Tag: Press Release

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 24 June 2024.

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Iran.

Iran’s unabated nuclear escalation means that it is closer now than ever to being able to develop a nuclear weapon. This situation makes the region and the world far more dangerous and makes escalation by others more likely.

The UN Security Council, through this resolution and the JCPoA, has sought to give Iran the opportunity to demonstrate the peaceful nature of its nuclear programme. However, as the IAEA has repeatedly reported, Iran continues to escalate its programme beyond credible civilian justification, and far beyond JCPoA limits.

The IAEA Director General’s reports that Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile is more than 30 times JCPoA limits. Iran, as we speak, is installing yet more advanced centrifuges that would further increase its capacity to produce fissile material for a weapon.

Let us be clear about what is now at stake. In October next year, this resolution is due to expire and with it the right to reimpose UN sanctions on Iran. Given Iran’s dangerous advances which have brought it to the brink of being able to develop a weapon, this situation should be of grave concern for this Council.

President, the E3 remain committed to a diplomatic solution. We have maintained our compliance with the JCPoA; Iran must demonstrate the same commitment. We will continue to keep all diplomatic options on the table, including triggering UN snapback before October 2025 if necessary.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 24 June 2024.

His Majesty’s Ambassador to the DRC, Madame Alyson King, gave a speech at the 2024 King’s Birthday Party, held at the British Embassy Kinshasa.

Honourable President of the National Assembly, Your Excellency the Vice Prime Minister, Your Excellency Patrick Muyaya, our guest of honour, Your Excellencies Ministers, Honourable Deputies, and Senators, Your Excellencies, my sisters, lady Ambassadors and Ambassadors, Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, and dear friends, All protocol observed, Boyeyi malamu na batu nionso (Welcome to everyone)!

Welcome to the British residence on the occasion of King Charles III’s official birthday. May I apologise to our American friends, that we have hijacked the 4th of July this year, for our elections in the UK. This means that I cannot say anything too political as regards to the UK. But I hope I can express my gratitude, M. le Ministre, that the new government of DRC has taken office in time for our event.

Let me also say a few other words of thanks. Thank you to our generous sponsors: Socimex, Rawbank, Vodacom, G4S, Helios Towers, Diageo, Médecins de Nuit and UTEX, without whom this evening would not have been possible. Do not forget to buy raffle tickets – kindly sponsored by Socimex – all proceeds will go to the Banazola Foundation, which supports children across DRC.

And thank you to my team who have worked hard, not just for today, but every day to help make a difference.

Last year was the first KBP in Kinshasa in an independent DRC. That means that a year has passed. A wise woman, Marie Chantal Kaninda, told me that when I come to understand this country, I will love it. Excellencies, distinguished guests, may I let you into a secret? I fear that I will never be able to fully understand this vast, beautiful, complex, fascinating, diverse country. But, ladies and gentlemen, I can tell you that nevertheless, already ….  I love it.

3 things I would like to share by way of reflection:

1. DRC matters to the UK and to the world

The President has set out the importance of DRC as a solution country, whose future is vital to humanity’s future. The Congo Basin is the largest carbon sink in the world. DRC’s cobalt and copper are necessary for the energy transition. DRC is the beating heart of Africa. And the 100 million plus Congolese matter.

2. The UK is present in DRC

• Wherever I go, I find people with UK connections doing good things.
• Last week I was in the southeast, meeting entrepreneurs and businesspeople in Kolwezi and Lubumbashi, who are exporting frozen pondu to the US, and keeping cobalt copper mines safe for workers.
• In eastern DRC, British humanitarian workers are helping survivors of rape and the war-wounded.
• Two weeks ago, I saw how Professors Simon Lewis and Raphael Tshimanga are working in partnership to record and protect the peatlands of the Congo Basin.
• In Kinshasa, we have the British Congolese community group, and the British Congolese Business Group who have recently created chapters in Lubumbashi and Kolwezi.
• Look at the panels around the garden highlighting prominent British people of Congolese heritage. Wissa doesn’t only score goals for the Leopards but also Brentford in the English Premier League!
• And you may not know that quinine from Bukavu is exported to the UK to make award-winning Fever Tree tonic. What further proof of UK-Congolese partnership than London gin and Congolese tonic do you need? Together, we make a great cocktail!

