Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in the news

The UK outlines its commitment to strengthening the OPCW, condemns Russia's chemical weapons use, acknowledges Syria's disarmament progress, and emphasizes the need for robust verification and funding.

The UK is deeply concerned about the human rights situation and humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC, calling for accountability and international action.

British Tamils protested in London to urge the British government to address the removal of Lt Col Thileepan's statue in Jaffna by the Sri Lankan state.

The UK outlines its priorities for the UN Fifth Committee, focusing on reforms to enhance effectiveness, accountability, and value for money across the regular budget, resident coordinator system, and common system.

The UK reaffirms its commitment to the OSCE's human dimension, supporting democratic values, media freedom, and Ukraine against Russian aggression.

Andy Burnham faces growing pressure to reverse substantial cuts to international aid for Malawi, following a report detailing the significant positive impact of past UK funding and warnings from Scottish officials about the detrimental effects of the reduced aid.

The UK is deeply concerned about Haiti's worsening human rights situation, marked by escalating violence and grave violations against women and children, and is funding a human rights compliance mechanism while urging Haiti to implement nationwide disarmament, demobilisation, and reintegration programs.

The UK expressed serious concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Russian-occupied Oleshky, Ukraine, urging Russia to respect international law and protect civilians.

The UK's Deputy Ambassador to the OSCE, James Ford, reaffirmed the nation's support for the UN Children and Armed Conflict mandate, calling on Russia to cease violations against Ukrainian children and facilitate their safe return, citing troubling reports of increased grave violations.

A High Commissioner's report reveals widespread sexual violence by Russian forces against Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians, including children, used as a tool of control in occupied territories, while Russia obstructs monitoring efforts.

British Ambassador Sir Christian Turner delivered a speech celebrating the 250-year UK-US relationship, emphasizing its continuous reinvention, strong collaborations, and the UK's significant contributions to the alliance.

An international ministerial meeting coordinated efforts to address Sudan's humanitarian crisis and support inter-Sudanese dialogue, urging a ceasefire, condemning foreign interference and human rights violations, and seeking a comprehensive political settlement.

The UK imposed new sanctions on Russia to curb war funding, disrupt disinformation, and punish those involved in torture and child indoctrination in Ukraine.

The UK Foreign Office released a new charter affirming its commitment to the Overseas Territories, considering them part of the "homeland" and integrating their interests into UK policymaking with collaboration from the Bermuda Government.

The speech celebrates the UK-US alliance, highlighting its historical evolution, current strengths, and future potential through collaboration in various sectors.

British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss gave an interview to Reuters at the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office in London.

The UK supports a Haitian-led solution to the crisis, committing funds to the Gang Suppression Force for security and stability.

The Chevening Scholarship, funded by the FCDO, offers future leaders from Brunei the opportunity to pursue master's degrees in the UK to drive impact in their home countries.

The UK government's Chevening Scholarships, funded by the FCDO, are open for applications until October 6, 2026, offering Bermudian future leaders the chance to pursue master's degrees in the UK.

The UK, alongside international partners, is working to protect the two-state solution amid escalating conflict and settlement expansion, while advocating for humanitarian aid and economic stability in Palestinian territories.