Author: Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson

Marking One Year Since ICJ Provisional Measures Against Syria with Designation of Syrian Official Due to Involvement in Gross Violations of Human Rights

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One year ago, the United States welcomed the provisional measures order by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) calling upon the Syrian regime to immediately take all measures to prevent acts of torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment as well as to prevent the destruction of evidence of such acts. This […]

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On the Philippines Maritime Zones Act

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The United States supports the Philippines’ enactment of the Maritime Zones Act, signed into law by President Marcos on November 8, 2024. The Maritime Zones Act aligns Philippine domestic laws with the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention and the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal ruling. This law defines the Philippines internal waters, archipelagic waters, territorial sea, […]

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Maintaining Pressure on Milorad Dodik’s Patronage Network to Curb its Corrupt Influence 

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The United States is imposing sanctions today on one entity and one individual that form part of Republika Srpska (RS) President Milorad Dodik’s patronage network.  The Department of Treasury is designating Elpring d.o.o. Laktasi and Vladimir Perisic, respectively, related to their attempts to evade U.S. sanctions. The U.S. government previously designated President Dodik for using […]

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On Intersex Awareness Day – United States Department of State

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Today the United States celebrates Intersex Awareness Day, re-affirming our commitment to promoting respect for the human rights of intersex persons around the world. We are dedicated to pursuing an end to violence and discrimination due to sex characteristics and to advancing inclusion, respect, and equality for intersex persons worldwide so they can lead full, […]

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ROK Special Measures Agreement Consultations

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After eight rounds of consultations, the United States and the Republic of Korea have reached consensus on the proposed text of a new five-year Special Measures Agreement (SMA).  This will be the 12th SMA after it is signed, concluded, and enters into force. The agreement will be a significant accomplishment for both sides, and will strengthen […]

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Sanctioning Former Haitian Politician and Gang Leader in Connection with Serious Human Rights Abuse

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The United States is today sanctioning a former member of Haiti’s parliament, Prophane Victor, for his role in forming, supporting, and arming gangs that have committed serious human rights abuse in Haiti, as well as the current leader of the Gran Grif gang, Luckson Elan, for his involvement in serious human rights abuse related to […]

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Elections in Sri Lanka – United States Department of State

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The United States congratulates President-elect Anura Kumara Dissanayake on his victory in the Sri Lankan presidential election, as confirmed by the vote results on September 22. We commend the people of Sri Lanka for peacefully exercising their right to vote. This election is a testament to the strength of Sri Lanka’s democratic institutions and the […]

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Four Thousandth Day of Detention in the DPRK for Missionary Kim Jung-Wook

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Today marks the 4,000th day that South Korean Missionary Kim Jung-Wook has been detained by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). Mr. Kim, along with five other South Koreans, is believed to remain in detention in the DPRK, some of them having been incarcerated for more than 10 years. We urge the DPRK to […]

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Sanctioning Iranian Officials in Connection with Human Rights Violations

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The United States is today designating 12 individuals in connection with Iran’s violent and coercive tactics, both inside and outside Iran.  We are taking these actions in coordination with Australia and Canada, who are each also rolling out new sanctions this week against those responsible for human rights abuses in Iran.  Today’s actions target members […]

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Department Press Briefing – September 17, 2024

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1:48 p.m. EDT MR MILLER: Good afternoon, everyone. QUESTION: Good afternoon. MR MILLER: Major apologies for being a half hour late. I can make it up for you by having nothing to start with and going straight to Matt’s questions. QUESTION: (Laughter.) Yeah — MR MILLER: I won’t — QUESTION: Not only nothing to start […]

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