3. We can go further… together

We still do not know each other as well as we might. It remains my firm conviction that the more we know and understand each other, the more opportunities we will find to do good things together. Whether that is developing carbon markets, or bringing solar power to homes; ensuring secure airports, developing food production, or supporting high quality universal health care. That will require effort from both sides.

We can highlight the opportunities in DRC; British investors will want to see a stable regulatory environment before they enter the market. We can highlight female leadership by sponsoring young ambassadors for a day; it is for the DRC to draw on all of its available talent, not just 50% of it – and may I again congratulate SEMme Judith Suminwa, DRC’s first woman Prime Minister. We’re planning on doubling our aid this year – but we know that real change comes from policy change and private sector investment.

The average Congolese child currently reaches only 37% of their potential according to the Human Capital Index; imagine if every child had access to safety, nutrition, health care, education? Congo has 80 million hectares of arable land; imagine if it was a food exporter rather than a country dependant on imports, leaving 25 million food insecure people. Congo shares its name with the mighty river flowing past here; imagine if its clean energy were harnessed to power households and business across the continent? And of course, imagine what could come from lasting peace in the beautiful east, instead of the terrible violence we see today.

The possibilities are there, and they are exciting; I hope the UK can play its part in supporting Congolese leadership to deliver transformative change.

Feti malamu (Enjoy the party)!

Without further ado, may I invite His Excellency Patrick Muyaya to take the floor.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 24 June 2024.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Somalia.

First, I congratulate Somalia on its election to the UN Security Council for the term 2025 to 2026. Somalia’s return to the Council after more than 50 years is a significant milestone. The UK looks forward to working closely with Somalia on the Council.

Second, the UK notes progress on Somalia’s constitutional review with the completion of the first four chapters. We encourage increased consultation and collaboration with all stakeholders in Somalia to ensure an inclusive process on political and constitutional reform moving forward.

Third, we are at a critical moment in Somalia’s security transition, as we reach the final stages of the ATMIS’ drawdown. We welcome the African Union Communique on the joint strategic assessment for the post ATMIS security arrangements for an AU-led mission in Somalia. We also welcome the significant progress so far and urge the federal government of Somalia to continue its efforts on security sector reform. It is vital that security gains are not lost. Continued support from, and coordination with, international partners is critical, including the UN, AU, and troop contributing countries. We urge Somalia and the African Union to continue to work with the UN to progress the design of a follow-on mission.

Fourth, the UK welcomes consultations between the UN and Somalia on next steps, including agreement on the timeline and modalities for UNSOM’s transition. President, we do not take the progress made in Somalia for granted. The UK remains committed to working with the Somali authorities, UN and Council members to ensure progress is sustained.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 21 June 2024.

Statement by Fergus Eckersley, UK Political Counsellor, at the Security Council meeting on Afghanistan.

First, while it is welcome that the Taliban have signalled their intention to attend this meeting in Doha, they must also show their intention to change how they are acting and to listen to the concerns of the Afghan people.

The international community should remain united and clear on the urgent need for the Taliban to meet their obligations and reverse all polices restricting human rights and fundamental freedoms in Afghanistan, not least for women and girls. This includes the Taliban’s decree banning girls from secondary school, now over 1,000 days since its pronouncement. This is 1,000 days too long with half the population left behind. It is a wholly unjustifiable and self-defeating policy. Addressing these restrictions must remain front and centre for the international community in all of our engagement, as Ms. Wafeq said.

Second, with the 2024 Afghanistan Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan only 20% funded, we urge the international community to increase their support. The United Kingdom is on track to deliver over $190 million dollars in aid this year, helping to meet basic needs, including through the provision of lifesaving food, clean water, and sanitation. And in light of continued restrictions by the Taliban, we continue to support delivery of education through bilateral and multilateral contributions to NGOs and UN partners.

