UK statement to the OSCE [November 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Russia destroys Ukraine’s civilian energy infrastructure – UK statement to the OSCE [November 2022]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 November 2022.

    Justin Addison (UK delegation to the OSCE) says that Putin has turned his attention to defenceless Ukrainian civilians, as he is losing his illegal war.

    Thank you Mr Chair, and my thanks to your fellow panellists, the Deputy Minister and the other speakers for sharing their thoughts today.

    This week has borne witness to yet again more brutal tactics employed by the Russian Federation against the people of Ukraine. On Monday, Russia launched a series of further attacks against civilian energy infrastructure targets, reportedly leaving 350,000 Kyiv apartments without electricity and water. President Zelenskyy has outlined that almost one-third of the country’s energy infrastructure has now been damaged or destroyed, and it is reported that approximately 1.5 million households were left without electricity after the Russian missile strikes on 22 October.

    Putin is losing his war and is resorting to desperate measures as a result. Ill-equipped, poorly trained, and poorly-led troops are being sent by President Putin to die in a foreign country in a war they either do not believe in or do not understand.

    Unable to defeat the courage of the Ukrainian army, Putin has turned his attention to defenceless Ukrainian civilians, destroying the electricity that keeps their lights on, or the heating that keeps them warm. Putin hopes that in doing so he will destroy their spirit. But as we have all seen over the past eight months, the Ukrainian people will not be so easily cowed. The Russian army continues to sink to new depths, but the Ukrainian resolve – and that of its partners – will not be overcome.

    Let us be clear. Attacks disproportionately killing civilians, and destroying infrastructure indispensable to the survival of civilians, are prohibited under international humanitarian law and may constitute war crimes. President Putin, and all those who have joined him in this murderous adventurism, will be held to account.

    Mr Chair,

    We cannot stand by and contribute to Russian revenues from the sale of oil, gas and coal that fund this war. Reducing global reliance on Russian fossil fuels will accelerate our clean energy transition by bringing on clean energy at scale. Hydrogen and nuclear energy, as well as investment in new technology such as energy storage; low carbon and electric transport; and industrial decarbonisation will lead towards a greener future.

    As we approach winter, the unity of the international community and our outrage at Russia’s continued disdain for human life and international law must not and will not fade away. As Ukrainian lights flicker off and temperatures drop, Ukraine is not only defending its right to exist as a sovereign country. Ukraine is defending the right of all peoples of all states to live in freedom, without fear of aggression from external authoritarian, belligerent powers. We stand by Ukraine now. And for as long as it takes.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Russia is trying to maximise civilian hardship over winter – UK statement to the OSCE [November 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Russia is trying to maximise civilian hardship over winter – UK statement to the OSCE [November 2022]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 November 2022.

    Ambassador Neil Bush condemns Russia’s missile attacks targeting Ukraine’s critical infrastructure, and the impact on human lives.

    Thank you, Mr Chair. On 31 October, Russia launched a wave of missile attacks targeting hydroelectric dams and other critical infrastructure across Ukraine. Strikes were reported close to Kyiv, and in at least 10 other cities and regions. Around twenty energy facilities were hit, including hydroelectric plants in Zaprorizhzhia, Kremenchuk, and the Dniester dam close to the border with Moldova. Millions across Ukraine faced power outages and in some cities, including Kyiv, Dnipro and Zhytomyr, they lost water supply.

    These have direct human costs. According to the head of the Kyiv regional hospital, all surgeries were cancelled, as surgeons could not sterilise their theatres or tools. Cities closer to the front-line, such as Nikopol, went for days without power. In Mykolaiv, where Russia cut off the city’s water supplies over six months ago, residents have had to queue at distribution points near the frontline, braving frequent shelling. I want to focus my statement this week on energy, the environment and food supply.

