Second statement on Russia’s war on Ukraine and international sport

Russia’s unprovoked and unjustifiable war of choice against Ukraine, facilitated by the Belarusian government, is abhorrent and a flagrant breach of its international obligations. Respect for human rights and peaceful relations between nations form the foundation of international sport.

We, as a collective of like-minded nations, reaffirm our statement of 8 March and, while recognising the autonomy of sporting organisations, further state our governments’ position that:

In cases where national and international sports organisations, and other event organisers, choose to permit sportspeople (including athletes, officials and administrators) from Russia and Belarus to participate in sporting events:

We call on all international sport federations to take account of these principles, applaud all those that have taken action already, and encourage our own domestic sporting bodies to engage with their international federations to do so. These restrictions should be in place until cooperation under the rules-based international order has become possible again.

Furthermore, we reiterate our encouragement for the international sport community to continue to show its solidarity with the people of Ukraine, including through supporting the continuation and reconstruction of Ukrainian sport where possible.

  • Australia: The Hon Anika Wells MP, Minister for Aged Care and Minister for Sport

  • Austria: Vice-Chancellor Werner Kogler, Minister of Arts and Culture, Civil Service and Sport

  • Belgium: Valérie Glatigny, Minister for Higher Education, Adult Education, Scientific Research, University Hospitals, Youth Welfare, Houses of Justice, Youth, Sport and the Promotion of Brussels of the French-Speaking Community. This signature commits the French-speaking Community, the Flemish Community and the German-speaking Community of Belgium.

  • Canada: The Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Sport

  • Croatia: Dr Nikolina Brnjac, Minister of Tourism and Sport

  • Cyprus: Prodromos Prodromou, Minister of Education, Culture, Sport and Youth Office

  • Czech Republic: Filip Neusser, President of the National Sports Agency

  • Denmark: Ane Halsboe-Jørgensen, Minister for Culture

  • Estonia: Liina Kersna, Minister of Education and Research in the responsibilities of Minister of Culture

  • Finland: Petri Honkonen, Minister for Science and Culture

  • France: Amélie Oudéa-Castéra, Minister of Sports and the Olympic and Paralympic Games

  • Germany: Mahmut Özdemir MP, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community

  • Greece: Lefteris Avgenakis, Deputy Minister for Sports

  • Iceland: Ásmundur Einar Daðason, Minister of Education and Children

  • Ireland: Jack Chambers TD, Minister of State for Sport and the Gaeltacht

  • Italy: Valentina Vezzali, Secretary of State for Sport

  • Japan: H.E. SUEMATSU Shinsuke, Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology

  • Republic of Korea: PARK Bo Gyoon, Minister of Culture, Sport and Tourism

  • Latvia: Anita Muižniece, Minister for Education and Science

  • Liechtenstein: H.E. Dominique Hasler, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Education and Sport

  • Lithuania: Dr Jurgita Šiugždinienė, Minister of Education, Science and Sport

  • Luxembourg: Georges Engel, Minister of Sport

  • Malta: Dr Clifton Grima, Minister for Education, Youth, Sport, Research and Innovation

  • Netherlands: Conny Helder, Minister for Long-term Care and Sport

  • New Zealand: Hon Grant Robertson, Minister for Sport and Recreation

  • Norway: Anette Trettebergstuen, Minister of Culture and Equality

  • Poland: Kamil Bortniczuk, Minister of Sport and Tourism

  • Portugal: Ana Catarina Mendes, Minister in the Cabinet of the Prime Minister and for Parliamentary Affairs (in charge of Youth and Sport)

  • Romania: Carol-Eduard Novak, Minister of Sports

  • Slovakia: Ivan Husar, State Secretary for Sport

  • Slovenia: Dr Igor Papič, Minister of Education, Science and Sport

  • Spain: Miquel Octavi Iceta i Llorens, Minister of Culture and Sport

  • Sweden: Anders Ygeman, Minister for Integration and Migration

  • United Kingdom: The Rt Hon Nadine Dorries MP, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport

  • United States of America: Elizabeth Allen, Senior Official for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs




  • UN Human Rights Council 50: UK statement on Ethiopia

    World news story

    The UK delivered a statement during the Interactive Dialogue with the International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia.