Finally, nearly six months since the adoption of Security Council resolution 2721, we call on the UN to continue to drive forward progress on the recommendations set out in the Special Coordinator’s independent assessment. A Special Envoy is urgently needed to bring together the international community and to minimise the risk of Afghanistan’s challenges spilling over into the region and beyond.

The United Kingdom stands ready to work constructively with all parties and stakeholders – in Afghanistan and beyond – in this shared endeavour towards an Afghanistan at peace with itself, its neighbours, and the international community.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 21 June 2024.

UK Statement for Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity.

Thank you, Madam Vice President.

Let me begin by extending our gratitude to the Independent Expert’s predecessor Mr Victor Madrigal-Borloz for their visit to the United Kingdom last year. These country visits are crucial to the effective operation of the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council, and our collective endeavour to uphold human rights and fundamental freedoms, including for individuals from the LGBT community.

During the Independent Expert’s visit to the United Kingdom, we were particularly pleased that he was able to engage with a broad range of stakeholders across the United Kingdom. Meetings were held in London, Manchester, Cardiff, Belfast, and Edinburgh where the Independent Expert met with senior officials from across the devolved administrations and the Northern Ireland Civil Service. In England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, the Independent Expert also met with a number of civil society organisations and representatives. We believe that it is important for all mandate holders to be able to meet with a diverse range of stakeholders to listen to different perspectives.

We welcome the recognition in the Independent Expert’s report that the United Kingdom maintains one of the most comprehensive legislative frameworks to safeguard the human rights of LGBT individuals and protect them from violence and hate.  This framework is reinforced by robust institutional and policy structures, strong evidence and data collected on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, and – as highlighted in the report – the commendable efforts of public authorities.

The UK’s approach is monitored by robust and independent National Human Rights Institutions in England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, all with A status accreditation. These institutions adhere fully with the Paris Principles and are adequately resourced to fill their essential mandate to protect human rights.

We reaffirm our strong commitment to this mandate and emphasise its vital importance in ending human rights violations experienced by LGBT people around the world.

We look forward to sharing our views on the current mandate holder’s important, new thematic report in a separate intervention later in this debate.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 21 June 2024.

The British Embassy hosted special guests during the celebration party of His Majesty the King Charles III birthday in Guatemala City on 20 June.

The event was held at iconic Club Guatemala in the historic city downtown.  Government officials, civil society, businesspeople, journalists, and many other Embassy’s contacts gathered to mark this year celebration for the King.

The British Ambassador to Guatemala, Nick Whittingham, welcomed each of the guests at his last major event in country, while he prepares to leave post for another diplomatic appointment by the end of September this year.

Ambassador Whittingham stressed that the ties between Guatemala and the UK have grown stronger and specially since last year’s events that triggered people from many sectors and the international community coming together to defend democracy and the rule of law.

The Ambassador praised Guatemalan people’s resilience and reiterated the UK’s willingness to continue working with the Guatemalan Government on many shared priorities including economic prosperity, human rights advocacy, and tackling climate change and corruption.

On the environment, which is a topic close to the King’s heart, the Ambassador highlighted many projects the British Government is taking forward in Guatemala, including in Peten and the Mayan Jungle, to protect biodiversity, reduce poverty and mitigate the effects of climate change.

Finally, Ambassador Whittingham thanked all participants for their contributions to build a better Guatemala and a better world and stressed that despite ongoing global challenges, the unity of people who share fundamental principles and a strong vision will shape a better future for all.

The event closed with a taste of British music and food.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 21 June 2024.

UK National Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity.

Thank you, Mr Vice President.

The United Kingdom welcomes the Independent Expert’s compelling first report on freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association in relation to sexual orientation and gender identity.

Increasing attempts by state and non-state actors to rollback or undermine human rights – not only for LGBT individuals, but also for women, girls, and marginalised populations – are deeply concerning.

This report rightly highlights the harmful impact of abhorrent laws and policies that uphold outdated views on homosexuality, expand criminalisation for simply identifying as part of the LGBT community, or persecute those who defend human rights.

