Tag: Press Release

PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 51 – Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on the Democratic Republic of Congo [October 2022]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 October 2022.

The UK delivered a statement on the on-going human rights situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Thank you, Madam Vice President,

The United Kingdom thanks the speakers for their presentations and we welcome the reports of the high commissioner, and the team of experts.

The UK remains deeply concerned about the human rights situation in the DRC. Recent violence by armed groups, especially the Allied Democratic Forces and M23, has led to human rights abuses, which jeopardises efforts to pursue peace and prosperity, and exacerbates the already severe humanitarian situation. All of this raises dire concerns about the protection of civilians in the conflict-affected regions.

We urge all actors to address the humanitarian impacts of the violence, ensuring the affected people, including the 5.9 million internally displaced civilians, receive the assistance they need. We welcome ongoing diplomatic efforts to pursue dialogue and de-escalation, and we reiterate our call on all armed groups to immediately cease violence and participate unconditionally in the political process.

We are deeply concerned about the recent violent protests against the UN peacekeeping mission, which resulted in the deaths of civilians and peacekeepers. We continue to offer our full support for MONUSCO’s vital work, and call on the government of DRC to help ensure the safety of MONUSCO’s personnel and hold all perpetrators of violations and abuses to account.

We will continue to support regional engagement to find a diplomatic solution to conflict in the east, and DRC’s efforts to launch a community-based Disarmament, Demobilization and Re-integration programme.

Madam Vice President,

Our question to the panel is how will the UN work with the East African Community to ensure the protection of civilians remains a priority, with any deployment of a regional force?

Thank you.

October 5, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 51 – Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the OHCHR on technical assistance and capacity-building for South Sudan [October 2022]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 October 2022.

The UK delivered a statement on for the Interactive Dialogue with the OHCHR regarding the providing of technical assistance amid ongoing human rights issues in the country.

Thank you Madam Vice President,

The United Kingdom thanks the Director for his presentation and the continued work of the Office of the High Commissioner in South Sudan.

The UK is deeply concerned by the continuing and dire human rights situation in South Sudan. This year, hundreds of civilians have been killed or been victims of Conflict Related Sexual Violence at the hands of government and opposition forces. Horrific attacks in southern Unity State and ongoing violence in Upper Nile State are prime examples of this. There needs to be urgent action by the South Sudanese Government to protect civilians and hold perpetrators to account.

The UK commends the OHCHR and UNMISS for their continuing technical assistance, but it is clear that technical assistance alone will not lead to sustainable peace and justice without clear mechanisms for scrutiny and accountability. The Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan therefore plays a vital role in helping to hold those responsible for human rights violations and abuses to account, including through their monitoring and reporting.

The UK acknowledges the Government of South Sudan’s extension of the 2018 peace agreement and accompanying Roadmap. We call on the South Sudanese Government to implement the peace agreement, including all of Chapter V, in full and to the timelines set by their new Roadmap.

Mr Director,

What prospects do you see for the establishment as soon as possible of the truth and justice mechanisms under Chapter V, including the Hybrid Court? How can this be most effectively supported?

Thank you.

October 5, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : 2022 is a critical year for biodiversity and our planet – UK statement to the OSCE [October 2022]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 October 2022.

Justin Addison (UK delegation to the OSCE) says sustainable management of natural resources is essential to mitigate impacts of climate and biodiversity crises.

The protection, restoration and sustainable management of natural resources are essential to mitigate the impacts of the climate and biodiversity crises, which pose a threat to international peace and stability. This is no truer than in the case of water, which is increasingly a threat multiplier.

In 2013, there were 27 events in which water was a trigger for conflict. Four years later, this had risen to 71.

This upward trend is caused by the growing global water crisis. With only 3 percent of the earth’s water freshwater – and most of this inaccessible, degraded or unevenly distributed – scarcity is compounded by population growth, food and energy demands, and climate change. Estimates suggest that four billion people now live in areas with severe water scarcity; and that by 2030 there could be around 700 million people displaced because of water scarcity, affecting national and regional security.

