The Humanitarian Affairs Section manages U.S. government policy and programs with Geneva-based international organizations and non-governmental organizations responsible for refugees, migration and humanitarian assistance. Humanitarian Affairs serves as the liaison between the State Department and other U.S. government agencies and the representatives of humanitarian organizations, voluntary agencies, and permanent missions in Geneva. These include the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
Humanitarian Affairs is responsible for allocating and monitoring multi-million dollar U.S. contributions to humanitarian organizations, monitoring and managing the response to humanitarian crises, reporting on and analyzing refugee and migration activities, negotiating agreements between the U.S. government and Geneva-based organizations, and representing the United States in Geneva.
U.S. Position on Relocation of Rohingya Refugees to Bhasan Char
The United States also calls again upon Burma to create the conditions conducive for Rohingya refugees’ voluntary, safe, and dignified return.
Ambassador Andrew Bremberg Remarks at the UNHCR Pledging Conference
The United States remains steadfast in our commitment to protecting and assisting the world’s most vulnerable; in coordination with other states, UNHCR and other UN…
U.S. Ambassador Andrew Bremberg Remarks to the 111th Session of the IOM Council
The United States recognizes IOM as a critical partner in humanitarian emergencies, including its efforts to address humanitarian needs stemming from the pandemic.
U.S. Reinforces Commitment to Secure, Stable, Democratic, and Self-Reliant Afghanistan at 2020 Confe
The United States participated in the 2020 Afghanistan Conference on November 23-24, the sixth quadrennial gathering to coordinate international development support for Afghanistan.
U.S. Announces Humanitarian Assistance at the International Conference
The United States announced nearly $200 million in additional humanitarian assistance provided in Fiscal Year 2020 for Rohingya refugees ...
Statement by Ambassador Bremberg at the 71st Session of the UNHCR Executive Committee
The U.S. reflects on our longstanding support for UNHCR and remains committed to supporting UNHCR’s vital work to protect and secure solutions for refugees and…
U.S. Delegation Plenary Statement – 71st Session of the UNHCR Executive Committee
My delegation is grateful for your efforts to make this 71st Session as normal as anything can be in these abnormal times; I very much…
UPDATE: The United States Continues to Lead the Global Response to COVID-19
The American people have given more than $10 billion that will benefit the global COVID-19 response.
U.S. Statement on the Solidarity Call to Action for Global Access to COVID-19 Technologies
The United States believes that international cooperation is critical to defeat the COVID-19 pandemic and promote health and safety globally.
United States Provides Additional Assistance for the Crisis in Venezuela and the Region
Secretary Pompeo: "The United States remains the largest single donor of humanitarian and health assistance around the world, and for Venezuelans in need."
Delivering on American Commitments in the COVID-19 Response with Additional Foreign Assistance
Months into fighting the COVID-19 pandemic at home and abroad, the United States is continuing to lead the global charge against the pandemic, building on…
World Health Assembly 73 – U.S. Plenary Statement
Secretary Azar: "The United States sends our best wishes and open offer of cooperation to each of you in our shared efforts to defeat this…
Additional U.S. Foreign Assistance Builds Upon U.S. Leadership in the Global COVID-19 Response
The funding announced today includes $100 million in global health funding to support virus prevention, detection, and control.
The U.S. is Leading the Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic and Developing a Vaccine
The United States is using its G7 Presidency to catalyze the power and resilience of the world’s leading democracies and free economies in this effort.
U.S. – Asean Health Futures
Today, April 22, Secretary Pompeo launched the U.S.-ASEAN Health Futures initiative.
The U.S. and ASEAN are Partnering to Defeat COVID-19
Secretary Pompeo: "We commit to continue our collaboration with ASEAN to beat this pandemic and get back to the business of building a bright future…
U.S. Announces More Than $270 Million in Additional U.S. Foreign Assistance
For more than a half century, the United States has been the largest contributor to global health security and humanitarian assistance.
The United States is Assisting Pacific Island Countries To Respond to COVID-19
As the leader in global health and humanitarian response to COVID-19, the United States has acted swiftly to monitor, respond to, and mitigate the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic…
Release of U.S. Government Action Plan to Support the International Response to COVID-19
In collaboration with U.S. departments and agencies, the Department of State is releasing the U.S. Government Action Plan to Support the International Response to COVID-19.
UPDATE: The U.S. is Continuing to Lead the Humanitarian and Health Assistance Response to COVID-19
The U.S. Government is leading the world’s humanitarian and health response to the COVID-19 pandemic even while we battle the virus at home.
