News from 2023


Ukraine National Day

Release: I want to congratulate all Ukrainians on their Independence Day. August 24th is a testament to Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and democracy and a day of pride in Ukraine’s strength and resilience. It is also a day of celebration of Ukrainian heritage and culture.


U.S. Sanctions Individuals Contributing to the Recent Escalation of Conflict in the DRC

News Release: Today, the United States is imposing sanctions on six individuals contributing to the most recent escalation of conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Each of these individuals is contributing to instability in the eastern DRC and, in many cases, perpetrating human rights abuses, ...


U.S. Sanctions Individuals Contributing to the Recent Escalation of Conflict in the DRC

Release: Today, the United States is imposing sanctions on six individuals contributing to the most recent escalation of conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Each of these individuals is contributing to instability in the eastern DRC and, in many cases, perpetrating human rights abuses,...


Imposing Sanctions and Visa Restrictions on Individuals and Entities to Promote Accountability for Forced Transfer and Deportation of Children During Russia’s Illegal War Against Ukraine

News Release: Today, on Ukrainian Independence Day, the Department of State is imposing sanctions and pursuing visa restrictions to promote accountability for individuals and entities connected to forcible transfer and deportation of Ukraine’s children. Some targets are being designated pursuant to Executive Order ...



Ukraine National Day

News Release: I want to congratulate all Ukrainians on their Independence Day. August 24th is a testament to Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and democracy and a day of pride in Ukraine’s strength and resilience. It is also a day of celebration of Ukrainian heritage and culture.


On Conflict-Related Sexual Violence in Sudan

Release: The United States strongly condemns pervasive conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) in Sudan, which credible sources including victims have attributed to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and their allied militias. The numerous reports of rape, gang rape, and other forms of gender-based violence against women and girls in West Darfur and other areas are deeply disturbing. These acts of brutality contribute to an emerging pattern of targeted ethnic violence.


On Conflict-Related Sexual Violence in Sudan

News Release: The United States strongly condemns pervasive conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) in Sudan, which credible sources including victims have attributed to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and their allied militias. The numerous reports of rape, gang rape, and other forms of gender-based violence against women and girls in West Darfur and other areas are deeply disturbing. These acts of brutality contribute to an emerging pattern of targeted ethnic violence.


TUNE IN: Chairman McCaul to Join Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures” This Sunday at 10amET/9amCT

News Release: Washington, D.C. - House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul will join “Sunday Morning Futures" with Maria Bartiromo this Sunday, August 27th.


Japan’s Release of Treated Water

News Release: Japan suffered a tragedy on March 11, 2011, when a 9.1 magnitude earthquake - the fourth most powerful ever recorded - and a subsequent tsunami devastated the Tohoku region. Nearly 20,000 people were killed, thousands were injured, and 2,500 went missing. We continue to grieve with the people of Japan who suffered so greatly from this natural disaster and who have shown the world their courage and resilience in recovering.


Assistant Secretary Phee’s Travel to Nigeria, Chad, and Ghana

Release: Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Molly Phee will travel to Nigeria, Chad, and Ghana from August 25-29, 2023. During this trip, she will engage with regional heads of state to discuss U.S. support for ECOWAS and regional leadership in responding to the crisis in Niger. In Chad, she will...


Risch Statement on Elections in Zimbabwe

News Release: BOISE, Idaho - U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today released the following statement on this week’s elections in Zimbabwe:


Assistant Secretary Phee Travels to Nigeria, Chad, and Ghana

News Release: Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Molly Phee will travel to Nigeria, Chad, and Ghana from August 25-29, 2023. During this trip, she will engage with regional heads of state to discuss U.S. support for ECOWAS and regional leadership in responding to the crisis in Niger. In Chad, she will ...


Hong Kong Authorities’ Ongoing Harassment Campaign

News Release: The United States strongly condemns the Hong Kong authorities’ ongoing harassment of family members in Hong Kong of democracy advocates living overseas, who are being targeted simply for their association with their loved ones. In particular, we are concerned about the recent cases of Anna Kwok, Elmer Yuen, Dennis Kwok, Christopher Mung, Nathan Law, and Joshua Wong, whose family members and acquaintances, were detained and questioned by Hong Kong police.


Elections in Gabon

Release: As Gabonese prepare to head to the polls tomorrow, the United States encourages the Gabonese people to exercise their right to vote and make their voices heard. Elections are a fundamental part of a functioning democracy, and all Gabonese deserve this chance to choose their future without fear of repression or intimidation. We affirm the importance of election observation and call on all actors to commit to free, fair, and peaceful elections.


U.S. Government Declassifies the President’s Daily Briefs Related to Chile from September 8, 1973 and September 11, 1973

Release: In accordance with our commitment to increased transparency, the U.S. Government has declassified and released portions of the President’s Daily Briefs related to Chile from September 8, 1973 and Sept. 11, 1973. They are now available via the following links.


Japan’s Release of Treated Water

Release: Japan suffered a tragedy on March 11, 2011, when a 9.1 magnitude earthquake - the fourth most powerful ever recorded - and a subsequent tsunami devastated the Tohoku region. Nearly 20,000 people were killed, thousands were injured, and 2,500 went missing. We continue to grieve with the people of Japan who suffered so greatly from this natural disaster and who have shown the world their courage and resilience in recovering.


TUNE IN: Chairman McCaul to Join Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures” This Sunday at 10amET/9amCT

News Release: Washington, D.C. - House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul will join “Sunday Morning Futures" with Maria Bartiromo this Sunday, August 27th.


U.S. Government Declassifies the President’s Daily Briefs Related to Chile from September 8, 1973 and September 11, 1973

News Release: In accordance with our commitment to increased transparency, the U.S. Government has declassified and released portions of the President’s Daily Briefs related to Chile from September 8, 1973 and Sept. 11, 1973. They are now available via the following links


Hong Kong Authorities’ Ongoing Harassment Campaign

Release: The United States strongly condemns the Hong Kong authorities’ ongoing harassment of family members in Hong Kong of democracy advocates living overseas, who are being targeted simply for their association with their loved ones. In particular, we are concerned about the recent cases of Anna Kwok, Elmer Yuen, Dennis Kwok, Christopher Mung, Nathan Law, and Joshua Wong, whose family members and acquaintances, were detained and questioned by Hong Kong police.