We see these trends play out in our region regularly, particularly in Central Asia where tensions over scarce water resources, and unilateral water infrastructure developments, have aggravated existing disputes and contributed to new conflicts.

Accessing water continues to be a grave issue for those living in conflict zones. Russia’s deliberate targeting of civilian infrastructure has led to extensive power and water shortages, causing further suffering for the Ukrainian people. Just two weeks ago, parts of the Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih were flooded after Russia attacked a nearby dam.

The OECD has said that as a result of damage to water supply infrastructure in Ukraine, an estimated 1.4 million people currently have no access to safe water, and a further 4.6 million people have only limited access. To help relive Ukraine from these effects of Russia’s brutal aggression, the UK has donated 856 generators to Ukraine to power essential services, including water pumping stations.

However, there is potential for water to play a role in reducing conflict. Water historically has more often led to cooperation than conflict between countries. For example, in the period 1948-2000, co-operative events over international waters outweighed conflictual ones by two to one.

Cooperation over water can also benefit other areas, such as peace, security and prosperity through positive impacts on food security, economic stability, improved regional integration, and better trade relations.

Promoting this cooperation, states need to apply diplomatic tools such as negotiations, fact-finding missions, and the establishment of consultation platforms for existing or emerging disagreements. This is where the OSCE is well placed to play a role. We celebrate the work the OCEEA does to enhance co-operation over transboundary water resource management, and to integrate women’s voices.

Mr Chair,

2022 is a critical year for biodiversity and our planet. The UK is committed to working with the OSCE and other international partners to secure an ambitious post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030. We will continue to champion protection of at least 30% of land and ocean globally.

In collaboration with others, the UK has developed a 10 Point Plan for Financing Biodiversity, launched at UNGA last month. The plan defines a clear pathway for bridging the global nature finance gap, and I invite all colleagues here to endorse the 10 point plan ahead of the biodiversity COP later this year. Further, I hope states will join the UK in taking steps to ensure all Overseas Development Assistance becomes ‘nature positive’; and supporting the full and effective implementation of the Multilateral Development Banks’ COP26 Joint Statement on Nature, People and Planet.

October 5, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Teenagers could be missing out on a stash of cash [October 2022]

The press release issued by the Treasury on 5 October 2022.

Tens of thousands of teenagers in the UK who have not yet claimed their matured Child Trust Funds savings could have thousands of pounds waiting for them, reminds HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Child Trust Funds are long-term savings accounts set up for every child born between 1 September 2002 and 2 January 2011. To encourage future saving and start the account, the government provided an initial deposit of at least £250.

The savings accounts mature when the child turns 18 years old. Eligible teenagers, who are aged 18 or over and have yet to access their Child Trust Fund account, could have savings waiting for them worth an average of £2,100.

If teenagers or their parents and guardians already know who their Child Trust Fund provider is, they can contact them directly. This might be a bank, building society or other savings provider.

Many eligible teenagers who have yet to claim their savings might be starting university, apprenticeships or their first job. The lump-sum amount could offer a financial boost at a time when they need it most.

Angela MacDonald, HMRC’s Second Permanent Secretary and Deputy Chief Executive, said:

Teenagers could have a pot of money waiting for them worth thousands of pounds and not even realise it. We want to help you access your savings and the money you’re entitled to.

To find out more search ‘Child Trust Fund’ on GOV.UK.

An estimated 6.3 million Child Trust Fund accounts were set up throughout the duration of the scheme, containing about £9 billion. If a parent or guardian was not able to set up an account for their child, HMRC opened a savings account on the child’s behalf.

Teenagers aged 16 or over can take control of their own Child Trust Fund if they wish, although the funds can only be withdrawn once they turn 18 years old.

Where children have a Child Trust Fund, families can still pay in up to £9,000 a year tax-free. The account matures once the child turns 18 years old and no further money can be deposited. They can either withdraw the funds from the matured Child Trust Fund account or reinvest it into another savings account.

