Tag: Press Release

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 June 2024.

The text of the following is a joint statement by the Governments of the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

We, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States, condemn in the strongest terms the recent detentions by the Houthis of United Nations, diplomatic, and non-governmental organization staff.

We reiterate and support UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ call for the immediate release of all United Nations staff held in Yemen by the Houthis.  We demand the immediate and unconditional release of all those detained and urge the Houthis to ensure the safety and security of humanitarian, diplomatic, and United Nations personnel.  These detentions represent an escalation by the Houthis, and jeopardize a sensitive peace process.  They are an affront to international peace and security.  All detainees should be released immediately.

We also reaffirm our strong commitment to the unity, sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Yemen, and our commitment to stand by the people of Yemen.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 June 2024.

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

My Russian colleague has asked for this debate in order to obscure a simple truth.

The situation we face today has one sole cause: President Putin’s illegal and unprovoked invasion. The problem is the presence of Russian weapons in Ukraine, not the reverse.

President Putin’s illegal war has caused misery to millions of Ukrainian citizens. In the last few months, he has intensified his campaign still further. He has increased Russia’s use of glide bombs against major cities, 3,500 in May alone – a step change in the threat to civilians. He has opened a new front against Kharkiv, which is still recovering from the 2022 invasion. And he is seeking to destroy Ukraine’s power sector, depriving families of heat, light and electricity, in the hope of coercing Ukrainians into giving up.

We heard last week from ASG Msuya that civilian casualties in Ukraine last month were the highest for a year. Much of this campaign is planned and delivered from Russian territory. Glide bombs hitting Ukrainian cities and missiles hitting power stations are launched from aircraft inside Russian airspace. Russia is mustering, equipping and commanding forces for the Kharkiv offensive from inside its borders.

President, Ukraine has every right to defend itself from these attacks, in line with Article 51 of the UN Charter. Ukraine striking military targets that are actively threatening its territory, infrastructure and civilian population is not ‘escalatory’, as Russia has claimed, but a reasonable step to protect itself. Every country in a similar situation would do the same.

We remain resolute in our commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, in line with the UN Charter. And we will continue to provide support for its self-defence.

President, tomorrow, dozens of world leaders will gather in Switzerland to express support for a lasting peace, in line with the UN Charter. Russia is straining every sinew to stop them from going. But they know that the Charter is the basis for global peace and security, and that we must uphold it in Ukraine.

If President Putin truly wants to protect his people, that is in his own hands.

He could end this war tomorrow if he stopped his aggression and withdrew his forces from Ukraine’s territory. Again, we urge him to do so.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 June 2024.

Statement by UK Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on tolerance and international peace and security.

Thank you, President, and thank you Special Adviser Nderitu, for your briefing.

Colleagues, we were very pleased to co-pen this landmark resolution with the UAE when they were on the Security Council, and we are also pleased that the Arab League welcomed the resolution.

I’ll make three points.

First, on the basis of the resolution. Resolution 2686 is underpinned by human rights and fundamental freedoms, including freedom of religion or belief, freedom of expression and the promotion of gender equality. These rights are interdependent, mutually reinforcing and all play a role in promoting peace and security. As a Council, it’s important that we acknowledge that respect for human rights is vital to our work in preventing and addressing conflict.

Second, on the relevance of this resolution. In conflict situations, as we’ve seen, religious minorities too often face persecution and intolerance, as experienced by the Yazidis in Iraq and the Baha’i in Yemen. Religious intolerance and persecution fuels instability, impacting both conflict prevention and resolution. However, when freedom of religion or belief is respected, and interreligious dialogue is promoted, we can build trust and understanding between communities, helping to secure sustainable peace.

For example, the UK’s Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria programme aims to increase the safety of 1.5 million citizens by supporting national efforts to tackle the root causes of intercommunal conflict in a manner that promotes tolerance and is sensitive to the religious identities of local communities.

Third, on the role of women. President, we know that women’s participation is crucial to sustainable peace, yet women face continued threats and violence. The Secretary-General’s latest report on Women, Peace and Security stated that, between May 2021 and April 2022, 172 women human rights defenders were subjected to reprisals for engaging with the UN. This is unacceptable. I welcome the Special Adviser’s reference to women, and we must all follow-up on resolution 2686’s call on Member States to promote women’s ‘safe’ participation. Acknowledging risk of reprisals is a major barrier to women’s engagement in political life.

In conclusion, President, we are committed to defending freedom of religion and belief alongside freedom of expression and gender equality. To overcome the forces of division we face today, that lead to the outbreak, escalation and recurrence of conflict, the international community must implement the ideals of this resolution, helping to promote and uphold all human rights.

