Author: HM Government

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Thank you, Madam Chair. Russia continues to use this Forum to conceal, justify and distract from the basic facts of its illegal invasion of Ukraine. No amount of false narratives or deflection tactics can change those facts. Russia has invaded a sovereign neighbour, attempted to annex its territory, and continues to attack civilians and civilian […]

Madam Chair, the United Kingdom is pleased to join others today in marking the 30th Anniversary of the Sub Regional Arms Control Agreement under Article IV of Annex 1B of the Dayton Peace Accords. This milestone provides an important opportunity not only to reflect on the Agreement’s achievements, but also to consider how it can […]

Chair, Director-General, Deputy-Director General, Excellencies, I would like to begin by thanking the Director-General for your comprehensive update and to your colleagues for the continuing work of the OPCW to confront growing chemical weapon related risks and ensuring a world free from chemical weapons. My thanks also to the current Executive Council chair, Ambassador Thomas […]

The United Kingdom remains resolute in its commitment to eradicating the threat posed by chemical weapons in Syria.   We welcome the 22 January publication of the fifth Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Investigation and Identification Team (IIT) report. The report concluded that there are reasonable grounds to believe that the Syrian Arab […]

Community leaders have been welcomed by ministers to a major inter-faith iftar celebrating Muslim contributions to British society at Lancaster House in London.  More than 180 people from across the UK heard speeches, viewed  exhibitions and ate together at a Ramadan event (4 March), held by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.    The joint reception celebrated the economic, social, cultural and […]

Colleagues, let me first begin by expressing the United Kingdom’s deep concern at the intensification of the Taliban’s repression.  We are appalled by the continued restrictions imposed on the women and girls of Afghanistan, including the ban preventing Afghan women from accessing UN spaces.  Millions are being systematically excluded from society.  As we heard from […]