Until the child withdraws or transfers the money, it stays in an account that no-one else has access to.

The Child Trust Fund scheme closed in January 2011 and was replaced with Junior Individual Savings Accounts (ISA).

October 5, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : When we challenge discrimination and progress gender equality, everybody benefits – UK statement at UN Third Committee [October 2022]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 4 October 2022.

Statement by Richard Croker, UK Ambassador to the General Assembly, at the Third Committee meeting on advancement of women.

Thank you Mr Chair,

Multiple and interconnected barriers are preventing women and girls from reaching their full potential. Where women and girls are unable to reach their potential, whole countries suffer. We know that when we challenge discrimination and progress gender equality, everybody benefits.

The UK is committed to protecting and promoting women and girls’ rights and freedoms at home and abroad so that they can have their voice, choice and control over all aspects of their lives.

Women’s rights are human rights, as enshrined by numerous conventions that the UK supports. Our ambition remains higher than ever, and we cannot be complacent when reviewing our progress.

That is why we have committed to placing women and girls at the heart of our foreign and development policy, prioritising action on 3 areas: Educating girls; Empowering women and girls; and Ending violence.

We know that achieving gender equality is fundamental to building democracies and accelerating progress on securing freedoms, prosperity and trade, as well as strengthening global security and resilience. Women’s knowledge and leadership strengthens decision-making, driving better, more sustainable, and fairer policies that benefit whole communities.

Together, over many years, we have made real, hard-won progress on this agenda. There are more girls in school; fewer girls forced into early marriage; more women serving in high political offices and private sector leadership positions; and there have been encouraging legal reforms in many countries to address inequalities.

However, progress has stalled. At the current rate, it will take 135 years to close the gender gap worldwide. Women and girls are, and continue to be, disproportionately impacted by crises, be it the COVID pandemic, conflict, or climate change.

Take COVID as an example. At a global level, we have witnessed women shouldering the unpaid care burden and being hardest hit economically, deepening poverty for women and girls. There has been a global surge in gender-based violence, reduced access to sexual and reproductive health and rights; and increases in child marriage and adolescent pregnancy. An estimated 20 million girls will never return to school because of COVID.

Recent months have also shown the deep resilience of the human spirit and of free societies, with women and girls on the frontline of and being affected by multiple brutal conflicts, including most recently due to Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.

Increasing authoritarianism is undermining democratic values, human rights and effective institutions and placing these hard-won gains under threat. Systematic attempts by several actors to roll back and reverse women’s and girls’ rights have gained momentum at the international and community level.

In Afghanistan, twenty years of progress on women’s rights have been reversed. Afghan girls have been largely banned from secondary school for over a year, the only country in the world where this is the case.
In Iran, the death of Mahsa Amini is a shocking reminder of the repression faced by women. No one should face violence because of what they wear, how they practice their beliefs or any expression of fundamental rights.

The UK stands steadfast in its commitment to protect and promote women’s and girls’ rights. In particular, we must respect the bodily autonomy of women and girls throughout their lives by supporting them in exercising their sexual and reproductive rights, preventing all forms of gender-based violence and eliminating harmful practices including female genital mutilation and child, early and forced marriage.

The UK has a long record of leading the charge against gender-based violence, including conflict-related sexual violence. This November, the UK will host a major international conference to promote prevention, justice and support for survivors, and strengthening the global response.

Mr Chair,

We are prepared to do things differently, to think differently, and to work differently to achieve true gender equality. We must act across multiple sectors and disciplines simultaneously and tackle the many forms of disadvantage that women and girls face, spanning age, race, disability, economic status, gender identity, religion/belief and geographical location.

And we cannot do this alone. We will continue to work with our partners, including women’s rights organisations who are at the frontlines of this work, to deliver for women and girls everywhere.

I thank you.

October 4, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : President of Ukraine had a phone call with the Prime Minister of India [October 2022]

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 4 October 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a phone call with Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi.

