The FCDO is following the protests in Suweida closely. The UK's permanent representative to the UN drew global attention to the protestors' cause in the UK's statement to the UN Security Council on 27 September. We condemned the regime's use of violence against peaceful demonstrators and demanded Damascus' adherence to international human rights standards. We will continue to monitor the situation and urge the regime to treat protestors with dignity respect. It is vital that Assad heed their calls for regime participation in the political process established by UNSCR 2254.

During his visit to Colombia last May, the Foreign Secretary met with the Colombian Foreign Minister to discuss our ongoing support to peace and security in Colombia. Through the Conflict, Stability and Security Fund (CSSF), which has committed £79 million since 2015, the UK is helping the Colombian Government to strengthen the institutional capacity of the National Protection Unit and civil society organisations involved in the security and participation of communities in conflict-affected areas.

Since 2015, we have resettled more than 27,000 refugees through safe and legal routes directly from regions of conflict and instability - more than any other European country. Every conflict and threat situation is unique and requires a unique and tailored response.

In response to the Afghanistan crisis, this Government helped over 15,000 people to safety in the largest and fastest emergency evacuation in recent history, W have also continued to bring people to the UK, with around 1,500 people helped to enter since the evacuation. This UK Government has two schemes to facilitate resettlement in the United Kingdom of Afghan nationals at risk: the Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy (ARAP) and the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS).The Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS) commenced on 6 January, providing up to 20,000 women, children and others at risk with a safe and legal route to resettle in the UK. Those resettled through the ARAP and ACRS receive fee-free indefinite leave to enter or remain in the UK.

The Government maintains a constant review of all resettlement schemes to enable a flexible response.

We are deeply concerned by the violent clashes in recent months in the Oromia region of Ethiopia. When I [Minister Duddridge] visited Ethiopia from 27-29 July 2020, I [Minister Duddridge] discussed growing ethnic tensions with the President and senior ministers, as well as the President of Oromia. Leaders on all sides must be clear ethnic-based violence and discrimination will not be tolerated, and must stress to all [those under their control] the importance of respecting human rights and avoiding civilian loss of life at all costs. The Foreign Secretary underlined the need for all Ethiopians to be respected and not be subject to violence and discrimination during his visit to Ethiopia on 22 January. The UK is committed to supporting a peaceful political transition in Ethiopia where all the rights of minorities are protected.

The UK has been consistent, alongside the UN and international partners, in calling for the protection of civilians in Ethiopia and respect for human rights. The Foreign Secretary raised the need for independent, international, investigations into allegations of human right abuses and violations when he met with Prime Minister Abiy during his visit to Ethiopia. We fully supported efforts by three African Union appointed envoys last November 2020 to push for peace. We welcome the visits of three UN Under-Secretaries General to Ethiopia in February, and their engagement with the Government of Ethiopia. We continue to monitor the human rights situation in Ethiopia closely.

The UK is concerned by reports of violence and displacement of people in a number of regions in Ethiopia. I raised this with the Government of Ethiopia when visiting Addis Ababa at the end of July. I raised the importance of open and transparent investigations into ongoing incidents of violence. The UK supports the efforts of the Government of Ethiopia to strengthen accountability and has been encouraged by their efforts to open the political space - in particular the release of thousands of political prisoners and the reform of legislation which constrained civil and political rights. We are committed to supporting civil society organisations in Ethiopia so that they can play an increasing role in monitoring human rights. We shall continue to monitor the situation and to raise the importance of respect for human rights in meetings with the Government of Ethiopia and regional leaders.

The UK aid programme in Zimbabwe provides specialised medical, counselling and legal assistance as well as extensive financial and technical assistance to a number of civil society organisations aimed at protecting and promoting human rights and upholding Zimbabwe’s democratic principles. In addition, we continue to provide humanitarian assistance and support to basic service provision to benefit the poorest Zimbabweans.

I was clear with the Nicaraguan Government, in a meeting of 3 July, that for stability to return the Government must take responsibility for ending the violence, and that inclusive dialogue promised by the authorities should proceed under peaceful conditions.

I have expressed deep concern about the excessive use of force by the Government, including the use of live ammunition, and the human rights abuses reported by the Inter-American Commission of Human Rights (IACHR) and the UN. I welcome the Government's invitations to the IACHR, the UN, and the EU to support a resolution of the crisis and urge the authorities to allow them to carry out their work fully without hindrance.

I was clear with the Nicaraguan Government, in a meeting of 3 July, that for stability to return the Government must take responsibility for ending the violence, and that inclusive dialogue promised by the authorities should proceed under peaceful conditions.

I have expressed deep concern about the excessive use of force by the Government, including the use of live ammunition, and the human rights abuses reported by the Inter-American Commission of Human Rights (IACHR) and the UN. I welcome the Government's invitations to the IACHR, the UN, and the EU to support a resolution of the crisis and urge the authorities to allow them to carry out their work fully without hindrance.

The Government is concerned about the fragile, political and security situation in Honduras. We continue to urge all sides to pursue a resolution through dialogue and to avoid violence. The Government condemns attacks and threats against journalists, peaceful protesters and human rights defenders.

Following confirmation on 5 January by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal of the re-election of Juan Orlando Hernandez, the British Ambassador to Honduras issued a statement calling on the authorities to protect human rights and work to restore confidence in national institutions. We support the conclusions of the EU Election Observer Mission, and encorage the Government of Honduras to implement recommended reforms to the electoral system in advance of future elections.

On 2 December, Puntland President Gaas and Galmudug President Guled signed a peace agreement, which resulted in a cessation of hostilities and establishment of a joint committee to facilitate reconciliation. We welcome the mediation efforts of Prime Minister Sharmarke and other Somali leaders. The international community also played an active role in pressing for an agreement: the UN issued a joint statement and ensured leaders were able to travel for the negotiations, and the UK was in contact with Somali leaders directly. Throughout we made clear that this conflict is extremely damaging not only to the people of Galkayo but more widely to the fight against Al Shabaab and to Somalia’s reputation.