Recommendations & Conclusions
43 items
1
Recommendation
2nd Report - The write to protect: Brit…
Acknowledged
We welcome and recognise the strong leadership demonstrated by the Government in leading on the UK’s global ‘re-engagement,’ including at and through the United Nations. The impending 80th anniversary of the creation of the United Nations system in September 2025, and the ongoing United Nations 80 (UN80) reform agenda, represent …
Government response. The government agrees on the importance of the UN80 initiative and states it is committed to using its full range of diplomatic tools and has been an active participant in early negotiations. However, it does not outline specific new actions …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
2
Recommendation
2nd Report - The write to protect: Brit…
Accepted
The Government should outline its strategy for responding to and engaging with a rapidly changing multilateral system, in its response to this report. This should include a roadmap detailing the UK’s engagement with the ongoing United Nations 80 (UN80) reform agenda at the United Nations and ensuring that the UK …
Government response. The government states it is already committed to leveraging its diplomatic expertise and overseas network, actively countering disinformation and using UN platforms to denounce malign activity and champion rights. It highlights ongoing efforts to challenge Russian abuses within the UN …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
3
Conclusion
2nd Report - The write to protect: Brit…
Accepted
The international community’s reluctance to address malign influence within the United Nations system risks the loss of the values- embedded and rules-based international order. If more countries ignore UN resolutions, it will become less and less effective. The UK has a leading diplomatic network, significant soft power, and is a …
Government response. The government outlines its ongoing leadership and engagement in international diplomacy and conflict resolution, including specific partnerships and UN Security Council actions. They commit to launching a second iteration of the ASEAN-UK Plan of Action in 2026 to support a …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
4
Recommendation
2nd Report - The write to protect: Brit…
Accepted
The Government should make full use of the whole United Nations system to advance its foreign policy objectives and further British values of democracy and tolerance to counter assertive behaviour by other countries within the 45 United Nations. The Government in its engagement should include publicly calling out countries who …
Government response. The government states it continues to be a leading player in the UN context, utilizing its skills to resolve conflicts and exercise leadership in line with international law. It provides examples of ongoing engagement with the US on UN Security …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
5
Conclusion
2nd Report - The write to protect: Brit…
Accepted
This Committee’s first priority will always be to push for the use of United Nations mediation, peace and security structures to resolve conflict: the international community is strongest together and a peace agreed by the consensus of the many is one which is firm and lasting. Nonetheless, we are cognisant …
Government response. The government states it continues to work closely with the US to resolve global conflicts and will continue to engage the wider membership of the UN Security Council. It specifically commits to hosting a conference at Wilton Park this autumn …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
6
Recommendation
2nd Report - The write to protect: Brit…
Accepted
The Government should adapt to the changing conflict environment, recognising the existing geopolitical realities of conflict resolution, whilst continuing to push for multilateral efforts where possible. The Government should enhance its bilateral partnerships with Qatar and Saudi Arabia, as well as Turkey, whilst ensuring it upholds its commitment to a …
Government response. The government commits to ensuring that UK missions to the UN will continue to be staffed at appropriate levels with high-calibre individuals. It notes that the FCDO is becoming a smaller, more agile organisation and is making strategic decisions to …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
7
Conclusion
2nd Report - The write to protect: Brit…
Accepted
The UK is well placed to mobilise like-minded states and build regional and bloc-based coalitions to advance efforts to lead on the resolution of global conflict. This applies in particular to those organisations which have a regional remit for country files for which the UK holds the pen on the …
Government response. The government details its substantial contributions to UN budgets and reaffirms its commitment to restoring ODA spending to 0.7% of GNI when fiscal conditions allow. It plans to publish indicative ODA allocations for the next three years, prioritizing multilateral institutions, …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
8
Recommendation
2nd Report - The write to protect: Brit…
Accepted
The UK Government should be more confident in its role at the UN, harnessing its status as a global convenor, and drawing upon the UK’s diplomatic expertise to engage like-minded states in resolving conflict in cases where it is not possible to reach agreement at the United Nations Security Council. …
Government response. The government confirms it is a leading advocate for UN reform and has a dedicated Management Reform and Finance team for budgetary issues. It outlines its roadmap for UN80 reform, focused on building support for greater impact, enhanced coherence, stronger …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
9
Conclusion
2nd Report - The write to protect: Brit…
Accepted
The UK should continue to work closely with the US in the United Nations Security Council to advance the UK’s values-based approach to resolving conflict through multilateral organisations. (Conclusion, Paragraph 51)
