News & Events

Guidelines for U.S. Diplomatic Mission Support to Civil Society and Human Rights Defenders

Human Rights Defenders Guidance The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to putting human rights and democratic principles at the center of our foreign policy. These  Guidelines for U.S. Diplomatic Mission Support to Civil Society and Human Rights Defenders [6.7MB]  outline and amplify the U.S.’s commitment to supporting this vital work as part of the President’s strategic vision and U.S. foreign policy. It is addressed primarily to both U.S. Department of ... Read More»

Condemnation of the Lukashenka Regime’s Prohibition on Renewing Passports for Belarusians Abroad

Statement by Matthew Miller, Spokesperson September 7, 2023 The Lukashenka regime’s decision to stop providing overseas passport services harms thousands of Belarusians living abroad and is the latest in a long line of cynical rejections by the regime of its basic obligations to its people. The decree’s sole aim is to make the lives of ... Read More»

Message for U.S. Citizens: Social Security Services Available in Vilnius, Lithuania, September 27-28

Representatives from the Federal Benefits Unit at the U.S. Embassy in Warsaw, Poland will visit Vilnius on September 27-28, 2023.  They will be available from 1:00 p.m. to 4:20 p.m. on both days to accept applications for Social Security cards, claims for benefits as well as to answer any SSA-related questions.  You are welcome to ... Read More»

Alert – U.S. Embassy Minsk, Belarus

Location:  Belarus Event:  The Lithuanian government on August 18 closed two border crossings with Belarus at Tverecius / Vidzy and Sumskas / Losha.  The four border crossings at Lavoriskes / Kotlova, Medininkai / Kamenny, Raigardas / Privalka, and Salcininkai / Beniakoni are currently open.  The Polish, Lithuanian, and Latvian governments have stated that further closures ... Read More»

Imposing Sanctions and Visa Restrictions to Hold the Lukashenka Regime to Account on the Third Anniversary of the Fraudulent Election in Belarus

PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE AUGUST 9, 2023 Today marks three years since the fraudulent presidential election in Belarus and the Alyaksandr Lukashenka regime’s crackdown on the Belarusian people’s demands for freedom. The United States continues to stand with the brave people of Belarus as they seek a country grounded in the rule of law, respect for human ... Read More»