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 14 June 2024.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak met the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, at the G7 Summit in Italy today.

Prime Minister Sunak congratulated Prime Minister Modi on securing a third term in the world’s largest democratic election.

They discussed their mutual commitment to the security and prosperity of both countries and saluted the strength of the relationship.

The Prime Minister said he was pleased that India will send high level representatives to the Ukraine Peace Summit this weekend.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 June 2024.

Fatène Benhabylès-Foeth, Permanent Representative of France to the OSCE, delivers the Joint Statement by the Informal Group of Friends of Safety of Journalists on the June 2024 Report by the Representative on Freedom of the Media (statement delivered in French).

Madam Chair,

I make this statement on behalf of the Informal Group of Friends of the Safety of Journalists, which consists of the following participating States: Austria, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and my own country, France.

First of all, we would like to thank you, Mrs Ribeiro, for the exceptional quality of your work and our very intense cooperation during these three and a half years as OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media. The quality of your reports and your firm and vocal commitment to media freedom, freedom of expression, democracy and security are greatly appreciated by our delegations.

The freedom of the media and the safety of journalists constitute commitments on the part of the participating States; they are nevertheless increasingly threatened in the OSCE area as evidenced by your latest biannual report. Our delegations note with worry the continuing deterioration of media freedom in some participating States. As you note in your report, national security concerns are legitimate, but we note with deep concern that such grounds are used by some governments only as a pretext to suppress opposition voices relayed by the independent media and as a way to strengthen state control over information. We fully share your view that media freedom is an integral part of our security, not adverse to it.

Madam Chair,

As we all know, the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine has a direct and particularly serious impact on media freedom and the safety of journalists. Since the beginning of the war, several dozen journalists have been killed or taken prisoner when performing their duty. State disinformation and censorship as well as the systemic and daily repression of independent media in Russia and Belarus have reached unprecedented levels, resulting in a media space largely subject to the state apparatus. We call on Russia to immediately and unconditionally release journalists and other media actors imprisoned solely for doing their work, including in the occupied Ukrainian territories. We also call on Belarus to do the same.

Madam President,

It is with concern that our countries have observed in recent months an intensification of intimidation and violence against journalists and media actors in the OSCE area through disinformation campaigns, SLAPPS, and surveillance activities. These are major challenges for the future of independent journalism and public interest media, tasked with informing the democratic choices of our citizens in a pluralistic way. The increasing use of new technologies for repressive purposes against the media, including through artificial intelligence, is particularly alarming and deserves special attention of participating States. Your commitment and that of your teams on these topics rightly place our Organization at the crossroads of the challenges of the future of our societies.

Madam Chair,

We call on all participating States to take the necessary steps to implement the OSCE commitments on media freedom and the safety of journalists, as they are the cornerstones of our common security.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 June 2024.

Anne-Kirsti Karlsen, Permanent Representative of Norway to the OSCE, delivers a joint statement to mark Pride 2024.

Madam chair, I give this statement on behalf of Andorra, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, San Marino, Sweden, the UK, and my own country Norway.

We thank the delegation of the United States for raising the issue of Pride Month.

Promotion of human rights for all, and efforts to end discrimination and violence against LGBTIQ persons, is a priority for us. As OSCE participating States we have committed ourselves to the principle of equality, to combatting all forms of discrimination and intolerance, and to addressing and combatting hate crimes.

Last Saturday, our delegations joined others in proudly participating in the Vienna Pride Parade, where people came together to celebrate love and diversity, inclusion, equality and human rights. Pride continues to be an important annual event that celebrates LGBTIQ people and highlights the challenges they continue to face on the realization of human rights and equality.

All States, regardless of their political, economic, and cultural systems, have a legal obligation under international law to protect the human rights of all persons without discrimination.

Protection should include tackling a deeply concerning rise in anti-LGBTIQ sentiment across the OSCE region, often fuelled by mis- and disinformation. Some governments instrumentalize anti-LGBTIQ sentiments for domestic policy gains. Russia’s efforts in this area are particularly alarming.

Such anti-LGBTIQ sentiment has already led to a rise in reported hate crime, including violent attacks.

In my own country Norway two people were killed and twenty-one wounded in a mass shooting attack in 2022 that the police believe could have been motivated by anti-LGBTIQ hate and intended to target Oslo Pride. The suspect is currently on trial.

Madam chair, let me mention two issues of special concern.

