8 March 2023 Thank you. And thank you, Secretary Blinken. Tony, when Joe selected you to be Secretary of State, he knew that we had so much to do abroad, from putting diplomacy at the center of foreign policy to rebuilding our global partnerships. And with every challenge we’ve faced, you have ensured that we’re …
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31 January 2023 During National Black History Month, we celebrate the legacy of Black Americans whose power to lead, to overcome, and to expand the meaning and practice of American democracy has helped our Nation become a more fair and just society. This country was established upon the profound but simple idea that all people …
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26 January 2023 Tomorrow, Jill and I will pause to mourn the six million Jews who were systematically and savagely murdered by the Nazis and their collaborators during the Holocaust — and to grieve the Roma and Sinti, Slavs, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and political dissidents who were also killed. As we join nations …
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PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE DECEMBER 9, 2022 On December 10, 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) affirming that “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.” Tomorrow, we honor the UDHR and its proclamation that human rights are to be …
Read More»![A young woman protesting against violence against women and girls by writing messages on her face ,asking to stop violence. [Photo Credit: Fahmida Choudhury Ealin/Shutterstock.com]](https://d2v9ipibika81v.cloudfront.net/uploads/sites/23/16days1-750x450.png "A young woman protesting against violence against women and girls by writing messages on her face ,asking to stop violence. [Photo Credit: Fahmida Choudhury Ealin/Shutterstock.com]")
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 …
Read More» 31 October 2022 During National Native American Heritage Month, we celebrate Indigenous peoples past and present and rededicate ourselves to honoring Tribal sovereignty, promoting Tribal self-determination, and upholding the United States’ solemn trust and treaty responsibilities to Tribal Nations. America has not always delivered on its promise of equal dignity and respect for Native Americans. …
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PRESS STATEMENT NED PRICE, DEPARTMENT SPOKESPERSON OCTOBER 26, 2022 On October 26, we commemorate Intersex Awareness Day and honor the many contributions intersex voices have made in the global struggle for inclusion, equality, and dignity for all. The Department of State is committed to promoting and protecting the human rights of all individuals, including intersex …
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20 June 2022 Today, on World Refugee Day, I join people around the world in recognizing the strength, resilience, and humanity of the millions of refugees forced to flee violence, persecution, and war. This is also a moment to honor the incredible generosity of host communities, the private sector, and state and local government across …
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On June 13th, on the occasion of Pride Month, U.S. Ambassador Mark Brzezinski presented an Open Letter of Support to the LGBTQI+ community on behalf of 46 embassies and representations based in Warsaw. The letter carries a positive message, affirming the fundamental rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international legal provisions. This …
Read More» MAY 17, 2022 On the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, Jill and I stand in support and solidarity with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex, (LGBTQI+) people in the United States and around the world. And we join with Americans across the country to reaffirm our commitment to the ongoing work of …
Read More» PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE MAY 17, 2022 The United States affirms today, on the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), that the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) persons are the same human rights to which all persons are entitled. As enshrined in Article 1 …
Read More» APRIL 29, 2022 In 1654, a small ship carrying 23 Jewish refugees sailed into the port of present-day New York City. Fleeing oppression and discrimination, these courageous women and men faced resistance from the colony’s leaders. Nevertheless, they secured the right to remain and became the first Jewish communal presence to settle on American soil. …
Read More» PRESS STATEMENT NED PRICE, DEPARTMENT SPOKESPERSON APRIL 1, 2022 The United States deeply regrets the decision by the Russian Federation to block consensus to extend the mandate of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM). The SMM provided invaluable reporting to OSCE participating States and the international community on the situation in eastern Ukraine, …
Read More» JANUARY 27, 2022 Today, we attempt to fill a piercing silence from our past—to give voice to the six million Jews who were systematically and ruthlessly murdered by the Nazis and their collaborators, and to remember the millions of Roma, Sinti, Slavs, disabled persons, LGBTQ+ individuals, and political dissidents who were killed during the Shoah. It was …
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DIPNOTE: HUMAN RIGHTS AND DEMOCRACY JALINA PORTER, PRINCIPAL DEPUTY SPOKESPERSON JANUARY 14, 2022 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. paved the way of peace, justice, pluralism, and civil rights on the global stage. We all owe Dr. King our deep gratitude for the ultimate sacrifices he made to lay the groundwork for freedom and equality for …
