Representatives from The Carter Center have arrived in Caracas, Venezuela, following the formal agreement on electoral conditions by the government of Venezuela and the opposition’s Unitary Platform in Barbados on October 17. Learn more »
In his 2002 Nobel Peace Prize lecture, our founder, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, said, “We will not learn to live together in peace by killing each other’s children.” His words resonate with us today more than ever as the Israel-Hamas conflict enters a new and even more dangerous phase. Learn more »
The Candidate Principles for Trusted Elections is a cross-partisan effort to encourage candidates, political parties, and voters to uphold five core doctrines of democratic elections: integrity, nonviolence, security, oversight, and the peaceful transfer of power. Learn more »
The Carter Center strongly condemns the targeting of Israeli and Palestinian civilians and calls for genuine dialogue as well as international collective action to halt hostilities in the region. Learn more »
The Carter Center has deployed an international electoral expert team to Monrovia to assess key political, electoral, and legal aspects of Liberia’s Oct. 10 general elections. Learn more »
The Carter Center has selected 12 cities around the world to participate in the third year of its Inform Women, Transform Lives campaign, a global effort to ensure that women can seek and receive beneficial information from their local governments and thrive in their communities. Learn more »
The Carter Center announced today that it has launched an international election observation mission to the Democratic Republic of Congo ahead of the country’s general elections scheduled for Dec. 20. Learn more »
The Carter Center, a not-for-profit organization advancing peace and health worldwide, has appointed 16 new members to its Board of Councilors, bringing total membership to 221. Learn more »
Global humanitarian and former President Jimmy Carter is turning 99 on October 1. As part of this significant milestone, The Carter Center is asking the public to share birthday messages, memories, and tributes for him. Messages and well wishes will be featured in a digital mosaic for President Carter, his family, and communities around the world to enjoy. Learn more »
The Carter Center and Team Democracy announced today a new partnership to promote transparent and trustworthy electoral processes in the United States. Learn more »
The Carter Center and 12 U.S. presidential organizations have come together for the first time to reaffirm their commitment to a set of fundamental principles of democracy. Their joint statement released today is consistent with the Center’s ongoing work to strengthen democracy in the United States and around the world. Learn more »
The Carter Center is saddened to learn of the death of Bill Richardson, a dedicated champion of democracy and human rights. He collaborated with The Carter Center from its earliest days, serving as a Center election observer in Nicaragua in 1990. Learn more »
The Carter Center today issued its preliminary statement on the Aug. 23 elections in Zimbabwe, finding that they took place in a restricted political environment with an unlevel playing field and that the election administration lacked independence and transparency in key areas, undermining the credibility of the process. Learn more »
Despite the Zimbabwean government’s invitation to launch an election observation mission for the Aug. 23 elections, 30 of the Carter Center’s 48 short-term observers still have not received accreditation from Zimbabwean authorities. Learn more »
On September 23, Paige Alexander, chief executive officer of The Carter Center, and Gleaves Whitney, executive director of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, will discuss Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter and the close friendship and working relationship that developed between the former rivals. In a conversation at the Ford Presidential Foundation and Presidential Center, titled “Rebuilding Trust, Restoring Institutions,” the two will discuss what their example teaches us today about the path to restore public trust in elections and democracy and to rebuild institutions. Learn more »
On May 28, 2023, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan solidified his 20‐year rule as Turkey's premier by winning the latest presidential election. Despite facing challenges, including a declining economy and the aftermath of a devastating earthquake, Erdoğan's relationship with the government of Syria (GoS) played a crucial role in the elections and their aftermath. Learn more »
The Carter Center announced today that Attahiru Muhammadu Jega, former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission of Nigeria, will lead the Center’s international election observation mission in Zimbabwe. Learn more »
In the wake of the devastating earthquake that struck Syria and Turkey earlier this year, the U.S. government released General License 23 (GL 23), a humanitarian exception to sanctions on Syria, to allow for aid to reach those in need. This exception took effect Feb. 9, 2023, for a period of 180 days. Learn more »
The Carter Center is gravely concerned over the Israeli Knesset’s vote to enact legislation that strips the Israeli Supreme Court’s authority to override unreasonable government decisions. This legislation, known as the “reasonableness law,” is the first step of an extensive agenda designed to eliminate judicial responsibility to act on the Israeli government’s actions. Learn more »
My family and I are deeply saddened by the passing of Hugh “Sonny” Carter. He was not only close family, but he was crucial in my grandfather’s election as president by organizing the famous Peanut Brigade, and he skillfully implemented true zero-based budgeting within my grandfather’s White House. He was also widely known for his kindness and generosity. We will keep Glenna and his family in our hearts and prayers during this difficult time. Learn more »
The Carter Center is pleased to announce that Órla Ryan of The Journal, working with its investigative platform Noteworthy, and Shauna Bowers of The Irish Times have been selected as the inaugural winners of the Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism in the Republic of Ireland. Learn more »
Following the conclusion of the tabulation process, the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) released final results for parliamentary, mayoral, and local government elections in the first days of July showing unusual variances compared to the results of the presidential race released on June 27. This heightens doubts about the credibility of the tabulation process and the results from the June 24 election. Learn more »
Join The Center for Election Innovation and Research and The Carter Center on Thursday, July 20, at 1 p.m. ET for a discussion on the state of American democracy and concerns about the 2024 elections. Carter Center CEO Paige Alexander and CEIR Executive Director David Becker will speak. Learn more »
The Carter Center is pleased to announce nine U.S. recipients of the 2023-2024 Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism. Learn more »
The adoption of several humanitarian carveouts under several Syria-related autonomous sanctions regimes – in response to February 2023’s devastating earthquake – has been strongly welcomed by the humanitarian community. The exceptions adopted by the United States (US), European Union (EU), United Kingdom (UK), and Switzerland are designed to facilitate transactions in relation to relief efforts and the purchase of oil and petroleum-related products in Syria, particularly by humanitarian actors. They differ in terms of scope of activities authorized, breadth of actors covered, and their duration. This article seeks to map the main characteristics of each exception and assesses them in terms of benefits, ongoing challenges, and areas for potential improvement to inform future sanctions policies. Learn more »
Jason Carter, chairman of The Carter Center Board of Trustees and the grandson of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, participated in a discussion today in Lusaka about the Center’s work in the country. Learn more »
In a follow-up to the preliminary statement issued yesterday on the Sierra Leone elections, The Carter Center once again strongly urges the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) to publish election results by polling station so that parties and observers can cross-verify data, in accordance with international best practice. Learn more »
In a preliminary statement released today, The Carter Center expresses concern about transparency and calls for calm as the tabulation of results is underway in Sierra Leone’s June 24 election. Learn more »
As the first day of tabulation draws to a close following the June 24 election in Sierra Leone, The Carter Center expresses concern about reports indicating a lack of transparency during parts of the tabulation process. Learn more »
The Carter Center announced today that former U.S. Ambassador Cameron Hume will lead the Center’s international election observation mission in Sierra Leone. Learn more »
