Carter Center Press Releases

April 14, 2015

Carter Center Statement of Condolence on the Passing of His Eminence Sheikh Omar Ahmed Tijani Niass
The Carter Center expresses sincere condolences to the family, friends, colleagues, and all Tijaniyya Muslims on the passing of His Eminence Sheikh Omar Ahmed Tijani Niass.

April 10, 2014
Carter Center Statement on Venezuela (En español)
The Carter Center applauds the effort to open a channel of communication between the government and opposition sectors, facilitated by representatives of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) and the Vatican.  Communication with respect, transparency, and third-party facilitation is the appropriate route to begin to address the current crisis and the underlying issues dividing the society.   Without engagement of the parties in conflict, Venezuela risks an escalation of violence and ingovernability with unpredictable consequences.

April 10, 2014
The Carter Center Welcomes Human Rights Protections in Tunisia's New Constitution; Calls for Immediate Steps to Implement (En français) (عربي)
The Carter Center released today a statement tracing the evolution of key issues in the text of Tunisia's constitution and highlighting elements, including measures to protect citizens from discrimination, provide security of tenure for judges, and safeguard fundamental freedoms during a state of emergency, which should be strengthened. Tunisian authorities should take legislative action to address these concerns.

April 7, 2014
Carter Center Appoints Kelly Callahan as Director of Trachoma Control Program
The Carter Center announces today the appointment of Ms. Kelly Callahan, M.P.H., as the director of the Center's Trachoma Control Program, effective April 14, 2014.

April 1, 2014
Carter Center Appoints New Chief Executive Officer
The Carter Center Board of Trustees announced today the appointment of Ambassador Mary Ann Peters as chief executive officer of The Carter Center, effective Sept. 2, 2014.

March 24, 2014
President Carter Begins Nationwide Media Tour for his Book "A Call To Action"
Tune in to the media appearances to hear President Carter discuss his new book, "A Call To Action: Women, Religion, Violence, and Power."

March 24, 2014
Carter Center to Host Women's Rights Twitter Chat with Human Rights Activists and The Young Turks Co-Host Ana Kasparian
On March 27, from 2:30-3:30 p.m. EDT, Carter Center Senior Adviser for Human Rights Karin Ryan and The Young Turks Co-Host and Producer Ana Kasparian will host a Twitter chat on women's rights with human rights activists and the general public following the release of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter's new book on these issues, "A Call to Action."

March 12, 2014
Carter Center Urges Dialogue and Constitutional Change to Strengthen Democratic Governance in
Egypt (عربي)
The Carter Center encourages Egyptians to initiate an inclusive political dialogue and to consider future amendments to the constitution to strengthen the core principles of democratic governance and bring the constitution better into alignment with Egypt's international political and human rights obligations.

Feb. 28, 2014
The Carter Center Reports That Public Perception of Local Governance in Nepal Has Improved; Undue Influence of Political Parties Continues (नेपालीमा पढ्नुहोस)
In a report released today, The Carter Center reports that public perception of local governance has improved over the past year. However, mismanagement of local-level budgets and the persistent role of political parties in influencing local development priorities remain, posing a significant challenge to local development and governance.

Feb. 28, 2014
123 Mental Health Clinicians Promoting Mental Health in Communities Across Liberia
The Carter Center's Mental Health Program in Liberia, in partnership with the Liberia Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, congratulates the newest, sixth class of 23 clinicians who will help continue to improve access to much needed mental health services in Liberia. These graduates join 100 previously trained and credentialed local mental health clinicians practicing in all 15 counties in Liberia, working largely in primary care clinics and hospitals.

Feb. 27, 2014
Clarification From The Carter Center on Sudan Activities
The Carter Center's long-standing support for the people of Sudan will continue through activities to advance peace, democracy, and health. The Carter Center's Health Program office continues to operate as it undertakes health promotion and disease prevention projects.

Feb. 20, 2014
Friends of the Inter-American Democratic Charter Statement on the Situation in Venezuela (En español)
The Friends of the Inter-American Democratic Charter repudiate the events that occurred during and after the peaceful demonstrations by student organizations on Feb. 12, 2014, in Venezuela.  The group laments the loss of life and the wounded, and expresses its strong condemnation of the detention of more than 100 students, some of whom reported violations of their physical integrity.

Feb. 18, 2014
Applications Being Accepted for the 2014-2015 Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism
Applications from U.S. residents are now being accepted for six one-year journalism fellowships with the Carter Center's Mental Health Program. These fellowships aim to enhance public understanding of mental health issues and reduce stigma and discrimination against people with mental illnesses through balanced and accurate reporting.

