- Thursday, February 27, 2025
During her stay in both countries, Zeya will actively engage with civil society organisations to discuss issues such as freedom of expression.
By: Shubham Ghosh
UZRA Zeya, a senior US diplomat overseeing democracy and human rights, is scheduled to embark on a visit to India and Bangladesh, starting on Saturday. During her trip, she will engage with civil society organisations on issues such as freedom of expression, inclusion of women and girls, and the rights of vulnerable groups, including religious and ethnic minorities.
The US state department announced that in India, the Indian-American diplomat will also hold meetings with senior government officials to discuss the deepening partnership between Washington and New Delhi. Zeya serves as the under secretary for civilian security, democracy and human rights, as well as the US special coordinator for Tibetan Issues.
Her visit to India and Bangladesh will take place between July 8 and 14.
During her stay in both countries, Zeya will actively engage with civil society organisations to discuss freedom of expression, association and the inclusion of marginalised groups, such as women and girls, individuals with disabilities and religious and ethnic minorities.
“In India, she will meet with senior government officials to discuss the deepening and enduring US-India partnership, including advancing shared solutions to global challenges, democracy, regional stability and cooperation on humanitarian relief,” the state department said in a release.
In Bangladesh which is also headed for elections like India, her discussions with senior officials will revolve around shared humanitarian concerns, including the Rohingya refugee crisis, labour issues, human rights and ensuring free and fair elections.
Zeya took to Twitter to share her intentions for the visit, saying, “Traveling to India and Bangladesh next week to advance shared solutions to global challenges; contribute to a more free, open, secure & prosperous Indo-Pacific; and bolster humanitarian support for refugees & host communities throughout the region.”
Sworn in on July 14, 2021, by US secretary of state Antony Blinken, Zeya leads global diplomatic efforts to strengthen democracy, advance universal human rights, support refugees and humanitarian relief, promote the rule of law, counter-narcotics cooperation, combat corruption and intolerance, prevent armed conflicts and combat human trafficking.
She concurrently serves as the US special coordinator for Tibetan Issues since December 2021, leading efforts to support human rights, address the humanitarian needs of the Tibetan people, and preserve their unique cultural, religious and linguistic identity.
(With agency inputs)