Government response. The government outlines its continuous investment in UN peacebuilding and the UN-IFI Partnership Facility, and details existing FCDO resources, research programs, and partnerships focused on conflict prevention, resolution, and peacebuilding.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
10
Recommendation
2nd Report - The write to protect: Brit…
Accepted
Where agreement or consensus with the US may not be forthcoming, the Government must engage the US proactively, in behind-the-scenes and backdoor diplomacy. Simultaneously, the Government should have the confidence to develop robust alliances with Elected Members to the United Nations Security Council to advance British values including the belief …
Government response. The government states it already champions broad and thorough engagement when penholding, consulting widely and championing co-penning with relevant Member States, citing examples with African members and Sierra Leone. However, it rejects a 'one size fits all' approach to co-penning, …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
11
Conclusion
2nd Report - The write to protect: Brit…
Acknowledged
We are concerned about the cuts to the FCDO’s budget, including those to the Directorate responsible for multilateral organisations such as the UN. Such measures will reduce the UK’s ability to be an effective penholder at the United Nations and to lead on the resolution of global conflict through the …
Government response. The government agrees the UK should continue to put forward and debate issues as a UN Security Council penholder, emphasizing a pragmatic and tailored approach to maximize positive impact and avoid normalizing vetoes. It highlights its use of various formats …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
12
Recommendation
2nd Report - The write to protect: Brit…
Deferred
The Government must ensure the retention of the high-calibre staff at the UK Missions to the United Nations and it should outline a clear strategy detailing how it plans to retain these staff. When the Government is clear on the structure and composition of the FCDO following its restructuring, it …
Government response. The government's response focuses entirely on its ongoing commitment to the Colombia Peace Agreement, outlining its diplomatic engagement, support for UN Verification Mission renewals, and financial contributions to the UN Multi-Partner Trust Fund. It does not address the recommendation on …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
13
Conclusion
2nd Report - The write to protect: Brit…
Deferred
With a reduced Official Development Assistance budget and a smaller budget allocation for conflict prevention and peacebuilding efforts, the UK is less visible on the global stage and in key conflict zones. This opens up the space to our adversaries and competitors to make significant inroads, particularly China, Iran and …
Government response. The government's response details its ongoing engagement and support for UN-led efforts to achieve a lasting settlement in Cyprus, highlighting its role as a Guarantor Power and its leadership in renewing the UNFICYP mandate. It does not address the committee's …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
14
Conclusion
2nd Report - The write to protect: Brit…
Deferred
For the UK to continue being a lead actor within the United Nations Security Council, and a leading global actor in the prevention and resolution of conflict, it is critical that the Government sets out a pathway and 47 timeline as to how it will return to spending 0.5%, and …
Government response. The government's response details its past and ongoing efforts within the UN Security Council regarding Libya, leading sanctions, and renewing mandates. It does not address the recommendation to set out a timeline for returning to 0.7% GNI on ODA or …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
15
Recommendation
2nd Report - The write to protect: Brit…
Deferred
The Government should also, in its response, outline how the FCDO’s reduced operating budget will allow it to continue being a leading multilateral actor and fulfil the Government’s responsibility to push through efficiencies identified throughout the ongoing United Nations 80 (UN80) process to ensure it gets full UK support. (Recommendation, …
Government response. The government's response details its past and ongoing actions as UN Security Council penholder on Myanmar. It acknowledges the need for regular reporting but states there is insufficient support for it, and does not address how the FCDO's reduced operating …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
16
Recommendation
2nd Report - The write to protect: Brit…
Deferred
It should also detail what interim investments it has made for private finance to plug the Official Development Assistance gap. This includes investment in civilian-led conflict prevention, resolution and peacebuilding. UK expertise, much of it currently concentrated in the Migration and Conflict Department, Integrated Security Fund and FCDO cadre of …
Government response. The government's response discusses its agreement with UN peacekeeping reform and its efforts within the UN80 process to advocate for efficiencies and a whole-of-UN approach to peacekeeping. It does not detail investments in private finance for ODA, safeguarding UK expertise, …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
17
Conclusion
2nd Report - The write to protect: Brit…
Accepted
Sharing the pen allows for Elected Members to the United Nations Security Council to actively partake in the penholder process and to learn from the UK’s expertise as a convening actor in diplomacy and as a leader in the global resolution of conflict. Furthering such relationships would strengthen the UK’s …
Government response. The government's response explains its ongoing commitment and actions as a UN Security Council penholder to protect civilians and uphold international humanitarian law, stating its national interest aligns with these efforts. It does not directly address the benefits of co-penholding …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
