PRESS STATEMENT THE SECRETARY OF STATE JUNE 3, 2023 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 …
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United States Mission to the United Nations Office of Press and Public Diplomacy For Immediate Release June 1, 2023 Statement by Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield on LGBTQI+ Pride Month Pride Month is a time to celebrate the progress that we have made so far in securing protections for the human rights of the LGBTQI+ community. It …
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By ShareAmerica May 11, 2023 Heidi Kühn walked through her first minefield, in Dragalić, Croatia, in 2000. Workers there asked her blood type in case she stepped on a land mine. “That was such a defining moment,” Kühn said. “I was with a friend and we looked at each other in the eye and we …
Read More» FACT SHEET OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON MAY 19, 2023 The United States will continue to take actions against Russia until it ends its brutal and illegal war against Ukraine. The United States is implementing commitments made at the G7 Leaders’ Summit to increase costs for Russia and those who support its war effort. Among others, …
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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY PRESS RELEASES MAY 25, 2023 WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned Ivan Aleksandrovich Maslov (Maslov), the head of Russian Private Military Company ‘Wagner’ (Wagner Group) paramilitary units and its principal administrator based in Mali. The Wagner Group and its leader, …
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Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield U.S. Representative to the United Nations New York, New York May 23, 2023 AS DELIVERED Thank you very much, President Berset. And I particularly want to thank Switzerland for making the pressing issue of conflict-induced food security a centerpiece of its presidency. This is also a very high priority for the U.S. …
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Ambassador Robert Wood Alternate Representative for Special Political Affairs New York, New York May 18, 2023 AS DELIVERED Thank you, Madam President, and I thank Mr. Ebo for his detailed briefing. We gather again just weeks after discussing this same topic and, unfortunately, little has changed. We’re here again listening to Russia’s allegations that arms …
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WHITE HOUSE MAY 17, 2023 Everyone is entitled to be treated with dignity and equality—no matter whom they love, or how they identify. On the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia, we reaffirm our commitment to this ongoing work and stand with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) people around the world. …
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Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield U.S. Representative to the United Nations New York, New York May 11, 2023 AS DELIVERED MODERATOR: Welcome to the New York Foreign Press Center. We’re honored to have two distinguished briefers with us today who will speak on the Black Sea Grain Initiative: Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, U.S. Representative to the United Nations; …
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United States Mission to the United Nations Office of Press and Public Diplomacy For Immediate Release May 15, 2023 Media Note: Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield Announces United States to Join Council of Europe’s Register of Damage for Ukraine The United States has expressed its intent to join the Council of Europe’s “Register of Damage Caused by …
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By ShareAmerica Free, independent media allow the public to make informed decisions, hold leaders accountable and hear a diversity of opinions — all free of government influence. Journalists in the United States can report on public health questions, question elected officials — sometimes aggressively — and raise controversial issues without fear of reprisal. “Information and …
Read More» Trina Saha Deputy Political Coordinator New York, New York May 12, 2023 AS DELIVERED The United States takes seriously allegations of violations of human rights, including the freedom of religion or belief. We expect all countries to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms. However, it is hard to take seriously Russia’s meeting today as a …
Read More» WHITE HOUSE MAY 12, 2023 Chemical weapons have wrought unthinkable horrors upon our world, and should never again be developed or deployed—period. That’s the commitment the world made when the Chemical Weapons Convention created the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons in 1997—and it’s a commitment we must renew every day until our world …
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By ShareAmerica The European Union is producing all-time highs of wind and solar energy as the 27-country group works to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels from Russia. Four months after Vladimir Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the European Commission launched REPowerEU . This campaign aims to: Boost the use of renewable energy. …
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PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE MAY 3, 2023 On the 30th annual World Press Freedom Day, the United States extends our deep gratitude to the remarkable journalists and media professionals around the world whose work ensures the flow of information and ideas that form the lifeblood of free and open societies. Today …
