UN Human Rights Council 61: UK Statement for the Group of Experts on Belarus

The United Kingdom thanks the Group of Experts for their comprehensive report. It confirms that serious human rights violations in Belarus continue, with no genuine accountability. We remain deeply concerned by the ongoing arbitrary detention of over 1,100 political prisoners, including journalists, human rights defenders, and democratic opposition figures. While we note the release of […]

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Russia’s war is a driver of global instability: UK statement to the OSCE

Thank you, Mr Chair. Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine continues to inflict immense suffering on the Ukrainian people. As we marked recently here at the OSCE, Ukrainians have now endured over four years of Russia’s full-scale war. We must never become inured to the Russian military’s brutal attacks, nor allow the deaths of […]

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UK support for OCEEA priorities on Ukraine, governance and climate security: UK statement to the OSCE

Thank you, Mr Chair. And thank you Ambassador Dzhusupov for your report, and for the work of your Office at a time of profound strain on our shared security.    In contrast to the comments of the previous speaker, it is clear that Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine continues to cause severe economic, environmental and humanitarian damage – both directly […]

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Foreign Secretary touches down in the Gulf to demonstrate support for regional allies facing Iranian aggression

Yvette Cooper travels to Saudi Arabia, demonstrating the UK’s commitment to support long‑standing partners in the Gulf. The Foreign Secretary condemns the appalling and reckless Iranian strikes on Gulf partner nations where hundreds of thousands of British citizens travel and reside, and highlights strong cooperation on ensuring oil supply and energy security amidst the current […]

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The draft Russian resolution does nothing to address the concerns of those in the region who have faced unprovoked and unjustifiable attacks: UK Explanation of Vote at the UN Security Council

The United Kingdom’s priority is restoring regional stability in the Middle East as soon as possible and preventing this crisis escalating further.  Iran’s ongoing reckless attacks against countries across the region threaten to expand the conflict. That is why the UK voted in favour of the resolution tabled by Bahrain condemning Iran’s attacks against the […]

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The UK is putting women and girls at the heart of everything that we do, from development to diplomacy: UK National statement at the UN Commission on the Status of Women General Discussion

In recent years, we have seen monumental shifts in gender equality.  We have made some gains, which we must celebrate! But we have also seen the dismantling of hard-won rights and women facing the devastation of war and climate disaster. We’re all here with a shared purpose.  To see a world where all women and […]

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The adoption of this resolution sends a clear message from the Council condemning Iran’s reckless attacks against the Gulf States and Jordan: UK Explanation of Vote at the UN Security Council

Colleagues, in adopting this resolution, the Council sends a clear message of condemnation of Iran’s reckless attacks against the Gulf States and Jordan.  It is right that this Council wholeheartedly condemns Iran’s attacks, which pose a serious threat to our partners in the Gulf and to Jordan, and risk further regional and global conflagration.  It […]

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The United Kingdom is working closely with the Lebanese Government and humanitarian partners to support those affected by the current escalation: UK statement at the UN Security Council

The United Kingdom joined the call for this meeting, alongside European and other partners, to address the serious escalation of violence across the Blue Line and in Lebanon.   We strongly condemn Lebanese Hezbollah’s ongoing attacks against Israel and the region, which must cease. These actions – on behalf of the Iranian regime – have cost lives and […]

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Afghanistan: list of designations and sanctions notices

Notices Due to a technical issue, the change notice for amendments made to the Afghanistan sanctions regime on 11 March will be available on the morning of 12 March. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office notices issued from 28 January 2026 about additions, revocations/delistings and variations/corrections to the UK Sanctions List. Previous notices See previous financial […]

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