An original painting by President Jimmy Carter, guitars autographed by Bonnie Raitt and Jeff Beck, and memorabilia commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and President Barack Obama are among more than 150 items to be auctioned on June 24 to benefit The Carter Center. Learn more »
The Carter Center offers its condolences to the family of Judge Thomas Buergenthal, a leading international human rights lawyer and the founder of the Center’s Human Rights Program. Learn more »
The Carter family is sharing that former First Lady Rosalynn Carter has dementia. She continues to live happily at home with her husband, enjoying spring in Plains and visits with loved ones. Learn more »
Mali has become the 17th country to receive the World Health Organization’s validation of the elimination of trachoma as a public health problem. The Carter Center, Helen Keller Intl, and Sightsavers are proud to have worked together in partnership to support the government of Mali in their fight against trachoma. This decade old partnership was made possible through the support of Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. Learn more »
The Carter Center will convene its 27th Rosalynn Carter Georgia Mental Health Forum on May 18, 2023. This free in-person and virtual event explores pressing mental health issues in Georgia and the rest of the country. Learn more »
The Carter Center joins those continuing to mourn the loss of Shireen Abu Akleh and again calls for a full and transparent investigation into her killing. Learn more »
The Carter Center has launched an international election observation mission to Sierra Leone in advance of the country’s national elections scheduled for June 24. The Center was invited to observe this year’s elections by the Election Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL). Learn more »
The Carter Center is deeply concerned by the death of Khader Adnan, a Palestinian prisoner who died in solitary confinement in an Israeli prison this week after an 87-day-long hunger strike. Learn more »
Headline, a national media program focused on mental health in Ireland, has partnered with The Carter Center to offer the Rosalynn Carter Fellowship for Mental Health Journalism to Irish media. Learn more »
This spring marks the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, which ended decades of violence and established inclusive, democratic power-sharing institutions in Northern Ireland. On May 4, the Consulate General of Ireland in Atlanta and The Carter Center will co-host a commemorative event and reception with special guests representing diplomats, peacebuilders, and leaders from Northern Ireland and the United States. Learn more »
Former President Jimmy Carter’s legacy of promoting free and fair elections at home and abroad will be discussed at a May 1 event hosted by Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy and The Carter Center. Learn more »
The Carter Center is heartbroken by the tragic humanitarian situation unfolding during the holy month of Ramadan in Sudan and calls on warring parties to immediately cease fighting and work to bring about lasting peace. Learn more »
The Carter Center mourns the passing of Kent C. “Oz” Nelson, who served as chairman of The Carter Center Board of Trustees from 2009 through 2015. He joined the board in 1994. Mr. Nelson, the former chairman and CEO of United Parcel Service, was board chair of United Way of America and United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta, as well as the Annie E. Casey Foundation. Learn more »
The Carter Center is alarmed by the Tunisian government’s arrests of several political actors in recent weeks as well as its denial of request for peaceful protests. These actions represent a direct and increasing threat to democratic institutions in Tunisia. Learn more »
The Carter Center, with the support of the Embassy of Ireland in Zambia, is releasing a new edition of the Election Obligations and Standards (EOS) manual, with a launch event that will be held in Lusaka, Zambia, on March 28. Learn more »
The Carter Center and the Embassy of Sweden in Zambia, with support from Irish and Finnish partners, are bringing together civil society actors, government officials, and other stakeholders in Lusaka on March 31 to discuss strategies to ensure equal participation and representation of women, youth, and persons with disabilities in politics in Zambia. “Securing a Seat at the Table: Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities as Influencers and Decision-Makers,” will take place just after the second global Summit for Democracy. Learn more »
The Carter family and The Carter Center are grateful to Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland for today’s decision to vacate the 2019 land swap agreement that put this ecologically rich area at risk and threatened to undermine ANILCA as a powerful piece of conservation law. Learn more »
ATLANTA (Feb. 18, 2023) — After a series of short hospital stays, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter today decided to spend his remaining time at home with his family and receive hospice care instead of additional medical intervention. He has the full support of his family and his medical team. The Carter family asks for privacy during this time and is grateful for the concern shown by his many admirers. Learn more »
The Carter Center applauds the release of 222 political prisoners by the government of Nicaragua and commends the U.S. government for providing humanitarian parole in the United States. We join the prisoners’ families in celebrating their release and note that restoring democracy in Nicaragua requires a halt to repression and a return to the political rights and guarantees expected in a democracy. Learn more »
The Carter Center is deeply saddened by the earthquakes that devastated Turkey and Syria, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation in Syria. As relief aid is being disbursed, it is crucial that it reach all affected communities immediately and without hindrance. Learn more »
Laura Turner Seydel, chair of the Captain Planet Foundation and director of the Turner Foundation, has been appointed chair of the Carter Center's Board of Councilors for 2023. Learn more »
The latest installment in the Finding Firmer Ground report series examines how technological advancements have increased distrust and uncertainty in U.S.-China relations. From big data to semiconductors, the multiauthor report looks into the geopolitical implications of technological development and what strategies, if any, policymakers in the United States and China can take to mitigate tensions. Learn more »
The Jan. 29 runoff election for Tunisia’s parliament again failed to motivate voters, underscoring the Tunisian people’s rejection of the political process initiated by the president on July 25, 2021. Learn more »
The Carter Center was pleased to hear Secretary of State Antony Blinken affirm the Biden administration’s goal of equal measures of freedom, security, opportunity, justice, and dignity for Palestinians and Israelis in his public remarks in Jerusalem this week. We support the administration’s sustained opposition to settlement construction, annexation of the West Bank, demolition of Palestinian houses, and displacement of Palestinians from their land. Learn more »
The Carter Center is pleased to announce that applications for journalists who are U.S. citizens and residents are now being accepted for the Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism. Selected fellows will join a top-notch cohort of more than 250 fellows awarded over the past two decades. Learn more »
The Carter Center congratulated the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Health today for stopping river blindness transmission in four of the country’s 36 states, protecting 18.9 million people from the second-leading infectious cause of blindness. The public health triumph — the largest stop-treatment decision in the history of the global river blindness campaign — was announced today in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, following World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day Jan. 30. Learn more »
The Carter Center condemns the recent violence linked to the campaign to stop the construction of a police training facility in South River Forest, located southeast of Atlanta. We support the right for individuals to protest peacefully and call for a transparent investigation into the death of the protester and the injury of the Georgia state trooper. Learn more »
Only 13 human cases of Guinea worm disease were reported worldwide in 2022, pushing the disease closer to eradication, The Carter Center announced Wednesday. The figure is the lowest annual case total ever reported, following the record of 15 cases set just the year before. When The Carter Center assumed leadership of the global Guinea Worm Eradication Program in 1986, about 3.5 million human cases occurred annually in 21 countries in Africa and Asia. Learn more »
The Carter Center is alarmed that the early actions of the new Israeli government violate human rights, contravene international law, and risk instigating identity-based violence in the occupied Palestinian territories and Israel. Learn more »
The Carter Center condemns today’s violent assault on the offices of Brazil’s three constitutional powers: the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, which provide the foundation of the country’s democracy. Learn more »
