Latest News
2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Bangladesh
By State Newswire Report | May 31, 2023
The constitution designates Islam as the state religion but upholds the principle of secularism.
2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Bhutan
By State Newswire Report | May 31, 2023
The constitution recognizes Buddhism as the state’s “spiritual heritage,” provides for freedom of religion, and bans discrimination based on religious belief.
2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Uzbekistan
By State Newswire Report | May 31, 2023
The constitution provides for freedom of religion or belief and separation of government and religion.
2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Afghanistan
By State Newswire Report | May 31, 2023
The United States has not yet decided whether to recognize the Taliban or any other entity as the Government of Afghanistan or as part of such a government.
2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Pakistan
By State Newswire Report | May 31, 2023
The constitution establishes Islam as the state religion and requires all provisions of the law to be consistent with Islam.
2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Sri Lanka
By State Newswire Report | May 31, 2023
The constitution provides for freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, including the freedom to change religion.
2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Turkmenistan
By State Newswire Report | May 31, 2023
The constitution establishes the republic as a secular country and provides for the freedom of religion and for the right of individuals to choose their religion, express and disseminate their religious beliefs, and participate in religious observances and ceremonies.
2022 Report on International Religious Freedom:Tajikistan
By State Newswire Report | May 31, 2023
The constitution provides for the right, individually or jointly with others, to adhere to any religion or to no religion and to participate in religious customs and ceremonies.
2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Kyrgyzstan
By State Newswire Report | May 31, 2023
The constitution guarantees freedom of conscience and religion and bans religious groups from undertaking actions inciting religious hatred.
2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Nepal
By State Newswire Report | May 31, 2023
The constitution establishes the country as a “secular state” but defines secular as the “protection of religion and culture handed down from the time immemorial.”
Remarks for Deputy Secretary Sherman Indian Ocean Conference
By State Newswire Report | May 31, 2023
Hello, and thank you to Prime Minister Hasina and Foreign Minister Momen for hosting the 2023 Indian Ocean Conference and for inviting me to speak to this esteemed group.
On the Enactment of Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act
By State Newswire | May 30, 2023
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.
The United States and Sweden: A Strong Partnership for the Transatlantic Region and the World
By State Newswire | May 30, 2023
News Release: The shared history between the United States and Sweden goes back 240 years ago, when our two countries signed the Treaty of Amity and Commerce. Sweden became the first country outside of the combatants in the Revolutionary War to formally recognize the United States as an independent country. Our common values continue to advance strong, successful, and increasingly sustainable societies in both our countries and around the world.
The United States and Sweden: A Strong Partnership for the Transatlantic Region and the World
By State Newswire | May 30, 2023
Release: The shared history between the United States and Sweden goes back 240 years ago, when our two countries signed the Treaty of Amity and Commerce. Sweden became the first country outside of the combatants in the Revolutionary War to formally recognize the United States as an independent country. Our common values continue to advance strong, successful, and increasingly sustainable societies in both our countries and around the world.
McCaul Presses State Department to Give All Committee Members Access to Afghanistan Dissent Channel Cable and Response
By State Newswire | May 30, 2023
News Release: Washington, D.C. - Chairman Michael McCaul is once again reiterating that all House Foreign Affairs Committee Members must be granted access to the July 2021 Dissent Channel cable as well as the State Department’s official response in order to satisfy the March 28th subpoena he issued. Chairman McCaul...
Troika and EU Response to African Union Communiqué of 27 May
By State Newswire | May 30, 2023
Release: Norway, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and the European Union [the Troika plus EU] welcome the African Union (AU) Communiqué of 27 May following the Heads of State and Government Peace & Security Council meeting on Sudan. We agree with the AU’s condemnation of the actions of the two...
Concerns Over Potential use of New Polish Legislation to Target Opposition
By State Newswire | May 30, 2023
News Release: The U.S. Government is concerned by the Polish government’s passage of new legislation that could be misused to interfere with Poland’s free and fair elections. We share the concerns expressed by many observers that this law to create a commission to investigate Russian influence could be used to block ...
On the Enactment of Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act
By State Newswire | May 30, 2023
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.
Troika and EU Response to African Union Communiqué of 27 May
By State Newswire | May 30, 2023
News Release: Norway, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and the European Union [the Troika plus EU] welcome the African Union (AU) Communiqué of 27 May following the Heads of State and Government Peace & Security Council meeting on Sudan. We agree with the AU’s condemnation of the actions of the two ...
McCaul Presses State Department to Give All Committee Members Access to Afghanistan Dissent Channel Cable and Response
By State Newswire | May 30, 2023
News Release: Washington, D.C. - Chairman Michael McCaul is once again reiterating that all House Foreign Affairs Committee Members must be granted access to the July 2021 Dissent Channel cable as well as the State Department’s official response in order to satisfy the March 28th subpoena he issued. Chairman McCaul...