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Regional Affairs

Imposing Sanctions on Syrian Financial Facilitators

Release: Today, the United States is designating under Caesar Act authorities two Syrian money service businesses and affiliated three individuals that provide financial support to the Assad regime. These two Damascus-based exchange companies have facilitated millions of dollars in transfers since 2021 to accounts...



Regional Affairs

Department of State Celebrates Groundbreaking of New U.S. Embassy in Port Louis, Mauritius

Release: As a demonstration of the enduring commitment to strengthening the relationship between the United States, Mauritius and the region, Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard Verma and U.S. Ambassador to Mauritius Henry Jardine, with representatives...


Regional Affairs

Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson at a Joint Press Availability

Release: PRIME MINISTER KRISTERSSON: Okay. Most welcome to this press conference, and most welcome to Luleå, Secretary Blinken.



Regional Affairs

2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Costa Rica

The constitution recognizes Roman Catholicism as the state religion; the law requires the state to contribute to the Catholic Church’s maintenance.


Regional Affairs

2022 Report on International Religious Freedom:

The constitution grants individuals the right to choose, practice, and change religions; it prohibits discrimination based on religion.


Regional Affairs

2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Suriname

The constitution provides for freedom of religion. Both the constitution and the penal code prohibit discrimination based on religion. Any violation may be brought before a court of justice.


Regional Affairs

2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Nicaragua

The constitution prohibits discrimination based on religion; provides for freedom of belief, religion, and worship; and states no one “shall be obligated by coercive measures to declare his or her ideology or beliefs.”


Regional Affairs

Remarks by Ambassador Beth Van Schaack for the Special Jurisdiction for Peace, Colombia: "Delivering Justice and Accountability in Colombia"

Release: It is a privilege to be here today, standing beside President Roberto Vidal. The Special Jurisdiction for Peace’s (JEP) commitment to delivering justice and accountability in complex cases arising out of Colombia’s decades of conflict is inspiring and sets an example for the world.


Regional Affairs

2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Trinidad and Tobago

The constitution provides for freedom of conscience and religious belief and practice, including worship.


Regional Affairs

2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Venezuela

(References to a “regime” or “Maduro regime” below are not intended to indicate that the United States considers such entity a government. In 2019, the Department of State announced the temporary suspension of operations of the U.S. Embassy in Caracas and the withdrawal of diplomatic personnel, and it subsequently announced the opening of the Venezuela Affairs Unit (VAU), located at the U.S. Embassy in Bogota, Colombia.)


Regional Affairs

2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Colombia

The constitution provides for freedom of religion and the right to profess one’s religious beliefs.


Regional Affairs

2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Uruguay

The constitution provides for freedom of religion and affirms the state does not endorse any specific religion. Legal statutes prohibit discrimination based on religion.


Regional Affairs

2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Dominica

The constitution provides for freedom of religion, including freedom of thought, freedom to practice one’s religion, and freedom from taking oaths contrary to one’s beliefs.


Regional Affairs

2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Antigua and Barbuda

The constitution provides for freedom of thought and religion, as well as the right to practice and change one’s religion or belief.



Regional Affairs

Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa Hammer Travels to Djibouti and Ethiopia

Release: Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa (SEHOA) Ambassador Mike Hammer will travel May 31 - June 6 to Djibouti and Ethiopia. In Djibouti, Ambassador Hammer will participate in the East Africa Security Forum hosted by the United States Africa Command (USAFRICOM) and the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of...


Regional Affairs

2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Guatemala

The constitution provides for freedom of religion, including freedom of worship and the free expression of all beliefs.


Regional Affairs

2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Panama

The constitution, laws, and executive decrees provide for freedom of religion and worship and prohibit discrimination based on religion.