News from 2023


On the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia

News Release: On May 17, we commemorate the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), marking the day in 1990 that the World Health Organization (WHO) delisted “homosexuality" as a medical diagnosis. We reaffirm that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) persons are entitled to recognition of their universal human rights.


Chairman McCaul Statement at Markup of Resolution Calling on Russia to Release Evan Gershkovich

News Release: Washington, D.C. - Today, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul gave the following remarks at a full committee markup of H.Res. 377.


Chairman McCaul Announces Hearing on Modernizing U.S. Arms Exports and Strengthening AUKUS

News Release: Washington, D.C. - House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul announced the full committee will convene a hearing entitled “Modernizing U.S. Arms Exports and a Stronger AUKUS" on Wednesday, May 24th.


Chairman McCaul Announces Markup Holding Secretary Blinken In Contempt of Congress

News Release: Washington, D.C. - House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul announced the full committee will hold a markup to consider a resolution recommending the House of Representatives find U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in contempt of Congress for his continued refusal to comply with a subpoena served by the committee on March 28th, 2023.


Norway National Day

Release: On behalf of the United States of America, I congratulate the people of Norway in celebration of Constitution Day.


Subcommittee Hearing Announcement: “Bring Abducted Children Home”

News Release: Washington, D.C. - The House Foreign Affairs Committee announced the Subcommittee on Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations will convene a hearing entitled, “Bring Abducted Children Home" on Tuesday, May 23rd.


DOS-INL grant application closes on July 18

Combating High Impact Crime on the Northern Border grant opened on May 18.



Norway National Day

News Release: On behalf of the United States of America, I congratulate the people of Norway in celebration of Constitution Day.


DOS-WHA offers new grant application process starting May 18

Strengthening Sustainable Communities in Panama and Costa Rica grant opened on May 18.


Justice for Underserved Disabled Youth Initiative (JUDY Initiative)

Release: United States Department of State. Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO): Justice for Underserved Disabled Youth Initiative (JUDY Initiative). This is the announcement of funding opportunity number SFOP0009803. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number:...


Joint Statement on the U.S.-Egypt Joint Economic Commission

Release: The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and the Arab Republic of Egypt on the occasion of the inaugural meeting of the high-level Joint Economic Commission (JEC) between the United States and Egypt May 17.


DOS-DOM grant application closes on June 30

Engaging with civil society organizations and local audiences to promote LGBTQI+ Rights and Inclusion grant opened on May 19.


Assistant Secretary Nichols’ Travel to Brazil

News Release: Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs Brian A. Nichols will travel to Brazil, May 21-26. In Brasília, Assistant Secretary Nichols will participate in the U.S.-Brazil Human Rights Dialogue and in meetings on the U.S.-Brazil Joint Action Plan to Eliminate Racial and ...


DOS-IND offers new grant application process starting May 19

Academy for Women Entrepreneurs 4.0 grant opened on May 19.


POSTPONED: Chairman McCaul Announces Markup Holding Secretary Blinken in Contempt of Congress

News Release: Washington, D.C. - House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul announced the full committee will postpone a markup to consider a resolution recommending the House of Representatives find U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in contempt of Congress for his continued refusal to comply with a subpoena served by the committee on March 28th, 2023.


Justice for Underserved Disabled Youth Initiative (JUDY Initiative)

Release: United States Department of State. Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO): Justice for Underserved Disabled Youth Initiative (JUDY Initiative). This is the announcement of funding opportunity number SFOP0009803. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: ...


Democracy Collection Launches Traveling Exhibition: “A More Perfect Union: American Artists and the Currents of our Time”

News Release: The U.S. Department of State Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations’ Office of Art in Embassies is launching a traveling exhibition as part of a year-long initiative for its 60th Anniversary called the Democracy Collection. The exhibition, “A More Perfect Union: American Artists and the Currents of ...


Secretary Blinken’s Trip to Papua New Guinea

News Release: Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will travel to Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, May 21-22.


IRFBA Statement on Christians

Release: As members, friends, and observers of the International Religious Freedom or Belief Alliance, we uphold the right of all people to freedom of religion or belief and the ability of people to practise their religion and live their lives free from fear and discrimination. We recognise the contribution of Christians to the culture, values, security, and prosperity of states. They should never have to fear for their personal safety or the safety of their religious institutions.