In a preliminary statement released today, The Carter Center called upon all Tunisian stakeholders to put aside their differences and engage in a truly inclusive and transparent national dialogue to reset the country’s stalled democratic transition. Learn more »
The Carter Center, which serves as the Independent Observer of the implementation of Mali’s 2015 peace agreement, released a new report today that focuses on the reconciliation, justice, and humanitarian issues laid out in Title V of the agreement. Learn more »
Georgia’s risk-limiting audit process examining the 2022 secretary of state race was transparent and well-conducted, with only minor problems that can be corrected through more standardization and training, The Carter Center said in a preliminary report issued today. Learn more »
The Carter Center is concerned by the decision of the Cochise County Board of Supervisors to delay certification of the county election results, which has the potential to disenfranchise the 47,284 county residents who voted in the 2022 midterm election. Learn more »
The Carter Center mourns the passing of Georgia House Speaker David Ralston, who set an example of working across party lines to bring positive change for the people of Georgia. His long record of public service included the championing of the state’s Mental Health Parity Act, a pioneering law passed with bipartisan support earlier this year. Rosalynn Carter is particularly grateful to Speaker Ralston for implementing insurance parity for mental health in Georgia, the realization of a dream for Mrs. Carter after five decades of mental health advocacy Learn more »
Following accreditation by the Georgia secretary of state’s office, The Carter Center will observe the risk-limiting audit of the results of Georgia’s Nov. 8 secretary of state race. Learn more »
The Carter Center today issued a statement on its assessment of training for Election Day poll workers in Arizona, drawing on limited in-person observation and a desk review of poll worker training materials. Learn more »
The Carter Center’s electoral expert mission has concluded its in-country assessment of Brazil’s presidential election. The mission focused on issues related to the function and transparency of the voting technology systems, disinformation about the use of those systems, and the legal framework governing the use of voting technology. Learn more »
The Carter Center and the University of La Sabana in Bogotá, Colombia, have named the two recipients of the 2022-2023 Rosalynn Carter Fellowship for Mental Health Journalism in Latin America. Learn more »
The Carter Center has launched a mission to observe the process surrounding the Dec. 17 parliamentary elections in Tunisia. Learn more »
The Carter Center today released a preliminary statement detailing its observation of the logic and accuracy testing of Arizona’s voting and counting equipment, which took place Oct. 5-11. Learn more »
Rosalynn and I are saddened by Charles Duncan’s passing. He was my friend for over 50 years, and in addition to his incredible success in business, served with distinction in two of the most critical positions in the federal government. As my Deputy Secretary of Defense, he championed the modernization of our services and the equality of women’s rights. As Secretary of Energy, his leadership resulted in a dramatic reduction in imported oil and stabilization of our domestic consumption. His intelligence and ability have provided a lasting example of a steady hand and encouraged cooperation. We will keep Anne and the Duncan family in our prayers during this difficult time. Learn more »
The Carter Center announced today that it will deploy nonpartisan election observers to Fulton County, Georgia, to observe the 2022 midterm election. Learn more »
The Carter Center and the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in Liberia have announced a new initiative to train nine Liberian citizens from diverse backgrounds to serve two-year terms as “Liberia Mental Health Champions.” Learn more »
The Carter Center commends the Superior Electoral Court and Brazilian voters and electoral stakeholders for the successful general election held on Oct. 2. Learn more »
Governor Brian Kemp, Sen. Raphael Warnock, and gubernatorial candidates Stacey Abrams and Shane T. Hazel are the latest Georgia political candidates to sign on to the Candidate Principles for Trusted Elections. Learn more »
To mark President Jimmy Carter’s 98th birthday on October 1, The Carter Center is engaging the public in a weeklong, virtual celebration of a life dedicated to service and making the world a better place. Learn more »
The Carter Center expresses solidarity with the people of Iran who are calling for the end to severe restrictions on women in the wake of the death of Mahsa Amini, who was arrested for a slight violation of Iran’s strict dress code and died while in custody. Learn more »
Dr. Donald R. Hopkins, the Carter Center’s special advisor for Guinea worm eradication, received an honorary Doctor of Sciences degree Wednesday from the American Museum of Natural History’s Richard Gilder Graduate School. Learn more »
The Carter Center today officially launched the Candidate Principles for Trusted Elections initiative, a bipartisan effort to encourage candidates, political parties, and voters to uphold five core doctrines of democratic elections: integrity, nonviolence, security, oversight, and the peaceful transfer of power. Learn more »
The Carter Center, a not-for-profit organization advancing peace and health worldwide, has appointed 21 new members to its Board of Councilors, bringing total membership to 231. Learn more »
As part of a partnership with The National media outlet in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), The Carter Center announces two new fellows for the Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism Program. Learn more »
The Carter Center today released the preliminary report from its expert mission to Kenya’s Aug. 9 presidential election, which focuses on the use of election technology and finds that significant progress was made in using technology to enhance the transparency and verifiability of the election process. Learn more »
Rosalynn and I extend our condolences to the family of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the citizens of the United Kingdom. Her dignity, graciousness, and sense of duty have been an inspiration, and we join the millions around the world in mourning a remarkable leader. Learn more »
Moon was admired throughout our great nation as a national leader in urban policy and a tough-minded and historically significant mayor. He effectively demonstrated that the new South would only thrive through racial coalition rather than the historical pattern of division. He was a superb secretary of housing and urban development, and I have been proud to have him in my Cabinet and as my friend. Learn more »
The Carter Center announced today that it will deploy an international electoral expert mission team for the 2022 presidential election in Brazil. As part of this effort, the Center will send a small team to the election systems sealing ceremony in Brasilia on Friday. Learn more »
The Carter Center mourns the death of former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev, a significant driver of change in the 20th century. Gorbachev and former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, both of whom would go on to win the Nobel Peace Prize, first met in 1987 in Moscow to discuss peace in the Middle East. President Carter noted after that meeting that they both grew up in rural areas and said: "Two farmers can’t be antagonistic toward each other." Learn more »
In the midst of a hyper-partisan political environment, Republicans, Democrats, and Independents in Georgia have found something to work on together: democracy. Learn more »
The Carter Center condemns Israel’s decision today to raid and close the offices of six prominent Palestinian human rights organizations based in Ramallah. Learn more »
As part of a celebration of former U.S. First Lady Rosalynn Carter’s 95th birthday on August 18, The Carter Center and the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers call attention to Mrs. Carter’s accomplishments and ongoing championing of causes that are increasingly relevant in today’s world. Learn more »
The Carter Center is alarmed by recent developments in and around Gaza that resulted in the death of some 46 Palestinians, including at least 16 children, in the latest escalation of violence over the past weekend. Learn more »
The Guinea Worm Eradication Program, led by The Carter Center, has been chosen to receive the Fourth Hideyo Noguchi Africa Prize in the medical services category, the government of Japan announced Wednesday in Tokyo. The prize recognizes the program’s efforts to make Guinea worm disease the first human disease to be eradicated since smallpox in 1980. Learn more »
The Carter Center today deployed a four-person election expert mission to Nairobi to assess key issues regarding the use and perception of election technology in Kenya’s 2022 presidential election. Learn more »
