US State Department Archives

‘Humble confidence’ seen as tool for U.S. to back human rights worldwide

Apr 18, 2021

What in some circles is called “humble confidence” in the United States articulating a strong human rights policy worldwide while owning up to times when the country hasn’t lived up to its ideals may be the best way to go, said one panelist at an April 15 forum on human rights.

By Mark Pattison

U.S. questions legality of Bolivian arrests of ex-officials

Mar 27, 2021

The United States said Saturday that it is concerned about increasingly ″anti-democratic behavior and the politicization of the legal system” in Bolivia following the arrests of officials from the country’s former interim government.

By Associated Press

Woman religious honored as one of International Women of Courage

Mar 10, 2021

Comboni Sister Alicia Vacas Moro, a Spanish missionary sister and registered nurse, was one of 14 women to receive this year’s International Women of Courage Award, an annual honor from the U.S. Department of State for women who have demonstrated leadership in their human rights work.

By Carol Zimmermann

Catholic center for Venezuelan refugees opens in Brazil with help from U.S.

Feb 7, 2021

Two Catholic-backed organizations opened a center in Brazil’s capital to host Venezuelan migrants relocating from the refugee centers in the Amazon region.

By Lise Alves

US sanctions Hezbollah-allied Lebanese Christian leader

Nov 7, 2020

The U.S. Treasury on Friday slapped sanctions on Lebanon’s former foreign minister and a leading Christian political ally of the militant Hezbollah group, singling him out for what it said was his role in corruption.

By Zeina Karam

Pompeo visits Catholic-run refugee center, parish in Brazil

Sep 22, 2020

While in Brazil, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Sept. 18 went to see the work of humanitarian church-connected agencies supported by the U.S. Agency for International Development.

By Lise Alves

China vows retaliation against US sanctions over Xinjiang

Jul 10, 2020

China said Friday it will retaliate against U.S. officials and institutions following Washington’s imposition of sanctions on three local officials of the ruling Communist Party over human rights abuses in the northwestern region of Xinjiang.

By Associated Press

US sanctions Chinese officials over repression of minorities

Jul 10, 2020

The United States on Thursday imposed sanctions on three senior officials of the Chinese Communist Party, including a member of the ruling Politburo, for alleged human rights abuses targeting ethnic and religious minorities that China has detained in the western part of the country.

By Deb Riechmann