Tag: Press Release

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 February 2025.

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on practising multilateralism, reforming and improving global governance.

The United Kingdom remains deeply committed to the United Nations.

But 80 years since its creation, with more countries engaged in conflict than ever before, we are falling short of its founding mission to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war.

And despite progress on health and education, significant global challenges remain.

The climate crisis is accelerating and the Sustainable Development Goals are off-track.

Why so? There is more to this than the often-mentioned liquidity crisis.

In 80 years, UN membership has increased from 51 to 193 Member States, but the UN and its institutions are not fully representative of all its members.

We now live in a multipolar world, not a bipolar or unipolar one, whose challenges, climate, pandemics and cyber security are more transnational than national.

As the Secretary-General reminded us and so many speakers today have reiterated, the Pact of the Future demonstrated a clear desire and a clear commitment to reinvigorate the multilateral system, including through reforming the UN and the international financial system.

Together, we need to redouble our efforts and find new ways to address emerging challenges.

2025, the UN’s 80th anniversary and a year of key summits, is the first step on this path.

Next month we have the Commission on the Status of Women and the Beijing +30 meeting; in June we have the UN Oceans Conference; in July FFD4.  And later in the year the UN Social Summit and COP30, back in Brazil.

Together, these summits seek to address our shared concerns.

Their success is critical for progress and the UN’s reputation as our multilateral home.

Second, we need to use the UN more effectively to deliver international peace and security.

Such progress must go hand in hand with upholding human rights.

This starts first and foremost with the defence of the UN Charter as colleagues have references.

Nowhere is that more true today than in Ukraine, whose sovereignty and territorial integrity is under threat from Russian aggression.

We must work to ensure that all UN tools, including its good offices, are used to deliver and advance peace.

For example, Personal Envoy Lamamra has a crucial platform to bring together the warring parties in Sudan.

We encourage reinvigorated momentum for mediation efforts, as well as a renewed focus on prevention to reduce crises before they happen.

This year’s Peacebuilding Architecture Review is an important opportunity in this regard.

We also need to refresh our peacekeeping approach to ensure missions are fit for purpose and defend UN peacekeepers wherever they serve.

Attacks against them are unacceptable.

We honour, in particular today, MONUSCO peacekeepers who have fallen in defence of civilians in the DRC.

Finally, in the face of growing global crises, from Sudan to Myanmar, we need to support the UN’s development and humanitarian programmes, across its agencies.

In Gaza, UNRWA, alongside the WFP and UNICEF, provides over 50% of all food aid.

We commend OCHA’s tireless efforts to reach those in need.

Humanitarian access and the protection of aid workers are integral to their successful delivery.

In conclusion, President, colleagues, the Council is often characterised as an ineffective geopolitical theatre.

While reform of its membership is needed and the UK supports that, this body has the tools to implement its peace and security mandate.

We now need to strengthen our collective will to use them more effectively and, as the Secretary-General has said, in our 80th year, work to build the more peaceful, just and prosperous world that we know is within reach.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 February 2025.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has summoned the Rwandan High Commissioner today (18 February) following advances made by the Rwandan Defence Force and M23 in eastern DRC.

An FCDO spokesperson said:

“The UK strongly condemns the advances of the Rwandan Defence Force and M23 in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

“These advances constitute an unacceptable violation of DRC’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Government of Rwanda must immediately withdraw all Rwanda Defence Force troops from Congolese territory.

“We urge Rwanda to immediately cease all hostilities and return to dialogue through African-led peace processes.”

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 February 2025.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations (C-34).

Peacekeeping is one of the UN’s most valuable tools to support global peace and security, including by preventing conflicts from escalating and creating space for political solutions. However, the nature of conflict is evolving and so must our approaches to addressing them.

I will make three points.

First, this year marks the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, which recognised the vital role women play in supporting peace and security.

To promote this agenda, the UK is proud to serve as co-chair of the Elsie Initiative for 2025, advancing the full, equal, and meaningful participation of women in peacekeeping, which, in turn, enhances the operational effectiveness of missions.

We also recognise the critical role that peace operations can play in countering conflict-related sexual violence. We should ensure that peacekeepers are equipped with comprehensive training to help them prevent and respond to the growing threat of sexual and gender-based violence.

We also need to ensure the highest standards in peace operations. This requires a zero-tolerance approach to sexual exploitation and abuse with stronger mechanisms to respond to instances where it occurs.

