Author: HM Government

We meet at an important moment, following the signing of the US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding last month. The United Kingdom condemns the recent Iranian attacks in the region and on commercial shipping. We will continue to stand in solidarity with our Gulf and regional partners. The fragility of the current situation underscores the urgent need […]

UK ratifies the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement to help protect two-thirds of the world’s ocean. A healthy ocean helps support food security, biodiversity and climate resilience in the UK and around the world. The UK joins a growing number of countries ratifying this landmark international Agreement. International efforts to protect the ocean and the vital ecosystems it supports will be […]

The British High Commission in Ghana can offer help but will not be able to get you out of prison or get you special treatment because you’re British. Find out what help the embassy or consulate can offer. Family and friends can contact:  the British High Commission in Ghana  the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office […]

If the person who died had insurance, contact their insurance company as soon as possible. Read the general guidance on what to do when someone dies abroad if you’re not sure if they had insurance. The insurance company should appoint a funeral director in Kazakhstan and the UK. They may also cover the cost of […]

Thank you, Mr Chair.  Minister, welcome to the Permanent Council. Thank you for your presentation and for your commitment to the Council of Europe, which remains central to the UK’s human rights and foreign policy agenda.   We welcome Monaco’s Presidency of the Committee of Ministers and its focus on protecting the rights of women and children, promoting inclusive societies, […]

Updates to this page Published 2 September 2014 Last updated 9 July 2026 — Show all updates 9 July 2026 Guidance fully reviewed and updated. 24 September 2025 Updated version 22 March 2024 Business and human rights section updated as Hong Kong has enacted the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance under Article 23 of the Basic […]

The Council meets today because Russia continues to choose escalation over peace. Since we last met, Russia has launched not one but two massive attacks on Ukraine, with devastating consequences for civilians. This past weekend, Russia launched 351 drones and 68 missiles against Ukraine, primarily targeting Kyiv.  At least 26 civilians were killed. More than 120 injured. […]

Mr Chair,   I am delivering this statement on behalf of 41 participating States that invoked the OSCE Moscow Mechanism in relation to Russia’s indoctrination and militarization of Ukrainian children on 14 May 2026.  Being gravely concerned regarding reports of violations of international humanitarian law (IHL) and international human rights law (IHRL) following Russia’s full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine, particularly with regard to credible and mounting reports that the Russian […]

Thank you, Mr Chair.    Thank you Professors Wolff and Ascencio; thank you Doctor Steinerte.  Your report is expert, detailed and authoritative.  It records how Russia operates a coordinated mechanism of indoctrination and militarisation of Ukrainian children in the occupied territories, which is enforced through pervasive coercion.  It also makes clear how indoctrination operates across every level of the school system in the occupied territories, and how militarisation extends beyond the classroom through state-sponsored military-patriotic youth organisations […]

Thank you, Mr Chair. The United Kingdom thanks the representatives of the Austrian Court of Audit and the Audit Committee for their presentations today and their comprehensive reports. These provide an important overview of the OSCE’s financial health, and oversight of the organisation’s administration and internal controls. The UK welcomes the unqualified opinion of the […]