United States in 2021 – See the Best Stories

1) U.S. Decision To Reengage with the UN Human Rights Council

The Council can help to promote fundamental freedoms around the globe, including freedoms of expression, association and assembly, and religion or belief as well as the fundamental rights of women, girls, LGBTQI+ persons, and other marginalized communities. Read more

Story featured in February 16, 2021 edition of The Week at State.

2) Reinstatement of State Department Diversity Training

The Department of State has announced the full resumption of employee training and professional development activities in support of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Read more

Story featured in January 26, 2021 edition of The Week at State.

3) The United States Condemns Attack on Saudi Arabia

The United States strongly condemns the latest attack in Saudi Arabia. Such attacks violate international law and undermine regional peace. Read more

Story featured in January 26, 2021 edition of The Week at State.

4) Secretary Blinken Travels to Europe

Secretary of State Blinken traveled to Berlin, Paris, Rome, the Vatican, Bari, and Matera, June 22-29. For information including fact sheets, press statements, and photographs of the Secretary’s activities in each country, visit the trip page on State.gov. You can also follow Secretary Blinken on Twitter to learn more about his work.

Story featured in June 29, 2021 edition of The Week at State.

5) U.S. Leadership Fighting COVID-19

“When we all work together, we’re a lot smarter and a lot stronger than any virus.” Watch Coordinator for Global COVID-19 Response and Health Security Gayle Smith explain how the U.S. is responding to the pandemic globally. You can read about our COVID-19 response on State.gov.

Story featured in July 6, 2021 edition of The Week at State.

6) U.S. Actions on Forced Labor in Xinjiang

“U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Department of Commerce, and the Department of Labor took action today to follow up on our G7 commitment and address the People’s Republic of China’s use of forced labor in Xinjiang,” Secretary Blinken. Read Spokesperson Ned Price’s press statement and the White House Fact Sheet for more information.

Story featured in June 29, 2021 edition of The Week at State.

7) Biden-Putin Meeting in Geneva

President Joe Biden discusses his meeting with Russian President Putin in this video. You can also read the U.S.-Russia Presidential Joint Statement on Strategic Stability.

Story featured in June 22, 2021 edition of The Week at State.

8) Release of 2021 Trafficking in Persons Report

“I am honored to release the 2021 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report. It assesses governments’ efforts to combat human trafficking, including our own. So long as human trafficking exists, fighting it must be an effort of continuous improvement – with no finish line until we #EndTrafficking.” Secretary Blinken on Twitter. Watch the secretary deliver remarks on the occasion, and access the report on State.gov.

Story featured in July 6, 2021 edition of The Week at State.

9) Commemorating Juneteenth

On June 19, 1865, enslaved African Americans of Galveston, Texas received word of their freedom that had been purposefully withheld for over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This Juneteenth we continue to fight against systemic racism and build a freer, stronger country. Watch our spotlight video, Secretary Blinken’s video statement, and President Biden signing the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law. You can also watch this video featuring Miss Opal Smith, whose dedication helped make Juneteenth a federal holiday.

Story featured in June 22, 2021 edition of The Week at State.

10) Revocation of the Terrorist Designations of Ansarallah

The revocations are intended to ensure that relevant U.S. policies do not impede assistance to those already suffering what has been called the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. Ansarallah leaders remain sanctioned. Read more.

Story featured in February 16, 2021 edition of The Week at State.