During the conversation, the Head of State emphasized the importance of strengthening the Ukrainian-Indian partnership against the backdrop of Russian aggression against Ukraine.

The holding of the so-called referenda by Russia in the temporarily occupied territories of our country was also discussed. The President noted that all the aggressor’s decisions aimed at attempting illegal annexation of Ukrainian territories are null and void and do not change reality.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that under such conditions, Ukraine will not conduct any negotiations with the current President of the Russian Federation, and noted that our state has always been committed to a peaceful settlement through dialogue.

“However, Russia did not stand for dialogue and put forward ultimata instead deliberately undermining this process. During my speech at the session of the UN General Assembly, I outlined our clear formula for peace. We are ready to work together with our partners to achieve it,” added the President of Ukraine.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Narendra Modi for India’s support of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and also emphasized the importance of the Indian leader’s recent statement that now is not the time for war.

The Head of State noted the significant humanitarian aid provided by the government and the private sector of the Republic of India to Ukraine.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Narendra Modi separately discussed the issue of global food security. The President of Ukraine emphasized that our state is ready to continue acting as a guarantor of the world’s food security. In this regard, the support of the entire international community, in particular India, for the further implementation of the grain initiative is important.

The interlocutors paid due attention to the issue of nuclear safety.

“Nuclear blackmail by Russia, in particular regarding the Zaporizhzhia NPP, is a threat not only to Ukraine, but also to the whole world,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

Separately, the President of Ukraine and the Prime Minister of India discussed cooperation within international organizations, primarily the UN.

During the conversation, the parties noted mutual interest in deepening regular full-scale Ukrainian-Indian contacts, as well as implementation of tasks on the agenda of bilateral relations of comprehensive partnership.

The Head of State renewed the invitation to the Prime Minister of the Republic of India to visit Ukraine.

October 4, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Andriy Yermak met with the President of the Republic of Poland Andrzej Duda [October 2022]

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 3 October 2022.

During his stay in Warsaw, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak met with President of the Republic of Poland Andrzej Duda.

Andriy Yermak noted that Ukraine highly appreciates everything that Poland has done and is doing so that our country can endure and win a full-scale war with Russia.

The Head of the President’s Office thanked Andrzej Duda for his steadfast support of our country and condemnation of the new attempt to annex the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine by Russia.

Andriy Yermak emphasized that the sham referenda held by the Russian Federation are worthless and do not change reality.

“Ukraine will return what’s ours. The territorial integrity of Ukraine will be restored,” he emphasized.

The interlocutors discussed further steps of the international community in response to Russia’s recent attempt to annex the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. The Head of the President’s Office emphasized that such steps should involve complete international isolation of Russia, strengthening of global sanctions, designation of the Russian Federation as a state sponsor of terrorism, further defense and macro-financial support for our country.

Andriy Yermak and Andrzej Duda also discussed the interaction of Ukraine and Poland within NATO, in particular in the context of Ukraine’s application for membership in the Alliance.

“We rely on Poland’s proactive support in the issue of Ukraine’s membership in NATO and the provision of international security guarantees to our state,” said the Head of the President’s Office.

In this regard, Andriy Yermak separately emphasized the recommendations prepared by the International Working Group on Security Guarantees for Ukraine concerning the Kyiv Security Compact, the implementation of which the Ukrainian side will work together with partners.

The interlocutors discussed the continuation of security aid to the Ukrainian army, as well as the urgent needs of the defense forces of Ukraine.

In addition, the Head of the President’s Office emphasized the importance of prompt provision of defense support and its strengthening.

Special attention was paid during the conversation to the issues of energy security and bilateral cooperation in the energy sector.

The parties exchanged views on current issues of bilateral relations. Andriy Yermak positively assessed the progress achieved in increasing the capacity of checkpoints on the Ukrainian-Polish border and noted the importance of introducing joint border and customs control at all checkpoints.

The Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine also thanked Andrzej Duda for being awarded the high state award of the Republic of Poland – the Grand Cross of Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland.