The Carter Center condemns the executions carried out today by the State Administration Council in Myanmar. The resumption of the death penalty in Myanmar after a moratorium of decades is a sad and unnecessary step back. The Carter Center expresses its condolences to the families of the four men who were executed and compassion for all those suffering as the result of the military coup d’état. Learn more »
The Carter Center today released a report from its electoral expert mission to Colombia’s 2022 presidential election. It includes recommendations for improving future electoral processes, with a particular emphasis on reforming electoral administration and campaign financing. Learn more »
The Carter Center is establishing I-Policy, an initiative to educate U.S. policymakers on issues related to democracy and human rights in India. Learn more »
The Carter Center is pleased to announce nine U.S. recipients of the 2022-2023 Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism. The group includes freelancers, staff reporters, a Georgia journalist, and the third annual awardee of the Benjamin von Sternenfels Rosenthal Grant for Mental Health Investigative Journalism, in partnership with Reveal from the Center for Investigative Reporting. Learn more »
As President Biden prepares for his visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories later this week, The Carter Center calls on him to make human rights a central theme of his meetings with Israeli and Palestinian leaders. Learn more »
The Carter Center condemns the assassination of former Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe. Political violence is never acceptable, and it is especially shocking in a country as peaceful and free of gun violence as Japan. Learn more »
On June 30 at approximately 7:45 a.m., access to internet and mobile communications was cut in Sudan. This communications blackout comes as Sudanese citizens engage in demonstrations in support of democracy. Learn more »
The Carter Center, which serves as the Independent Observer of Mali’s 2015 peace agreement, today released a report describing the current, unprecedented impasse in the implementation process. Learn more »
The Carter Center is deeply disappointed with today’s Supreme Court ruling overturning Roe vs. Wade, which puts women’s health at risk by denying them the right to make their own health-care decisions. Learn more »
Colombia’s recent presidential elections (first round on May 29 and runoff on June 19) were conducted in an orderly fashion, and the results of the final round were accepted quickly by both candidates, a Carter Center election expert mission concluded. Nevertheless, the Center has several preliminary recommendations to improve Colombia’s electoral system. Learn more »
ICTI Blog Co-authored by Center Staffers Highlights Efforts in Sudan to Deliver Trachoma Interventions to Refugees Learn more »
The 2022 Carter Center Weekend raised $4,418,851 in donations and auction sales to support the Center’s work to wage peace, fight disease, and build hope worldwide. Events for the annual fundraiser, held June 15-19 in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia, included live, silent, and online auctions, as well as a town hall with Carter Center senior leadership, presentations by Center staff, and a variety of social events. Learn more »
After two years as a virtual event, the Carter Center Weekend retreat for major supporters will be live and in person this week. The event is being held Wednesday-Sunday, June 15-19, in historic Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia. Learn more »
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 has had obvious effects on Ukraine and Eastern Europe, but its current and potential destabilizing effects in Syria are not receiving the attention they desperately need. Learn more »
Join us and Every Woman Treaty on Thursday, June 2, at 10 a.m. ET US (UTC -4) for a live discussion about environmental disaster and its catastrophic consequences for women and girls. Learn more »
The Carter Center is deploying an international electoral expert mission to Bogota today to assess important aspects of the presidential election in Colombia. Learn more »
In the past 200 years, humankind has made incredible progress against many threats to health: vaccines, medicines and other innovations have saved millions of lives from feared killers, from malaria to cancer. But only one human disease – smallpox – has ever been eradicated. Less noticed by the rest of the world, we stand on the threshold of consigning another disease to the history books: Guinea worm. Learn more »
The Carter Center will convene its 26th Rosalynn Carter Georgia Mental Health Forum on May 18-19, 2022. This free virtual event explores pressing mental health issues in Georgia and the country. (See below for agenda and viewing information.) Learn more »
Rosalynn and I are saddened to learn of the death of our friend Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Learn more »
The Carter Center condemns the killing of Al Jazeera news correspondent Shireen Abu Akleh, a Palestinian American, and calls for an independent investigation into the incident. The perpetrators must be brought to justice. Learn more »
The Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980 (ANILCA) established more National Parks, National Wildlife Refuges, and Wilderness Areas than any in history and has been called our country’s most significant conservation law. It was my honor to work with Congress and citizens throughout our great nation on the passage of ANILCA. Learn more »
Jason Carter, chairman of The Carter Center Board of Trustees, and C.D. Glin, Global Head of Philanthropy for PepsiCo and a Carter Center board member, led a delegation this week to Bamako, where they met with leaders tasked with implementing Mali’s 2015 peace agreement. Learn more »
The Carter Center is deploying an international electoral expert mission to Manila to assess important aspects of the May 9 general elections in the Philippines. Learn more »
The Carter Center today released the final report from its international election expert mission to Palestine’s 2022 local council elections. The Center’s election expert mission was limited in size and scope, focusing its assessment on three sets of issues: the legal and administrative framework for the elections; the degree of political engagement, competition, and respect for participatory rights; and the implications of the municipal elections for future elections in Palestine. The team did not conduct a thorough assessment of election-day voting and counting processes, nor of the electoral process as a whole. Learn more »
By Eve H. Byrd, Director, Carter Center Mental Health Program
During the 2022 state legislative session, the Georgia General Assembly voted unanimously to pass the Mental Health Parity Act, ensuring that the state will enforce parity in insurance coverage for behavioral health care for the first time. Learn more »
Palestinians living in large cities in the West Bank went to the polls on March 26 in a peaceful and well-administered exercise to elect municipal councils. A Carter Center election expert mission found that virtually all the major cities in the West Bank experienced competitive electoral contests, notwithstanding a formal boycott by Hamas and a highly challenging political and electoral environment, marked by frequent human rights violations, including intimidation and harassment of political actors. Learn more »
By Hampton Stall, Senior Program Associate, The Carter Center
After the Mozambique civil war ended in 1992, demining experts needed 23 years to clear the 86,000 unexploded weapons left behind. A just-released Carter Center report suggests that there could be more than three times that amount of unexploded ordnance in Syria, where demining efforts have yet to begin. Learn more »
Mary S. Moore, SVP operations & omnichannel buyer engagement, Juniper by IMC, and founder and owner of The Cook's Warehouse, has been appointed chair of the Carter Center's Board of Councilors for 2022. The board comprises 215 members, who serve as a leadership advisory group that promotes understanding among opinion leaders and the broader community of The Carter Center and its activities. Learn more »
Rosalynn and I applaud President Biden’s decision to welcome up to 100,000 Ukrainians to the United States. Learn more »
Rosalynn and I are saddened by the passing of our friend Secretary Madeleine Albright. Learn more »
High-ranking representatives of several countries pledged this week to devote all resources needed to interrupt transmission of Guinea worm disease and certify its eradication by 2030. Learn more »
Rosalynn and I are saddened by the passing of former President of Zambia Rupiah Banda. Learn more »
“Rosalynn and I are saddened by the passing of our dear friend Dick Blum. Dick dedicated much of his life and personal resources to improving the lives of the less fortunate around the world. The Carter Center has been blessed to be one of the recipients of his goodwill and generosity. We send our love to Dianne and their family, and we will keep them in our prayers during this difficult time.” Learn more »
