Latest News
On Internet Freedom at the Closing Plenary of the OSCE Internet 2013 Conference
AS DELIVERED I am pleased to join you in addressing a defining challenge of the 21st century: upholding Internet Freedom. I commend the RFOM for convening this Conference and note... Read More
Ambassador Kelly on the EU Statement Concerning the Case of Warren Lee Hill
AS DELIVERED Thank you, Mr. Chairman. As we have consistently noted, international law does not prohibit the death penalty or otherwise require imposition of a moratorium on executions with a... Read More
Ambassador Kelly's Response to the Address by Secretary General of the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation H.E. Mr. Victor Tvircun
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The United States welcomes the Secretary General of the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation, Ambassador Victor Tvircun, to the Permanent Council, and we thank... Read More
Ambassador Kelly Statement on Arrests of Activists in Azerbaijan
Thank You, Mr. Chairman. We have seen reports that two Azerbaijani political activists have been detained and charged in connection with demonstrations on January 23-24 in the town of Ismayilli. ... Read More
Ambassador Kelly on LGBT Harassment and Political Prisoners in Belarus
The Belarusian MFA issued a report last week critical of the human rights performance of 25 countries, including the United States. The delegation of Belarus cited this report at the... Read More
Key Excerpts from Secretary Kerry’s First Week
I am proud to take on this job because I want to work for peace – (applause) – and because the values and the ideals of our nation are really... Read More
One Billion Rising
About the Author: Ambassador Luis CdeBaca serves as Senior Advisor to the Secretary of State and directs the State Department's Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons. Today all... Read More
Spokesperson Nuland on the Situation in Maldives
The United States is concerned about ongoing events in Male. We urge all sides to remain calm, reject the use of violence, and avoid rhetoric that could increase tensions. Former... Read More
TechWomen Collaborate, Code, and Connect in Jordan
Lee Satterfield serves as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Cultural and Professional Exchanges in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Last week in Jordan 50 women from Algeria,... Read More
The Crisis in Mali: U.S. Interests and the International Response
Thank you very much Chairman Royce, Ranking Member Engel, and Members of the Committee for the chance to testify before you on this important topic. The evolving crisis in Mali... Read More
A Diverse and Socially Inclusive America Needs to Share Its Story
About the Author: Tara D. Sonenshine serves as Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs. Diversity is our strength, and everyone, including persons with disabilities, has important... Read More
Terrorist Attack on Camp Hurriya in Iraq
The United States condemns in the strongest terms the vicious and senseless terrorist attack that took place this morning at Camp Hurriya killing 6 people and injuring dozens more. We... Read More
State Department Contributes $171 Million to Help Refugees
The United States is pleased to announce an initial contribution of over $171 million toward the 2013 operations of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). This year’s initial... Read More
Finding a Lasting Solution to Instability in The Democratic Republic of the Congo
ASSISTANT SECRETARY CARSON: Good afternoon, everyone in a very, very crowded audience. I want to, first of all, thank Dr. Kimenyi for his warm introduction, and also the Brookings Institution... Read More
Breaking Down the Numbers of the Syrian Refugee Crisis
Caroline Raclin is a Special Assistant in the Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM) at the U.S. Department of State. She traveled with a joint State Department-USAID delegation to... Read More
The World Refugee Crisis
Thank you, for that kind introduction. And thank you to the Young Leaders of the World Affairs Council for your invitation to join you. And thank you for devoting your... Read More
Progress on Political Prisoners in Burma
The United States welcomes the Burmese Government’s announcement that it has authorized the formation of a Committee on Political Prisoners comprised of government officials, civil society actors, and political parties... Read More
International Day of Zero Tolerance to FGM: Working Together To End a Devastating Practice
Melanne Verveer serves as Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women's Issues. On February 6, 2013, in observance of the tenth anniversary of the International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation,... Read More
Yemen’s National Dialogue
The United States welcomes the announcement that the Yemeni National Dialogue will begin on March 18. This is a positive development, and we commend the leadership of President Hadi and... Read More
Roundtable Discussion with Afghan Press on Democracy and Human Rights
Assistant Secretary Posner: I am very pleased to be back in Afghanistan. Over the last three days in Kabul and Jalalabad, I have had a series of very informative, productive... Read More