    Mr Chair, as we have flagged in previous weeks, Russia is trying to maximise civilian hardship over winter. According to President Zelenskyy, Russia has already damaged or destroyed about 40% of Ukraine’s civil energy infrastructure. And we know that vulnerable groups suffer disproportionately – be it the elderly, those with medical conditions or disabilities. As President Putin will be aware, attacks which disproportionately kill civilians, and destroy objects indispensable to the survival of civilians, are prohibited under international humanitarian law. It is morally bankrupt.

    Ukraine’s tireless efforts to repair infrastructure and restore services have once again demonstrated the resilience of the Ukrainian people. As Ukraine prepares for what will be a tough winter, the UK has donated 850 generators, guaranteed a £50m loan for Ukraine’s electricity grid operator, and will shortly disburse £10m to the Energy Community’s fund for energy equipment. We will not let Ukraine face this winter alone.

    In addition to the lives lost, the environment is another victim of Russia’s ongoing invasion. Four months ago, the World Bank estimated that reconstruction and recovery would cost about USD 349 billion. Of this, the decontamination of land would cost over USD 70 billion, agriculture 19 billion and energy 10 billion. The numbers today would certainly be significantly higher. Russian attacks have degraded and polluted Ukrainian land and water, which will take decades to remedy. We deplore Russia’s persistent violent actions against nuclear facilities in Ukraine, including at the Zaporizhzia Nuclear Power Plant. This significantly raises the risk of a nuclear incident, endangering the population of Ukraine, neighbouring States and the international community.  In addition, as we have mentioned previously, the IAEA have been invited by Ukraine in the name of transparency, and there is no evidence to back up Russia’s false allegations that Ukraine is preparing to use a “dirty bomb” – we once again call on Russia to desist from its nuclear rhetoric.

    Mr Chair, the Black Sea Grain Initiative is vital to global food security, and a matter of life or death for 100 million people at risk of extreme poverty. An average of 100,000 tons of grain is exported each day under the Black Sea Grain initiative – enough to feed 5 million people for a month. We welcome an extension of this initiative. But Mr Chair – President Putin must stop weaponising food and hunger. He realised he shot himself in the foot by earlier stopping ships from entering Ukrainian ports to load up grain to feed the world. The Grain Initiative must now be extended beyond November without further Russian impediments.

    Mr Chair, we will support Ukraine for as long as it takes to restore its territorial integrity, recover and rebuild. In the face of these challenges to its energy infrastructure, its environment and food supply stemming from Russia’s illegal invasion – Ukraine will win. Ukraine will rebuild. And Ukraine will flourish.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Russia “plunging world’s poorest further into despair” – Foreign Secretary to tell G7 partners [November 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Russia “plunging world’s poorest further into despair” – Foreign Secretary to tell G7 partners [November 2022]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 November 2022.

    • The Foreign Secretary will meet G7 partners in Münster, Germany this week
    • He will use the talks to call out the impact of Russia’s war on civilians in Ukraine and around the world, and the need to sustain Ukraine’s self-defence
    • This follows Russia’s weaponisation of food, water and energy, and its missile and drone strikes against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure

    As Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine causes widespread devastation, its global impact continues to generate lasting damage to the world’s most vulnerable – driving up food and energy prices and putting supplies at risk. To discuss the international response, the Foreign Secretary James Cleverly is in Germany today (3 November) for the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Münster.

    The Foreign Secretary will say that the G7 must work with partners across the world in the face of Russian aggression and the resulting economic insecurity, building resilience against Putin’s weaponisation of energy, food and water.

    James Cleverly will say that Putin’s exploitation of the Black Sea Grain Initiative shows his willingness to hold the world’s vulnerable hostage.

    On Saturday, Russia said it was suspending its participation in the initiative, which allows food vital to developing countries to be exported safely from Ukraine. On Wednesday, it resumed participation. From the first ship leaving Odesa on 1 August, nearly 10 million tonnes of grain have been exported under the initiative.

    This deliberate uncertainty caused by Russia raises fears around the security of food supply. The UK and its allies continue to urge Russia to agree an extension to the UN-brokered deal beyond its 19 November deadline.

    Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:

    While we are steadfast in our support for Ukraine, we must not forget that the impacts of Russia’s aggression, interference and hostility extend across the world.

    Putin’s actions are plunging the world’s poorest further into despair, putting global food security on the brink and pushing up energy prices.

    These actions only serve to demonstrate Putin’s true intentions and further unite the international community against his callous plans.

    Germany has also invited Ghana, Kenya and the African Union to join the meeting for discussions on collaboration with the G7 on climate change, infrastructure, defending democracy and addressing conflict and humanitarian crises.

    Also on the agenda for the G7 will be the growing protests in Iran, stability in the Indo-Pacific, and the role of China in the wider world.

    The Foreign Ministers will discuss the situation in Taiwan, particularly following the 20th National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party last month, and how the G7 can strengthen partnerships with countries in the region to build prosperity and protect shared values.

    Before arriving in Münster, the Foreign Secretary will represent the UK at the Berlin Process Summit on the Western Balkans, where he will call for a joint response to Russia’s destabilising actions in the region, including taking steps to reduce the region’s reliance on Russian energy.

  • PRESS RELEASE : The Iranian people will no longer tolerate violence and oppression [November 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : The Iranian people will no longer tolerate violence and oppression [November 2022]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 November 2022.

    Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the Security Council Arria meeting on protests in Iran.

    Thank you Chair. On behalf of the United Kingdom let me pay tribute to the powerful briefing we have heard today from our three briefers.

    The death of Mahsa “Jina” Amini was a tragedy. She was not the first young woman to die needlessly at the hands of the Iranian regime. Nor, sadly, will she be the last. But her death and the bravery of so many ordinary Iranians since then have changed Iran.

    What we have seen in the six weeks since Mahsa’s death has been extraordinary. Years of grief, fear and frustration at the hands of an oppressive regime have spilled into the streets.

    This is an authentic, grassroots call for change.

    People in Iran have had their rights and voices ignored for too long.

    We stand in solidarity and awe at their extraordinary bravery standing up to the authorities.

    Their message is clear: the Iranian people will no longer tolerate violence and oppression.

    The situation is entirely of the Iranian regime’s own making. Its human rights record has been dire for years.

    Iran’s brutal crackdown on protests has appalled the world. We have seen with our own eyes the footage of police violently beating protestors. We’ve seen numerous reports of authorities using live ammunition on crowds.

    The Iranian regime’s narrative around these incidents – that external actors are to blame for the unrest – is a flagrant attempt to distract the world.

    But the regime knows the truth.

    Its attempts to stifle the voices of its people by restricting internet access, blocking apps and jamming satellite broadcasts shows us that the regime is frightened of what ordinary Iranians think.

    A confident government does not cut off its people from basic services, accurate reporting and the vital ability to connect with one another.

    The Iranian regime has tried to blame everybody but themselves for what’s going on. It’s time they take responsibility and listen to their people.

    The people of Iran have been clear that the regime cannot continue as it has. It must now demonstrate real change.

    As my Foreign Secretary said on the 17th October, there is a place in the international community for a responsible Iran, one that respects the rights and freedoms of its citizens.

    For the sake of Iran’s peace and security – and its future standing in the world – it is time for the regime to make the right move.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Bosnia and Herzegovina has made progress since 1995, but its hard won peace remains fragile and under pressure [November 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Bosnia and Herzegovina has made progress since 1995, but its hard won peace remains fragile and under pressure [November 2022]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 November 2022.

    Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the Security Council debate on Bosnia and Herzegovina.

    Thank you President, and first may I join others in welcoming the unanimous adoption of the resolution renewing the mandate of EUFOR Operation Althea. And I want to pay particular tribute and appreciation to Ireland’s role as penholder on the text. Bosnia and Herzegovina has made progress since 1995, but its hard won peace remains fragile and under pressure. EUFOR’s presence continues to play an indispensable role in ensuring a safe and secure environment.