Russia’s unprovoked attack on Ukraine using military and cyber weapons violates international law and the fundamental human rights of the Ukrainian people. I condemn this unjust assault on the sovereignty of Ukraine that threatens security in Europe and the entire world, and I call on President Putin to halt all military action and restore peace. The United States and its allies must stand with the people of Ukraine in support of their right to peace, security, and self-determination. Learn more »
The Carter Center condemns Russian President Vladimir Putin’s decision to send troops into the sovereign nation of Ukraine, a clear violation of international law and the human rights of the Ukrainian people. We call on Russia to immediately withdraw its forces and engage with Ukraine’s leaders and the international community to find a diplomatic solution to the crisis. Learn more »
The Carter Center and The Elders invite you to join a live conversation focusing international attention on the continued impact of Israel’s terrorist designation of six Palestinian civil society organizations and the need for this decision to be reversed. Learn more »
In the face of the growing national mental health crisis, The Carter Center announces the launch of the Mental Health Parity Collaborative, a new multistate newsroom partnership focused on exploring access to and inequities in mental health care in the U.S. Learn more »
The Carter Center is pleased to announce that applications for journalists who are U.S. citizens and residents are now being accepted for the Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism. Selected fellows will join a top-notch cohort of more than 225 fellows awarded over the past two decades. Learn more »
The third annual World NTD Day is Jan. 30, 2022, highlighting the global commitment to ending neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), which cause immeasurable suffering among the world’s most marginalized communities. On Sunday, more than 100 landmarks in over 30 nations will light up to celebrate progress and ensure NTDs remain a global priority. Learn more »
The Carter Center announced Wednesday the lowest annual case total ever recorded, and the cases occurred in just four countries. When The Carter Center assumed leadership of the global Guinea Worm Eradication Program in 1986, about 3.5 million human cases occurred annually in 21 countries in Africa and Asia. Learn more »
The Carter Center has selected 12 cities around the world to participate in the second year of its Inform Women, Transform Lives campaign, a global effort to ensure that women can seek and receive beneficial information from their local governments and thrive in their communities. Learn more »
Matthew De Galan, whose global communications background spans leadership positions at CARE, Mercy Corps, the Nike Foundation, and the U.N. Global Partnership to End Violence Against Children, has been named vice president of communications at The Carter Center. Learn more »
One year ago, a violent mob, guided by unscrupulous politicians, stormed the Capitol and almost succeeded in preventing the democratic transfer of power. All four of us former presidents condemned their actions and affirmed the legitimacy of the 2020 election. There followed a brief hope that the insurrection would shock the nation into addressing the toxic polarization that threatens our democracy. Learn more »
Sarah was a warrior in the continuing struggle for equal rights for women. She dedicated her life to that mission and was a leading force for these rights in my administration. Rosalynn and I add our voices to those who mourn her passing. Learn more »
Rosalynn and I join the world in mourning the loss of our friend Archbishop Desmond Tutu. No words better exemplify his ministry than the three he contributed to a work of art at The Carter Center: love, freedom, and compassion. He lived his values in the long struggle to end apartheid in South Africa, in his leadership of the national campaign for truth and reconciliation, and in his role as a global citizen. Learn more »
The Carter Center, together with the Ethiopia Onchocerciasis Elimination Expert Advisory Committee (EOEEAC), is pleased to further amplify Ethiopia’s Ministry of Health press release, which went out earlier this week. For two decades, Ethiopia has been a leader in river blindness elimination and we congratulate them on interrupting transmission of river blindness in three districts in the Oromia region, the country’s most recent stop treatment decision. Learn more »
The Carter Center calls on participants in the Summit for Democracy to prioritize the protection of human rights defenders and voices of dissent as they face increased attacks throughout the world. Learn more »
Rosalynn and I are deeply saddened to learn of the death of former Sen. Robert Dole. A true leader, Bob was willing to work across political parties to make progress on important issues. He showed that our differences need not divide us, but can foster effective answers to our nation’s most difficult problems. Learn more »
The Carter Center today released the preliminary report from its international electoral expert mission on Venezuela’s regional and municipal elections. Learn more »
A group of pro-democracy institutions and organizations working globally to support human rights defenders, independent media, civil society, elections, and democratic transformations agreed to address these Five Messages to leading democracies on the occasion of the Summit for Democracy. We believe these issues are of key importance for advancing democracy worldwide. Learn more »
New data indicate that mass treatment with ivermectin—a drug that was a workhorse of tropical medicine long before it emerged as a controversial COVID-19 treatment—has eliminated river blindness transmission in two states in Nigeria, the first Nigerian states to achieve this distinction in a country that has the world’s highest burden of the disease. Learn more »
Rosalynn and I join thousands of Americans in mourning the loss of our dear friend Max Cleland. A true American hero who was no stranger to sacrifice, Max gave of his talents in service as a Georgia state senator, secretary of state, head of the VA, and U.S. senator. We are grateful for his commitment to the citizens of the United States, but also for the personal role he played in our lives. We know his legacy of courage and dedication will serve as inspiration for generations to come. Learn more »
The Carter Center will deploy a limited international electoral expert mission to Caracas to assess key aspects of the electoral process surrounding Venezuela’ s Nov. 21 regional and municipal elections. Learn more »
The Carter Center condemns today’s coup d’etat in Sudan and calls upon Sudan’s military actors to immediately release detainees, allow peaceful demonstrations, and move swiftly to transfer leadership of the government to civilian control, maintaining the agreed-upon transitional schedule. Learn more »
The Carter Center is alarmed by the Israeli Defense Ministry’s designation of leading Palestinian human rights organizations as terrorist organizations. Learn more »
On World Sight Day, Carter Center Trachoma Control Program Director Kelly Callahan joins Pfizer and the International Trachoma Initiative for a live discussion on our longstanding partnership to help eliminate blinding trachoma around the world. Learn more »
The Carter Center today published “The Big Lie and Big Tech,” a new report that details the role played by “repeat offenders”—media known to repeatedly publish false and misleading information—in spreading election fraud narratives in online echo chambers during the 2020 election. Learn more »
When President Kaïs Saïed invoked Article 80 of the constitution on July 25 and then issued Decree 117 on Sept. 22, he effectively undid the constitutional order set out in the 2014 Constitution and gave himself unchecked control over all levers of governmental authority. His unilateral decisions undermine fundamental democratic principles in general and those set out in the 2014 Constitution in particular and threaten the democratic aspirations of the Tunisian people. Learn more »
The Carter Center, a not-for-profit organization advancing peace and health worldwide, has appointed 26 new members to its Board of Councilors, bringing total membership to 232. Learn more »
Journalists Flavia Fontes Mantovani, of Folha de São Paulo daily newspaper in Brazil, and Katherine Stanley Obando, from solutions journalism outlet El Colectivo 506 in Costa Rica, will receive USD$5,000 to investigate mental health in their regions. Learn more »
The Carter Center is partnering with the Liberia Election Observation Network (LEON) on a new, three-year project to advance democratic governance in Liberia. Learn more »
As part of a partnership with The National media outlet in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), The Carter Center announces two new fellows for the Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism Program in the UAE. Learn more »
The Carter Center calls on the Palestinian Authority to halt its crackdown on fundamental freedoms and engage in meaningful dialogue with political and civil society leaders to reschedule genuine and inclusive elections in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip. Learn more »
