Tag: Press Release

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 November 2024.

Explanation of vote by Tara Soomro, Ambassador to ECOSOC, at the UN Second Committee on the International Tax Cooperation.

Chair, the United Kingdom voted ‘No’ on this resolution.

We have been a strong advocate of international tax cooperation, to enable the participation of a broad range of jurisdictions and collaboration of different International Organizations in addressing global policy challenges.

We have championed efforts to combat Base Erosion and Profit Shifting, increased tax transparency through the Automatic Exchange of Information and via HM Revenue and Customs’ capacity-building partnerships with developing countries.

We believe there is a role for the UN to play in international tax cooperation and we recognise the desire to make progress on this. We will continue to engage constructively with these negotiations.

From the outset, we set out what we see as the crucial principles for this work to be effective and inclusive. We believe decision-making should be based on broad consensus, to ensure that any outputs are widely implemented and maximize participation. And we need to ensure that a Framework Convention will not undermine existing tax rules.

In July, we made six proposals for changes to the zero draft of the Terms of Reference, none of which were reflected in the final text. While we welcome flexibility shown in this resolution, neither the Terms of Reference nor this resolution provide sufficient reassurance on our concerns.

In addition, we are concerned about the programme budget implications. During negotiations, we and other delegations had a number of questions, however these were not resolved. Full costs were only shared this week once negotiations had concluded. We need more robust consideration to understand the implications of this resolution, and will reflect our concerns in the Fifth Committee.

We will continue to work actively with all of you and be constructive and collaborative in considering how to accommodate different perspectives.

We hope that we can all deliver a positive contribution to international tax cooperation.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 November 2024.

Botswana and the G7 announce plans to improve transparency in the diamond trade. A new certification node will help stop Russian origin diamonds entering G7 markets.

Joint Statement by Botswana and the G7 diamond technical team:

A G7 import ban on Russian origin diamonds began on 1 January 2024. On 1 March 2024, Russian diamonds processed in third countries were also banned in the G7 jurisdictions.

On 1 March 2024, the first certification node with the ability to certify the origin of rough diamonds and issue G7 certificates became operational in the EU. Following this, the G7 diamond technical team and Botswana have increased collaboration on enhancing traceability and transparency in the diamond trade.

To enhance Botswana’s capacity in certifying rough diamonds for export, aligning with the G7 requirements to prevent Russian-mined diamonds from entering G7 markets and ensure traceability throughout the supply chain, the Belgium and Botswana teams conducted a comprehensive gap analysis, assessing current frameworks and identifying areas that require further alignment.

As a result, Botswana and the G7 diamond technical team are now crafting a roadmap to address any identified gaps, aiming to have the export certification node fully operational in Botswana as soon as possible next year.

H.E. President Duma Boko of Botswana, in his recent keynote address at the FACET event in Antwerp on 26 November 2024, underscored the importance of ethical and sustainable diamond mining as a cornerstone of Botswana’s ongoing efforts to enhance transparency and accountability within the diamond industry. “Botswana is committed to pioneering traceability and responsible mining practices, ensuring that our diamonds not only shine in beauty but also embody integrity and ethical stewardship,” he said.

Establishing this certification node will reinforce Botswana’s position as a responsible global leader in diamond production, offering reassurance to international buyers and stakeholders. This development is expected to increase investor confidence, support economic growth, and promote ethical practices across the diamond supply chain. The G7 diamond technical team will continue engaging with other African diamond-producing countries such as Namibia and Angola to consider setting up additional export certification nodes.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 November 2024.

Statement by Shadi Fathizadeh, Head of Humanitarian, Peacebuilding and UN Funds and Programmes at the UN Second Committee on the Quadrennial Comprehensive Policy Review.

Colleagues, I would like to begin by thanking the Second Committee Bureau, the Swiss facilitator’s team, and all negotiators from other delegations.

The Quadrennial Comprehensive Policy Review has been a long, complex, negotiation. But the fact we have a resolution today – which represents for the most part a negotiated outcome – is an achievement to be celebrated and a testament to the value we all place on this important text.

Chair, with 6-years to 2030, the UK approached this negotiation firmly of the view that this QCPR had to deliver a step change in ambition. It needed to ensure that the UN development system is best positioned to support countries deliver their development plans and accelerate achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, towards a world free from poverty, on a liveable planet.

The UK welcomes the text as it sets clear guidelines towards a more impactful, coordinated, and efficient system.

We are pleased the QCPR reaffirms the vital role of UN Resident Coordinators in supporting countries achieve their development goals, and ensure coherence of UN development activities in-country. At a time when funding for the RC system is being negotiated, this sends a clear signal to the fifth committee on the importance of finding a sustainable, predictable solution this year.

We also welcome the new language on science and technology. This establishes important system-wide principles to ensure both the opportunities, and the risks presented by technological and scientific advances, are managed in a way that ensures all can benefit.

Inevitably perhaps in a text of such ambitious breadth, there are areas where we assess the text falls short.

Interlinkages and interdependencies between climate, nature and development are increasingly clear. This cannot be disputed. The impacts of climate change, which are predicted to put an extra 100 million people at risk of being pushed into extreme poverty by 2030, will not be addressed without different approaches from the UN development system.