    Second, we would like to thank High Representative Schmidt for his latest report, and we look forward to welcoming him in future meetings. He and his office continue to play a crucial role, and have the UK’s support, including for the use of his executive powers should the situation require it.

    We would like to congratulate all the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina on the 2 October elections. These were, overall, peaceful and democratic. But instances of fraud must be investigated and prosecuted. And we also regret further instances of dangerous, divisive and secessionist rhetoric. These must stop.

    But only half the work is done. We urge the relevant actors in Bosnia and Herzegovina to prioritise collaboration and cooperation over political obstructionism to ensure the election results are implemented swiftly and effectively.

    In this regard, we note the executive actions taken by the High Representative in the run up to and following the elections. It is clear from the report that these were tough decisions and that the High Representative did not take them lightly. We understand that in some quarters, these decisions were considered controversial. But it is clear that they were made to amend a dysfunctional status quo that benefitted few. His actions were designed to improve governance to benefit all in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

    Finally, I would like to reaffirm the UK’s commitment to the Dayton Peace Agreement and its structures. We welcome all work towards meeting the conditions set out for their closure, including the 5+2 Criteria. We remain an active member of the Peace Implementation Council in support of the territorial integrity and fundamental structure of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a single, sovereign state, comprising two entities.

    We urge all actors in Bosnia and Herzegovina to set aside narrow interests, and focus instead on improving the quality of life for all citizens, and making progress on the agreed aim of Euro-Atlantic integration. Thank you Mr President.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Russia’s allegations have no credible basis in fact [November 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Russia’s allegations have no credible basis in fact [November 2022]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 November 2022.

    Explanation of vote by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine.

    President,

    The UK voted against this resolution in order to protect the integrity of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention and to avoid it being undermined by unfounded accusations.

    Russia claimed that the United States and Ukraine and their allies have failed to consider the evidence they have presented.

    This is completely false.

    Russia’s allegations of US and Ukrainian biological activities were given a full hearing in September, under Article 5 of the Convention.

    At that meeting Ukraine and the USA provided a comprehensive response to Russia’s allegations.

    The UK shared its own extensive technical analysis of the evidence Russia presented.

    Russia’s allegations have no credible basis in fact.

    President,

    Russia’s longstanding disinformation efforts undermine peaceful biological cooperation under Article 10, a vitally important aspect of the Convention.

    We must defend peaceful biological cooperation against unfounded, malicious allegations.

    The UK remains deeply committed to the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention. We value Article 6 as an important mechanism for states parties to address real, valid concerns arising under the Convention.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : The Iranian people will no longer tolerate violence and oppression [November 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : The Iranian people will no longer tolerate violence and oppression [November 2022]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 November 2022.

    Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the Security Council Arria meeting on protests in Iran.

    Thank you Chair. On behalf of the United Kingdom let me pay tribute to the powerful briefing we have heard today from our three briefers.

    The death of Mahsa “Jina” Amini was a tragedy. She was not the first young woman to die needlessly at the hands of the Iranian regime. Nor, sadly, will she be the last. But her death and the bravery of so many ordinary Iranians since then have changed Iran.

    What we have seen in the six weeks since Mahsa’s death has been extraordinary. Years of grief, fear and frustration at the hands of an oppressive regime have spilled into the streets.

    This is an authentic, grassroots call for change.

    People in Iran have had their rights and voices ignored for too long.

    We stand in solidarity and awe at their extraordinary bravery standing up to the authorities.

    Their message is clear: the Iranian people will no longer tolerate violence and oppression.

    The situation is entirely of the Iranian regime’s own making. Its human rights record has been dire for years.

    Iran’s brutal crackdown on protests has appalled the world. We have seen with our own eyes the footage of police violently beating protestors. We’ve seen numerous reports of authorities using live ammunition on crowds.

    The Iranian regime’s narrative around these incidents – that external actors are to blame for the unrest – is a flagrant attempt to distract the world.

    But the regime knows the truth.

