Tag: Press Release

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 June 2026.

UK provides a voluntary report to the OSCE’s Human Dimension Committee on domestic efforts to tackle antisemitism.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Could I express a belated thank you to today’s speakers for their insights on addressing intolerance and discrimination based on religion or belief. Forums such as this are essential for sharing practical experiences and strengthening our collective response. While this is not a new challenge, it is one that is particularly acute today. Regrettably, just last week, there was an appalling incident in Edinburgh, which appears to have been motivated by anti-Muslim hatred. All forms of religious and racial hatred are completely abhorrent and have no place in our society. No one should be targeted because of their faith or the colour of their skin.

Dear colleagues, I would like to use this opportunity to provide an update on the UK’s domestic efforts to tackle antisemitism. Across the OSCE region, we are witnessing a worrying rise in antisemitism, alongside other forms of hatred and intolerance. Recent attacks targeting Jewish individuals and institutions in the UK have underlined both the scale of the challenge and the urgency of action.

The UK Government treats antisemitism as a national challenge and a test of our values. It is recognised clearly as racism – anti‑Jewish hatred – and our approach is one of zero tolerance. We are using the full force of the state to protect Jewish communities and confront this hatred wherever it appears.

Our approach is guided by three priorities: protecting communities, enforcing the law, and addressing root causes.

First, on protection. The safety of Jewish communities is a core responsibility of the state. The UK has committed record levels of funding for protective security at Jewish schools, synagogues and community sites, including an additional package this year to strengthen local security, policing and preventative measures. We have increased visible police patrols, expanded specialist deployments, and invested further in counter‑terrorism capabilities. Our objective is that British Jews are not only safe, but feel safe.

Second, on enforcement and deterrence. Antisemitic abuse and violence are criminal acts. Those responsible will be held accountable in our courts. At the same time, we are strengthening powers to prevent extremist actors from spreading hatred – by restricting entry to the UK, tackling harmful online content, and addressing malign foreign state activity. Institutions are also being held to account: universities, public bodies, and publicly funded organisations are expected to act decisively and transparently to confront antisemitism.

Third, on prevention. We are addressing the drivers of antisemitism across society. This includes targeted work in schools, universities and public institutions, backed by dedicated funding for education and awareness on antisemitism. Holocaust education remains central, ensuring that future generations understand the consequences of hatred. We are also implementing a broader national cohesion and counter‑extremism approach, recognising that antisemitism must be tackled alongside other forms of extremist ideology.

These domestic measures are underpinned by our international commitments. The UK was the first country to adopt the IHRA working definition of antisemitism, and we support the Global Guidelines for Countering Antisemitism.

Earlier this year, our Foreign Secretary announced the appointment of Jon Pearce MP as the UK Special Envoy for Post-Holocaust Issues. His appointment not only demonstrates the UK’s continued leadership and dedication to Holocaust remembrance, education, and research, but also represents our unwavering commitment to the protection of the Jewish community in the UK and abroad, championing UK policy and supporting the fight against the scourge of antisemitism.

Colleagues, we must also address the external factors that fuel antisemitism. In an attempt to justify its illegal war of aggression against Ukraine, Russia has distorted Holocaust memory and misused historically loaded language. This cynical weaponisation of history dishonours the victims of the Holocaust, undermines truth, and contributes to a climate in which antisemitism can flourish. We strongly condemn it.

In conclusion, the UK is determined to confront antisemitism in all its forms. Antisemitism is not only a threat to Jewish communities; it is a threat to our societies as a whole. Addressing it is a shared responsibility.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 25 June 2026.

Norwegian Ambassador Ellen Svendsen delivers a joint statement on behalf of six countries marking the 2026 International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict.

Thank you, Mr Chair.

I am delivering this statement on behalf of Canada, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Ukraine, the United Kingdom and my own country Norway.

On 19 June we marked the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict. We pay tribute to survivors and to those around the world working tirelessly to prevent and respond to conflict-related sexual violence.

Mr Chair, the global picture remains deeply concerning. Recent UN reporting has shown a sharp rise in verified cases of conflict-related sexual violence, marked by increasing brutality which disproportionately affects women and girls, while continuing to impact men and boys.

Such violence is not incidental to conflict. It is used deliberately as a tactic of war, terror, and repression, with devastating consequences for individuals, communities, and long-term stability.

These trends are compounded by shrinking humanitarian access, reduced funding for survivor services, and persistent stigma that prevents reporting and denies justice. Escalating and protracted conflicts continue to create conditions in which the risks of sexual violence grow.