Read More» PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE APRIL 27, 2023 The United States has no higher commitment than bringing home wrongfully detained Americans. Today, we are promoting accountability for those responsible for wrongfully detaining U.S. nationals abroad. Our actions are a clear and direct warning to those around the world who wrongfully detain U.S. …
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Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield U.S. Representative to the United Nations New York, New York April 24, 2023 AS DELIVERED QUESTION: Ambassador, it’s great to have you with us. I want to ask you about one of Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov’s stronger comments that he made today. FOREIGN MINISTER SERGEI LAVROV: As was the case in …
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Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield U.S. Representative to the United Nations New York, New York April 24, 2023 AS DELIVERED Let me start by thanking Secretary-General Guterres for your remarks, and to thank you and the entire UN system for all of your efforts to promote peace and security and to support the UN Charter. And thank …
Read More» WHITE HOUSE APRIL 24, 2023 Today, we pause to remember the lives lost during the Meds Yeghern—the Armenian genocide— and renew our pledge to never forget. On April 24, 1915, Ottoman authorities arrested Armenian intellectuals and community leaders in Constantinople—the start of a systematic campaign of violence against the Armenian community. In the years that …
Read More» THE WHITE HOUSE APRIL 20, 2023 Jill and I extend our best wishes to Muslim communities across the country and around the world as you celebrate Eid al-Fitr and conclude the holy month of Ramadan. With the sighting of the crescent moon, Eid al-Fitr is a festive celebration where Muslims feast after the holy month …
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U.S. Ambassador Tracy’s Statement on Wrongfully Detained U.S. Citizen Evan Gershkovich Outside Moscow City Court 18 April, 2023 I am speaking to you today from the steps of the Moscow City Court, where we observed today’s hearing on Evan Gershkovich’s case. I can say how troubling it was to see Evan, an innocent journalist, held …
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Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield U.S. Representative to the United Nations New York, New York April 17, 2023 AS DELIVERED AMBASSADOR LINDA THOMAS-GREENFIELD: I am delivering this statement on behalf of the following countries: Albania, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, …
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PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE APRIL 17, 2023 On Yom HaShoah we remember and honor the six million Jews and the millions of others the Nazis murdered including Roma, LGBTQI+ persons, Slavs, and persons with disabilities. We honor them not only as they died, but as they lived, fought, and loved. We …
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PRESS STATEMENT APRIL 17TH, 2023 The court’s decision today to sentence Vladimir Kara-Murza to 25 years in prison for expressing an opinion critical of the policies of his government is another terrible sign of the repression that has taken hold in Russia. We call for his immediate release. The right to have political opinions, or …
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Ngoyi Ngoyi Political Advisor New York, New York April 5, 2023 AS DELIVERED Since Russia’s illegal and unprovoked war in Ukraine began, Russia has forcibly separated thousands of children, aged between 4 months and 17 years old, from their families or legal guardians and moved them to over 40 different facilities in Russia-occupied parts of …
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By ShareAmerica Around the world and in the United States people who identify as Russian continue to show support for the people of Ukraine and freedom. To mark one year since the Kremlin launched its full-scale war against Ukraine, many Russians in the United States took to the streets February 24 to voice their opposition, …
Read More» PRESS STATEMENT VEDANT PATEL, PRINCIPAL DEPUTY SPOKESPERSON APRIL 10, 2023 Today, Secretary Blinken made a determination that Evan Gershkovich is wrongfully detained by Russia. Journalism is not a crime. We condemn the Kremlin’s continued repression of independent voices in Russia, and its ongoing war against the truth. The U.S. government will provide all appropriate support …
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USAID has provided Ukraine with $400 million in winter-related assistance to help Ukrainians access heat, hot water, electricity, healthcare, and basic supplies during winter. This winter, Putin sought to destroy Ukraine’s energy infrastructure in an attempt to break the will of the Ukrainian people, but Ukrainians stood strong and the United States stood alongside them. …
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PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE MARCH 30, 2023 We are deeply concerned over Russia’s widely-reported detention of a U.S. citizen journalist. We are in contact with the Wall Street Journal on this situation. Whenever a U.S. citizen is detained abroad, we immediately seek consular access, and seek to provide all appropriate support. …
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PRESS STATEMENT NED PRICE, DEPARTMENT SPOKESPERSON FEBRUARY 27, 2023 Eight years have passed since Boris Nemtsov’s assassination in downtown Moscow. Nemtsov was a former Deputy Prime Minister of Russia, a political activist, and a reformer; someone who devoted his life to improving the lives of his fellow citizens. He was fearless and outspoken, andhis civic …
