Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra Zeya is on travel to Amman, Jordan, and Baghdad, Erbil, and Ninewa, Iraq from May 6-10, 2024, to advance regional humanitarian, human rights, and civilian security priorities.
In Amman, Under Secretary Zeya engaged senior Jordanian government officials and United Nations representatives on maximizing the delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza through land and air routes. She commended the government of Jordan for leading regional efforts to organize and deliver vital humanitarian assistance to Gaza and underscored the United States’ commitment to advancing enduring peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians. In addition, Under Secretary Zeya recognized important progress in bilateral counternarcotics cooperation, countering trafficking in persons, and organizing inclusive national elections in September 2024. During her visit, the Under Secretary also met with civil society representatives supporting greater citizen participation in addressing societal challenges.
In Baghdad, Under Secretary Zeya met with Prime Minister Sudani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Hussein, Minister for Migration and Displacement Jabro, and Minister of Interior Shammari on the vital role of human rights in the U.S.-Iraq 360-degree partnership and Iraq’s security, stability, and sovereignty. Their wide-ranging discussions addressed efforts to bolster protections for Iraqi civil society, human rights defenders, and journalists; the global fight against illicit synthetic drugs; alleviating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza; and progress repatriating Iraqi citizens from al-Hol Camp and countering trafficking in persons. The Under Secretary also emphasized the importance of creating safe, informed, voluntary, and dignified durable solutions for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Iraq. Additionally, Under Secretary Zeya met with civil society stakeholders on expanding economic empowerment and human rights for all Iraqis.
In Erbil, the Under Secretary will engage Kurdistan Regional Government President Nechirvan Barzani, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, Deputy Prime Minister Talabani, and Minister of Interior Ahmed on U.S. support for a democratic, stable, secure, and prosperous Iraqi Kurdistan Region (IKR), including on protections for human rights; media freedom; and support to refugees and internally displaced persons. She will also engage representatives of Iraq’s diverse religious communities, internally displaced persons, and other civil society leaders. Throughout her visit, Under Secretary Zeya will encourage Iraqi federal and IKR leaders to deliver progress for survivors of the ISIS genocide, including Yezidis and other religious and ethnic groups, the ten-year anniversary of these atrocity crimes approaches.
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