It is deeply regrettable that this resolution did not pass: UK Explanation of Vote at the UN Security Council
No country should be allowed to hold the world’s economy hostage. Yet that is exactly what Iran is doing, by denying the right of transit passage, a key navigational right under international law, as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Today, Russia and China chose to shield their ally, […]
UN Human Rights Council 61: UK Explanation of Vote on the draft resolution on the Occupied Palestinian Territory
Thank you, Mr President, We wish to make an explanation of vote on draft resolution L.35. The UK fully recognises that the human rights situation in Gaza and the West Bank remains dire. Civilians continue to suffer at an unacceptable scale. The deregistration and closure of international NGOs risks cutting off life-saving assistance. The work […]
UN Human Rights Council 61: UK Explanation of Vote for the draft resolution on unilateral coercive measures
Mr President, The debate on so-called unilateral coercive measures is at risk of going nowhere. When every autonomous measure is described as unlawful or coercive, the distinction between lawful accountability tools and genuinely abusive practices disappears. That may be politically convenient for some, but it does not advance human rights. The United Kingdom is clear […]