The U.S. Role in International Organizations’ Response to COVID-19
The United States is by far the most generous and reliable contributor to crisis response and humanitarian action through the United Nations and dozens of…
U.S. Support for ASEAN in Fighting COVID-19
As the leader in the global health and humanitarian response to COVID-19, the United States has acted swiftly to support our ASEAN partners in combating…
Release of Arbitrarily Detained Civilians and U.S. Citizens in Syria to Avert COVID-19 Spread
In light of threats posed by COVID-19, the United States reiterates its calls for the Assad regime to take concrete steps to protect the fate…
The State Department Imposes Sanctions on Individual Responsible for the Violence in northern Syria
The State Department Imposes Sanctions on Individual Responsible for the Violence in northern Syria STATEMENT BY SECRETARY MICHAEL R. POMPEO U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE For…
U.S. Announces New Humanitarian Assistance for Rohingya/other Communities in Bangladesh, Burma
On March 3, the United States announced more than $59 million in additional humanitarian assistance for Rohingya refugees and host communities in Bangladesh and internally…
U.S. Statement on Funding for the Rohingya Humanitarian Crisis
Ambassador Bremberg: "The United States is proud to be the leading donor to the humanitarian response to the Rakhine State crisis in Burma and Bangladesh in…
America Announces New Humanitarian Assistance for the Syria Crisis Response
Today in Turkey, the U.S. Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Kelly Craft, announced $108 million in additional humanitarian assistance for the people of Syria…
USAID Statement on the Commitment of $37 Million in Assistance to Respond to COVID-19
The U.S. Government is providing these funds to the World Health Organization, other multilateral institutions, and programs led by USAID's implementing partners. These are the…
U.S. Statement on the Report of the WHO Director General
Ambassador Bremberg: "The novel coronavirus, now detected in over two dozen countries and affecting the global community, requires focused attention. We express our support, prayers,…
Supporting the Venezuelan People
Venezuela’s political crisis has led to the flight of more than 4.8 million people, the collapse of a once prosperous country’s educational, economic, industrial, and…
VIDEO: U.S. Participation in the First Global Refugee Forum
The United States was proud to participate in the first Global Refugee Forum this week in Geneva and to reaffirm of our ongoing humanitarian assistance…
U.S. Statement for the Global Refugee Forum Debate on Burden and Responsibility Sharing
Ambassador Andrew Bremberg: "At this first Global Refugee Forum, I am proud to reiterate the United States’ ongoing commitment as a leader in humanitarian assistance."
VIDEO: International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent
The International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent was held in Geneva from December 9 to 12, 2019. Learn more about the conference…
Statement by Ambassador Bremberg: 33rd International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent
On behalf of the U.S. Government, I thank the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent…
U.S. Statement to the Pledging Conference of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
The U.S. government pledges an initial $125 million towards this 2020 appeal. At the same time, we extend our gratitude to States who continue to…
Presidential Determination on Refugee Admissions for Fiscal Year 2020
Secretary Pompeo: "America’s support for refugees and other displaced people extends well beyond our immigration system."
On the Passing of Sadako Ogata
The State Department, along with our international partners and donor governments, remembers the life and work of Sadako Ogata, former UN High Commissioner for Refugees…
U.S. Participation in the 70th Session of the UNHCR Executive Committee in Geneva
From October 7-11, the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration led the U.S. delegation to the 70th Session of the United Nations High Commissioner for…
U.S. Participation in the Geneva International Discussions on the Conflict in Georgia
At the forty-ninth round of the Geneva International Discussions (GID) on the conflict in Georgia, the U.S. delegation expressed concern over the recent escalation of…
United States Announces $25 Million to Support Emergency Cash Transfer Program in Yemen
This funding complements more than $2.2 billion in U.S. humanitarian assistance since 2015 and will help 1.5 million Yemeni households – approximately 9 million people…
The U.S. Increases its Contribution in Response to the Venezuelan Regional Crisis
On September 25, Secretary Pompeo announced in New York nearly $119 million in additional humanitarian assistance to further demonstrate the United States’ commitment and solidarity…
U.S. Announces New Humanitarian Assistance for Displaced Rohingya in Bangladesh and Burma
Today in New York, the United States announced more than $127 million in additional humanitarian assistance for Rohingya refugees and host communities in Bangladesh and…
The U.S. Joins the Interim Government of Venezuela and Other Countries in Invoking the TIAR
The U.S. joins the Interim Government of Venezuela and ten other countries in invoking the Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance (TIAR).
United States Announces Additional Humanitarian Assistance in Response to Venezuelan Regional Crisis
Deputy Secretary John Sullivan and United States Agency for International Development Administrator Mark Green announced September 4 in Cúcuta, Colombia more than $120 million in…
U.S. Continues to Push for Action Two Years after Rohingya Ethnic Cleansing
Two years ago, Burma’s security forces engaged in a brutal attack against hundreds of thousands of unarmed men, women, and children in a grossly disproportionate…
On Anniversary of Americans with Disabilities Act, U.S. Endorses Charter on Inclusion of Persons wit
On the 29th anniversary of the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the United States reaffirms its commitment to respecting the human rights…
The U.S. to Provide Additional $38 M to Contain Ebola outbreak, including $15 M funding to WHO
The United States, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is providing more than $38 million in additional assistance to help end the ongoing…
U.S. Participation in the Geneva International Discussions on the Conflict in Georgia
The United States fully supports Georgia’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.