Read More» DECEMBER 02, 2021 Thirty-one years ago, the bipartisan passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) enshrined our commitment to building a better Nation for all of us. In the years since, we have made profound progress to advance the rights, opportunities, full participation, and economic self-sufficiency of people with disabilities — both here at …
Read More» PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE DECEMBER 2, 2021 On December 3 International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the United States remains steadfast in our commitment and resolve to advance the human rights of persons with disabilities at home and around the world. We urge foreign governments to engage persons with disabilities in the democratic process, to combat discrimination and abuse, counter prejudice, …
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PRESS STATEMENT NED PRICE, DEPARTMENT SPOKESPERSON NOVEMBER 29, 2021 On November 29, International Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRD) Day, the United States commemorates the work of women human rights defenders: all women and girls who work for human rights, all people who defend the rights of women and girls, and all people who defend the …
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NOVEMBER 24, 2021 This year, as we again mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, we must also grapple with the hard truth that the COVID-19 pandemic has also exacerbated a “shadow pandemic” of violence. Around the world, including in the United States, reports of domestic violence have increased during the …
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PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE NOVEMBER 24, 2021 Preventing and responding to gender-based violence (GBV) is a human rights imperative and one this Administration is committed to championing. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, GBV impeded women and girls’ free and full participation in society. The pandemic has only exacerbated existing gender inequities, …
Read More» NOVEMBER 20, 2021 This year, at least 46 transgender individuals in this country—and hundreds more around the world—were killed in horrifying acts of violence. Each of these lives was precious. Each of them deserved freedom, justice, and joy. Today, on Transgender Day of Remembrance, we mourn those we lost in the deadliest year on record …
Read More» PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE NOVEMBER 19, 2021 On November 20, we honor the lives of transgender and gender non-conforming people that have been taken from us by violence rooted in bias and intolerance. Around the world, transgender and gender non-conforming people are subjected to staggering levels of violence, harassment, and discrimination on the …
Read More» OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON AUGUST 18, 2021 This statement has been co-signed by Albania, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, European Union, Honduras, Guatemala, North Macedonia, New Zealand, Norway, Paraguay, Senegal, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. Begin Text: We are deeply worried about Afghan women …
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Cultural Affairs Officer Jeanne Briganti helped kick off the fourth edition of The Olga Lengyel Institute (TOLI) seminar, which provides training to educators around the world on Holocaust education and human rights. A group of 30 educators from all over Poland are participating in the seminar, which takes place in Warsaw, Oswiecim, and Krakow. Ms. Briganti joined Ms. Oana Nestian-Sandu, …
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US Embassy Warsaw For Immediate Release MEDIA NOTE July 2, 2021 Travel of Special Envoy for Holocaust Issues Cherrie Daniels to Poland The Department of State’s Special Envoy for Holocaust Issues , Cherrie Daniels , will make her second official visit to Poland July 2-11. Her first visit as Envoy was in January 2020, as part of the U.S. delegation to …
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#WordsMatter. We read carefully the comments that appear under our posts about equality for LGBTQI + people. Among them there are words full of support, but there are also comments that should have never been said. We asked a few people from the Polish LGBTQI+ environment to read comments in front of the camera …
Read More» JUNE 25, 2021 WASHINGTON – Today, ahead of his remarks at the White House for Pride Month, President Joe Biden announced that he will appoint Jessica Stern to be the U.S. Special Envoy to Advance the Human Rights of LGBTQI+ Persons at the Department of State – a role critical to ensuring that U.S. diplomacy …
Read More» JUNE 25, 2021 THE PRESIDENT: Well, my name is Joe Biden. I’m Jill Biden’s husband. (Laughter.) Ashton, thank you. You seemed awfully comfortable up here. (Laughter and applause.) You were awfully comfortable up here. I don’t know. I — I’m not sure I’ll be around, but, you know — (laughter) — if you’re here, just …
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PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE JUNE 18, 2021 Juneteenth, or June 19, is a reflective day to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States. On January 1, 1863, President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation to abolish slavery. Yet it wasn’t until two and a half years later, on June 19, …