The Carter Center, which serves as the Independent Observer of Mali’s 2015 peace agreement, today released a new report that notes improved dialogue between the agreement’s signatories in recent months, while also highlighting the lack of progress on the most important issues and suggesting ways to make headway on implementing the agreement. Learn more »
The Carter Center today released its preliminary report on Zambia’s Aug. 12 general elections, which were successful despite the unlevel playing field and the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more »
On Aug. 12 at approximately 1:55 p.m., Internet users in Zambia lost access to WhatsApp. Shortly after, they became unable to access Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Messenger as well. All these services remain unavailable without use of a virtual private network. Learn more »
The Carter Center today released “Sudan’s Youth and the Transition: Priorities, Perception, and Attitudes,” a report that presents the experiences, expectations, and hopes of Sudanese youth regarding the country’s transition from Omar al-Bashir’s regime to democracy. Learn more »
The Carter Center has deployed the first two members of its international electoral expert mission to Lusaka to assess the process surrounding Zambia’s Aug. 12 general elections. Learn more »
The Carter Center calls on the Palestinian Authority leadership to reschedule Palestinian presidential, legislative, and municipal elections—ideally within the next six months—and to engage with political leaders to create an environment conducive to peaceful and genuine elections. Learn more »
The Carter Center is pleased to announce nine U.S. recipients of the 2021-2022 Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism. The Center is awarding one more fellowship than in previous years due to the heightened need for solid mental health reporting during the Covid-19 pandemic and beyond. Learn more »
The 2021 Carter Center Weekend raised $1,939,828 in donations and auction sales June 21-26 to support work to wage peace, fight disease, and build hope worldwide. Events included an online auction and Saturday broadcast featuring conversations with former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, celebrity messages, updates from staff in Africa and Latin America, and a live auction of select items. Learn more »
On June 24, Palestinian political activist Nizar Banat died when Palestinian Authority (PA) security forces raided his home in Hebron in the southern West Bank. According to his family, PA security officers used explosives to blow open the door of Banat’s residence, pepper-sprayed him, and violently beat him. Learn more »
The Carter Center’s marquee annual fundraiser will again be virtual—giving everyone the opportunity to tune in to cartercenter.org at 8 p.m. June 26 to help celebrate the legacy of President and Mrs. Carter. Learn more »
The Carter Center is deeply saddened to confirm that John Marsh, a contractor responsible for managing the Center’s social media monitoring project in Ethiopia, died unexpectedly Monday, June 21, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Learn more »
The Carter Center’s Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism (RCJF) is pleased to announce the appointment of four new U.S. Advisory Board members. They bring a wealth of experience and expertise from various mediums, academia and the international journalism arena. Learn more »
As part of its continued focus on the global fight against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), the Noor Dubai Foundation renews its partnership with The Carter Center to wipe out trachoma, the leading infectious cause of blindness. Since 2013, the two organizations have assisted Ethiopia in the elimination of trachoma as a public health problem in 29% of the Amhara region, known to be the most trachoma-endemic location in the world. Learn more »
The Carter Center today released the final report from its electoral expert team on Bolivia’s Oct. 18, 2020, general elections. The report commends the work of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal, known by its Spanish acronym, TSE, for conducting a complex election process with independence, impartiality, and transparency, paving the way to return to the constitutional framework. The report also highlights the record participation and intense competition, which happened despite the political tensions and the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more »
The Carter Center condemns the government of Nicaragua’s actions against opposition presidential contender Cristiana Chamorro, who has been denied due process of law for unsubstantiated charges, stripped of her right to compete for public office, and detained incommunicado under house arrest. Learn more »
The Carter Center’s Dr. Donald R. Hopkins received an honorary Doctor of Medical Sciences degree Monday from Yale University for his work toward the eradication of smallpox and Guinea worm disease. Learn more »
Former U.S. First Lady Rosalynn Carter was recognized today by the World Health Organization (WHO) for 50 years of leadership to help improve access to health care for all people with mental health and substance use issues. Learn more »
The Carter Center is convening its 25th Rosalynn Carter Georgia Mental Health Forum on May 20-21. This free virtual event explores pressing mental health issues relevant to Georgia and the country. Learn more »
The Carter Center calls on Israel to halt the bombardment of Gaza, a densely populated area. Residents there have no access to bomb shelters and have no way to escape the indiscriminate shelling. Learn more »
While the 2019 elections were successful in ensuring a peaceful transfer of power, the country’s newly elected officials have failed to address the country’s significant political, economic, and social challenges. Learn more »
As part of a partnership with The National media outlet in the United Arab Emirates, The Carter Center announced Thursday that applications are open for the Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism. Learn more »
The Carter Center welcomes the just conviction of the police officer responsible for the murder of George Floyd. Our thoughts are with Floyd’s family members who have endured unimaginable pain as the trial exposed the horrific details of the killing of their loved one. Learn more »
Today I mourn the passing of my dear friend Walter Mondale, who I consider the best vice president in our country’s history. During our administration, Fritz used his political skill and personal integrity to transform the vice presidency into a dynamic, policy-driving force that had never been seen before and still exists today. Learn more »
Rosalynn and I are saddened by the passing of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh. We have fond memories of meeting the prince and Queen Elizabeth II early in my presidency. He was gracious, kind, and served Great Britain with honor. We send our condolences to Her Majesty the Queen, the royal family, and citizens of the United Kingdom. Learn more »
On April 6, the Israeli police prevented an electoral event planned by Palestinian civil society organizations at the Ambassador Hotel in occupied East Jerusalem. Police placed barriers around the vicinity of the hotel to block participants from reaching it. Israeli security officials detained activists, including a Fatah candidate for the Palestinian Legislative Council, Ghada Abu Rabee. The manager of the Ambassador Hotel, Sami Abu Dayya, was reportedly placed in custody. Learn more »
The Carter Center today issued its final report on Georgia’s risk-limiting audit of the November 2020 presidential race, commending the process and saying that it should serve as the basis for increased confidence in the state’s electoral system. Learn more »
Next week, The Carter Center and Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy are launching “The Carter-Baker Commission: 16 Years Later,” a series of five virtual events focused on key issues affecting U.S. elections and potential reforms. Learn more »
At a virtual town hall held on March 23, a bipartisan group of Georgia lawmakers and mental health advocates called for immediate action to make behavioral health services more available throughout the state. Learn more »
The founders, leadership, and staff of The Carter Center extend their heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the victims of this week’s mass shooting in the Atlanta area. Learn more »
Americans know the heart of the stranger. The colonies that became the United States were founded by refugees from religious persecution, and our religious traditions call on us to welcome the stranger. Learn more »
The Ad Council and COVID Collaborative today announced new PSAs as part of their COVID-19 Vaccine Education Initiative’s “It’s Up To You” campaign featuring former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, Jimmy Carter, and former First Ladies Michelle Obama, Laura Bush, Hillary Clinton, and Rosalynn Carter. The videos are designed to encourage all Americans to get answers to the top questions about the COVID-19 vaccines at GetVaccineAnswers.org and to get a vaccination when it’s available to them. Learn more »
