News from 2023


Statement by IRFBA Chair Fiona Bruce MP on Iranian Religious Prisoners of Conscience Mahvash Sabet and Fariba Kamalabadi

As Chair of the International Religious Freedom or Belief Alliance, I express grave concern over the continuing imprisonment in Iran of two prominent Iranian Baha’is, Mahvash Sabet, an internationally acclaimed poet who is a recipient of Pen International’s Pinter Prize and Fariba Kamalabadi, accused of “meeting with Baha’is in different cities of Iran, participating in Baha’i religious ceremonies and communicating with Baha’is abroad via WhatsApp.”


The United States Announces $245 Million in Humanitarian Assistance to Sudan and Neighboring Countries

Last week the United States announced $245 million in additional support to the people of Sudan and neighboring countries experiencing the impacts of the ongoing humanitarian crisis.


2023-2024 U.S.-UNRWA Framework for Cooperation

On May 30, 2023, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration signed the 2023-2024 Framework for Cooperation with the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).


Resettlement Diplomacy Network Senior Officials Meeting

Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration Julieta Valls Noyes convened the first senior officials’ meeting of the Resettlement Diplomacy Network (RDN) under the inaugural chairmanship of the government of the United States.


United States and Romania Host Fifth Capital-Level Meeting of the Women, Peace, and Security Focal Points Network, with Opening Plenary Session at the Department of State

As 2023 co-chairs of the Women, Peace, and Security Focal Points Network (WPS-FPN) , the United States and Romania will host the fifth Capital-Level Meeting of the WPS-FPN in Washington, D.C. from June 6-8.



Secretary Antony J. Blinken Before his Conversation with Saudi Women Leaders

(In progress) Secretary of State Antony Blinken. I just – we were talking about – so you have a range of figures representing sort of all of the domains, all the sectors in which women are really making their mark, from motocross, from racecar driving to the arts, media, and the nonprofit sector.


Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues Dr. Geeta Gupta's Remarks at the Fifth Annual Capital Level Meeting of the Women, Peace and Security Focal Points Network Ministerial Lunch

Ministers, Ambassadors, distinguished guests, thank you so much for joining us today, and throughout this week, in this capital meeting as part of our co-chairship of the Women, Peace and Security Focal Points Network with Romania.


Under Secretary Zeya’s Remarks at a Memorial Day Event at Embassy Guatemala City

Mr. Ambassador, distinguished guests, honored veterans, servicemembers, ladies and gentlemen, it is an honor and a pleasure to be here with you on this important occasion.


Under Secretary Uzra Zeya’s Opening Remarks at RightsCon 2023 Event “Promoting a Positive Vision for the Internet and Digital Technologies through the Freedom Online Coalition”

Buenos días a todas y todos! On behalf of the United States Government and as the Chair of the Freedom Online Coalition or F-O-C, I want to thank Access Now for the invitation to hold this important discussion and Ambassador Jaarsma and our other distinguished panelists for joining us today. Greetings to those in person and joining online.


Public Launch of Sudan Conflict Observatory Monitoring Platform

As the United States and our partners continue intense diplomatic efforts to end the fighting in Sudan, facilitate humanitarian assistance, and support the aspirations of the Sudanese people for a civilian government, we are monitoring the activities of the warring parties.


Undemocratic Actions Ahead of Cambodian Elections

The United States is deeply troubled that Cambodian authorities are preventing the Candlelight Party – the Kingdom’s largest opposition party – from participating in July 2023 national elections.


On the Enactment of Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act

The United States is deeply troubled by Uganda’s passage of the Anti-Homosexuality Act, a law that undermines the human rights, prosperity, and welfare of all Ugandans.


Commemorating LGBTQI+ Pride Month 

Every June, the United States celebrates Pride Month, marking the anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, when police raided a gay bar in New York City and its patrons stood up against discrimination, abuse, and mistreatment. 



On the Detention of Leaders and Staff of Vietnamese Environmental Civil Society Organization CHANGE

The United States is concerned by the detention of leaders and staff of CHANGE, including the ongoing detention of CHANGE’s founder Hoang Thi Minh Hong.


On the 34th Anniversary of Tiananmen Square

Tomorrow, we observe the 34th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre.


On the Unrest in Senegal

As a strong friend and partner to Senegal, the United States is troubled and saddened by the violence and damage we have witnessed in many parts of the country.


LGBTQI+ Special Envoy Jessica Stern Travels to Toronto and Ottawa, Receives Award from Rainbow Railroad

On June 6 Jessica Stern, U.S. Special Envoy to Advance the Human Rights of LGBTQI+ Persons, will travel to Toronto, Canada, for meetings with local community leaders and activists, as well as a fireside chat event for local community and political leaders.


World Day Against Child Labor

On World Day Against Child Labor, we highlight the importance of partnership in combatting child labor.