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The Royal Castle in Warsaw Warsaw, Poland 5:39 P.M. CET THE PRESIDENT: Hello, Poland! (Applause.) One of our great allies. President Duda, Prime Minister — Mr. Prime Minister, Mr. Mayor, and to all the former ministers and presidents, as well as mayors and Polish political leaders from all across the country: Thank you for welcoming …
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MEDIA NOTE OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON DECEMBER 8, 2022 The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America, Australia, Canada, Chile, Iceland, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. Begin Text: The undersigned Foreign Ministers for country members of the Global Partnership for Action …
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PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE DECEMBER 8, 2022 This morning, I joined President Biden, Vice President Harris, National Security Advisor Sullivan, and Cherelle Griner in the Oval Office, as Cherelle spoke to her wife Brittney, who is now on her way back to the United States and to her wife’s loving embrace. …
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PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE NOVEMBER 25, 2022 Today we recognize the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign. Despite great strides to prevent and respond to the pervasiveness of gender-based violence around the world, violence remains …
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MEDIA NOTE OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON NOVEMBER 18, 2022 The Conflict Observatory, a program supported by the U.S. Department of State, released an independent report today that details numerous instances of unjust detentions and disappearances in Kherson, Ukraine, as they relate to Russia’s ongoing filtration operations. Russia must halt these operations and withdraw its forces to end a needless war …
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ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE OCTOBER 27, 2022 PRESS STATEMENT The United States joins the international community in marking the 24th occasion of International Religious Freedom Day. Freedom of religion or belief is a founding principle of our nation, enshrined in our Constitution. Americans cherish the right to worship, or not worship, as they …
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Last week, Russian authorities initiated a new criminal case against opposition leader and anticorruption campaigner Aleksey Navalny for allegedly, quote, “propagating extremism, calling for terrorism, financing extremist activity, and rehabilitating Nazism.” Those, of course, were their charges. These charges could result in a cumulative 30 years’ imprisonment. Only two days before the outrageous new charges …
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Statement of U.S. Embassy Moscow CDA Elizabeth Rood Following U.S. Citizen Brittney Griner’s Hearing Moscow Oblast Court October 25, 2022 Today was another sad day for the rule of law in the Russian Federation. In the case of U.S. citizen Brittney Griner, the appeals court made a slight reduction in her sentence for time served …
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THE WHITE HOUSE BRIEFING ROOM STATEMENTS AND RELEASES OCTOBER 25, 2022 We are aware of the news out of Russia that Brittney Griner will continue to be wrongfully detained under intolerable circumstances after having to undergo another sham judicial proceeding today. President Biden has been very clear that Brittney should be released immediately. In recent …
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NED PRICE, DEPARTMENT SPOKESPERSON SEPTEMBER 29, 2022 PRESS STATEMENT The United States welcomes the opening statements in the trial of Félicien Kabuga at the Hague branch of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT), the successor mechanism to the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR). Indicted for genocide and crimes against humanity, Kabuga is …
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Warsaw Human Dimension Conference: Plenary Session V Rights of persons belonging to national minorities; Treatment of citizens of other States and human rights of migrants; Roma and Sinti issues; Equal opportunities and rights for women and men; Violence against women and children As prepared for delivery by Ambassador Michael G. Kozak, Head of the U.S. …
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Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield U.S. Representative to the United Nations New York, New York September 30, 2022 AS DELIVERED Let me thank all of you for waiting to see us this afternoon. The illegal referenda that Russia held in Ukraine and the purported annexations of Ukrainian territory by force are a violation of the UN Charter and international law. They change nothing about the status and borders of Ukraine. That is the firmly-held conviction of the United States. This is the firmly-held conviction of the Secretary-General. And as you saw just …
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ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE SEPTEMBER 29, 2022 PRESS STATEMENT The Kremlin’s sham referenda are a futile effort to mask what amounts to a further attempt at a land grab in Ukraine. To be clear: the results were orchestrated in Moscow and do not reflect the will of the people of Ukraine. The United …
