Source · Select Committees · Foreign Affairs Committee
Recommendation 12
12
Deferred
Ensure retention of high-calibre staff at UK Missions to the United Nations.
Recommendation
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 should, as a matter of priority, provide this Committee a detailed overview of how this will affect UK Missions to the United Nations with a focus on resources, financing and staff retention. (Recommendation, Paragraph 61) Impact on global security of cutting foreign aid
Government Response Summary
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 staff retention or providing an FCDO restructuring overview.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
36. As penholder on Colombia, HMG remains firmly committed to the full implementation of the 2016 Peace Agreement as the foundation for lasting peace. Sustainable peace in Colombia requires long-term commitment, including continued international support. We continue to support Colombia’s efforts through diplomatic engagement and multilateral coordination. UK-drafted press statements on Colombia have helped drive further progress on Peace Agreement implementation, advanced Colombia’s Women, Peace and Security Action Plan, and shone a spotlight on threats to human rights activists including LGBTQ+ persons. The UK penned the establishment and subsequent renewals of the mandate of Special Political Missions in Colombia (the UN Verification Mission–UNVM). HMG considers the UNVM as a key part of our commitment to peace in Colombia at the multilateral level. We are therefore pleased that the UK-led renewal of its mandate was agreed on 31 October 2025, continuing the UN’s clear support behind lasting peace in the country. 37. HMG works closely with likeminded partners on peace and human rights issues in Colombia, including through supporting the UN Multi- Partner Trust Fund. The UK is the second largest donor after Norway, and in Colombia the Fund focuses on areas such as strengthening state presence in conflict-affected areas, supporting victims and transitional justice, and improving communication about the peace process. Collectively, we have made significant progress with the Colombian government and civil society, particularly on women peace and security, and transitional justice issues. Through HMG programming we have committed over £80 million since 2015.