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2022 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Turkmenistan

Release: According to its constitution, Turkmenistan is a secular democracy, although President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, son of former President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, controls all aspects of the country. Serdar Berdimuhamedov became president after the March 12 presidential election, which was not observed...


Regional Affairs

Economic Health Dialogue of the Americas Ministerial in Panama Fosters Preparedness for Future Pandemics in the Western Hemisphere

Release: On March 20, 2023, Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Jose W. Fernandez hosted the first Economic and Health Dialogue of the Americas (EHA) high-level ministerial meeting in partnership with the Panamanian government. The high-level dialogue of the EHA facilitated...


Regional Affairs

2022 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Pakistan

Release: Pakistan is a federal parliamentary republic. On April 11, parliament elected Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s Shehbaz Sharif as prime minister and head of government. This parliamentary election, conducted in accordance with procedures in the constitution, followed a successful no-confidence vote in the...


Regional Affairs

2022 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Bangladesh

Release: Bangladesh’s constitution provides for a parliamentary form of government that consolidates most power in the Office of the Prime Minister. In a December 2018 parliamentary election, Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League party won a third consecutive five-year term that kept her in office as prime minister.


Regional Affairs

Namibia National Day

Release: On behalf of the Government and the people of the United States of America, I extend heartfelt congratulations to the Namibian people as you celebrate 32 years of independence on March 21.


Regional Affairs

2022 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Kazakhstan

Release: Kazakhstan is a constitutional republic with power concentrated in the presidency. The government and constitution concentrate power in the presidency. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev became president in 2019 and was re-elected in November 20 snap elections. These elections were marked by a lack of competitiveness...


Regional Affairs

2022 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Sri Lanka

Release: Sri Lanka is a constitutional, multiparty, democratic republic with a freely elected government. Presidential elections were held in 2019, and Gotabaya Rajapaksa won the presidency. He resigned amid protests on July 14, and Parliament elected Ranil Wickremesinghe as president on July 21 to serve the...


Regional Affairs

2022 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Tajikistan

Release: Tajikistan is an authoritarian state dominated politically by President Emomali Rahmon and his supporters since 1992. The constitution provides for a multiparty political system, but the government has historically obstructed political pluralism. In April 2020 Rustam Emomali, the mayor of Dushanbe and...


Regional Affairs

2022 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Nepal

Release: Nepal is a federal democratic republic. The 2015 constitution established the political system, including the framework for a prime minister as the chief executive, a bicameral parliament, and seven provinces. On Nov. 20, Nepal held national elections that domestic and international observers reported...


Regional Affairs

2022 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Maldives

Release: The Republic of Maldives is a multiparty constitutional democracy. In 2018 voters elected Ibrahim Mohamed Solih president. Observers considered the election mostly free and fair despite a flawed pre-election process, which was overseen by the former administration. Parliamentary elections held in 2019 were well administered and transparent according to local and international observers.


Regional Affairs

2022 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: India

Release: India is a multiparty, federal, parliamentary democracy with a bicameral legislature. The president, elected by an electoral college composed of the state assemblies and parliament, is the head of state, and the prime minister is the head of government. The constitution gives the country’s 28 states...


Regional Affairs

2022 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Afghanistan

Release: The United States has not decided whether to recognize the Taliban or any other entity as the government of Afghanistan or as part of such a government. All references to “the pre-August 2021 government" refer to the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. References to the Taliban in this report do not denote or imply that the United States recognizes the Taliban as the government of Afghanistan.


Regional Affairs

Nowruz Message

Release: I wish a happy Nowruz to all those celebrating around the world. I hope the new year brings you happiness, health, and prosperity.


Regional Affairs

Tunisia National Day

Release: On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I extend my congratulations to the people of Tunisia on the 67th anniversary of their nation’s independence.


Regional Affairs

2022 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Venezuela

Release: While Venezuela is legally a multiparty, constitutional republic, the regime of Nicolas Maduro claims control over all public institutions. In November 2021, the Maduro regime organized regional and municipal elections largely perceived as skewed in their favor. Election observers and media reported...


Regional Affairs

2022 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices:

Release: Paraguay is a multiparty, constitutional republic. In 2018, Mario Abdo Benítez of the Colorado Party, also known as the National Republican Association, won the presidency in elections recognized as free and fair. Legislative elections took place at the same time.


Regional Affairs

2022 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Panama

Release: Panama is a multiparty constitutional democracy. In 2019 voters chose Laurentino Cortizo Cohen as president in national elections that international and domestic observers considered generally free and fair.


Regional Affairs

2022 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Antigua and Barbuda

Release: Antigua and Barbuda is a multiparty parliamentary democracy. The prime minister is the head of government and King Charles III is the head of state, represented by a governor general. The ruling Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party won a majority of seats in parliamentary elections, held in 2018. Observers deemed the elections free and fair.


Regional Affairs

2022 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Trinidad and Tobago

Release: The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is a parliamentary democracy governed by a prime minister and a bicameral legislature. The island of Tobago’s House of Assembly has some administrative autonomy over local matters. The country held parliamentary elections in 2020. The ruling People’s National Movement...


Regional Affairs

Additional U.S. Military Assistance for Ukraine

Release: This week, as Russia’s unconscionable war of aggression against Ukraine continues at greathuman cost, we are again reminded of the boundless courage and steadfast resolve of theUkrainian people, and the strong support for Ukraine across the international community.