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JUNE 01, 2021 The uprising at the Stonewall Inn in June, 1969, sparked a liberation movement — a call to action that continues to inspire us to live up to our Nation’s promise of equality, liberty, and justice for all. Pride is a time to recall the trials the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer …
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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 …
Read More» MEDIA NOTE OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON MAY 29, 2021 The undersigned members of the Media Freedom Coalition condemn in the strongest terms Belarus’ forced diversion and landing of a commercial aircraft and subsequent arrest of journalist Roman Protasevich. This unprecedented and shocking action constitutes a full frontal attack on media freedom and has serious implications …
Read More» MEDIA NOTE OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON MAY 27, 2021 The text of the following statement was released by the G7 foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America and the High Representative of the European Union. Begin Text: We, the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, …
Read More» MAY 25, 2021 Today, in the Oval Office, I met with George Floyd’s family. Although it has been one year since their beloved brother and father was murdered, for the family – for any family experiencing a profound loss – the first year can still feel like they got the news a few seconds ago. …
Read More» MAY 17, 2021 Jill and I are proud to recognize the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia — the anniversary of the day in 1990 when the World Health Organization took the long overdue step of declassifying ‘homosexuality’ as a mental disorder. So much has changed for the LGBTQI+ community since that day — …
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PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE MAY 16, 2021 This year’s May 17 marks 16 years since the first International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOTB). In the intervening period, the United States has endeavored to reaffirm the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all persons, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, …
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To commemorate the 78th anniversary of the outbreak of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising that took place on April 19, 1943, Chargé d’Affaires Bix Aliu expressed solidarity with the “Daffodils” social and educational campaign being conducted online this year by the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews. Reflecting on this solemn moment in history, Chargé d’Affaires Aliu stated …
Read More» PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE APRIL 7, 2021 On behalf of the Government of the United States, I extend my best wishes to Roma everywhere on International Roma Day. On April 8, we celebrate the rich culture, language, and heritage of Roma around the world, including the generations of Romani Americans who …
Read More» APRIL 04, 2021 On Yom HaShoah — Holocaust Remembrance Day — we stand in solidarity with the Jewish people in America, Israel, and around the world to remember and reflect on the horrors of the Holocaust. An estimated six million Jews perished alongside millions of other innocent victims — Roma and Sinti, Slavs, disabled persons, …
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PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE MARCH 31, 2021 On the occasion of Transgender Day of Visibility, the United States proudly recognizes transgender and gender non-conforming persons and their continued struggle for a life of equality, security, and dignity. Across the globe, members of the transgender and gender non-conforming community are making significant strides towards advancing equality for all people. They are becoming more visible and bravely sharing their stories, providing …
Read More»![Secretary Anthony J. Blinken delivers remarks on the 2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, from the Department of State on March 30, 2021. [State Department photo by Freddie Everett/ Public Domain]](https://d2v9ipibika81v.cloudfront.net/uploads/sites/23/hrr_small-1-750x450.jpg "Secretary Anthony J. Blinken delivers remarks on the 2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, from the Department of State on March 30, 2021. [State Department photo by Freddie Everett/ Public Domain]")
REMARKS TO THE PRESS ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE PRESS BRIEFING ROOM WASHINGTON, D.C. MARCH 30, 2021 MR PRICE: Good afternoon. Today I have the privilege of welcoming back to the press briefing room Secretary Blinken. It’s especially a privilege today because the Secretary, as you know, is here to unveil the 2020 Human Rights Report . Secretary …
Read More» MARCH 21, 2021 One of the core values and beliefs that should bring us together as Americans is standing against hate and racism, even as we acknowledge that systemic racism and white supremacy are ugly poisons that have long plagued the United States. We must change the laws that enable discrimination in our country, and …
Read More» PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE FEBRUARY 4, 2021 Today, President Biden signed a Presidential Memorandum directing all U.S. government departments and agencies engaged abroad to ensure that U.S. diplomacy and foreign assistance promote and protect the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) persons around the world. The …
