Deadly Russian strikes on Ukrainians ‘simply trying to live their lives’ must stop, says senior UN official

Standing in front of a bombed-out residential building in the city of Dnipro which came under a sustained attack from Russian strikes late Wednesday night, the top UN official in the country issued an impassioned yet weary plea: stop the attacks. A dozen residents, including a child, were reported killed, with scores more injured in […]

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Attacks on international shipping in the Gulf have been deeply damaging for the world: UK Statement at the UN General Assembly

The United Kingdom was grateful to Bahrain for its leadership in bringing forward this draft resolution, and for its constructive, good-faith efforts to build consensus across the Council on an issue of critical importance to international peace and security.  We regret that the draft resolution was vetoed. Madam President, navigational rights and freedoms are a […]

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UN peacekeeping missions under strain as funding cuts and new threats grow

Briefing ambassadors in the Security Council, senior Headquarters and field officials warned that peacekeeping missions are under growing strain, as financial constraints, evolving conflict dynamics and rising operational risks challenge their capacity to protect civilians and sustain fragile gains. “Our peacekeeping operations must continue to be flexible and adaptable,” said Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for peace […]

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Global human rights: list of designations and sanctions notices

Notices Sanctions Notice, Global Human Rights: 14 April 2026 (PDF, 162 KB, 3 pages) Sanctions Notice: Global Human Rights, 26 March 2026 (PDF, 228 KB, 13 pages) 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 sanctions notices […]

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Office of Public Affairs | Justice Department Announces Settlement to Combat Antisemitism in Massachusetts School District

This week, the Justice Department and the Concord-Carlisle, Massachusetts School District entered into a voluntary settlement agreement to ensure the district appropriately responds to incidents of antisemitic harassment of students by their peers. The settlement agreement resolves the Department’s investigation under Title IV of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, regarding complaints of harassment based […]

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New UK Aid for displaced people in Lebanon as Minister visits Beirut

Minister calls on all parties to end hostilities in Lebanon. UK reaffirms support for direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel.  Stability and security in the Middle East will be critical for Antalya Diplomatic Forum.  On the first UK ministerial visit to Lebanon since regional escalation, Minister for the Middle East Hamish Falconer has today (16 April) reaffirmed UK support for the country and announced over £20m in fresh humanitarian […]

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From floods to wildfires, new ideas are helping Europe adapt to climate extremes

Many people expect a raging wildfire to leave a blackened, lifeless landscape in its wake. But after a blaze swept through Las Hurdes in Extremadura, Spain, in 2009, the scene was quite different. In the midst of the scorched earth were patches of green where healthy trees remained standing and unscathed. From a distance, it […]

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On Russian submarine activity in the Atlantic: Joint statement to the OSCE

Thank you, Mr Chair. Norway and the Netherlands have also aligned with this statement. The United Kingdom has tabled this current issue today to put on record in this Council an update given by the UK Defence Secretary on 9 April 2026 regarding Russian activity in the Atlantic. I am doing so to provide this […]

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Russia’s approach to the Easter ceasefire demonstrates its contempt for peace: UK statement to the OSCE

Thank you, Mr Chair. Since this Council last met, Russia has further intensified its war against Ukraine. Its actions once again demonstrate contempt for international law, for civilian life, and for the conditions required to achieve a just and lasting peace. In March, Russia launched an average of over 200 drones per day against Ukraine […]

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