Embassy of the United States

President Obama’s 2012 State of the Union Address
President Obama presents his annual address to the nation, and next week he will participate in a completely virtual conversation with the American people on the issues you care about most.

Statement by the Press Secretary on the Death of Cuban Activist Wilmar Villar
President Obama’s thoughts and prayers are with the wife, family, and friends of Wilmar Villar, a young and courageous defender of human rights and fundamental freedoms in Cuba who launched a hunger strike to protest his incarceration and succumbed to pneumonia.

State Department on Announcement of Release of Prisoners in Cuba
STATEMENT BY MARK TONER, ACTING SPOKESPERSON. December 24, 2011

Statement by the President on the Legacy of Laura Pollán
"Today, as the National Endowment for Democracy awards the Democracy Service Medal posthumously to Laura Pollán, the founder of Las Damas de Blanco, we honor and celebrate her life by recognizing her significant contributions to the struggle to defend human rights in Cuba.

Secretary Clinton on World AIDS Day 2011
Statement by Secretary Clinton, December 1, 2011

Presidential Proclamation on Human Rights Day, Human Rights Week
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. December 8, 2011

Secretary Clinton on International Human Rights Day
STATEMENT BY SECRETARY OF STATE HILLARY RODMAN CLINTON. December 09, 2011

Message from the Department of State
Message from the Department of State in honor of International Human Rights Day

Secretary Clinton’s Address in Geneva on International Human Rights Day
"Good evening, and let me express my deep honor and pleasure at being here. I want to thank Director General Tokayev and Ms. Wyden along with other ministers, ambassadors, excellencies, and UN partners. This weekend, we will celebrate Human Rights Day, the anniversary of one of the great accomplishments of the last century.”

USINT Marks International Human Rights Week with Tribute to Laura Pollán
Family members, friends and other ‘Damas’ speak at poignant event, hosted at the U.S. Interests Section Chief of Mission’s Residence

Rousing Reception for American Jazz Musicians
USINT hosted a reception for visiting jazz musicians, Arturo O’Farrill and his band, and Neil Leonard and the Berklee Faculty Jazz. Both groups are in Havana to take part in the Havana International Jazz Festival

Prize Giving for “Mi Herencia Hispana” Literary Contest
Winners discussed the inspiration and influences on their work during the intimate ceremony.

USINT Hosts Virtual Museum Tour of “Warhol: Headlines” Exhibit
The virtual tour of “Warhol: Headlines”, currently on exhibit at the National Gallery of Art, was followed by a live discussion led by exhibit curator, Molly Donavan.

Graduation Ceremony Marks Completion of Introductory Journalism Course
Twenty-six aspiring journalists celebrated their completion of an introductory journalism course with a simple graduation ceremony held at the US Interests Section (USINT). The complimentary course provides a basic introduction to the principals of journalism.

US Teams in Havana for 2nd Annual Rugby Sevens Tournament
The tournament, held over the weekend of the 2nd and 3rd of December, pits the Atlantis Rugby Club and the Santa Monica Rugby Club from the U.S. against National teams and select sides from Europe, Canada, the Caribbean and Latin American.