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OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON SEPTEMBER 29, 2022 MEDIA NOTE The text of the following statement was announced by the envoys for Holocaust issues or their equivalent from Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Netherlands, Romania, United Kingdom, and the United States of America on behalf of their Governments. Begin Text: We must never forget the …
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ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE SEPTEMBER 26, 2022 PRESS STATEMENT The United States today committed an additional $457.5 million in civilian security assistance to enhance the efforts of Ukrainian law enforcement and criminal justice agencies to improve their operational capacity and save lives as they continue to help defend the Ukrainian people, their freedom, …
Read More» NED PRICE, DEPARTMENT SPOKESPERSON SEPTEMBER 25, 2022 PRESS STATEMENT The United States welcomes the release of several political prisoners in Belarus including Aleh Hurzdzilovich, a Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty journalist. While the release of these political prisoners is a step in the right direction, too many political prisoners remain behind bars in Belarus. We call …
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NED PRICE, DEPARTMENT SPOKESPERSON PRESS STATEMENT SEPTEMBER 22, 2022 The United States and 37 other countries invoked the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe’s (OSCE) Moscow Mechanism on July 28 to examine the Russia’s adherence to its OSCE Human Dimension commitments on human rights and fundamental freedoms. In the report released today in Vienna , the expert mission found that a …
Read More» ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE FOREIGN PRESS CENTER NEW YORK, N.Y. SEPTEMBER 19, 2022 REMARKS SECRETARY BLINKEN: Good morning, everyone. Before we begin, let me just take a moment to again welcome the safe return of Mark Frerichs, an American Navy veteran who spent more than two and a half years in captivity in …
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MEDIA NOTE OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON SEPTEMBER 15, 2022 President Putin’s unjustified war against Ukraine puts millions around the globe at risk of increasing food insecurity. The Kremlin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, one of the world’s largest exporters of food, has led to the damage or outright destruction of many of Ukraine’s arterial roads, railways, …
Read More» 09/09/2022 07:21 PM EDT Ned Price, Department Spokesperson The United States is deeply concerned by the Russian Government’s escalating, arbitrary interference with Aleksey Navalny’s rights. Prison authorities have interfered with Navalny’s preparation of his defense and ability to communicate freely with his counsel, including through supervision of his meetings and imposed delays in the exchanges …
Read More» Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield U.S. Representative to the United Nations New York, New York September 7, 2022 AS DELIVERED Thank you, Mr. President. And also thank you to Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo and Assistant-Secretary-General Kehris for your briefings. And thank you so much, Ms. Drik, for offering a stark and credible view on the situation from a civil …
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REMARKS ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE DR. KARI JOHNSTONE, ACTING DIRECTOR OFFICE TO MONITOR AND COMBAT TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS BEN FRANKLIN ROOM WASHINGTON, D.C. JULY 1, 2021 MS JOHNSTONE: Good afternoon, and welcome. My name is Kari Johnstone. I am the acting director of the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons. Thank …
Read More» PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE JUNE 1, 2021 During this year’s Pride Month, we celebrate an important message: “You are Included.” The diverse experiences, perspectives, and contributions of the State Department community make our institution stronger and advance the goals of American diplomacy. Out of many, we are one. The Department has committed to increasing U.S. engagement on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and …
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PRESS STATEMENT NED PRICE, DEPARTMENT SPOKESPERSON FEBRUARY 25, 2021 We are disturbed by reports that a Russian court sentenced Valentina Baranovskaya and her son, Roman Baranovsky, to terms of two and six years in a Russian penal colony, respectively, simply for being practicing Jehovah’s Witnesses. The sentencing of Valentina, a 69-year-old stroke victim, is particularly …
Read More» The United States is committed to a world in which human rights are protected, their defenders are celebrated, and those who commit human rights abuses are held accountable. Promoting respect for human rights is not something we can do alone, but is best accomplished working with our allies and partners across the globe. President Biden …
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U.S. Ambassador to the Russian Federation, John J. Sullivan Moscow City Court, February 3, 2021 – Appeal hearing of U.S. citizen Trevor Reed Ambassador Sullivan: Well, good afternoon, everyone. I’m John Sullivan, the U.S. Ambassador to the Russian Federation. I have been here today to attend the court proceeding, the appellate proceeding, for Trevor Reed, …
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“We all must continue to strive for global respect for the inalienable rights belonging to all individuals, regardless of their race, gender, sexual identity, disability, or any other characteristic. Over the course of my career, I have seen the progress that can be made when nations invest in the protection of human rights of all …