U.S. Statement to the Economic and Social Council’s Humanitarian Affairs Segment
The United States is pleased to participate in this year’s Humanitarian Affairs Segment of the Economic and Social Council.
On the Occasion of World Refugee Day
Secretary Pompeo: "On World Refugee Day, we recognize the plight of millions of refugees who have fled their homes due to conflict and persecution, and…
Delivery of Humanitarian Assistance to Rukban
The United States is appalled by the Assad regime’s decision to reject the UN request to deliver a convoy of urgently needed humanitarian aid from…
U.S. Statement at the Geneva International Discussions on the Conflict in Georgia
At the forty-seventh round of the Geneva International Discussions (GID) on the conflict in Georgia, April 2-3, the United States welcomed the resumption of the…
Humanitarian Assistance for Afghans Affected by Conflict, Drought, and Other Natural Disasters
The United States announced more than $61 million in additional humanitarian assistance to meet the needs of vulnerable communities, displaced persons, and returning refugees across…
U.S. Humanitarian Assistance in Response to the Syria Crisis
The United States announced more than $397 million in additional humanitarian assistance for the people of Syria as part of the Regional Refugee and Resilience…
United States Announces Additional Humanitarian Assistance to the People of Yemen
Today, the United States announced nearly $24 million in additional emergency aid to the people of Yemen, who face the world's largest humanitarian crisis.
United States Provides Additional Humanitarian Aid to Venezuelans Who Have Fled Their Country
Today, Vice President Pence announced that the United States is providing nearly $56 million in additional humanitarian assistance to support the regional response for the…
Secretary’s Remarks: Let Humanitarian Aid Into Venezuela
Today has been a historic day. Interim President Juan Guaido, the National Assembly, and the people of Venezuela have been an inspiration to the world.
The United States Pre-Positions Aid for Venezuelans on the Brazil-Venezuela Border
On February 22, the United States and its partners began pre-positioning additional humanitarian aid for Venezuelans in Boa Vista, Brazil in proximity to the Brazil-Venezuela…
Freedom of Movement for Internally Displaced Persons in Rukban
The United States applauds the recent success of the United Nations and Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) humanitarian convoy which brought life-saving humanitarian assistance to…
U.S. Announces New Humanitarian Assistance at the Launch of the Joint Response Plan for Bangladesh
02/15/2019 09:59 AM EST Media Note Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC February 15, 2019 Today in Geneva, the United States announced $60 million in…
The U.S. Supports the Venezuelan People with Humanitarian Assistance
Standing with our Hemispheric neighbors: The United States is supporting our Hemispheric partners in addressing the needs of Venezuelans who have fled to the region.
Delivery of Humanitarian Assistance to Rukban
We welcome the news that the UN and Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) are making a second humanitarian aid delivery from Damascus to the Rukban…
United States Is Ready To Provide Urgent Humanitarian Aid to the People of Venezuela
Secretary of State Pompeo announced that the United States is ready to provide more than $20 million in initial humanitarian assistance to the people of…
Launch of the Humanitarian Assistance Steering Council
Secretary Pompeo: "In order to further optimize the State Department and USAID’s humanitarian assistance, I have established a new senior-level mechanism for coordinating and overseeing…
U.S. Participation in the Geneva International Discussions on the conflict in Georgia
Press Statement by the U.S. Delegation to the Geneva International Discussions on the Conflict in Georgia (GID)
State Department Press Statement: On U.S. Assistance to UNRWA
The Administration has carefully reviewed the issue and determined that the United States will not make additional contributions to UNRWA.
World Humanitarian Day
Today, on World Humanitarian Day, we recognize the commitment and dedication of humanitarian aid workers who risk everything to serve those in need, and we…
U.S. Announces $170 Million in Humanitarian Assistance to Help Vulnerable People in Ethiopia Who are
This additional funding brings the total U.S. humanitarian contribution for Ethiopia to more than $802 million since October 2016.
Evacuation of the White Helmets From Southwest Syria
The United States welcomes the safe evacuation of more than 400 members of the Syrian Civil Defense, otherwise known as the White Helmets, and their…
Remarks by Secretary Pompeo at the 2018 Trafficking in Persons Report Launch Ceremony
The 2018 Trafficking in Persons Report is available in PDF and HTML formats.
Framework Discussions for Cooperation Between the U.S. and the Office of the UNHCR
On June 22 in Geneva, officials from the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM) and the United Nations High Commissioner…
United States Assisting Venezuelans in Need
Media Note Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC June 26, 2018 Vice President Mike Pence announced today in Brazil nearly $10 million in additional humanitarian…
United States Commemorates World Refugee Day
On World Refugee Day, we join the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and our international partners in commemorating the strength, courage, and resilience of…
U.S. Statement on the Referendum in Burundi
Press Statement by Heather Nauert, Department Spokesperson Washington, DC May 21, 2018 The United States notes that the May 17, referendum process in Burundi was marred…
