Taking Steps to Impose Visa Restrictions on Individuals Involved in Undermining the Democratic Election Process in Bangladesh

The Department of State is taking steps to impose visa restrictions on Bangladeshi individuals responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic election process in Bangladesh. Read More»

United States Announces $116 Million in Humanitarian Assistance to People in Burma, Bangladesh, and the Region

The United States will provide more than $116 million in additional humanitarian assistance to support vulnerable populations in Burma, Bangladesh, and the region, including more than $74 million to support Rohingya refugees and their host communities. Read More»

Statement on the Sixth Anniversary of the Rohingya Genocide

Today marks six years since the Burma military’s brutal campaign of violence, rape, and murder against Rohingya men, women, and children. Read More»

Under Secretary Uzra Zeya’s Press Availability Following Her Meetings with Government of Bangladesh Officials

Thank you, Foreign Secretary Momen, for your kind hospitality. I was pleased to meet today with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Law Minister Anisul Huq, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, and Foreign Secretary Masud bin Momen to discuss the excellent partnership our two nations have built over the last five decades. Read More»

Honoring Human Rights Day: A Shared Responsibility to Protect Universal Freedoms

Seventy-four years ago, on the heels of the most destructive war in the history of the world, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and cemented a core principle:  human rights are universal.  People of every nationality, race, gender, disability, religion, and age are entitled to these rights.  All ... Read More»

Marking Five Years Since the Genocide in Burma

Five years ago, Burma’s military launched a brutal campaign against Rohingya – razing villages, raping, torturing, and perpetrating large-scale violence that killed thousands of Rohingya men, women, and children. Read More»

The United States Promotes Accountability for Human Rights Violations and Abuses

We are determined to put human rights at the center of our foreign policy, and we reaffirm this commitment by using appropriate tools and authorities to draw attention to and promote accountability for human rights violations and abuses, no matter where they occur. Read More»

Secretary Michael R. Pompeo At a Press Availability

On behalf of the United States, I want to extend our deepest condolences to all those who were affected by the massive explosion at the port of Beirut yesterday. Read More»

Statement by Secretary Pompeo on the World Press Freedom

On World Press Freedom Day, recognized around the world on May 3, we highlight the critical role of independent media in facilitating the open exchange of information and ideas so vital to free, prosperous, and secure democratic societies. Read More»

Statement by Ambassador Miller on World Press Freedom Day 2020 

On World Press Freedom Day, May 3, the United States joins countries around the world to reaffirm the universal right of free expression and the essential role press freedom plays in protecting democracy and keeping citizens informed and safe.  Read More»

Harassment of the Family Members of Uighur Activists and Survivors in Xinjiang, China

The United States remains deeply troubled by multiple reports that the government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has harassed, imprisoned, or arbitrarily detained family members of Uighur Muslim activists and survivors of Xinjiang internment camps who have made their stories public.  In some cases, these abuses occurred shortly after meetings with senior State ... Read More»

On-The-Record Briefing Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom Samuel Brownback

MR BROWN:  Everybody knows Ambassador Brownback.  He’s going to read out some of his recent travels and talk to you generally about efforts related to religious freedom.  This will be on the record, and you can use the audio, for those who have radio, for the duration of the opening statement and for questions.  So, ... Read More»

Burmese Military Criminal Complaint against Reverend Hkalam Samson

PRESS STATEMENT MORGAN ORTAGUS, DEPARTMENT SPOKESPERSON SEPTEMBER 5, 2019   The United States continues to support the efforts of the people of Burma to achieve a peaceful, prosperous, and democratic country that respects the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all people, including the freedom of expression. We are deeply concerned by the lodging of a criminal complaint against ... Read More»
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