We must be robust in challenging anti-rights campaigns across the globe. Today in Russia, anyone accused of supporting LGBT rights can face persecution or imprisonment. These are appalling attempts by Russian authorities to create a climate of fear and restrict the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association.

Mr Vice President, let us be clear: we are not asking for special rights for LGBT people, but for all people to be afforded the same human rights; the ability to live with dignity and respect, without fear of violence or persecution simply because of who they are.

The UK will continue to defend human rights and freedoms for all, and we reaffirm our strong support for this important mandate.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 21 June 2024.

UK Statement for Enhanced ID on Human Rights in Eritrea. Delivered at the 56th Human Rights Council.

Thank you Madame Vice-President,

The UK remains deeply concerned about the human rights situation in Eritrea, which is not improving with any sense of urgency.

We continue to call for the reform of Eritrea’s national service policy, by ending its indefinite nature; and the implementation of the Constitution, including its provisions for the participation of an elected legislature, independent media and a free and open civil society.

We also call on Eritrea once again to re-engage with the concerns expressed by this Council, cooperate fully with the mandate of the Special Rapporteur, and engage with the support being offered by the international community so that progress can begin in earnest.

For our part, the UK continues to seek to engage Eritrea on its human rights situation, both through this Council and bilaterally, including to encourage implementation of the recommendations it has received through its Universal Periodic Review, as well as from the reviews carried out by the Treaty Monitoring Bodies.

If progress on human rights can be realised in Eritrea, we hope that this in turn may help to refresh and diversify the economic opportunities available to its people.

Dr Babiker,

We thank you for your report and reiterate our support for your mandate. Restrictions to the freedom of religion or belief remain a serious concern for the UK. What prospects do you see for a change to the current status quo in Eritrea, and how might this be encouraged?

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 20 June 2024.

Statement by UK Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on cybersecurity.

I will touch on three trends of importance to the UK.

First, as we’ve heard, ransomware can disrupt government functions and the provision of vital public services. This creates conditions for instability when occurring at scale or for sustained periods which, as this Council knows, can impact peace and security. Any state can be a victim of ransomware. This is why an international response is needed to constrict the ecosystem facilitating it and to enable all states to increase their resilience and their response capability. The UK is playing a leading role alongside Singapore as co-chairs of the policy pillar of the Counter Ransomware Initiative. We urge others to join the initiative.

Second, as the use of AI systems in our societies grows, we need to understand how cyber threats will change, whilst identifying opportunities for AI to support our cybersecurity goals. Malicious and irresponsible actors can exploit vulnerabilities in AI systems to induce specific behaviour or manipulate its decision-making. Maintenance of international peace will require AI systems to be secure by design. That is why the UK held the first ever Council debate on AI in our presidency last year, and it’s why we published “Guidelines for Secure AI System Development” alongside the United States and a cross-regional group of eighteen states.

Third, malicious and irresponsible actors are also able to take advantage of the growing market in advanced cyber intrusion capabilities, leading to a more unpredictable threat landscape for us all. The UK and France invite international partners to join us in the multistakeholder Pall Mall Process as we consider approaches towards this shared concern.

In that context, we must continue to raise awareness of cyber threats. We are, for example, very concerned by DPRK’s use of malicious cyber activities to obtain cryptocurrencies to fund their illegal weapons programme. This is why we need to redouble our efforts to ensure effective implementation of the DPRK sanctions regime.

And finally, cyber advances also increase the risks of disinformation. This is clearly a major challenge for our work. For Russia to accuse the UK of running a disinformation war is astonishing when their own disinformation machine has been so obviously and clearly exposed, including here at the UN. We were not the delegation who brought to the chamber and to the internet the conspiracy of weaponized bats and ducks. President, cyber threats will present an ever greater number of risks to international peace and security and governments need to evolve to address them effectively.

As part of this, the UK remains committed to upholding the UN Framework for Responsible State Behaviour and to working with others through capacity-building and enabling public-private partnerships.