PRESS STATEMENT
Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State
Washington
September 15, 2019
While the United States commends governments that have undertaken reforms to allow civil society to thrive, we remain deeply concerned by the global trend of shrinking civic space. Concerning trends include a proliferation of laws and policies that impose undue restrictions on the rights to freedom of association, peaceful assembly, expression, and religion or belief.
The American people and many of our allies have enjoyed the fruits of democracy. We thrive because we use our fundamental freedoms to create opportunities for economic, cultural, educational, and societal progress. Nations are more secure, peaceful, and prosperous when civil society engages freely and participates in democratic processes without intimidation. The United States will continue to be a leader in protecting civic space to bolster the foundations of democracy.