— In 1962, I ran to represent the 14th Senate District in the Georgia legislature. I won my Senate seat, but only after the courts ruled that a ballot box had been illegally “stuffed” with votes for my opponent. My experience with our election system was one of the reasons Rosalynn and I created The Carter Center. Since 1989, we have observed 113 elections in 39 countries and helped build consensus on standards for democratic elections, perhaps the most fundamental of which are the rights to vote and be elected. Learn more »
The Carter Center today launched the Inform Women, Transform Lives campaign, a groundbreaking global effort to help ensure that women can seek and receive information from their governments. Learn more »
In a preliminary statement released today, the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa (EISA) and The Carter Center presented their initial findings following the observation of the election of members of the National Assembly which took place on March 6, 2021. Learn more »
The Carter Center and The Global Institute for Disease Elimination (GLIDE) announced an exciting new partnership to support the Carter Center’s innovative disease elimination efforts in the Americas. Learn more »
The Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa (EISA) and The Carter Center announced today in a press briefing the continuation of their International Election Observation Mission (IEOM) in Côte d'Ivoire and the deployment of 24 short-term international electoral observers to observe the conduct of the March 6, 2021, legislative elections. Learn more »
Rosalynn and I are saddened by the passing of our friend Vernon Jordan. In the courtroom alongside Donald Lee Hollowell, Vernon helped push our home state into the modern era by forcing the University of Georgia to integrate, and that was just the beginning of his legacy of contributions to American social progress. We offer our condolences to his wife, daughter, and his many admirers. Learn more »
The Carter family is saddened to learn of the passing of our friend and fellow Lion Dr. Tebebe Berhan. Dr. Berhan’s passion and dedication to the fight against Neglected Tropical Diseases impacted millions of lives in Ethiopia and worldwide through the Lions-Carter Center SightFirst partnership. Learn more »
The Carter Center today released “Finding Firmer Ground: The Role of Civil Society and NGOs in U.S.-China Relations,” a report that addresses how expanded civil society engagement between the U.S. and China can help stabilize the bilateral relationship. Learn more »
The Carter Center, a global leader in mental health, is pleased to announce that applications for journalists who are U.S. citizens and residents are now being accepted for the Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism. Selected fellows will join a top-notch cohort of more than 225 fellows awarded over the past two decades. Learn more »
Jan. 30, 2021, will mark the second annual World NTD Day, highlighting the global community’s commitment to ending neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) that cause immeasurable suffering among the world’s most marginalized communities. Learn more »
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, has announced renewed financial support of $10M to the Carter Center, following the 30th anniversary of the organization’s partnership with the UAE. Learn more »
Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of human Guinea worm cases was cut in half to just 27* in 2020, The Carter Center announced Tuesday. Learn more »
Rosalynn and I are saddened by the passing of our dear friend Henry Aaron. One of the greatest baseball players of all time, he has been a personal hero to us. A breaker of records and racial barriers, his remarkable legacy will continue to inspire countless athletes and admirers for generations to come. We send our love to Billye and their family and to Hank’s many fans throughout the world. Learn more »
While many rich nations, including the United States, have begun to vaccinate populations against COVID-19, even frontline workers in Africa must wait until April. This is a moral challenge for the U.S., which has obligations under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, created after the global pain of World War II to enable all nations to prosper by guaranteeing basic human rights, including access to health care. Learn more »
Our country’s long and proud history of peaceful and democratic transitions is being tested by the events unfolding inside the U.S. Capitol, which was put on lockdown after protestors stormed the building. Learn more »
Rosalynn and I are troubled by the violence at the U.S. Capitol today. This is a national tragedy and is not who we are as a nation. Having observed elections in troubled democracies worldwide, I know that we the people can unite to walk back from this precipice to peacefully uphold the laws of our nation, and we must. We join our fellow citizens in praying for a peaceful resolution so our nation can heal and complete the transfer of power as we have for more than two centuries. Learn more »
The Carter Center, which serves as the Independent Observer of Mali’s 2015 peace agreement, today released its year-end report, which finds that the lack of commitment by the parties – combined with the sociopolitical crisis, the coup d'état, the establishment of the Transition, and the COVID-19 pandemic – greatly limited the progress of implementation in 2020. Learn more »
The Carter Center welcomes the passage of a bipartisan resolution of the U.S. House of Representatives last Friday honoring former First Lady Rosalynn Carter’s decades of work to improve mental health care and diminish the stigma against mental illnesses. Learn more »
The Carter Center has selected 13 cities around the world to participate in its first Inform Women, Transform Lives campaign, a groundbreaking effort that aims to ensure that women can seek and receive impactful information from their governments and thrive in their communities. Learn more »
The Carter Center congratulates Georgia’s 159 counties and office of the secretary of state on their successful completion of the audit of the Nov. 3 presidential election. The conduct of the audit, which constituted the largest hand tally of an election race in U.S. history, was particularly impressive given that counties had less than 48 hours to prepare for the process, which was carried out in a highly politicized environment and in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more »
Following accreditation by the Georgia secretary of state’s office, The Carter Center will monitor the risk-limiting audit taking place in the state of Georgia. Learn more »
In a preliminary statement released today, The Carter Center commended the efforts of the election administration, election contestants, citizen observers, media, and voters to overcome the challenges that COVID-19 presented to the conduct of Myanmar’s general elections. Learn more »
Rosalynn joins me in congratulating our friends President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris. We are proud of their well-run campaign and look forward to seeing the positive change they bring to our nation. Learn more »
The Carter Center urges both presidential candidates and Democrat and Republican party leaders to call for calm and patience while we wait for final vote tallies and the resolution of any ensuing recounts or lawsuits. Learn more »
U.S. citizens should be proud of the monumental efforts that have been made to prepare for the 2020 election, even in the face of a global pandemic and threats from malign actors, including foreign adversaries. Learn more »
In a statement released today, the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa (EISA) and The Carter Center reported their preliminary findings following their observation of the Oct. 31, 2020, presidential election in Côte d’Ivoire. Learn more »
In a second preelection statement released today, The Carter Center noted that while COVID-19 related restrictions continue to impact the activities of the election administration, political parties, candidates, and observers, the election process remains broadly on course for voting to take place on Nov. 8. Learn more »
Positive and Peaceful Elections: An Online Forum by The King Center and The Carter Center Learn more »
The Carter Center today released a preliminary report about Bolivia’s Oct. 18 general elections, which saw record participation and intense political competition despite the COVID-19 pandemic and the political tensions that have roiled the country in the past year. Learn more »
The International Election Observation Mission of the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa (EISA) and The Carter Center express deep concern about the sharp rise in intercommunity tensions and the increasing level of violence, which have resulted in the deaths of at least eight people and injured several on Oct. 21 in Dabou in the Grand Ponts region. The joint EISA-Carter Center international election observation mission (IEOM) condemns all forms of violence whatever their origin and also the incidents and violence that have occurred throughout the electoral process. Learn more »
The Carter Center has joined the Georgia Secretary of State’s new Georgia Bipartisan Task Force on Safe, Secure, and Accessible Elections. Learn more »
