Ambassador Locke Briefs the Press in Beijing

Posted by DipNote Bloggers / May 03, 2012

Today, U.S. Ambassador to China Gary Locke spoke with reporters about his experiences with Chen Guangcheng while he was in the embassy and leading up to his decision to depart it. Ambassador Locke said:

"Let me just say that I and the Embassy have long had interest in Mr. Chen Guangcheng, and of course, the U.S. Government has long had an interest, and we've mentioned him in so many of our human rights statements, and have advocated for his humane treatment ever since for many, many years.

"Last week, under most unusual extraordinary circumstances, he contacted us, we went out and met with him, and given the fact that he has a -- he's blind, he was injured, we took the extraordinary step in a very unusual situation, exceptional situation, to bring him into the Embassy. I have spent sometimes five hours during the day with him almost every day, two to three,… more »

Bringing Together Young Political Leaders To Facilitate Inclusive Governments

Posted by Reta Jo Lewis / May 03, 2012

About the Author: Reta Jo Lewis is the Secretary of State's Special Representative for Global Intergovernmental Affairs.

I recently led a delegation of young U.S. political leaders to participate in the 2012 Transatlantic Inclusion Leaders Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark, April 22-24, 2012. This training conference provided an excellent opportunity to strengthen relations between emerging minority leaders in the United States and Europe. Initiated by the Special Representative to Muslim Communities and the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, the meeting was co-sponsored by Copenhagen Mayor for Employment and Integration Anna Mee Allerslev; the Danish Ethnic Youth Council; the German Marshall Fund; and the Transatlantic Minority Political Leadership Conference. This initiative was supported by U.S. Ambassador to Denmark Laurie S. Fulton, Rep. Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL), and Hannes Swoboda, MEP.

Over 70 elected leaders and civil society activists under the age of 35, from across the… more »

Speaking Out on World Press Freedom Day

Posted by Joanne Levine / May 03, 2012

About the Author: Joanne Levine serves as Senior Advisor in the Bureau of International Organization Affairs.

Hundred of journalists, bloggers, activists and officials from every corner of the globe have descended on Tunis to honor UNESCO's World Press Freedom Day. From Burma and Bahrain, to Qatar and Zimbabwe, those who write, film, text, and tweet the truth will spend three days listening, discussing, and exchanging ideas about the power -- and perils -- of free speech.

Over a year ago, Tunisia's Jasmine revolution sparked transitions throughout the Middle East. Millions have come out, and keep coming, to demand change and the right to express themselves -- from Tahrir Square and Benghazi, to Sanaa and Hom.

The clarion call for freedom has not been without its bumps and setbacks.… more »

Free The Press: Supporting Journalists Under Duress

Posted by Thomas O. Melia / May 02, 2012

About the Author: Tom Melia serves as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor.

On May 3, people worldwide will observe World Press Freedom Day, a UNESCO initiative.  They will gather in cities and towns, through workshops and seminars, to join in celebrating the universal right of free expression first enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights more than six decades ago.

Yesterday, I had the privilege of addressing the importance of free expression and a free press at the National Endowment for Democracy. I emphasized that a free press is the bedrock of a free, healthy and energetic society. It allows citizens to hold informed opinions, make informed decisions and lead informed lives. It keeps public officials accountable, provides outlets for healthy… more »

Strengthening the Rule of Law and Combating Crime

Posted by Alyce Ahn / May 02, 2012

About the Author: Alyce Ahn servse as a Foreign Affairs Officer at the U.S. Mission to the International Organizations in Vienna.

Combating violence against migrants and migrant smuggling, setting minimum standards for the treatment of prisoners, and ensuring access to legal aid -- these are among the challenges that the international community addressed last week in Vienna, Austria, where approximately 800 delegates representing 111 countries and 38 nongovernmental organizations gathered for the 21st session of the United Nations Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (also known as the CCPCJ or Crime Commission).

Led by Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau… more »