Feb. 16, 2014
Carter Center Urges Intensified Voter Education and Security Coordination Ahead of Libya's Elections(عربي)
The Carter Center is conducting a small expert mission in Libya to assess the legal framework, key issues related to the administration and preparation of elections, and the overall political environment ahead of Feb. 20 elections for the Constitutional Drafting Assembly. These elections represent an important stage in the country's transition to democracy.

Feb. 11, 2104
Carter Center Urges Tunisia to Continue Work Toward Democratic Goals (En français) (عربي)
The Carter Center encourages Tunisia's National Constituent Assembly and new electoral management body, the High Authority for the Elections (ISIE), to carefully consider next steps as they work toward democratic goals.

Jan. 29, 2014
The Carter Center Commends Tunisian Assembly on Historic Achievement (En français) (عربي)
The Carter Center congratulates Tunisian National Constituent Assembly members and the Tunisian people on the promulgation of its new constitution.

Jan. 23, 2014
The Carter Center and Government of Sweden Partner to Improve Access to Justice in Liberia
In December 2013, The Carter Center and the Government of Sweden entered into a partnership through the Embassy of Sweden in Liberia to improve access to justice in Liberia. The Swedish support will amount to approximately 7.5 million USD over a three-year period. The agreement will support the Carter Center's efforts to make justice more accessible for underserved rural populations, including women and youth, and to strengthen community-based dispute resolution for customary leaders.

Jan. 22, 2104
Carter Center Statement on Panama Electoral Process
At the invitation of the Electoral Tribunal of Panama, The Carter Center and the Friends of the Inter-American Democratic Charter sent a delegation Jan. 14-18 to learn about the electoral conditions leading up to the May 4 national elections.

Jan. 18, 2014
Carter Center Commends Peaceful Release of Madagascar Final Election Results; Urges Commitment to Reconciliation (En français)
Following today's announcement of final presidential election results, The Carter Center congratulates the people of Madagascar on reaching this key milestone and urges continued commitment to peace and reconciliation.

Jan. 16, 2014
CARTER CENTER: 148 Cases of Guinea Worm Disease Remain Worldwide (En français)
The Carter Center announced today that 148 Guinea worm cases were reported worldwide in 2013. These provisional numbers, reported by ministries of health in the remaining four endemic nations and compiled by the Center, show that cases of the debilitating disease were reduced by 73 percent in 2013 compared to 542 cases in 2012. When the Center began leading the first international campaign to eradicate a parasitic disease, there were an estimated 3.5 million Guinea worm cases occurring annually in Africa and Asia.

Jan. 13, 2014
Tunisia: Improve Guarantees for Judicial Independence (En français) (عربي)
As Tunisia's National Constituent Assembly (NCA) prepares to discuss the chapter on the judicial powers in a new constitution, Al Bawsala, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and The Carter Center urge members to strengthen guarantees for judicial independence.

Jan. 10, 2014
The Carter Center Commends Milestone in Establishing Tunisian Election Commission (En français) (عربي)
The Carter Center congratulates the Tunisian National Constituent Assembly and incoming election commissioners on their election to the new Instance Supérieure Indépendante pour les Elections (ISIE). The Center welcomes the establishment of the permanent election management body, a major milestone toward credible national elections following the adoption of the constitution.

Jan. 9, 2014
Statement From Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter on the Death of Dr. Robert Pastor
President and Mrs. Carter express condolences on the passing of Dr. Robert Pastor. Because of his vision, boundless energy, and political skill, the Western Hemisphere is more democratic and developed today. 

Jan. 6, 2014
Carter Center Urges Inclusive Constitutional Reform Process and Increased Political Space Ahead of Egypt's Referendum (عربي)
On Jan. 14-15, Egyptians will go to the polls to vote on constitutional arrangements for the third time in less than three years. While The Carter Center supports the strong desire of Egyptians to move forward with a transition to an elected civilian government, the Center is deeply concerned about the polarized environment and the narrowed political space surrounding the upcoming referendum, as well as the lack of an inclusive process for drafting and publicly debating the draft constitution.

Jan. 3, 2014
Tunisia: Strengthen New Constitution's Human Rights Protection, Guarantee Equality for All, Affirm International Law Obligations (En français) (عربي)
Tunisia should bring its nearly completed draft constitution in line with international human rights standards and the country's obligations under international law, four human rights organizations said today. The National Constituent Assembly (NCA) will begin voting on the constitution article by article on Jan. 3, 2014.