Firstly, we know that LGBTIQ persons face specific risks during armed conflict, and Russia’s unprovoked and illegal invasion is endangering LGBTIQ persons in Ukraine. We encourage the OSCE Support Program Ukraine to strengthen LGBTIQ aspects within its ongoing activities.

Secondly, the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Association (ILGA) is in its 2024 Annual Review concerned about the backsliding in the promotion of rights for LGBTIQ people in the OSCE region, both east and west of Vienna. Cases of criminalization, lack of anti-discrimination legislation, and a rise in the introduction of legislation restricting the human rights and freedoms of LGBTIQ people are all deeply worrying. These undermine the robust, pluralistic democracies that allow for safe civic engagement from all persons.

Madam Chair, we call on governments around the world to repeal discriminatory legislation, take action to tackle and eliminate hate crimes and hate speech, prevent all forms of violence against LGBTIQ persons, and tackle structural and institutional barriers and biases that still limit the participation of LGBTIQ persons in all parts of the society.

The OSCE participating States agree on the importance of combating intolerance and discrimination against Jews, Muslims, Christians, and members of other religions and national minorities.

In April we stood united at the Malta Conference in the fight against antisemitism. Recommendations from the conference included the need for action plans, national coordinators responsible for implementation, police registration of hate crime, education, dialogue, and the need to tackle hate crime on the internet.

These recommendations could work as a source of inspiration for the next step in the fight against intolerance and antidiscrimination against LGBTIQ persons in the OSCE area.

It’s time to take our fight one step further.

Madam Chair, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics should never be used as bases for discrimination or abuse.

It is not about special rights, and celebrating pride is not an ideology. It is about having the same rights as others.

We must work together to create a world where everyone can live freely, without fear or discrimination, and have the freedom to love who they love and be who they are.

Thank you.

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 13 June 2024.

The Prime Minister will make the case for a world economy that is more peaceful, stable, and prosperous and for bold reforms to global governance to make it more inclusive and responsive to citizens as he attends the second day of the G7 Leaders Summit in Italy today.

During a global outreach session focused on Artificial Intelligence and Energy, and Africa and the Mediterranean, he will argue that this means reforming the international financial system to unlock the finance we need to accelerate progress against the Sustainable Development Goals, strengthening the voices of the most vulnerable at the top table of international politics.

He will outline the importance of supporting countries in delivering their own clean energy transitions, and in harnessing the opportunities presented by AI.

To support this he will announce multi-year ODA funding which could exceed £100m, including several high-impact African projects and a £20m expansion of the AI for Development programme into Asia – building on £38m the UK is already investing in Africa.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

“The UK is committed to driving a more effective international system that improves lives for people across the globe and at home.

“The green transition and the development of AI are key components of this, and the funding announced today will help ensure that these seismic changes happen in a way that works for all.”

The AI for Development programme, was launched at the Bletchley Park AI Safety Summit in November 2023 to fund safe and responsible AI projects for development around the world, beginning in Africa.

The UK-Canada partnership, with support from the US, Australia, and other partners, will help ensure this ground-breaking technology is accessible to as many people as possible across the globe as well as deliver new AI labs to train the next generation of developers, policymakers and thought leaders, to drive responsible and inclusive AI policy.

The funding outlined today includes £57m of ODA to the Climate Compatible Growth Programme, which will accelerate the roll-out of improved, climate resilient infrastructure in developing countries. It will provide even more countries across sub-Saharan Africa and Asia with the UK expertise needed to support improved, climate resilient infrastructure.

The multi-year ODA funding will include up to £35 million into the Alliance for Green Infrastructure in Africa will catalyse greater investment into sustainable infrastructure projects across the continent. The finance will help to bridge Africa’s infrastructure deficit, by accelerating investment at scale into new green infrastructure.

Partnering with the World Bank and the EU to support African regional electricity transmission and strengthen climate resilience, £15m will contribute to the Zambian side of the Zambia-Tanzania Interconnector as part of a $300m project that will link the Southern and East African Power Pools. Leading with our development partners to invest in energy infrastructure in Zambia will aid the country to access clean energy. This is vital for poverty reduction and economic development.

This investment, alongside a £300,000 contribution for mapping by the British Geological Survey in Angola, will be crucial in supporting the economic development along the length of the Lobito Corridor.

The funding also includes £500,000 for an initiative to support planning, prioritisation and implementation of green infrastructure initiatives between the UK, the Government of Kenya and the wider G7. Focusing on transport projects selected from the Africa Green Industrialisation Initiative (AGII), this innovative partnership will lead to closer cooperation with the Kenyan Government on strategic infrastructure and investment and is the first partnership between the G7’s Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment and AGII.