“It is a great honor for me to receive this high award. I consider it as an award for the entire Ukrainian people,” emphasized Andriy Yermak.

October 4, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Pursuant to the instruction of the President, Andriy Yermak presented the Gold Star Orders to five defenders of Azovstal, who were awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine [October 2022]

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 3 October 2022.

During a visit to Turkey, Head of the Office of the President Andriy Yermak, pursuant to the instructions of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, presented the Gold Star Orders to five servicemen – defenders of Mariupol and Azovstal, who were awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine.

The President awarded the highest state award to commander of the “Azov” separate special purpose regiment of the National Guard Denys Prokopenko (call sign Redis), his deputy Svyatoslav Palamar, acting commander of the 36th separate brigade of marines Serhiy Volynskyi (call sign – Volyna), senior officer of “Azov” Oleg Khomenko and commander of the 12th brigade of the National Guard Denys Shlega.

The awarding ceremony took place during the meeting of Andriy Yermak and First Lady Olena Zelenska with Azovstal defenders and members of their families in Türkiye.

“The units you led made an invaluable contribution to the future victory of Ukraine. You and your subordinates managed to bind the enormous forces of the enemy. Forces that were lacking for the occupation of larger territories,” said Andriy Yermak, presenting the order to Denys Prokopenko.

The Head of the Office of the President emphasized that the defenders of “Azovstal” saved many lives in those territories that the enemy did not reach.

“You won time, and this time was not wasted. And now we are returning our territories and our people. Ukraine will be free and united,” he said.

During the meeting, a video call by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy was held. The Head of State congratulated the servicemen and thanked them for performing an important combat mission on the defense of Mariupol.

“We are all proud of you. And I am extremely happy that your relatives are with you, I am happy that we have you. You are not just heroes, you are living heroes, and that is very important. I thank each and every one of you. And we will do everything to return your brothers-in-arms who are now in captivity. I am proud that we live in the same country, fight for it together and will definitely win. Glory to Ukraine!” said the Head of State.

“The battle for Mariupol and everything that happened to us, the release from captivity, is a Ukrainian miracle in spite of everything. Everyone perfectly understands what would have happened to us. There are people here who know what Russian torture and Russian captivity is. And this award is the award of our warriors. This is the award of our Ukrainian people. I am very proud to be Ukrainian. This is the coolest nation in the world! And the coolest government and the coolest military,” said Svyatoslav Palamar, deputy commander of the Azov National Guard regiment.

Olena Zelenska also congratulated the warriors on behalf of all Ukrainian citizens whom they protected and presented valuable gifts.

The President’s wife conveyed to the defenders and their families a blessing from His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, whom she met the day before in Istanbul.

“The main thing is that Ukraine fights and will fight for all our people. There are still many of them in Russian captivity – men and women, military and civilians. And we need each and every one. Alive,” said the First Lady.

The defenders of “Azovstal” asked to hand over to Volodymyr Zelenskyy the flag of Ukraine with the signatures and wishes of five commanders and the motto “There is no glory without a fight.”

October 4, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Head of Office of Ukraine’s President meets with chief adviser to President of Türkiye, adviser to US President on national security issues [October 2022]

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 2 October 2022.

As part of his visit to Turkey, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak held a tripartite meeting with Chief Adviser to the President of the The Republic of Türkiye İbrahim Kalın and National Security Adviser to the President of the United States of America Jake Sullivan.

The parties discussed the situation at the front and the coordination of measures to respond to the latest aggressive actions of the Russian Federation.

The head of the President’s Office emphasized the need for Ukraine to obtain reliable international security guarantees before our country becomes a member of NATO.

Yermak recalled that the International Working Group on Security Guarantees for Ukraine, which he heads together with former NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, has prepared recommendations regarding the Kyiv Security Compact, the conclusion of which should provide the Ukrainian side with effective security guarantees for this transitional period.

The head of the Office of the President emphasized the importance of a tough reaction to Russia’s holding of so-called “referendums” on the temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories and the adoption of an illegal decision on their annexation.