    Its attempts to stifle the voices of its people by restricting internet access, blocking apps and jamming satellite broadcasts shows us that the regime is frightened of what ordinary Iranians think.

    A confident government does not cut off its people from basic services, accurate reporting and the vital ability to connect with one another.

    The Iranian regime has tried to blame everybody but themselves for what’s going on. It’s time they take responsibility and listen to their people.

    The people of Iran have been clear that the regime cannot continue as it has. It must now demonstrate real change.

    As my Foreign Secretary said on the 17th October, there is a place in the international community for a responsible Iran, one that respects the rights and freedoms of its citizens.

    For the sake of Iran’s peace and security – and its future standing in the world – it is time for the regime to make the right move.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Made with Care campaign highlights opportunities for careers in care [November 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Made with Care campaign highlights opportunities for careers in care [November 2022]

    The press release issued by the Department for Health and Social Care on 2 November 2022.

    • Second year of domestic recruitment campaign ‘Made with Care’ kicks off today encouraging people to apply for a career in the adult social care sector.
    • Opportunities available for diverse range of rewarding jobs with development and training.

    The ‘Made with Care’ campaign is returning for a second year and highlights the wide range of opportunities available to build a career in care and help others to live happy, healthy, fulfilling lives.

    Running until March 2023, campaign advertising will appear to millions across video on demand platforms such as ITV Hub, Sky Go and All 4; radio and digital audio channels such as Spotify and social media and digital channels like Facebook and Instagram, to direct job seekers to www.adultsocialcare.co.uk.

    Here, people will be able to find everything they need to research a career in adult social care and, crucially, search and apply for adult social care jobs near them – with support to perfect their CV and advice on interviews.

    Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay said:

    Working in social care is rewarding, inspiring and provides career opportunities with a range of roles you may have never considered.

    To get started, you just need to have the right qualities including kindness and compassion to support people’s loved ones and make a difference.

    This government is committed to a sustainable social care sector and anyone can play a part by joining this incredible workforce.

    Minister for Care Helen Whately said:

    I want to help care providers recruit the dedicated staff they need. There are great opportunities to join one of the country’s most important workforces.

    Care workers do such an important job – a job that can also be truly rewarding.

    We know in government we can help care providers get the message out about the opportunities in the sector. I hope this campaign will help boost the social care workforce across the country.

    With a variety of vacancies and jobs and with record investment in adult social care from the government, there has never been a better time for people with the right qualities to seize the opportunity and begin a career in care.

    From support workers who help people in care with day-to-day activities, to shared lives carers who welcome people who need care into their homes and family life – there’s something for everyone looking to take on meaningful work within the sector.

    With a variety of vacancies and jobs and with record investment in adult social care from the government, there has never been a better time for people with the right qualities to seize the opportunity and begin a career in care.

    From support workers who help people in care with day-to-day activities, to shared lives carers who welcome people who need care into their homes and family life – there’s something for everyone looking to take on meaningful work within the sector.

    Chief Nurse for Adult Social Care, Deborah Sturdy, said:

    I am proud to be working in social care as it provides so many diverse opportunities for registered nurses and the incredible professional care workforce who make a difference to people’s lives.

    You will meet and work with wonderful people and be a part of something bigger than yourself.

    Come and join the adult social care workforce. It is the best decision I ever made.

    With advertising planned across England, the ‘Made with Care’ campaign will reach millions of people this winter, highlighting the amazing work staff across the adult social care sector do and celebrating the way they empower the people they support – shining a light on the emotional rewards of the role to inspire more people to consider a job in adult social care.

    Opportunities are available today and training is provided. Flexible working patterns are often available, making it the perfect career choice for those with other commitments.

    Harry Beckwith, Support Worker said:

    I wanted to come into care because I just enjoy seeing people happy. I love making them smile.

    I decided to work in care with adults just because I wanted to explore what I could do, what experiences I could get, and learn from those I care for as much as they learn from me.