Second, peacekeeping depends on strong cooperation between the UN and Member States, including host countries and regional partners. We should continue enhancing collaboration and partnerships, including with regional organisations, in order to give missions the best chance of success. Security Council resolution 2719, enabling AU-led peace operations to access UN-assessed contributions, was an important step. And the UK supports the use of 2719 for the AU Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia.

We should also continue to challenge restrictions on the freedom of movement of missions, and violations of the Status of Forces Agreements which make mandates harder to deliver and undermine the protection of civilians.

Third, peacekeeping in 2025 remains a dangerous activity. I pay tribute to the 61 UN peacekeepers who lost their lives in 2024 and four so far in 2025. Attacks on UN peacekeepers are absolutely unacceptable and may constitute war crimes.

We particularly note the work and bravery of MONUSCO peacekeepers currently serving in Eastern DRC. They have worked tirelessly, and under great pressure, to deliver their mandate, especially the protection of civilians, in the face of M23’s takeover of Goma with support from the Rwandan Defence Forces.

To safeguard missions, we need robust contingency plans, intelligence capabilities, effective strategic communications, and measures to counter misinformation and disinformation. Peacekeepers should be equipped with the tools they need.

To conclude, the United Kingdom underscores its support for UN peacekeeping. We remain committed to working with partners to strengthen peacekeeping’s effectiveness and to ensure it can adapt to new challenges. We look forward to constructive discussions over the coming weeks and to agreeing a report which will help steer the work of the UN and its Member States over the coming year.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 17 February 2025.

Explanation of vote by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, following the vote on the UN Security Council resolution renewing the mandate of the 1591 Committee Panel of Experts.

We voted in favour of this resolution renewing the 1591 Panel of Experts and we thank the US for leading the negotiations.

I’ll make two points.

First, I want to highlight the catastrophic situation currently faced by thousands of displaced people at Zamzam Camp in Darfur.

We’ve seen reports that the Rapid Support Forces have launched a further assault contrary to this council’s demands in Resolution 2736.

There are harrowing accounts of shelling and targeting of civilians.

It’s reported that at least 40 civilians have been killed and shelters have been razed to the ground.

These are people who were already facing devastating levels of humanitarian need, including famine.

So we condemn these attacks.

We underscore the need for the protection of civilians in line with international law and the commitments made by the warring parties in the 2023 Jeddah Declaration.

The situation underscores the continued importance of the Panel’s reporting to support the Council’s work on Sudan.

And once again, we call on all Member States to refrain from external interference, which foments conflict and instability, and instead to support mediation efforts for a durable peace.

Second, we note that while the UK welcomes the renewal of the Panel’s mandate for a further 12 months, we would have preferred to maintain previous language which, among other things, called for the parties to the conflict to cease violations of international humanitarian law and abuses and violations of international human rights law, and strongly condemned attacks against civilians, including sexual and gender based violence.

President, it is vital that this Council remain focused on protecting civilians in Sudan given the violence being committed against so many.

The UK will continue to press for a much more urgent and more effective international response to the crisis, including a reinvigorated mediation process.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 17 February 2025.

The UK and partners pay tribute to Alexei Navalny.

On the anniversary of Alexei Navalny’s death, which followed years of persecution by the Kremlin, we again extend our condolences to his family. We reiterate that the ultimate responsibility for his death lies with the Russian authorities. One year on, Russia’s dire human rights record continues to deteriorate. The Kremlin crushes peaceful dissent, maintains a climate of fear and undermines the rule of law. All to serve its own interests. As we reflect on Navalny’s enduring legacy, we continue to stand with civil society and human rights defenders working tirelessly to build a better future for Russia in the face of immense personal risk.

There are over 800 political prisoners in Russia, including many imprisoned for speaking out against the Kremlin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and the brutality shown towards the Ukrainian people. The UN Special Rapporteur’s reports illustrate how many political prisoners are tortured, denied adequate medical treatment and placed in forced psychiatric detention. We are clear: the Russian authorities must uphold their international obligations and release all political prisoners.

Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Romania, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 17 February 2025.

UK Statement at Madagascar’s World Trade Organization Trade Policy Review. Delivered on 12 February 2025.