We have been clear throughout the negotiations that rather than – and to avoid – duplicating existing UN processes, an effective response requires the further mainstreaming of climate and environment across the work of the development system.

Similarly, against the backdrop of rising global conflict and growing humanitarian need, we consider the text insufficiently ambitious in recognising the benefits that would arise from adopting joint approaches across humanitarian, development and peace strands. Building nexus approaches delivers the best chance of overcoming root causes and delivering long term, sustainable development including achieving the SDGs.

The UK further regrets the text’s weak language on gender, including sexual and reproductive health and rights. Poverty is not gender neutral. Progress must be made in this critical area and Member States need to ensure that we do not condemn certain groups within society to a more difficult path out of poverty.

It is now imperative that this resolution is implemented.

As noted in the QCPR, the UK acknowledges that not every action should fall to the entities of the UN Development System. As a leading donor, we recognise our responsibility to avoid over-burdening the system by setting unnecessary requirements.

I am pleased to note that discussions are already taking place between the UN and the UK to develop a template for a consistent approach for core funding Memoranda of Understanding, and we will look to build on this to explore where we can further streamline requirements. We encourage other donors to do likewise.

The UK’s commitment to the UN Development System remains unquestionable. We will continue to work in close partnership, here in New York including through governing bodies, in other UN offices, and on the ground, to deliver this important mandate.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 November 2024.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN General Assembly meeting on the use of the veto.

Last week our Foreign Secretary used the UK Presidency of the Security Council to draw the world’s attention to the devasting impact on civilians of the conflict in Sudan.

The Secretary-General’s October report described the deliberate targeting of civilians, widespread sexual violence, and the abduction of children.

The UK and Sierra Leone decided to act in response to the urgent situation on the ground. Working in partnership, we co-penned a resolution on the protection of civilians, seeking to bring the Council together to address the protection crisis.

We consulted extensively with Council members and stakeholders to produce a balanced text.

The draft resolution called for the development of a compliance mechanism for the Jeddah Declaration, ensuring that the commitments made by both parties to protect civilians translated to results on the ground.

It called for the warring parties to support humanitarian pauses to ensure the safe passage of civilians and aid.

And it would have provided the international community with practical steps to support mediation efforts, to protect civilians and work towards a lasting ceasefire.

The draft resolution also fully respected the sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity of Sudan. We engaged extensively and listened carefully to the views of the Sudanese Mission when developing the text.

Nothing in the text compromised the sovereignty of Sudan. Indeed, the provisions on humanitarian access through border crossings were explicit that this should be done with the prior agreement and coordination of the Sudanese Transitional Sovereign Council.

The Sierra Leone UK co-penned resolution received 14 votes in favour. This included all the African Council members.  But one country cynically blocked this resolution at the last minute.

Russia’s veto prevented necessary Council action on the basic rights of African civilians to be protected.

Despite Russia’s veto, 14 votes in favour sends a clear message. The international community will not allow Sudan to be forgotten, nor the suffering of civilians to be ignored.

We must ensure that the Security Council continues to act for peace in Sudan. Our ambition remains high and unwavering, and we hope to move forward constructively.

The UK is doing its part. Foreign Secretary Lammy announced last week that we are doubling the UK’s humanitarian aid to Sudan, providing an additional $143 million.

But funding is not the only issue, we must ensure that aid actually reaches those most in need. We welcome the decision to extend the authorization of the Adre crossing and the establishment of UN humanitarian hubs in El-Obeid Kadugli and Ad-Damazin. We call on the Sudanese authorities to facilitate UN presence and delivery across all of Sudan.

We welcome the new emergency relief coordinators visit to Sudan, and we will continue to work with our OCHA, our African partners and other actors to press for more aid, more access and more protection in Sudan.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 November 2024.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on the protection of humanitarian workers.

Colleagues, the scale and severity of threats to humanitarian personnel is alarming. As we’ve heard today, 2024 is already the deadliest year on record for humanitarian workers and we have not reached the end.

The tragic loss of life, including in Gaza, Sudan, and South Sudan is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those who deliver lifesaving assistance, and provide hope, in the toughest of circumstances.

Humanitarian workers, including national and local actors, should never be targeted for doing their jobs. We owe them more than words of support. I would like to highlight three actions member states must take:

First, to facilitate rapid and full humanitarian access to all civilians in need and fully comply with international humanitarian law. This is a bare minimum and reflected in the 1949 Geneva Conventions which we have all ratified.

Second, take all feasible steps to ensure effective and trusted deconfliction mechanisms are in place and utilised, in line with the obligations of parties to a conflict to protect humanitarian personnel. We urge states to investigate attacks swiftly and hold perpetrators to account.

Finally, do more to counter misinformation and disinformation, which poses an increasing threat to UN and humanitarian staff.

Colleagues, attacks targeting humanitarian personnel are violations of international humanitarian law and unacceptable. This Council must stand united in defending those who protect the most vulnerable.

The UK thanks Switzerland for its leadership on Resolution 2730 which we are happy to co-sponsor. We urge Member States to implement this resolution and to ensure the principles we affirm today allow humanitarian workers to do their jobs safely and free from fear.