“These referendums are worthless, they do not change reality. The territorial integrity of Ukraine will be restored. This is the principled position of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the entire military-political leadership of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people,” the head of the President’s Office said.

The parties discussed the continuation of security assistance to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the urgent priority needs of the defense forces of Ukraine, and the importance of promptly receiving such support and increasing it.

Also, during the visit, Yermak held separate meetings with İbrahim Kalın and Jake Sullivan in bilateral formats.

October 4, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Teaching is now a top choice for high flying graduates [May 2012]

The press release issued by the Department for Education on 31 May 2012.

New research, released from the Teaching Agency (TA) today, reveals that perceptions of teaching are changing for the better. 81% of final year students view the occupation as one which has real status and kudos and 72% of students felt that their friends and family would react positively if they decided to enter the profession, up six per cent from 2010.

According to the UK Graduate Careers Survey, conducted by High Fliers Research, schools and universities have moved up to become the second most popular type of employer, with nine per cent of graduates saying they wanted to work in this area, beaten only by advertising, PR or marketing at 11%. An additional piece of research showed that well over half of final year students (58%) have considered applying for teaching, up five per cent on 2010, with students increasingly recognising it as a career for people with drive (67%) and a great option for the long term (72%).

Despite increased recognition of the rewarding career teaching provides, misconceptions still persist when it comes to the earning potential of teachers. In fact, one in three students are being deterred from a career in teaching because of inaccurate salary perceptions, with four in five (82%) of final year university students underestimating the figure, by as much as £4000.

Whilst over a quarter of students thought the starting salary for a teacher in the capital was £23,000, the reality is that these teachers can now expect to earn £27,000 in Inner London. Similarly, most students (61%) thought teachers outside London earned £19,000 or less, while in reality salaries are more likely to be £21,588. The average starting salary for a UK teacher is £23, 010 (1), a figure that now compares favourably with other graduate jobs which range from £17,720 to £23,335 (2).

The research also revealed that the majority of students, 64%, do not realise the long term earning potential of teachers. Teachers are seeing their salaries rise by an average of around 30% after their first four years in the job. Experienced primary and secondary teachers, achieving the appropriate standards, can earn up to £64,000 (in London) and up to £56,000 (in other parts of the UK). Students may also be surprised to learn that the average salary for headteachers is £62,600, rising to £84,600 for secondary headteachers (3) and 700 heads are earning at least £100,000 this year following a rise in average salaries for senior staff members (4).

The TA is calling upon graduates to take a fresh look and reflect upon the modern day realities within this valued profession.

In addition to competitive salaries, the coalition government has introduced a number of financial incentives in the last 12 months such as tax free bursaries of up to £20,000 to attract the recruitment of top graduates to train to teach in maths, physics, chemistry or modern foreign languages.

Lin Hinnigan, chief executive of the Teaching Agency commented:

While it’s heartening to see the positive attributes of teaching being recognised by top graduates, it appears that some graduates are basing important career decisions on inaccurate perceptions. Teaching is increasingly a career for the most able graduates as demonstrated by its pay, benefits and prospects that compare favourably to other graduate professions. I’d urge anyone considering a career in teaching to investigate just how well the profession compares to alternative careers.

Neil Dhanda, who earns £45,000 as Curriculum Team Leader for Modern Foreign Languages at Saint Cecilia’s school, Wandsworth, Church of England School said:

Pay in teaching definitely compares favourably with the private sector. If you are ambitious and take up additional responsibilities, then you can expect increased financial rewards.

Having become head of department within four years, I have first-hand experience of the progression opportunities available within the profession and as such, it’s fair to say that aspirations for moving up the career ladder are wholly realistic and achievable.

I love my job and I think that teaching is a career which I’ll stay in for the rest of my working days; it’s varied, challenging, demanding and rewarding, I think that’s more than many would say about their chosen careers.

To find out more about a career in teaching, please visit get into teaching.

October 4, 2022