1. Let me begin by offering a warm welcome to the delegation from Madagascar led by Her Excellency Priscilla Andrianarivo. I thank Madagascar for the significant preparations and work which I know go into a Trade Policy Review and we express our gratitude to colleagues from the WTO Secretariat for their respective reports, and as ever, to our Discussant, Her Excellency Ms Clara Delgado Jesus, for their insightful comments.
2. Chair, we are grateful for the Reports provided by this Trade Policy Review, which have given us important insights into Madagascar’s own economic efforts, and reforms, over the review period.
3. As we have heard this morning regarding Madagascar’s aspirations on trade, the Reports highlights the growth in trade Madagascar has seen over the period of review, initially accounting for just under half of GDP to now over two thirds.
4. We welcome continued efforts to integrate into global supply chains and note that this is key to addressing the severe levels of poverty that are present. The Reports note the importance of Madagascar realising its growth potential through improving the economy and tackling corruption; we look forward to supporting Madagascar to go further and faster on this.
5. We hope to also see further growth in Foreign Direct Investment; Madagascar’s location and array of resources make it an attractive destination for this and we hope to see the recent reforms to the Mining Code and the introduction of the new Investment Law create even more opportunities here. In this context it would be remiss of me not to mention the opportunities that the International Foodservices Distribution Association (IFDA) could afford here and we encourage Madagascar to consider their participation.
6. Chair, the UK and Madagascar have a positive and longstanding relationship. As well as being the first official diplomatic partner Madagascar ever had, the UK and the English language has been a consistently trusted and regular feature in Madagascar.  We are particularly pleased to see this relationship marked last November by Lord Collins, FCDO Minister for Africa, meeting with General Ravalomanana.
7. This was a valuable conversation and we were particularly pleased to hear of the focus on deforestation and the importance of raising awareness on its impact. One of the first things most people picture when thinking of Madagascar is your beautiful landscapes. These initiatives are crucial in preserving Madagascar’s natural environment, ensuring its beauty and biodiversity remain intact for future generations, as well as visitors.
8. In this conversation we also encouraged Madagascar to interrogate the decline in per capita income since independence in 1960 and promoted the need for national industrialisation to tackle extreme poverty. We discussed economic diversification and the value of new partnerships. We look forward to seeing increased efforts to deliver regulatory reforms and the types of government-backed initiatives that make Madagascar a more accessible and easier-to-navigate option for foreign investors.
9. Our relationship recently reached another significant milestone with Madagascar entering into our regional Economic Partnership Agreement. This will offer better access to the UK market, stimulate growth through foreign investment and increase development cooperation, which can support infrastructure, natural resources, and environmental projects in Madagascar. We hope this year we can propel our technical engagement in order to see trade between our countries flourish.
10. There are also some exciting engagements to look forward to. Next week, the International Trade Centre and the UK Trade Partnerships Programme bring together operators in the textile industry to prepare Malagasy enterprises on the new sustainability regulations for UK market and the EU.
11. I also welcome Madagascar’s efforts to support women in trade and gender equality, in particular its work to meet AfCFTA protocols [the African Continental Free Trade Area]. The UK encourages Madagascar’s engagement in the important work happening here in Geneva too, to which they can make valuable contribution, not least the Informal Working Group on Trade and Gender, of which my Ambassador co-chairs, along with our esteemed discussant today.
12. As a member of several negotiation groups at the WTO, such as the G90, the African Group, ACP, the LDC group and the G33, we hope Madagascar continues to make the most of support available to LDC Members. For example, the Enhanced Integrated Framework, providing in-country technical assistance and the Advisory Centre on WTO Law which provides legal support on WTO issues, both of which the UK is very pleased to support.
13. As we consider participation in activities here in Geneva, and the opportunities, I would also like to take this opportunity to encourage Madagascar to ratify the ‘Fish 1’ agreement, as well as to consider their participation in the e-commerce JI, and on domestic regulation, in addition to the aforementioned IFDA.
14. Chair, Trade Policy Reviews are an important time of reflection. It is a time to both take stock of successes and to set goals. In this regard, it is positive to hear that the government has expressed willingness to liberalise the market and to attract more investors, notably with the promotion of the Special Economic Zone and the new Investment Law.
15. We encourage Madagascar to address barriers around monopolies and dominance in certain markets. We look forward to proactive steps to encourage competition, particularly in the telecommunications, vanilla, lychee, and renewables industries.
16. I’d also like to take this chance to underline the valuable potential for expansion in renewable energy in Madagascar and say that the UK is committed to accelerating the global clean power transition and to work with countries who share our ambitions on this.
17. Finally, Chair, I wanted to end with a few words of Malagasy wisdom, from the epic poem Ibonia: “So long as this tree is green and healthy, I will be all right”. Cultivating an economy aligned with the international rules-based order of which the WTO is part of will mean not just Madagascar, or the WTO blossoms: we all do.
18. Again, I would like to thank the WTO Secretariat, the discussant and Madagascar for the huge amount of work that goes into a Trade Policy Review, and for the informative answers to our questions. We hope this will be a valuable exercise in transparency.