18
Recommendation
2nd Report - The write to protect: Brit…
Deferred
The Government should prioritise co-penholding with at least one Elected Member to the United Nations Security Council per country and thematic file, where appropriate, and where Elected Members are willing and able to contribute meaningfully. This would also provide a practical 48 and implementable reform mechanism within the United Nations …
Government response. The government's response discusses the challenges of securing UN funding for AU Peace Support Operations in Somalia (AUSSOM) and highlights the UK's £16.5 million commitment to AUSSOM and efforts to lobby other international partners for financial pledges. It does not …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
19
Conclusion
2nd Report - The write to protect: Brit…
Accepted
Without debate, progress on a file and elevating the platform of a conflict to find diplomatic solutions forward is stalled. This stymies the core mission of the United Nations Security Council, which is to identify and spearhead solutions to restore global peace and security. (Conclusion, Paragraph 77)
Government response. The government states its work as UN Security Council penholder on Sudan has sought to improve visibility and push for aid access, despite Russian obstructionism. It describes continuing efforts to engage the UNSC, securing an accountability mechanism in the Human …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
20
Conclusion
2nd Report - The write to protect: Brit…
Deferred
We recognise that the UK’s Mission to the United Nations is operating in an increasingly fraught and challenging geopolitical environment, but that should not preclude the UK from raising and debating files such as Myanmar and Sudan at the United Nations Security Council. (Conclusion, Paragraph 78)
Government response. The government's response details its extensive work as penholder on the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda, including efforts to implement it across UNSC work, secure language on women's rights in mandates, and ensure women's strategic involvement in peace and …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
21
Conclusion
2nd Report - The write to protect: Brit…
Accepted
The UK must continue to put forward, raise and debate issues at the United Nations Security Council for files it holds the pen for, even if these are ultimately vetoed. It is essential that in situations of conflict where the UK has a responsibility, that conflict is seen to be …
Government response. The government agrees with the committee's recommendation regarding Yemen, stating it will continue to use its interventions at monthly UN Security Council meetings to highlight the human cost of the conflict, push for the safety of women and girls, and …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
22
Recommendation
2nd Report - The write to protect: Brit…
Accepted
The UK has demonstrated strong leadership in its management of the penholder file ‘The UN Office for Central Africa’, and should continue this work. (Conclusion, Paragraph 82)
Government response. The government implicitly accepts by confirming its close engagement with relevant regional non-permanent Security Council members on UK penheld files, including UNOCA.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
23
Conclusion
2nd Report - The write to protect: Brit…
Accepted
The UK is to be commended for its role as penholder for Colombia at the United Nations Security Council and continuing to push for stability in a volatile region. (Conclusion, Paragraph 87)
Government response. The government agrees with the committee's commendation, detailing its ongoing commitment as penholder, support for the 2016 Peace Agreement, and significant diplomatic and financial engagement in Colombia, including over £80 million in programming since 2015 and leadership in renewing the …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
24
Recommendation
2nd Report - The write to protect: Brit…
Accepted
We urge the Government to outline the steps it is taking as penholder to seek to ensure the long-term consolidation and enforcement of the peace process in Colombia. This should include a summary of the actors it is engaging with on the ground, including civil society and women-led groups and …
Government response. The government agrees, outlining its firm commitment to Colombia's peace process through diplomatic engagement, multilateral coordination, and UK-drafted press statements. It details its support for the UN Verification Mission, engagement with partners and civil society, and its role as the …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
25
Conclusion
2nd Report - The write to protect: Brit…
Acknowledged
Our evidence supports the view that UK’s roles as penholder for Cyprus at the United Nations Security Council and as a party to the Treaty of Guarantee in Cyprus do not represent a conflict of interest. (Conclusion, Paragraph 90)
Government response. The government agrees with the conclusion that its roles in Cyprus do not represent a conflict of interest, and proceeds to detail its ongoing support for UN-led efforts, including leading the UNFICYP mandate renewal and engaging all sides to pursue …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
26
Recommendation
2nd Report - The write to protect: Brit…
Accepted
The UK should continue to uphold its commitment to the resolution of the stalemate in Cyprus, utilising jointly its role as penholder and as one of the parties to the Treaty of Guarantee. The Government should detail in its response to this report what steps it is taking to ensure …
Government response. The government agrees and outlines its actions as penholder and Guarantor Power, including leading the unanimous renewal of UNFICYP’s mandate, supporting UN-led settlement efforts, and actively engaging all parties to encourage a return to formal talks.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
