UK to Lead International Efforts Against Anti-Semitism

In a powerful video message to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Zagreb plenary, the UK Foreign Secretary outlined the priorities for Britain's upcoming presidency, emphasizing the global commitment to combat anti-Semitism and remember the Holocaust. Secretary-General, Ambassador Gras and Ms. Lustig, Distinguished IHRA members, It is an honour to address you all ahead of Britain’s Presidency of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance. The Nazis’ murder of six million Jews was the darkest hour in human history. An abject moral catastrophe. A moment forever seared in our collective memory. A moment which must never happen again. Tragically, recent events have underlined its continued relevance today. Israel was founded in the shadow of the Holocaust as a place of sanctuary for the Jewish people.   Hamas poses an immediate, existential threat to the very idea of such a state. And we have seen the ugly face of anti-Semitism resurface, with an unprecedented surge in hate crime globally since the barbaric attacks of October 7th. Shamefully, this was also the case in the United Kingdom. And so, as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has said, we all share a responsibility to keep the promise recently projected onto the Brandenburg Gate: “Never again is now.”   This Alliance exists to keep that promise. To uphold the 2000 Stockholm Declaration. To protect the memory of all Holocaust victims and survivors. To ensure we truly grasp its lessons for today. To contribute to the struggle against repugnant antisemitic beliefs, whatever form they take. Remembrance requires a collective effort. Bringing together governments and academics, educators and faith leaders, survivors and young people, countries from around the world. It is something I have always tried to contribute to. As a father, sitting with my young children in the shadow of the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, trying to explain to them the horror of the Holocaust. As a citizen, learning from the bravery of survivors like Susie Lind or Jack Kagan, or my own visit to Auschwitz, a harrowing reminder of why we must stand up for inclusiveness and tolerance. And in my time as Prime Minister, setting up the Holocaust Commission, who recommended establishing the Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre that will soon be built right here in the heart of London. I am therefore proud as Foreign Secretary that Britain will soon take over the presidency of the IHRA once again.   I pay tribute to the Croatian presidency, in particular its co-chairs. We look forward to sustaining the momentum you have generated behind the Alliance’s work plan. We will soon mark the 85th anniversary of the first Kindertransport, that great rescue of almost ten thousand Jewish children. I once met one, whose grandfather had written in their diary before they fled Prague, “be a great daughter to the country that gives you a home”. And all of them were great children to their new homelands, living ten, twenty lives over, for all those they left behind. They became Nobel prize winners, a member of the House of Lords, the midwife who first held the future King Charles the Third. Our Presidency coincides with other significant anniversaries. The 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. And the 25th anniversary of the Stockholm Declaration. Each anniversary leaves us torn, with joy at what was achieved, almost overwhelmed by grief at lives lost and potential unfulfilled. Each, however, must spur us on to guarantee the future of Holocaust remembrance. With memory of it soon to pass out of our living history, I have always believed we have a sacred duty. To keep knowledge of it strong and vibrant, educating children of whatever faith or none, reaching out to all parts of society in each country represented today. Our Presidency therefore aims to help children understand that the Holocaust did not happen in secret, hidden away in a dark corner, beyond most citizens’ gaze. It took place in plain sight. We want to shine a spotlight on the circumstances that led up to the Holocaust, the nature of society that allowed it to happen, in plain sight. We will bring into focus all those who played a part, be it as perpetrators, rescuers or bystanders. We will remember all those murdered for who they were and what they believed – the six million Jewish people, Roma, disabled, gay men, political opponents and Jehovah’s Witnesses. We aim to reach thousands of young people across the Alliance, supporting them to undertake local projects on the impact of the Holocaust in their home towns. Alongside this, we will prioritise tackling the continued rise of Holocaust distortion. We have a duty to protect the facts, fighting back against attempts to minimise or erase the devastation endured by the Jewish people.   Artificial Intelligence offers transformative possibilities for education. But there are  risks that it fuels distorted narratives. Our Presidency, together with the OSCE, will therefore convene AI, social media and other experts to address our response to Holocaust distortion, including from deep fake technology and disinformation online. We also welcome IHRA support to Ukraine over the past 21 months, working with its remit to translate IHRA guidance into Russian and Ukrainian. Like many IHRA member states, Ukraine has a complex Holocaust history. And I heard during my recent visit how Russia is spreading false narratives to justify its illegal invasion. Given this, it is vital that IHRA continues to support them in protecting their sites and records. For twenty-five years, the Alliance has embodied the spirit of its first honorary chair, Elie Wiesel. Like him, we all “want to protect and enrich the kingdom of memory, glorify that kingdom and serve it”. The UK is looking forward to welcoming you all next year, to Glasgow in June and London in December. And to working with you all in service of that kingdom. Thank you.   Sources: THX News, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office & The Rt Hon Lord Cameron. Read the full article

