News from April 2023


Observing the First International Day to Combat Islamophobia

Muslims worldwide too often face discrimination and hatred based on their religious beliefs. Last year, the United Nations declared March 15 as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia.


U.S. Humanitarian and Development Assistance for Venezuela Regional Crisis

The United States is the largest single donor for the humanitarian response to the Venezuela regional crisis, providing assistance that supports refugees, asylum seekers, and other vulnerable populations of concern.


Under Secretary Zeya’s Remarks at “Imprisoned Without Just Cause: #FreeThemAll” event hosted by the Lithuanian Embassy

It is wonderful to be here among friends and colleagues. A heartfelt thank you to our Lithuanian partners, including Vice Foreign Minister Adomenas and Ambassador Plepyte, for their generous hospitality.



Under Secretary Zeya’s Remarks at the CECC Hearing, “Preserving Tibet: Cultural Erasure, Forced Assimilation, & Coercion of Tibetans in the U.S.”

Good morning. Thank you, Representative Smith, Senator Merkley, and my fellow distinguished commissioners for the opportunity to speak today on this timely and important topic.


Under Secretary Zeya’s Travel to New York City

Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra Zeya will travel to New York City from March 29-30.


Peace and Security in Africa: The Impact of Development Policies in the Implementation of the Silencing the Guns Initiative

At the outset, I would like to first thank President Nyusi for chairing today’s important discussion and congratulate him on Mozambique’s successful Security Council presidency.



Secretary Blinken’s Participation in the Second Summit for Democracy

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will participate in the second Summit for Democracy on March 28-30, 2023 in Washington, D.C.


Belarus Freedom Day

Today, we celebrate, along with Belarusians across the world, Belarus Freedom Day.


The United States Convenes Freedom Online Coalition Member States and Other Stakeholders in Washington, D.C.

On March 27-28, the United States, as the 2023 chair of the Freedom Online Coalition (FOC), convened the Coalition’s 36 member States, Observers, and Advisory Network of external stakeholders for a Strategy and Coordination Meeting in Washington, D.C.


2023 Roadmap for the Global Partnership for Action on Gender-Based Online Harassment and Abuse

The Global Partnership for Action on Gender-Based Online Harassment and Abuse (Global Partnership) is a commitment from the first Summit for Democracy, and an action coalition of the Denmark Tech for Democracy initiative.



Summit for Democracy: Democracy Cohort Outcomes

Since 2021, the Summit for Democracy process has focused attention on how governments and non-governmental actors can work together to strengthening democratic institutions and processes, protect human rights, and advance the fight against corruption.


Secretary Antony J. Blinken at “The Status of Women is the Status of Democracy” Event

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, good afternoon, everyone, and welcome to the State Department and welcome to the second Summit for Democracy.


Supporting Human Rights Defenders: U.S. Department of State’s and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Top Achievements during the Summit for Democracy’s Year of Action

Following the first Summit for Democracy in December 2021, the United States engaged in a series of efforts to expand support for human rights defenders (HRDs) worldwide.


In Defense of Democracy – Citizens Summit on Democracy

Good afternoon, everyone. It is a pleasure to be back in Zambia and here with you all today.


Summit for Democracy Commitment on Beneficial Ownership and Misuse of Legal Persons

We, the governments and authorities of the democracies identified below, concerned that corruption undermines democratic institutions, the rule of law, effective governance, public trust, stability, economic prosperity for all, and business growth and innovation, reaffirm our determination to safeguard our communities from corruption in all of its forms.


Private Sector Commitments to Advance Democracy

In the run-up to the Summit for Democracy, the U.S. government issued a Call to Advance Democracy.


Declaration of the Summit for Democracy

We, the leaders of the Summit for Democracy, reaffirm our shared belief that democracy