27
Conclusion
2nd Report - The write to protect: Brit…
Accepted
Libya is a neglected item at the United Nations Security Council and the UK has not taken sufficient action to raise it. Despite controversy relating to the UN Security Council-backed intervention which the UK participated in, our evidence suggested the UK was the only candidate of the UN Security Council …
Government response. The government agrees with the importance of Libya but outlines numerous past and ongoing actions at the UN Security Council, including leading sanctions renewal, calling for elections, and renewing the UNSMIL mandate, to demonstrate its continuous engagement and challenge the …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
28
Recommendation
2nd Report - The write to protect: Brit…
Accepted
The Government should demonstrate the actions it is taking to promote peace and security in Libya’s borders as its penholder. (Recommendation, Paragraph 96)
Government response. The government agrees and details its actions as penholder for Libya, including consistently using the UN platform, leading the renewal of the Libya sanctions regime with significant changes, advocating for elections, and leading the recent renewal of the UN Support …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
29
Conclusion
2nd Report - The write to protect: Brit…
Rejected
We note with concern that despite increasing violence and reports of human rights violations, there has been no substantive resolution on Myanmar passed by the United Nations Security Council since 2022. (Conclusion, Paragraph 99)
Government response. The government disagrees with the committee's conclusion, highlighting its consistent efforts as UN Security Council penholder on Myanmar. They state the UK secured a significant political resolution in 2022, and has since convened numerous ad-hoc meetings and led negotiations on …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
30
Recommendation
2nd Report - The write to protect: Brit…
Rejected
It is critical that the UK continues to raise the profile of Myanmar in all its efforts as penholder for this file at the United Nations Security Council. The Government should introduce regular mandated reporting on this conflict. The Government should also work with regional actors, including the regional organisation, …
Government response. The government disagrees with the recommendation, stating there is insufficient support for mandated reporting at the UN Security Council. They instead highlight existing efforts, such as securing the 2022 resolution, convening ad-hoc meetings, and leading press statements, to maintain a …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
31
Conclusion
2nd Report - The write to protect: Brit…
Acknowledged
We recognise, support and honour the thousands of United Nations peacekeepers who are upholding peace and security and taking risks to their lives in conflict zones around the world. (Conclusion, Paragraph 109)
Government response. The government agrees with the committee's recognition of UN peacekeepers, affirming that peacekeeping remains an indispensable tool for peace and outlining its ongoing commitment to UN peacekeeping reform within the UN80 process, including advocacy as penholder for high standards and …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
32
Recommendation
2nd Report - The write to protect: Brit…
Accepted in Part
However, we recognise that United Nations peacekeeping missions require reforms to ensure they are fit for purpose. This should include consideration of technological solutions—like the use of drones for monitoring conflict zones—to both support United Nations peacekeeping missions and reduce 50 costs in light of reducing funding from Member States …
Government response. The government agrees with the need for UN peacekeeping reform as part of the UN80 process, outlining its objectives for whole-of-UN mission planning, enhanced efficiencies, and tailored operations with upheld performance standards. However, it does not specifically address the recommendation …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
33
Recommendation
2nd Report - The write to protect: Brit…
Accepted in Part
It is clear that United Nations peacekeeping requires reform, and we support the Government’s efforts to promote a leaner peacekeeping and peace and security architecture at the UN. However, we would urge the Government to maintain UK investment in conflict prevention, including through the UN. The Government should: a. Set …
Government response. The government agrees with the need for UN peacekeeping reform, outlining its overarching reform objectives within the UN80 process, including enhanced efficiencies and tailored operations. They state they cannot divert peacekeeping funding but are a top donor to the Peacebuilding …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
34
Recommendation
2nd Report - The write to protect: Brit…
Accepted
The Government should ensure that it is taking all possible steps to ensure that civilians in armed conflict are protected and given access to shelter, food and healthcare. The Government should use the offices of the UN to urge warring parties to respect protected spaces such as schools and hospitals. …
Government response. The government disagrees with the implicit premise of the recommendation, stating it already steadfastly commits to upholding international humanitarian law and protecting civilians in conflict. They detail ongoing efforts as penholder, consistently pressing for humanitarian access in the UN Security …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
35
Recommendation
2nd Report - The write to protect: Brit…
Rejected
The Government, in its response, should detail the process by which national interest is weighed against obligations as penholder at the United Nations when assuming responsibility for a file, with reference to its responsibility for the Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict file. (Recommendation, Paragraph 114)
