Unjust Sentencing of PRC Journalist Dong Yuyu

Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Unjust Sentencing of PRC Journalist Dong Yuyu The United States condemns the People’s Republic of China (PRC)’s November 29 unjust sentencing of journalist Dong Yuyu to seven years in prison for alleged “espionage.” His arrest and today’s sentencing highlight the PRC’s failure to live up to its […]

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United States Combats IUU Fishing Through New Sanctions

The Department of the Treasury today imposed sanctions on five Mexican individuals associated with the Gulf Cartel, one of Mexico’s most dangerous criminal organizations, for involvement in criminal activities associated with illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, human smuggling, and narcotics trafficking in the Gulf of Mexico. Under the Maritime Security and Fisheries Enforcement (SAFE) […]

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Unjust Sentencing under Hong Kong’s National Security Law

The United States strongly condemns the sentences announced today in Hong Kong’s National Security Law (NSL) trial of pro-democracy advocates, known as the NSL 47.  The 45 defendants sentenced today were aggressively prosecuted, and many now face life-altering imprisonment simply for their peaceful participation in political activities which are protected under the Basic Law of […]

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

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

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 

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

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

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

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

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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