    Thank you, Mr President.

    The UK is proud to have supported both the call for a Special Session on the conflict in northern Ethiopia last year, and the establishment of the International Commission to provide much needed international scrutiny of the actions of all parties to the conflict. We welcome the appointment of the Commissioners, including Rakhika Coomaraswamy to replace Fatou Bensouda, following her appointment as the Gambia’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.

    Mr President,

    While we strongly welcome the cessation of hostilities between the Government of Ethiopia and Tigrayan forces, we should be in no doubt that the situation on the ground remains dire for those caught up in the conflict. The ongoing and desperate humanitarian situation must be addressed as the absolute priority, and we urge all parties to ensure unfettered humanitarian access to Tigray and immediately restore services to the conflict affected regions.
    Mr President,

    A political solution is the only way to protect the unity of Ethiopia, avoid a descent back into conflict and chaos and to prevent further deaths and destruction of lives and livelihoods. Ensuring justice for the victims of human rights violations and abuses, and that the perpetrators are held to account without impunity, is a vital part of this.

    We therefore thank the Commission for its update, and its commitment to impartiality. It has our full support, and we call on all parties to the conflict and regional partners to co-operate fully with its mandate.

    Commissioners,

    We would welcome specific guidance on the further support the international community can best provide to you in this first year of your mandate to enable you to work as efficiently and effectively as possible.

    Thank you

    Published 4 July 2022




    Ukraine Recovery Conference: Foreign Secretary’s remarks, 4 July 2022

    Thank you very much Prime Minister, thank you very much to President Cassis for hosting the conference today.

    Ukraine’s recovery from Russia’s war of aggression will be a symbol of the power of freedom and democracy over autocracy. It will show Putin that his attempts to destroy Ukraine have only produced a stronger, more prosperous and more united nation.

    The United Kingdom is resolute in its support of Ukraine’s territorial integrity and we will remain at Ukraine’s side as it emerges as a strong and thriving democracy.

    We have led on support for Ukraine during the war and will continue to lead in supporting the Ukrainian government’s Reconstruction and Development Plan.

    This needs to be a new Marshall Plan for Ukraine and it needs to be driven by Ukraine itself.

    We will push for immediate investment and to drive economic growth because it’s absolutely imperative we get the Ukrainian economy going, we need to need able to support returning Ukrainians returning to Ukraine, we need to give people hope about the future, and we need to give them the means to be able to support themselves.

    Reconstruction should embed reform, modernisation, technology and transparency.

    The United Kingdom is very pleased to join the Joint Reconstruction Coordination Group.

    It’s our view that it’s vital that that is open to partners right around the world, we need all of the free world supporting this effort. It must be open and comprehensive, and it must involve international organisations as are represented on stage at the moment.

    It must involve all of those who have been active in helping Ukraine defend itself and who back Ukraine for the long term through thick and thin, whatever it takes.

    The United Kingdom has committed to host next year’s 2023 Ukraine Reconstruction Conference. President Cassis, we have a lot to learn from you, it’s been a fantastic conference so far.

    We are also exploring how we engage British business, tech companies and universities in that reconstruction effort, we’re looking at how we can use English and Scots law to ensure investors have the confidence to participate in the reconstruction effort, and we will use the might of the City of London and the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development which is based in London to make Ukraine one of the world’s top destinations for investment in 2023.

    We think there is a real opportunity for Ukraine to near-shore manufacturing, agribusiness, technology, to be an extremely vibrant economy going forward. As the Prime Minister mentioned the United Kingdom is actively looking at how we legislate to seize assets from those who have contributed to this appalling war, it’s vitally important that we acquire those funds for the reconstruction of Ukraine.

    The UK will be championing the recovery of the Kyiv region, in response to President Zelenskyy’s specific request from our Prime Minister for UK leadership. We believe that despite the appalling suffering, despite the terrible war crimes that have taken place, the devastation, and the human cost, that Ukraine will emerge stronger and more successful after this war.