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On Friday, July 17, our country lost a civil rights icon, Representative John Lewis, following a six-month battle with pancreatic cancer. When he was diagnosed with the disease, John Lewis took it in stride, stating that he had been in some kind of fight – for freedom, equality, and basic human rights – for nearly …
Read More» United States Mission to the OSCE As prepared for delivery by Political Counselor Gregory Macris to the Permanent Council, Vienna For Immediate Release July 5, 2018 I would like to draw everyone’s attention to the release of the 2018 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report on June 28. The theme of the 2018 TIP Report is, …
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United States Mission to the United Nations Office of Press and Public Diplomacy As delivered by Political Counselor Gregory Macris to the Permanent Council, Vienna For Immediate Release July 5, 2018 Thank you, Mr. Chair. Less than two months ago, the United States joined other participating States at the Permanent Council in expressing concern about …
Read More» Statement by Spokesperson Heather Nauert: We are troubled by the news that the head of the local Chechen branch office of the Russian human rights NGO Memorial, Oyub Titiev, has been arrested. This is the latest in a string of reports of alarming recent human rights violations in Chechnya. We call on Chechen authorities to …
Read More» Heather Nauert, State Department Spokesperson: “The Russian Supreme Court’s decision this week against the Jehovah’s Witnesses is the latest in a disturbing trend of persecution of religious minorities in Russia. We urge the Russian authorities to lift the ban on Jehovah’s Witnesses’ activities in Russia, to reverse the closing of the Jehovah’s Witnesses Administrative Center, …
Read More» Heather Nauert , Department Spokesperson: “Today, we mark with sadness the eighth anniversary of the murder of human rights defender and journalist Natalya Estemirova and the thirteenth anniversary of the murder of American journalist and editor Paul Klebnikov, both killed in Russia. Ms. Estemirova, renowned for her writing and activism on human rights abuses in …
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White House Spokesperson Sean Spicer: “[T]he United States strongly condemns the detention of hundreds of peaceful protestors throughout Russia that happened on June 12th. Detaining peaceful protestors, human rights observers, and journalists is an affront to core democratic values. The United States will monitor the situation, and we will call on the government of Russia …
Read More» Press statement by spokesperson Nauert: “We are gravely concerned about the safety and well-being of Murad Amriev, a Russian athlete from Chechnya, who was reportedly detained by Belarusian authorities and returned to Russia, where he may be in custody. Mr. Amriev has reportedly expressed fears of torture and abuse in Chechnya. We urge the Russian …
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U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations Nikki Haley speaks at the United Nations Human Rights Council on June 6, 2017.
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Deputy State Department Spokesperson Toner: We are deeply troubled by the Russian Government’s decision to designate Open Russia, the Open Russia Civic Movement, and the Institute of Modern Russia as so-called “undesirable” foreign organizations. We reject the notion that these and other international civil society organizations are a threat to Russia. If Russia hopes to …
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As president of the United Nations Security Council, Ambassador Nikki Haley, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, chaired a thematic debate on human rights. The debate marked the first time the Security Council held a meeting dedicated exclusively to human rights and its link to international peace and security, giving Security Council members the …
Read More» “We continue to be disturbed by reports of kidnapping, torture, and murder of people in Chechnya based on their sexual orientation and those persecuted by association. If true, this violation of human rights cannot be ignored – Chechen authorities must immediately investigate these allegations, hold anyone involved accountable, and take steps to prevent future abuses…”
Read More» “The United States strongly condemns the detention of hundreds of peaceful protesters throughout #Russia on Sunday. Detaining peaceful protesters, human rights observers, and journalists is an affront to core democratic values. We were troubled to hear of the arrest of opposition figure Alexei Navalny upon arrival at the demonstration, as well as the police raids …
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The annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices are the State Department’s most-read publication by far. Over 1 million readers access them online every year. And, says Michael Kozak, a senior adviser in the State Department’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, those readers can sort the accompanying online database by country or by issue, like the human rights of women or …
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As delivered by Deputy Chief of Mission Kate M. Byrnes to the Permanent Council, Vienna January 19, 2017 The United States is concerned about the December 28 decision by Chechnya’s Supreme Court to uphold the conviction of Zhalaudi Geriev, a local independent journalist. Mr. Geriev was detained by authorities April 16, 2016 near Grozny. Members …
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