News

On the occasion of International Human Rights Day on December 10, 2012 U.S. Ambassador Marcie Ries hosted a dinner with representatives of NGOs who are human rights experts. She discussed issues related to various aspects of human rights in Bulgaria with the leaders of the Bulgarian Helsinki Committee,Center for Interethnic Dialogue and Tolerance "Amalipe", Center for Independent Living and Resource Center Foundation "Bilitis": the rights of people with disabilities, people with different sexual orientation, and people from the minorities. As expected, center of the discussion became  Roma people human rights issues and the Roma integration. Deyan Kolev emphasized the unquestionable importance that international interests and international support  have for the rights of the Roma minority. In this regard, the support from the United States and the European Commission are crucial and we will rely on the support of the U.S. Embassy as it used to be in previous years, Mr. Kolev said.

Ambassador Reese emphasized that the human rights defend aspects of human dignity which all people, regardless of cultural differences, deserve: the freedom to pursue happiness and fulfillment, freedom of the speech, the right of free assembly and association, the right to choose their believe and religion and the right to participate fully in public life with confidence in the rule of law. On the Day of Human Rights, we reaffirm our commitment to universal and fundamental values. She expressed strong support for the efforts of integration and equality of the Roma people and assured that they will be one of the key themes in the work of the U.S. Embassy.