Read More» FEBRUARY 03, 2021 This February, during Black History Month, I call on the American people to honor the history and achievements of Black Americans and to reflect on the centuries of struggle that have brought us to this time of reckoning, redemption, and hope. We have never fully lived up to the founding principles …
Read More» FEBRUARY 01, 2021 This February, during Black History Month, I call on the American people to honor the history and achievements of Black Americans and to reflect on the centuries of struggle that have brought us to this time of reckoning, redemption, and hope. We have never fully lived up to the founding principles of …
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On December 4, 2020, the 20th jubilee edition of the “WATCH DOCS Human Rights in Film” festival gets underway. The long-running festival will showcase the best international documentary movies from recent years, with a focus on human rights and the rights of marginalized communities. The U.S. Embassy is supporting the festival to help give viewers a …
Read More» Open Letter Open letter of the Ambassadors of Albania, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, the Dominican Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Montenegro, the Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Serbia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, …
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On September 7, 2020, the Embassy’s Cultural Affairs Officer Dan Hastings virtually welcomed the 40 Polish educators competitively selected to attend the eight-week online course “Teaching about the Holocaust and Human Rights through Art.” The seminar is the third edition of annual training organized by the New York-based The Olga Lengyel Institute for Holocaust Studies and Human …
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To commemorate the 77th anniversary of the outbreak of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising that occurred on April 19, 1943, Ambassador Mosbacher expressed solidarity with the “Daffodils” social and educational campaign being conducted online this year by the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews. Reflecting on this solemn moment from her home, Ambassador Mosbacher …
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On March 3 at Carnegie Hall in New York City, Ambassador Mosbacher received the Champion of Advancing Holocaust Memory award from the World Values Network at its 8th Annual Jewish Awards Gala. Other awardees included U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman, boxing legend Evander Holyfield, investor and philanthropist Robert Smith, and television host, author, and …
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On January 28, Public Affairs Counselor Frank Finver and Cultural Affairs Officer Dan Hastings attended the opening of the sculpture exhibit “The Image of Treblinka in The Eyes of Samuel Willenberg” organized by the Institute of National Memory (IPN) to commemorate International Holocaust Remembrance Day. The sculptures were the work of Samuel Willenberg, an inmate …
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On January 24 in Warsaw, Charge d’Affaires B. Bix Aliu was the guest of honor at a dinner with a delegation from the Washington, DC-based U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum (USHMM). The group of guests included, among others, USHMM Director Sara Bloomfield, USHMM’s Director of Programs Sarah Ogilvie, and Holocaust survivor and former Auschwitz-Birkenau internee Irene …
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Ambassador James S. Gilmore III will lead the U.S. delegation to the Human Dimension Implementation Meeting (HDIM) of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), to be held in Warsaw, Poland, September 16-27, 2019. This annual meeting will bring together hundreds of civil society representatives and government officials from North America, Europe, and …
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On September 8 at the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews in Warsaw, Charge d’Affaires Bix Aliu spoke at a luncheon honoring the heroism of Polish Righteous who saved Jews during the Holocaust and Nazi Germany’s occupation of Poland. Sponsored by the New York-based Jewish Foundation for the Righteous (JFR), the luncheon honored …
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On November 28 at the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews in Warsaw, Deputy Chief of Mission Eric Green and Cultural Attaché Dan Hastings attended a ceremony that posthumously awarded “The Righteous Among The Nations” medals to Poles who risked their lives to save Jews during the Holocaust. The award ceremony was jointly …
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Joint Statement to the Permanent Council by the ‘Group of Friends on Safety of Journalists’ on International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists As delivered to the Permanent Council by Ambassador Eberhard Pohl, Head of the German Permanent Mission to the OSCE Vienna, November 1, 2018 Mr. Chairperson, I am pleased to make …
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On October 30 the Embassy’s Public Affairs Counselor Frank Finver, Cultural Attaché Dan Hastings, and Cultural Specialist Beata Milewska met with staff responsible for establishing the Warsaw Ghetto Museum projected to open in 2023. The Embassy officials learned about the project’s background and the Polish government’s preservation of an historic building that will house the …
