Latest News


Democracy & Human Rights

Joint Statement on Media Freedom by the United States and the Czech Republic

Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Lipavský, on behalf of the Governments of the United States and the Czech Republic, released the following joint statement.


Democracy & Human Rights

Notice of Funding Opportunity: DRL Strengthening Migrant Workers’ Rights in Southeast Asia

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) announces an open competition for organizations interested in strengthening labor rights protections for migrant workers in Southeast Asia.



Democracy & Human Rights

Kyrgyz Court Decision to Revoke RFE/RL Azattyk License

The United States is deeply concerned by a Kyrgyz court’s decision to terminate, as a media outlet, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s local outlet Azattyk, a trusted and reliable source of independent information for over 25 years.


Democracy & Human Rights

Special Advisor on International Disability Rights Minkara’s Travel to Greece

Special Advisor on International Disability Rights Sara Minkara traveled to Greece on April 24-28 to participate in the Delphi Economic Forum where she spoke about the importance of inclusive education, healthcare, and disability rights in the context of the climate crisis.


Democracy & Human Rights

Designation of Sri Lankan Governor Due to Involvement in a Gross Violation of Human Rights

The United States is designating Wasantha Karannagoda, Governor of North Western Province in Sri Lanka, pursuant to Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2023, due to his involvement in a gross violation of human rights during his tenure as a Naval Commander.


Democracy & Human Rights

U.S.-EU Consultations Reinforce Strong Commitment to Human Rights

Today in Brussels, Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Erin Barclay and EU Special Representative for Human Rights Eamon Gilmore co-chaired the 2023 U.S.-EU Human Rights Consultations.


Democracy & Human Rights

Keynote Remarks to the Opening Plenary of the Towards a More Safe and Secure World IVLP

Good morning and welcome to Washington, everyone! It is an honor to kick off your three-week program and host you in-person at the Department of State.


Democracy & Human Rights

Meeting the Moment: Cities at the Nexus of Climate Change, Migration, and Displacement

I am thrilled to be here with you for this important discussion on cities at the nexus of climate change, migration, and displacement.


Democracy & Human Rights

Role of Local Governments in the Reception and Integration of Migrants and Refugees in Cities in the Americas

Good afternoon and welcome to today’s session on the role of local governments in receiving and integrating migrants and refugees in cities in the Americas.


Democracy & Human Rights

Promoting an Integrated City-Led Approach to Violence Prevention

Thank you to the City of Denver and Mayor Hancock for hosting the inaugural Cities Summit of the Americas.


Democracy & Human Rights

Cities on a Hill: Reflections on the Inaugural Cities Summit of the Americas

Cities are on the front lines of the biggest issues facing our world today. From the climate and pollution crises to questions of effective democratic governance, cities are where it all happens.


Democracy & Human Rights

Senior Official for Global Women’s Issues Fotovat Travels to the United Arab Emirates, Germany, Moldova, and Denmark

Senior Official to the Secretary of State in the Office of Global Women’s Issues Katrina Fotovat will travel to Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Berlin, Germany; Chisinau, Moldova; and Copenhagen, Denmark from May 3–16.


Democracy & Human Rights

Special Envoy Finkenauer’s Travel to Indonesia

U.S. Department of State Special Envoy for Global Youth Issues Abby Finkenauer will travel to Bali, Indonesia, May 1 to 5 to participate in the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Women’s Leadership Academy.



Democracy & Human Rights

Narrowing the Gender Digital Divide: Empowering Girls Around the Globe to Build Digital Skills for a Lifetime

On April 27, the U.S. Department of State recognizes International Girls in ICT Day to celebrate girls excelling in Information and Communications Technology (ICT).


Democracy & Human Rights

U.S. Department of State Announces TechWomen Delegation Travel to Kazakhstan, Aims to Increase Number of Women and Girls in STEM

Thirteen executives from Amazon Web Services, Chegg, Hillstra Associates, Jacobs, Marvell Technology Inc., MicroBlocks, Northgate Environmental Management, Salesforce, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and Workday will travel as a TechWomen.


Democracy & Human Rights

Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas at a Joint Press Availability

Well, good morning, everyone. Let me just say at the top that besides being delighted to be joined by Secretary Mayorkas, I also want to take this opportunity to say how thrilled I am that we have Matt Miller joining us as our new spokesperson.


Democracy & Human Rights

Ambassador Hussain’s Travel to Israel and the West Bank

U.S. Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom Rashad Hussain traveled to Israel and the West Bank on April 13-18 to meet with government and civil society leaders as well as representatives of faith communities during the convergence of Ramadan, Passover, and Easter.


Democracy & Human Rights

NgiraNk'abandi - Treat Me As You Treat Others

This activity aims to improve access to prevention, care, and treatment services free of stigma and discrimination to reduce HIV transmission among key populations in Burundi.