Mr Chair, in Ukraine, UN reporting, successive Moscow Mechanism reports, ODIHR Interim Reports and other independent monitoring continues to document conflict-related sexual violence linked to Russia’s ongoing aggression, including in detention settings where it has been used as a form of torture and ill-treatment. Survivors include women, men, and detainees subjected to serious abuses. These cases underscore the use of sexual violence to intimidate, punish, and extract information, and highlight the urgent need for accountability and survivor support.

Sexual violence in conflict is a violation of international humanitarian and human rights law, and a threat to international peace and security. It must stop. Perpetrators must be brought to justice. Survivors must be supported.

We emphasise the importance of a survivor-centred approach in all prevention and response efforts. This means placing the safety, dignity, rights and needs of survivors at the heart of action, ensuring access to justice, protection, and essential services, including psychosocial support.

Efforts to prevent and respond to conflict-related sexual violence should also fully address the needs of children affected, including child survivors, children born of such violence and those affected indirectly. Children experience conflict-related sexual violence in distinct ways, and responses must be child-sensitive, survivor-centred and integrated into existing systems. Addressing their needs is essential to breaking cycles of violence, stigma and exclusion.

Accountability is central. Without justice, there is no deterrence. Without accountability, cycles of violence continue. We must strengthen national and international mechanisms to investigate and prosecute these crimes, and ensure that survivors have access to redress and reparations.

The OSCE has a vital role to play. Its comprehensive approach to security, its field operations, and its autonomous institutions contribute to prevention, monitoring, and accountability efforts. The OSCE’s work on gender equality and on combating sexual and gender-based violence in armed conflict remains essential, and should continue to be prioritised by participating States.

Mr Chair, addressing conflict-related sexual violence must form part of broader international efforts: to uphold the Women, Peace and Security agenda; to tackle gender inequality and discrimination; and to ensure the meaningful participation of women in peace processes and decision-making at all levels.

As we mark this International Day, we reaffirm our collective responsibility. We must act together through multilateral cooperation to prevent these crimes, to support survivors, and to end impunity.

Thank you, Mr Chair.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 25 June 2026.

Deputy Ambassador James Ford underlines support for Montenegro’s Euro Atlantic path and progress in strengthening democratic institutions, and welcomes and the Mission’s work supporting the government’s national strategic objectives ahead of the transition to national ownership of functions by the end of 2027.

Thank you, Ambassador Haukaas, for your report, and for the work of your team over the last year.

The United Kingdom continues to strongly support Montenegro’s Euro Atlantic path. Montenegro is a valued partner and Ally of the UK. Its sustained commitment to regional stability, constructive diplomacy, and multilateral cooperation continues to make a positive contribution to security across the Western Balkans. We also welcome Montenegro’s principled stance in response to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.

The United Kingdom also welcomes the progress Montenegro has made in strengthening its democratic institutions and advancing reforms – particularly in strengthening the rule of law, enhancing judicial independence, and tackling corruption. We also value Montenegro’s openness to partnership and dialogue – including with civil society – critical to ensuring reforms are inclusive and enduring. The UK will continue to work with the government of Montenegro in support of these efforts.

In this context, we welcome the Mission’s work supporting the government’s national strategic objectives, in line with the Mission’s mandate and OSCE commitments and principles. The Mission’s priorities fit well with the UK’s own engagement supporting Montenegro’s reform agenda and broader regional stability.

We particularly support the Mission’s focus on: strengthening the functioning and transparency of Montenegro’s parliament; supporting the authorities in tackling serious and organised crime and corruption; and supporting media freedom and the safety of journalists. All these activities contribute to strengthening Montenegro’s democratic resilience, underlining the tangible value of the Mission’s work and its alignment with Montenegro’s reform priorities.

We see Montenegro’s request to transition to national ownership of OSCE functions by the end of 2027 as a positive reflection of the progress Montenegro has made in recent years, and a sign of the government’s commitment to driving forward and sustaining momentum on reforms. It is also an indication of the success of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, and the exemplary support it has provided, over the last 20 years. We look forward to engaging with the government, OSCE Mission, Secretariat and autonomous institutions to ensure a smooth and well-prepared transition to new forms of OSCE engagement with and support for Montenegro.

In closing, the United Kingdom reiterates its strong support for Montenegro’s reform trajectory. We wish the Mission every success in its work over the next 12 months.

Thank you, Mr Chair.