Suella Braverman UK Foreign Secretary sacked

#afghanistan @bbcnews in print, the rest of the story - #ukforeignsecretary Raab in #Pakistan: No UK recognition for Taliban government - Raab The UK does not recognise the Taliban as the government in Afghanistan, but will keep channels of communication open, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab says. He tells a press conference in neighbouring Pakistan this is necessary to try to help people still seeking to flee Afghanistan. “There are particular cases outstanding which I won't go into because of the sensitivity, but we need to be able to have that dialogue,” he says. He vows that the UK will be "shouldering our humanitarian responsibilities" amid concerns that countries neighbouring Afghanistan could see huge numbers of refugees arriving. "We will also be supporting those countries who face greatest demands from those who may be displaced in the weeks ahead," he says. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/world-58279900 https://www.instagram.com/p/CTW-xVeLWQP/?utm_medium=tumblr

Global Efforts for Sustainable Peace Amid Israel Crisis

Recognizing Key Players: Qatar, Egypt, and the United States

Acknowledging the pivotal role of Qatar, together with Egypt and the United States, becomes crucial. Recent visits, including that of the United Kingdom Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, underscore the global commitment to addressing the crisis. During these high-level meetings, discussions centered around securing the release of hostages, addressing the humanitarian crisis, and announcing additional humanitarian aid.   Condemning Violence: A Clear Stance on Settler Violence and Settlements The United Kingdom's position is crystal clear on settler violence and Israeli settlements: they are illegal under international law and detrimental to the cause of peace. Addressing concerns over Iran's destabilizing activities and its support for proxies in the region, the UK strongly condemns the unlawful seizure of the MV Galaxy Leader and calls for the immediate release of the ship and its crew.  

A Collective Effort for Peace: United Kingdom's Role in the Region

Intensive Collaboration The United Kingdom is actively engaged with regional partners on humanitarian relief, hostage relief, and the prevention of further escalation. Echoing UNIFIL's call for a cessation of hostilities across the Blue Line and renewed commitment to implementing UN Security Council resolution 1701, the UK emphasizes the importance of collaborative efforts in the pursuit of peace.   Right to Defend: Balancing Israel's Right with International Law The UK asserts Israel's right to defend itself against terrorism, with a crucial caveat: actions must align with international law, prioritizing the safeguarding of civilian lives. The toll on innocent civilians, especially children, underscores the urgency of finding collective solutions to this longstanding conflict.  

Toward a Sustainable Peace: A Shared Vision for the Future

A Vision for Tomorrow: Negotiated Settlement and Coexistence The United Kingdom envisions a negotiated settlement, aligned with Security Council resolutions, that leads to a safe and secure Israel coexisting with a viable and sovereign Palestinian state. Emphasizing the need for a collective effort, the focus is on turning this vision into a reality — a reality that ensures security, justice, and lasting peace for both Israelis and Palestinians. A Noble Goal: Peace Is Achievable In concluding remarks, the call for peace is reiterated as a noble but achievable goal. The shared, long-term objective is clear: to deliver sustainable peace. While the path may seem challenging, the collective commitment to turning this vision into reality remains unwavering. Mr. President, peace is not just a distant hope; it is a tangible and attainable goal that demands our collective efforts.   Sources: THX News, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office & Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon. Read the full article

UK Foreign Secretary Attends ASEAN Meeting in Indonesia

  UK Foreign Secretary, attending the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Ministerial meeting in Indonesia, will emphasize the UK's commitment to a strong and united ASEAN as crucial for maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific.  

