U.S. official to discuss advancing common global intrests with Indian leaders

U.S. Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Sarah Sewall will travel to Nepal and India from November 9-16.

A U.S. Embassy release said that while in Nepal, Under Secretary Sewall will meet with the Prime Minister, the Foreign Minister, and other senior government officials to discuss bilateral coordination on key issues, including Nepal's progress toward adopting a constitution and completing its democratic transition.

She will meet with civil society leaders, including Judge Tek Narayan Kunwar, recognized as a 2014 TIP Report Hero for efforts within the criminal justice system to combat human trafficking. She will also visit Tibetan refugee settlements in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

In India, Under Secretary Sewall will meet with senior government officials to discuss advancing common global interests, including improved citizen engagement and governance, through shared democratic values.

She will deliver a policy speech, "Human Rights, Challenges and Opportunities in the 21st Century," at the American Center in New Delhi. She will meet Kailash Satyarthi, the co-winner of the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize and a 2007 TIP Report Hero for his efforts to end child labor and trafficking, and to discuss combating extremism with interfaith leaders.

As the United States Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues, Under Secretary Sewall will also travel to Dharamsala, India to discuss Tibetan refugee issues. She will announce a new award of $3.2 million for a Tibetan Health System Strengthening Project to universalize access to quality health services, and especially to end preventable child and maternal deaths and create tuberculosis free communities, for Tibetan refugee communities in India and Nepal.