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Democracy & Human Rights

Three USAID-Supported Countries Successfully Eliminate Disabling Neglected Tropical Diseases

Following decades of health interventions supported by USAID, the World Health Organization officially validated three new countries as having eliminated disabling neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).


Democracy & Human Rights

USAID and Mars, Incorporated Announce Donation of $4 Million to Support Urgent Healthcare Needs in Ukraine

Today, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and Mars, Incorporated announced that Mars, Incorporated will donate $4 million to support the Agency’s mission to ease the strains on Ukraine’s health system caused by the Russian Federation’s brutal war against Ukraine.


Democracy & Human Rights

USAID Provides an Initial $450,000 in Additional Humanitarian Assistance in Response to Tropical Cyclone Mocha in Burma and Bangladesh

The United States, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is providing an initial $450,000 in humanitarian assistance to meet the immediate needs for the people of Burma and Bangladesh most affected by Cyclone Mocha.


Democracy & Human Rights

Condemning the Brutal Attack Against a U.S. Convoy In Nigeria

Yesterday, a U.S. convoy in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria was brutally attacked.


Democracy & Human Rights

World Day Against Child Labor

Release: On World Day Against Child Labor, we highlight the importance of partnership in combatting child labor. The recent G7 Summit in Hiroshima saw the United States and other leaders reaffirm their commitment to eradicate forced and compulsory labor, as well as child labor. They discussed measures such as...


Democracy & Human Rights

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

Release: 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 34th Anniversary of Tiananmen Square

Release: Tomorrow, we observe the 34th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre. On June 4th, 1989, the Government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) sent tanks into Tiananmen Square to brutally repress peaceful Chinese pro-democracy protesters and bystanders alike. The victims’ bravery will not be forgotten...


Democracy & Human Rights

On the Unrest in Senegal

Release: 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. We offer our deep condolences to the families and friends of those who have died, and we wish a fast and full recovery to those injured.


Democracy & Human Rights

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

Release: 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

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

Release: 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 

Release: 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.  Pride reminds us of the spirit of democratic protest and the principle that all persons are created equal and every individual’s full humanity should be equally respected.



Democracy & Human Rights

On the Enactment of Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act

Release: 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. Uganda’s failure to safeguard the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons is part of a broader degradation of human rights protections that puts Ugandan citizens at risk and damages the country’s reputation as a destination for investment, development, tourism, and refugees.


Democracy & Human Rights

Undemocratic Actions Ahead of Cambodian Elections

Release: 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

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

Release: 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."


Democracy & Human Rights

IRFBA Chair’s Statement on the arbitrary detention of Reverend Dr Hkalam Samson

Release: As Chair of the International Religious Freedom or Belief Alliance, I express grave concern over the imprisonment of Reverend Dr Hkalam Samson, former Head of the Kachin Baptist Convention and Chairman of the Kachin National Consultative Assembly, in Myanmar.


Democracy & Human Rights

Deepening U.S. Partnership with Papua New Guinea

Release: As the largest Pacific Island country, a likeminded democracy, APEC member, and regional energy provider, Papua New Guinea (PNG) is a key partner for the United States in the Indo-Pacific region. The United States will continue to partner with PNG on strengthening economic relations, security cooperation,...


Democracy & Human Rights

Joint Statement on Spain Joining the Global Equality Fund

The text of the following joint statement was issued by the Governments of the United States and Spain on the occasion of Spain joining the Global Equality Fund:


Democracy & Human Rights

Assistant Secretary Witkowsky’s Travel to Sweden and France

Assistant Secretary of State for Conflict and Stabilization Operations Anne A. Witkowsky will travel to Stockholm, Sweden, and Paris, France, May 22-26 for discussions with allies and partners on a range of conflict prevention, stabilization, and strategic coordination issues.


Democracy & Human Rights

U.S. Delegation on Atrocity Prevention and Response Travels to Denmark and Germany

Assistant Secretary of State for Conflict and Stabilization Operations Anne A. Witkowsky will lead a delegation composed of Special Assistant to the President and National Security Council Senior Director for Development, Global Health, and Humanitarian Response Paula Tufro;