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Democracy & Human Rights

LGBTQI+ Special Envoy Stern’s Travel to Geneva

Release: Jessica Stern, U.S. Special Envoy to Advance the Human Rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex (LGBTQI)+ Persons, will attend the 53rd Human Rights Council (HRC) session in Geneva, Switzerland from June 20 to June 23. On June 21, SE Stern will deliver the intervention on behalf...


Democracy & Human Rights

The United States and United Kingdom: A Historic Friendship and Enduring Alliance

Release: “Prime Minister Churchill and Roosevelt met here a little over 70 years ago, and they asserted that the strength of the partnership between Great Britain and the United States was the strength of the free world. I still think there’s truth to that assertion."


Democracy & Human Rights

The Malian Transition Government’s Withdrawal of Consent for MINUSMA

Release: The United States regrets the transition government of Mali’s decision to revoke its consent for MINUSMA. We are concerned about the effects this decision will have on the security and humanitarian crises impacting the Malian people. We will continue to work with our partners in West Africa to help them...


Democracy & Human Rights

Designation of Arvan Cloud and Affiliates That Have Aided Internet Censorship in Iran

Today, the United States is announcing additional sanctions in our effort to support the human rights and fundamental freedoms of the Iranian people, including the freedom of expression both online and offline including the freedom to access information via the Internet.


Democracy & Human Rights

Fiscal Year 2024 Western Hemisphere Budget Request

Remarks of Marcela Escobari, Assistant Administrator for Latin America and the Caribbean, Before the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere


Democracy & Human Rights

FY 2024 Budget Request For The Middle East And North Africa

The past year has been marked by severe and increasing pressures on the countries of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Shortages in wheat supplies caused by Putin’s continued war on Ukraine worsened already tenuous food security across the region, which also saw poor domestic harvests due to severe droughts and water shortages.


Democracy & Human Rights

Special Advisor on International Disability Rights Minkara’s Travel to New York

Special Advisor on International Disability Rights Sara Minkara will travel to New York City June 14, where she will observe the Conference of States Parties (COSP) to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).


Democracy & Human Rights

World Day Against Child Labor

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


Democracy & Human Rights

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.


Democracy & Human Rights

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.


Democracy & Human Rights

On the 34th Anniversary of Tiananmen Square

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


Democracy & Human Rights

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.



Democracy & Human Rights

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. 


Democracy & Human Rights

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.


Democracy & Human Rights

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.


Democracy & Human Rights

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.


Democracy & Human Rights

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.


Democracy & Human Rights

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.


Democracy & Human Rights

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.