Government response. The government disagrees with the recommendation to detail its process for weighing national interest against penholder obligations. It explains that its national interest aligns with seeking progress on protecting civilians in armed conflict and that it remains steadfast in upholding …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
36
Conclusion
2nd Report - The write to protect: Brit…
Acknowledged
The UK has demonstrated strong leadership on the Somalia file at the United Nations, drawing on a network of African actors built up over two decades and a strong in-country presence. (Conclusion, Paragraph 119)
Government response. The government partially agrees, noting challenges in securing funding for AU Peace Support Operations in Somalia (AUSSOM). It highlights its proactive work with international partners, including co-hosting a side event and committing £16.5 million to AUSSOM, to build towards a …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
37
Recommendation
2nd Report - The write to protect: Brit…
Accepted in Part
A stable Somalia is crucial to global and maritime security. The Government should, in its response, outline how it is continuing to work with regional actors in Somalia and detail which funds it will use to support the implementation of United Nations and regional African Union-led mandates in Somalia. The …
Government response. The government partially agrees, explaining that a new joint fund mechanism faces challenges due to lack of consensus and donor fatigue. However, it is proactively working with international partners on voluntary funding and committed £16.5 million to AUSSOM, lobbying others …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
38
Recommendation
2nd Report - The write to protect: Brit…
Accepted
We commend the UK’s tenacity and leadership on the Sudan file but urge it go further to promote peace and security in Sudan, both at the United Nations Security Council and bilaterally. We are cognisant that the UK is operating in a difficult, fractious and complex geopolitical environment and is …
Government response. The government partially agrees, detailing extensive ongoing efforts and future plans to promote peace and security in Sudan. These include continued UN Security Council engagement despite obstruction, securing an accountability mechanism and special HRC session, designing FCDO programmes for sexual …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
39
Recommendation
2nd Report - The write to protect: Brit…
Accepted in Part
We recommend that the UK take the following actions as soon as possible: a. Pursue all efforts possible to intensify its diplomatic efforts and pass a United Nations Security Council resolution which calls for an immediate end to fighting in Sudan and upholds the protection of civilians. b. The Government …
Government response. The government partially agrees, explaining that efforts for a UN Security Council resolution on Sudan are hampered by Russian obstruction but will continue. They outline plans to enforce deterrents through targeted sanctions and support accountability mechanisms. The government is already …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
40
Recommendation
2nd Report - The write to protect: Brit…
Accepted
The UK has historically demonstrated strong management and leadership as concerns the Women, Peace and Security file, however it can and must go further. (Conclusion, Paragraph 133)
Government response. The government agrees with the committee, outlining its ongoing commitment and active work as penholder for resolution 1325 to implement the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda. They detail current efforts including securing specific language in mandate renewals and the …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
41
Recommendation
2nd Report - The write to protect: Brit…
Accepted
We recommend: a. The Government should outline in its response to this report what work it is pursuing as penholder for Women, Peace and Security to include women and women-led organisations in mediation and peace negotiations. The UK Mission to the United Nations in New York should lead by example …
Government response. The government agrees, outlining that the UK Mission in New York includes women at every stage of the WPS penholding process and consults women experts. It details its strategy to defend and strengthen WPS language by deploying expert negotiators and …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
42
Conclusion
2nd Report - The write to protect: Brit…
Accepted
There has been criticism that the UK’s penholdership of the Yemen file was compromised due to UK arms sales to Saudi Arabia who were at war against Houthi terrorists in Yemen. However, Saudi Arabia has now largely withdrawn from Yemen. We agree that the UK remains the best-placed Permanent Member …
Government response. The government agrees with the conclusion, affirming its leading role as UN Security Council penholder on Yemen and the largest donor to the humanitarian response. They detail ongoing diplomatic efforts, monthly UN Security Council interventions, and exploration of options to …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
43
Recommendation
2nd Report - The write to protect: Brit…
Accepted
We encourage the Government, through the UK Mission to the United Nations in New York, to continue to push for long-term peace and security in Yemen, with particular reference to upholding maritime security, the 53 protection of civilians in armed conflict and the safety of women and girls. It must …
Government response. The government agrees and confirms its leading role as UN Security Council penholder and largest donor, committing to continue pushing for long-term peace and security in Yemen. It will use monthly UNSC meetings to highlight human costs, advocate for women …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office