U.S. Withdrawal from Afghanistan; Worldwide Vaccine Distribution; 2021 Trafficking in Persons Report; and more.

U.S. Department of State sent this bulletin at 07/14/2021 09:55 AM EDT

The Week at State | July 5-11

Watch The Week at State video for a review of key events of the past week, including President Biden’s remarks on Afghanistan and the Administration’s worldwide COVID-19 vaccine distribution. Visit our YouTube channel for more videos.

U.S. Withdrawal from Afghanistan

President Biden stands at a podium and speaks, with the words “The U.S. will continue to support the Afghan people.”

"When I announced our drawdown in April, I said we would be out of Afghanistan by September. Our military mission in Afghanistan will in fact conclude on August 31st. And the drawdown is proceeding in a secure and orderly way, prioritizing the safety of our troops as they depart," President Biden. Watch a video excerpt of his remarks on Twitter, and read the transcript of his complete remarks.

COVID-19 Recovery

United States: The Arsenal of Vaccines for the World

Shipping boxes with 6 American flags and a COVAX label.

"The Biden Administration continues to deliver on its promise that the U.S. will be the arsenal of vaccines for the world. By Saturday July 11, we anticipate that we will have shipped approximately 9M doses to Guatemala, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia, Afghanistan, and Vietnam," Spokesperson Ned Price on Twitter (video). Visit our Flickr album "The United States Delivers COVID-19 Vaccines Doses Around the World" for photos of our efforts.

Human Rights

Persecution of Uyghurs by the People’s Republic of China

Four faces and the words “Trafficking in persons report, June 2021.”

Over the last four years, the People's Republic of China has carried out a mass detention and political indoctrination campaign against Uyghurs, who are predominantly Muslim, and members of other ethnic and religious minority groups in Xinjiang. Read more about these and other findings in the 2021 Trafficking in Persons Report. You can also read about Secretary Blinken’s Roundtable with Xinjiang Internment Camp Survivors and Advocates.

34 Additions to Department of Commerce Entity List

"Commerce Department Adds 34 Entities to the Entity List to Target Enablers of China’s Human Rights Abuses and Military Modernization, and Unauthorized Iranian and Russian Procurement," The Department of Commerce on Twitter. Read the press release for more information.

Refugees and Migration

UN Security Council Resolution on Syrian Aid

Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield smiling as she speaks against a backdrop of the UN Security Council.

"The humanitarian agreement we’ve reached here will literally save lives. Together, we’ve shown we can deliver for people in need." Read Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield's remarks to the press following the UN Security Council adoption of a resolution on Syria cross-border aid.

Climate Crisis

U.S. Commitment to Help Other Nations

"So impactful to listen to the Vulnerable Twenty Group (V20) of Finance Ministers and other leaders on their experiences with the most direct effects of climate change. The U.S. is committed to working with Climate Vulnerable Forum and V20 countries to enable them to build resilience and protect their communities against climate impacts," Special Envoy on Climate John Kerry on Twitter.

Alliances and Partnerships

Meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Defense Minister

Undersecretary of State Patricia Nuland standing in front of a podium next to two American flags.

"Secretary Blinken joined me for part of the meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman on improving human rights, efforts to bring a nationwide ceasefire to Yemen, and other issues important to the U.S.-Saudi bilateral relationship," Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Patricia Nuland on Twitter.

This Week

July 12-15: Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry travels to Moscow, Russia

July 18: Mandela Day

Looking Ahead

July 26: Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

July 27: 232nd Anniversary of the Department of State

July 30: United Nations World Day Against Trafficking in Persons

Useful links

News, information, and guidance about the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
Travel advisories and updates on international travel for U.S. Citizens from the Department of State
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