Baroness Helic

Serbia's acquisition of French Rafale aircraft to replace MiG fast jets is a part of modernising its capabilities, and indicates Serbia is moving to diversify its defence procurement and reduce dependency on Russian military equipment and influence. In terms of the implications for peace and security in the Western Balkans, we continue to encourage Serbia to play a constructive role in reducing tensions and promoting good neighbourly relations across the region. Minister for Europe, North America and UK Overseas Territories most recently spoke to Minister Đurić on the importance of this on 1 October and the Serbian Ambassador on 9 October.

The UK has endorsed the Media Freedom Coalition's statement, which raises concerns about the safety of journalists and their access to information due to the escalation of hostilities between Israel and Hamas, as indicated by the Reporters Without Borders article. The statement called on all parties to the conflict to comply with international law and guarantee the protection of journalists and media workers covering the conflict. The UK remains committed to Media Freedom and to championing democracy and human rights around the world. Independent media is essential to a functioning society.

The plight of sick and injured people in Gaza is deeply distressing. We urge Israel to open safe, regular routes for those requiring medical evacuation. The UK is supporting the provision of essential healthcare to Palestinian civilians, including through field hospitals operated by UK-Med in Gaza, and through the World Health Organization in Egypt to support medically evacuated Palestinians.

There are provisions that allow Palestinians to come to the UK for Private Medical Treatment under the Immigration Rules. Where a relevant application is made consideration will be given to exceptional circumstances, compelling or compassionate grounds. We are keeping all existing visa pathways under review.

The UK has underlined with Serbia's government, including President Vučić, our concerns about June's "All Serb Assembly" and the subsequent Declaration. Events in Srebrenica were genocide, as confirmed by the International Court of Justice. The verdicts handed down are against individuals; no one ethnicity bears responsibility for the crimes committed during the conflict. Genocide denial is abhorrent and must end. Building a stable, prosperous and inclusive future for all citizens in the region requires acknowledgement of the facts. The UK encourages regional co-operation on reconciliation efforts and in finding ways to heal wounds and work together towards a shared future.

The UK is committed to supporting the sovereignty, territorial integrity and multi-ethnic character of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and Montenegro. The UK assesses that elements of the language used in the Declaration risk undermining those principles. We do not speculate on future designations.

The UK has underlined with Serbia's leadership concerns about the "All Serb Assembly" in June and the subsequent Declaration. The UK consistently emphasises at senior levels the importance of Serbia's role in building and supporting regional stability; Minister Doughty did so most recently in October meetings with Foreign Minister Djuric and the Serbian Ambassador in London. We encourage Serbia to adhere to the commitments made by all Western Balkans leaders at the 2018 London Summit on good neighbourly relations.

The UK is committed to supporting the sovereignty, territorial integrity and multi-ethnic character of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and Montenegro. The UK assesses that elements of the language used in the Declaration risk undermining those principles. In engagement with political leaders in the Western Balkans, the UK consistently promotes the need for constructive regional relationships and cautions against actions or statements that risk increasing tensions or stoking division.

The Minister of State for Europe, North America and the Overseas Territories contacted the Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) Foreign Minister on 5 October, expressing condolences for the loss of life and damage caused by flooding and landslides. On 4 and 5 October, British search and rescue specialists (in BiH as a short-term training team) provided advice and expertise to BiH armed forces and emergency services on the ground. Our Ambassador to BiH visited the worst affected sites on 5 October, meeting UK advisers and local mayors. We are considering, with BiH authorities and international partners, how we might support further.

Instability in the Western Balkans undermines regional security and economic growth. Ministers are engaging with Western Balkan leaders to promote stability and prosperity, including in my meeting in July with the Bosnian Presidency Chair, Denis Becirovic, and the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary's engagement with regional leaders at the European Political Community and NATO Summits. The UK is also working with European and US allies to strengthen collective engagement. Across the region, Russia uses disinformation and other hybrid techniques to undermine sovereignty and democracy. Through UK programmes and policy, we are actively building resilience to counter this interference.

There are more countries in the world today engaged in conflict than at any time since World War II. Preventing conflict and empowering women and girls is critical to the delivery of the government's missions. We are working to prevent and respond to conflict-related sexual violence, including as vice chair of the International Alliance on PSVI and by supporting thousands of survivors around the world. We also continue to support Western Balkan states to build stable, inclusive and prosperous societies, tackle serious organised crime and overcome ethno-nationalism and conflict.

The new government's Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office envoys have not yet been announced.

The UK government recognises the vital importance of EUFOR-Althea to peace and security in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The UK is committed to a broad and ambitious UK-EU security pact. While the UK does not currently participate in any EU Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) missions, it is open to exploring future opportunities for cooperation.