The collapse of an eight-story factory building in Bangladesh that killed over 600 garment workers two weeks ago is among the worst manufacturing disasters in history and remains a tragic reminder of the human consequences of poor working conditions in which millions of workers labor every day. The United States actively engages with the highest levels of the Government of Bangladesh, exporters and buyers on the issues of workers’ rights and safe working conditions, and we are heartened by the recent high-level International Labor Organization (ILO) Mission to Bangladesh, which highlighted important steps to improve worker rights. MORE
Some 15 years ago, I had the distinct privilege of serving as the Human Rights Officer in Damascus, Syria. My responsibilities were much like those of the hundreds of colleagues who contributed to the 2012 Human Rights Reports at U.S. missions worldwide. I met with local civil society leaders and human rights defenders as well as government officials and the media in order to provide an accurate, honest picture of the human rights situation on the ground. We pride ourselves on this objective reporting, and it was a great honor to stand beside Secretary of State John Kerry as hereleased the 2012 Human… more »
International Roma Day: Remembering the Past and Fighting for the Future
The Romani people, one of the largest minority groups in Europe, have made significant contributions to European and American culture and societies. From musicians and dancers in Spain, to human rights lawyers in Budapest, to dedicated educators in Macedonia, the Roma people continue to shape Europe’s future. Yet, the Roma are one of the most marginalized groups in Europe, facing challenges to overcome systematic discrimination. On April 8, 2013, U.S. and European human rights activists and scholars came together at Harvard University for a conference entitled “Realizing Roma Rights: Addressing Violence, Discrimination, and Segregation in Europe to celebrate International Roma Day” to discuss how the Roma can reclaim their rights and harness the human potential of a diverse population of more than 10 million people.
Living in Eastern Europe in 2009, I witnessed firsthand… more »
About the Author: Barbara Shailor serves as Special Representative for International Labor Affairs.
As Special Representative for International Labor Affairs, I work along with colleagues in the Department of State’s Office of International Labor Affairs to advance dialogue among workers, their unions, employers, and governments. As Secretary Clinton so eloquently stated in Siem Reap, Cambodia, on July 13, “So defending these labor rights and improving working conditions is a smart economic investment, but it’s also a very important value.” On this occasion of Labor Day, I express my gratitude for both the contributions and sacrifices made by working people in the United States and around the globe. more »
On March 23, President Obama announced that Americans would celebrate March 31, 2012, in recognition of Cesar Chavez. Cesar Chavez, who made it his mission to “ensure respect, dignity, and fair treatment for farm workers,” was a strong advocate for human rights and social justice — for migrants, for workers, and for communities. His philosophy of nonviolence and his commitment to fighting discrimination and improving working conditions for migrant workers are key parts of the history of the civil rights and labor movements in the United States. They also serve as inspiration to activists and community leaders, here in the United States and around the world, who continue his work.
Today, I encourage everyone to take a moment to read the text of President Obama’s proclamation, and to honor Cesar Chavez and all those who organize, who advocate, and who dream of and achieve better livelihoods for their families and communities.
Strengthening International Labor Rights as Human Rights
Families across the United States are gathering together today to celebrate Labor Day — a time honored tradition that we’ve set aside for over a century — and remember the contributions of workers. The cookouts, parades, and end of summer rituals are unique ways that we celebrate this very American holiday. But the recognition of working people — be it in May or September — through a holiday and tradition devoted to no particular gender, individual, battle, group, or saint is also unique. It is a holiday we all share.
It has only been six months since the world witnessed the remarkable transformations taking place in the Middle East. The self-immolation of a Tunisian street vendor, who was concerned about not being able to feed his family, has resonated with workers everywhere. Workers, in countries as different from one another as one could imagine, are speaking… more »
This represents the official U.S. Department of State presence on Tumblr.
http://www.state.gov
![Archbishop Hazim of the Syrian Eastern Orthodox Church, now deceased, meets with Foreign Service Officer Uzra Zeya in Syria, 1998. [Photo courtesy of Uzra Zeya/ Used by Permission]](http://blogs.state.gov/images/Dipnote/behind_the_scenes/2013_0419_uzra_zeya_m.jpg)
![Roma women from the Kalaidzhi community have a chat, Bulgaria, March 23, 2013. [AP File Photo]](http://blogs.state.gov/images/Dipnote/behind_the_scenes/2013_0410_roma_europe_m.jpg)
![United Farm Workers leader Cesar Chavez, foreground right, addresses a large crowd at a rally in Calexico, California, Feb. 27, 1979. [AP File Photo]](http://blogs.state.gov/images/Dipnote/behind_the_scenes/2012_0331_cesar_chavez_day_m.jpg)
![A large crowd of commuters wait for a train to New York on the platform of Princeton Junction station on June, 21, 2011, in West Windsor, N.J. [AP File Photo]](http://blogs.state.gov/images/Dipnote/behind_the_scenes/2011_0905_commuters_m.jpg)
