On World Refugee Day, we recognize the plight of those forced by persecution and war to flee their home countries. We also recognize the pressing challenges posed by ongoing refugee crises. Today, refugees number more than 22 million around the world.

The overwhelming majority of refugees want to go home to help rebuild their societies once the violence has stopped. As the single largest donor of humanitarian assistance the United States is a leader in supporting refugees and addressing causes of forced displacement.

The United States recognizes the extraordinary generosity of refugee-hosting countries and their local communities who support displaced persons. These countries offer an act of service to those suffering great hardship.

As we mark World Refugee Day, we will continue to aid those who have been forced from their homes, address the root causes of their displacement, and foster long-term solutions to humanitarian crises.

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Acting Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs Judith Garber will travel to San Jose, Costa Rica, June 20 – 23.

San Jose on June 20, Acting Assistant Secretary Garber will meet with Costa Rican Minister of Environment and Energy Edgar Gutiérrez Espeleta to discuss engagement in the Third United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-3), environmental cooperation under the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR), and other environmental issues.

On June 21 – 22, together with Assistant United States Trade Representative for Environmental and Natural Resources Jennifer Prescott, Acting Assistant Secretary Garber will represent the United States at the 11th Meeting of the CAFTA-DR Environmental Affairs Council (EAC). During the EAC public session, she will participate in a Ministerial Panel along with the other council members from Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala and Nicaragua. The panel will focus on sustainable trade.

Lastly on June 22, Acting Assistant Secretary Garber will join a roundtable with Costa Rican youth that will discuss how youth are critical to solutions to environmental challenges.

Follow the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs on Twitter @StateDeptOES for updates on Acting Assistant Secretary Garber’s trip. For further information, contact Tory Peabody (PeabodyVW@state.gov).

The Office of Website Management, Bureau of Public Affairs, manages this site as a portal for information from the U.S. State Department.
External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein.

Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Thomas A. Shannon, Jr., will travel to London on June 21, to meet key UK officials to discuss bilateral relations and the global challenges the nations jointly face. He will meet on June 23, in St. Petersburg with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov to discuss a range of bilateral issues.

To learn more about the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, please visit here.

The Office of Website Management, Bureau of Public Affairs, manages this site as a portal for information from the U.S. State Department.
External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein.

On behalf of the Government of the United States, I want to convey my personal condolences to President Lonsdale’s family and the people of Vanuatu on the passing of Womtelo Reverend President Lonsdale.

President Lonsdale served your country and people admirably, and leaves a legacy of strong, just leadership. His background as an Anglican priest clearly guided his decisions, and his firm action to ensure a more corruption-free society in Vanuatu stands as a shining example for the rest of the world.

In this time of national mourning, please accept our deepest sympathy and reassurances that the United States stands with Vanuatu as an enduring friend and partner.

The Office of Website Management, Bureau of Public Affairs, manages this site as a portal for information from the U.S. State Department.
External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein.

The United States is concerned by the Hungarian parliament’s passage of legislation that unfairly burdens and targets Hungarian civil society, which is working to fight corruption and protect civil liberties. By portraying groups supported with foreign funding as acting against the interests of Hungarian society, this legislation would weaken the ability of Hungarians to organize and address concerns in a legitimate and democratic manner. If signed into law, this would be another step away from Hungary’s commitments to uphold the principles and values that are central to the EU and NATO.

The Office of Website Management, Bureau of Public Affairs, manages this site as a portal for information from the U.S. State Department.
External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein.