U.S. Department of State [archived]

Secretary Tillerson To Host Community of Democracies Governing Council Ministerial

On September 15, Secretary Tillerson will host the Ninth Community of Democracies (CD) Governing Council Ministerial at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, DC. This ministerial represents the culmination of the two-year U.S. Presidency of the CD and will bring together the CD’s 30-member Governing Council, participating states and civil society.

The CD was created by the United States and Poland in 2000 to advance democratic values around the world.

The CD’s core mission is to build a global network of governments and civil society to strengthen security, prosperity, and respect for human rights around the world.

(Source: state.gov)

Yesterday, at a @unitednations Human Rights Council side event, @USUN Ambassador @nikkihaley spoke about #humanrights and #democracy in #Venezuela, saying “For years, what has passed for “peace” in Venezuela has masked horrendous inner suffering. Venezuela’s security has been utterly insecure because it has been purchased with the human rights and self-determination of its people.”

Nigerian Elections 2015 →

Have you ever wondered what an official election observing looks like? Check out U.S. Embassy Nigeria’s photos from earlier today where Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of African Affairs LindaThomas-Greenfield is leading an observer mission.

President Obama released a message to the Nigerian people to highlight the opportunity that the upcoming elections present for all Nigerians to stand together in rejecting violence and extremism, and instead show their support for a more peaceful, secure, and prosperous future. Learn More: http://go.usa.gov/3r73w

There are few ideas more powerful – more infused with universal aspiration – than democracy.

— Secretary John Kerry on International Day of Democracy, September 15, 2014

(Source: state.gov)

These brave Ukrainians took to the streets in order to stand peacefully against tyranny and to demand democracy.

— Secretary Kerry in Kyiv, March 4, 2014

(Source: state.gov)

Ten Ways To Combat the Worst Forms of Child Labor

No individual or organization acting alone can eliminate the worst forms of child labor, but together we can make a difference. Individuals, governments, businesses, non-governmental organizations, and civil society groups each have a unique and vital role to play. To reach our goal, we must focus our collective efforts on eradicating the root causes of child labor so that children can break out of the cycle of poverty.

Learn more about how we can meet this shared responsibility here.

(Source: blogs.state.gov)

World Day Against Child Labor

Each year since 2002, the international community has come together on June 12 to mark World Day Against Child Labor. According to estimates of the International Labor Organization (ILO), over 215 million children worldwide are engaged in child labor. This year, we call particular attention to the plight of those children – mostly girls – who are engaged in domestic work.

Globally, domestic workers comprise a significant part of the modern service economy, and all indications are that the number of domestic workers is increasing steadily in both developed and developing countries. Most domestic workers work for private households, usually without contracts or clear terms of employment. Because most domestic work is by informal arrangement, behind closed doors, and with no contracts or clear terms of employment, these workers are often invisible. This hidden crisis requires multiple strategies and forms of engagement. MORE

(Source: blogs.state.gov)

A Sustained Commitment to Human Rights

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]

About the Author: Uzra Zeya serves as Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor.

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 »

(Source: blogs.state.gov)

International Roma Day: Remembering the Past and Fighting for the Future

Roma women from the Kalaidzhi community have a chat, Bulgaria, March 23, 2013. [AP File Photo]

About the Author: David Meyer is a Foreign Affairs Officer working on Roma issues in the Office of European Affairs in the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor.

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 »

(Source: blogs.state.gov)

Posts tagged with ‘democracy’

Secretary Tillerson To Host Community of Democracies Governing Council Ministerial

Nigerian Elections 2015 →

Ten Ways To Combat the Worst Forms of Child Labor

World Day Against Child Labor

A Sustained Commitment to Human Rights

International Roma Day: Remembering the Past and Fighting for the Future