    President Zelenskyy you have demonstrated that Ukraine is a bastion of freedom and democracy, and it’s our duty as your friends and allies, as the free world, to do whatever it takes to support you.

    Thank you.




    UN Human Rights Council 50: Universal Periodic Review Adoption – Venezuela

    World news story

    The UK delivered this statement during the Universal Periodic Review Adoption for the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

    Thank you, Mr President,

    The United Kingdom notes Venezuela’s engagement with the UPR. While we are encouraged by their acknowledgement of some UPR recommendations, it is unfortunate that two of the three recommendations put forward by the UK were rejected. Severe restrictions on political participation and the use of politicised courts to justify anti-democratic decisions are serious concerns for all who care about Venezuela.

    We are worried by reports of continuing sexual exploitation, human trafficking and other human rights abuses in the Arco Minero del Orinoco. We look to the authorities to take urgent action to address these issues.

    The social and political crises place a disproportionately heavy burden on women. We again recommend that Venezuela should ensure sexual and reproductive health rights for all, including access to maternal and newborn health care and safe abortions.

    The UK encourages Venezuela to engage fully with the High Commissioner’s Office on the recommendations made during the UPR, as well as previous recommendations made by both the Office and the Fact Finding Mission. Implementation of these recommendations will improve the lives of all Venezuelans. We call for the involvement of independent civil society actors and for a mid-term report on progress.

    Thank you.

    Published 4 July 2022




    Foreign Secretary’s remarks at the Ukraine Recovery Conference: 4 July 2022

    Thank you very much Prime Minister, thank you very much to President Cassis for hosting the conference today. Ukraine’s recovery from Russia’s war of aggression will be a symbol of the power of freedom and democracy over autocracy.

    It will show Putin that his attempts to destroy Ukraine have only produced a stronger, more prosperous and more united nation.

    The United Kingdom is resolute in its support of Ukraine’s territorial integrity and we will remain at Ukraine’s side as it emerges as a strong and thriving democracy.

    We have led on support for Ukraine during the war and will continue to lead in supporting the Ukrainian Government’s Reconstruction and Development Plan.

    This needs to be a new Marshall Plan for Ukraine and it needs to be driven by Ukraine itself.

    We will push for immediate investment and to drive economic growth because it’s absolutely imperative we get the Ukrainian economy going, we need to need able to support returning Ukrainians returning to Ukraine, we need to give people hope about the future, and we need to give them the means to be able to support themselves.

    Reconstruction should embed reform, modernisation, technology and transparency.

    The United Kingdom is very pleased to join the Joint Reconstruction Coordination Group.

    It’s our view that it’s vital that that is open to partners right around the world, we need all of the free world supporting this effort. It must be open and comprehensive, and it must involve international organisations as are represented on stage at the moment.

    It must involve all of those who have been active in helping Ukraine defend itself and who back Ukraine for the long term through thick and thin, whatever it takes.

    The United Kingdom has committed to host next year’s 2023 Ukraine Reconstruction Conference.

    President Cassis, we have a lot to learn from you, it’s been a fantastic conference so far.

    We are also exploring how we engage British business, tech companies and universities in that reconstruction effort, we’re looking at how we can use English and Scots law to ensure investors have the confidence to participate in the reconstruction effort, and we will use the might of the City of London and the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development which is based in London to make Ukraine one of the world’s top destinations for investment in 2023.

    We think there is a real opportunity for Ukraine to near-shore manufacturing, agribusiness, technology, to be an extremely vibrant economy going forward. As the Prime Minister mentioned the United Kingdom is actively looking at how we legislate to seize assets from those who have contributed to this appalling war, it’s vitally important that we acquire those funds for the reconstruction of Ukraine.

    The UK will be championing the recovery of the Kyiv region, in response to President Zelenskyy’s specific request from our Prime Minister for UK leadership. We believe that despite the appalling suffering, despite the terrible war crimes that have taken place, the devastation, and the human cost, that Ukraine will emerge stronger and more successful after this war.

    President Zelenskyy you have demonstrated that Ukraine is a bastion of freedom and democracy, and it’s our duty as your friends and allies, as the free world, to do whatever it takes to support you.

    Thank you.

    ENDS