Multilateral Engagement: NATO Conference and UN Security Council

As part of a series of multilateral events this month, the Foreign Secretary's visit to Jakarta aligns with the NATO conference and the UK's presidency at the UN Security Council. This underscores the UK's proactive engagement in global affairs.  

Strengthening Economic Cooperation and Reducing Poverty

During the visit, the Foreign Secretary will announce up to £25 million in funding to support ASEAN nations' economic growth and poverty reduction. The UK will bring expertise in trade, regulation, and financial services to the region over the next five years, fostering long-term trade and investment links.   Southeast Asia's Economic Potential and UK-ASEAN Trade Southeast Asia is poised to become the fourth-largest economy by 2030, with total trade between the UK and ASEAN worth £46.5 billion by the end of 2022. The UK's formal accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement on Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) trade bloc will further enhance British trade and investment ties in the region.   Building Prosperity and Security in ASEAN The Foreign Secretary emphasizes the interconnectedness of the UK's security and economies with Southeast Asia. The UK's collaboration with ASEAN includes delivering the "Plan of Action 2022-2026" to improve lives in the region, such as ensuring access to quality education for girls. Initiatives like the Climate Action for a Resilient Asia program contribute to addressing climate change impacts.   Strengthening Defence Links and Regional Security The UK has existing defense links across the region, including British Forces Brunei and participation in the Five Power Defence Arrangements. Seeking membership in the ASEAN Regional Forum and ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting Plus demonstrates the UK's commitment to regional leadership on defense, security, and stability. The Foreign Secretary's visit to Jakarta follows his attendance at the NATO leaders' summit, where the UK expressed support for a united NATO and increased support for Ukraine. The UK's engagement at the UN Security Council during its presidency further underscores its commitment to a stable and open international order. The Integrated Review Refresh highlights the UK's prioritization of the Indo-Pacific and its steadfast partnerships in safeguarding global security, stability, and prosperity.  

History and Purpose of ASEAN

ASEAN, the Association of South East Asian Nations, was founded in 1967 as a regional community aimed at bringing together ten Southeast Asian countries. The organization operates on a set of common principles while striving to accelerate economic growth, promote social progress, and foster cultural development through collaborative efforts.   ASEAN Member Countries and UK's Partnership The ten member countries of ASEAN are Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Each nation plays a vital role in shaping ASEAN's initiatives and advancing regional cooperation. In 2021, the UK became an ASEAN Dialogue Partner, solidifying its commitment to engaging with ASEAN and promoting collaboration. In 2022, a roadmap for UK-ASEAN economic, political, and security cooperation, known as the Plan of Action 2022-2026, was agreed upon, highlighting the shared goals and objectives for the partnership.   ASEAN's Dialogue Partners Apart from the UK, ASEAN also collaborates with various Dialogue Partners, including Australia, Canada, China, the European Union, India, Japan, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Russia, and the United States of America. These partnerships further enhance regional cooperation and facilitate engagements across multiple sectors.  

Final Thoughts

ASEAN has played a crucial role in promoting regional stability, economic integration, and cultural exchange among its member countries since its inception in 1967. The organization continues to evolve and expand its partnerships to address the challenges and opportunities in Southeast Asia. As a Dialogue Partner, the UK contributes to ASEAN's vision of a united and prosperous region through various collaborative initiatives and joint efforts.   Sources: THX News, Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office & The Rt Hon James Cleverly MP.  Read the full article