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The U.S. Embassy supported the 4th Congress of Persons with Disabilities which took place on October 25th in Warsaw. A grassroots and nonpartisan initiative, the Congress gathered several hundred activists who advocate for the rights of people with disabilities all over Poland. The Embassy’s Cultural Attaché Dan Hastings gave remarks at the Congress along with …
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On September 16 at the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews in Warsaw, Deputy Chief of Mission Eric Green gave remarks at a luncheon honoring the heroism of Polish Righteous who saved Jews during the Holocaust and Nazi occupation of Poland. Sponsored by the New York-based Jewish Foundation for the Righteous (JFR), the …
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Media Note Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC September 10, 2018 In Ukraine, Ambassador Brownback will meet with government officials and religious leaders to discuss efforts to protect and promote religious freedom. In Poland, Ambassador Brownback will attend the 2018 Human Dimension Implementation Meeting of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe as part …
Read More» Media Note Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC September 7, 2018 Ambassador Michael G. Kozak will lead the U.S. delegation to the Human Dimension Implementation Meeting (HDIM) of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), to be held in Warsaw, Poland, September 10-21, 2018. This annual meeting will bring together hundreds of civil …
Read More» The U.S. Embassy invites teachers and educators to apply for participation in the Holocaust Teacher Training program which takes place annually in June and July. For more than a decade, the U.S. Department of State, in cooperation with the Association of Holocaust Organizations (AHO) in New York, has helped organize summer teacher-training programs in the …
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On May 30 Ambassador Jones hosted a dinner for a delegation led by the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum (USHMM) and representatives from the Polish government and organizations promoting Jewish culture and history. During their tour of the region, the delegation visited Holocaust memorial sites in Ukraine and Poland, and other historical sites and museums. The …
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Press Statement John J. Sullivan Acting Secretary of State Washington, DC April 6, 2018 On behalf of the United States, I wish all Roma everywhere a happy International Roma Day. On April 8, we celebrate the Romani people, their rich cultural heritage, and worldwide societal contributions. We are proud to recognize the over one million Americans …
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The U.S. Embassy Warsaw and the Polin Museum have partnered again this year to sponsor Polish secondary teachers to travel to the United States for a Holocaust teacher training program which will take place in the summer of 2018. For more than a decade, the U.S. Department of State, in cooperation with the Association of …
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Promoting human rights and democratic governance is a core element of U.S. foreign policy. These values form an essential foundation of stable, secure, and functioning societies. Standing up for human rights and democracy is not just a moral imperative but is in the best interests of the United States in making the world more stable …
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“If there is a single theme to this year’s Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report, it is the conviction that there is nothing inevitable about trafficking in human beings. That conviction is where the process of change really begins—with the realization that just because a certain abuse has taken place in the past doesn’t mean that …
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Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC June 20, 2016 Today, we honor refugees’ resilience and courage. We also recognize the tremendous contributions made by local and international non-governmental organizations on the front lines of delivering life-saving assistance. This year’s commemoration comes at a time when brutal conflicts are forcing record numbers of …
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THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary June 20, 2016 Today, on World Refugee Day, we recognize the challenges and hardships that refugees face, honor their courage and resilience in the face of overwhelming obstacles, and celebrate their many valuable contributions to our Nation. This year’s commemoration comes as the UN High Commissioner for …
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World Refugee Day, June 20, is a day to honor the nearly 60 million people displaced from their countries by violence and persecution. The United States is the largest single humanitarian donor, providing billions of dollars per year to provide millions of the world’s most vulnerable people with life-saving assistance. The State Department’s Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM) provides protection, eases suffering, and works to resolve the …
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John Kerry Secretary of State Press Briefing Room Washington, DC April 13, 2016 SECRETARY KERRY: Good afternoon, everybody. Thanks for being here. I’m going to make a statement and I have to run from here to an NSC meeting on a number of issues, so forgive me if I dash out of here. I’m not …
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