    If someone told me they wanted to go and work in care I’d say go straight for it. Honestly, it’s the most rewarding job I’ve ever had. It’s just nice to help someone who needs help.

    Social care is a top priority for the government, backed by £5.4billion and the 10-year People at the Heart of Care plan to reform social care so there has never been a better time to join the sector.

    Recognising the current challenges faced by the social care sector and local government, the government has also committed £500million to support discharge from hospitals. This funding will ease pressure and build a stronger NHS to ensure the people of our country get the care they need and deserve.

    Oonagh Smyth, Chief Executive Officer for Skills for Care, said:

    Skills for Care is excited to see the next phase of the Made with Care campaign progress.

    Our ‘State of the adult social care sector and workforce in England’ report released in October has really highlighted the recruitment and retention challenges the adult social care sector is facing right now, with vacancy levels having increased 52% in the past year to the highest rate on record. At the same time the number of filled posts has fallen, this is the first drop in the number of care workers ever.

    We need to talk more about the rewarding and fulfilling career that adult social care can offer, and we hope the Made with Care campaign will raise awareness of the value and variety of a career in care and the important contribution that the 1.5 million people currently working in adult social care are making to our communities.

    Skills for Care hosted a webinar in October for social care providers to find out more about the Made with Care campaign and how it can support them, and we’ll be continuing to support the campaign as it moves into its next phase.

    An ADASS spokesperson said:

    The recruitment campaign Made with Care is so important in showing the wide variety of roles across adult social care, as well as just how meaningful and essential the work is.

    It’s vital that adult social care is seen as an enriching career, comprised of a talented workforce making it possible for us all to live the lives we want to live.

  • PRESS RELEASE : We owe it to the millions of refugees and displaced, to find practical, long-term political answers [November 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : We owe it to the millions of refugees and displaced, to find practical, long-term political answers [November 2022]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 November 2022.

    Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the Security Council briefing by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.

    Thank you, Mr President.

    Let me join others in congratulating Gabon on an excellent Presidency and wish Ghana all the best for the month of November. I thank High Commissioner Grandi for his briefing and offer congratulations on the recent extension of his term by the General Assembly.

    The United Kingdom commends the tireless efforts of UNHCR, as well as other humanitarian agencies, NGOs and host-nations, for everything they do to support those forced to flee their homes.

    Climate change, conflict and the long-term fallout from the COVID19 pandemic have led to shocking and unprecedented levels of displacement as we’ve heard today. Over 300 million people in need of humanitarian assistance. More than 100 million forcibly displaced.

    With this context in mind, we echo others’ horror at President Putin’s latest atrocities in Ukraine that are adding substantially to the humanitarian caseload: strikes on civilian targets, ahead of winter, serve no purpose than to spread terror.

    And as we’ve heard from numerous interventions this morning, this unprovoked aggression has already displaced more than 14 million people and left almost 18 million in need of humanitarian assistance. It is also causing food insecurity across the planet.

    The crisis in Ukraine is but one example of the need to address the drivers of displacement – the UN, with member state support, needs to focus on solutions to crises. From Ethiopia to Syria to Myanmar, we owe it to the millions of refugees and displaced, to find practical, long-term political answers to these prolonged crises.

    Furthermore, this Council needs to continue to ensure that actors on the ground meet their responsibilities – this means adherence to International Humanitarian Law, ensuring that refugee returns are voluntary, safe and dignified, and allowing humanitarian workers to safely carry out their work unhindered. And in this context, the United Kingdom supports the initiative of the US and Ireland to secure a horizontal sanctions exemption for humanitarian workers.

    Finally, the United Kingdom is taking life-saving action. The UK International Development Strategy sets out our long-standing commitment to life-saving humanitarian work. We intend to contribute over $3 billion to humanitarian needs, globally, over the next three years.

    As we look ahead to the Global Refugee Forum next year, this Council needs to place the plight of refugees and forcibly displaced at the centre of its decision-making. Without long-term solutions, the humanitarian caseload will only continue to escalate.

    Thank you.