Today marks the beginning of the election campaign, paving the way for a crucial stage in the electoral process before the presidential election on Oct. 31. The International Election Observation Mission of the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa and The Carter Center deplores the loss of life and condemns the violence that has engulfed the electoral process, particularly during August 2020. Learn more »
The Carter Center this month will conduct a nationwide survey of Sudanese youth’s attitudes and perceptions of the ongoing political transition and plans to publicly share its findings in early 2021. Learn more »
In a preelection statement released today, The Carter Center commended the Union Election Commission for keeping the election process on track despite the extraordinary circumstances created by COVID-19. Learn more »
The Carter Center is presenting a virtual Conversations at The Carter Center event on the U.S. election featuring Michael Chertoff, former U.S. secretary of homeland security; Kevin Johnson, senior member of the Carter Center’s U.S. election expert study team and executive director of Election Reformers Network, and Jennifer Morrell, partner at The Elections Group. Suzanne Malveaux of CNN will moderate. Learn more »
The Carter Center, a not-for-profit organization advancing peace and health worldwide, has appointed 20 new members to its Board of Councilors, bringing total membership to 223. Learn more »
Two members of the Carter Center’s expert election team arrived in La Paz Saturday to continue in the field their analysis of the Bolivian electoral process, which the team has been carrying out remotely for two months. Learn more »
As part of a partnership with the Qatar Foundation’s World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH), The Carter Center announces new recipients of the Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism in Qatar. Learn more »
The Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa (EISA), together with the Carter Center (TCC), announces the arrival and deployment of a Long-Term International Electoral Observation Mission (IEOM) to observe the presidential election of October 31, 2020 and the upcoming legislative elections in Republic of Côte d'Ivoire. The mission received accreditation from the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI) of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire on August 19, 2020. Learn more »
Following accreditation by the Union Election Commission, The Carter Center is launching an international election observation mission to Myanmar’s Nov. 8 general elections. Learn more »
Rosalynn and I are saddened by the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. A powerful legal mind and a staunch advocate for gender equality, she has been a beacon of justice during her long and remarkable career. I was proud to have appointed her to the U.S. Court of Appeals in 1980. We join countless Americans in mourning the loss of a truly great woman. We will keep her family in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time Learn more »
Rosalynn and I are saddened by the passing of our friend Bill Gates Sr. Bill worked tirelessly to create better opportunities for the poor and vulnerable around the world. His humanitarian work uplifted and built hope for generations in the United States, Africa, and beyond. His life and legacy affirm our shared humanity and responsibility to care for one another. We extend our deepest condolences to his family. Learn more »
Kashef Ijaz, M.D., M.P.H., has been appointed vice president for health programs at The Carter Center, effective Oct. 1. Learn more »
The Carter Center and Universidad de La Sabana in Bogotá, Colombia, in association with the Gabo Foundation, announce the recipients of the two annual fellowships awarded by the Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism in Latin America. Learn more »
In response to diverse news reports about his views on absentee ballots, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter said today, “I approve the use of absentee ballots and have been using them for more than five years.” Learn more »
Barbara Smith, principal and founder of the international development consulting firm Mountain Time Development and a senior associate at the Center for Strategic & International Studies, has been named vice president of the Carter Center’s peace programs, effective Sept. 21. Learn more »
The first-ever virtual Carter Center Weekend fundraiser brought in just over $2,012,000 in donations and auction sales. Learn more »
Recognizing the scale of the challenges facing democratic elections in the U.S., The Carter Center plans to conduct several election-related activities before and after the November election to help build confidence in the process and results. Learn more »
The Carter Center commends the people of Belarus for their peaceful protest against an electoral process that is widely viewed as neither credible nor reflective of the will of the people. The Center urges the authorities of Belarus to begin peaceful dialogue with civil society organizations, trade unions, political parties, and other stakeholders to resolve the current crisis, with a view to conducting a new presidential election in line with international commitments and standards Learn more »
The Carter Center’s marquee annual fundraiser is going virtual this year, giving everyone the opportunity to gather online for a celebration that will include special messages from President and Mrs. Carter, up-close-and-personal looks at some of the Center’s programs, and the chance to bid on priceless artwork and memorabilia. Learn more »
Sudan’s Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports announced today that The Carter Center will support the building of a Youth-Focused Independent Observer Program for the country’s ongoing transition to democracy. Learn more »
As part of a partnership with The National media outlet in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), The Carter Center announces two new fellows for the Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism Program in the UAE. Learn more »
The Carter Center commends the Guyana Elections Commission and Chairperson Claudette Singh for finalizing the results of the 2020 election. It extends its congratulations to President Irfaan Ali as he assumes Guyana’s highest office and applauds former President David Granger’s statesmanship in recognizing GECOM’s declaration of results. Learn more »
Rosalynn joins me in sending our condolences to all gathered today to mourn the loss of one of our nation’s great leaders. Throughout his remarkable life, John has been a blessing to countless people, and we’re proud to be among those whose lives he has touched. Learn more »
The Carter Center supports the decision by Bolivia’s Supreme Electoral Tribunal to postpone Bolivia’s election from Sept. 6 to Oct. 18 in response to concerns about the current spread of COVID-19. Learn more »
Rosalynn and I are saddened by the death of Congressman John Lewis. He made an indelible mark on history through his quest to make our nation more just. John never shied away from what he called “good trouble” to lead our nation on the path toward human and civil rights. Everything he did, he did in a spirit of love. All Americans, regardless of race or religion, owe John Lewis a debt of gratitude. We send our condolences and prayers to his family and friends. Learn more »
The controversial 2018 elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo underscored the urgency of enacting electoral reforms, developed with broad-based consensus, to ensure that CENI operates as a transparent, inclusive, and credible organization that instills public confidence in the electoral process. Unfortunately, these goals have been undermined by the political divisions. Learn more »
To increase access to school-based behavioral health services in Georgia, a virtual town hall will be held on July 21. The discussion – supported by The Carter Center and co-hosted by Georgia Appleseed Center for Law & Justice and Voices for Georgia’s Children – will address ways to continue delivery of Georgia’s school-based mental health services in non-traditional settings during the pandemic. Learn more »
The Carter Center, a global leader in mental health, is pleased to announce the eight U.S. recipients of the 2020-2021 Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism. The group includes a nonprofit news leader, local reporters, freelance journalists, and the inaugural Benjamin von Sternenfels Rosenthal Grant for Mental Health Investigative Journalism. Fellowships to international journalists will be announced by fall 2020. Learn more »
Democracies around the world need to adopt new ideas and approaches to ensure the lasting protection of democracy and civil liberties threatened by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new report endorsed by The Carter Center that was released today. Learn more »
Israel’s planned annexation of up to 30% of the West Bank as early as today would violate international laws prohibiting the acquisition of territory by force and changing the status of occupied territories. The planned move would violate the Oslo and Camp David Accords and jeopardize Israel’s peace treaties with Jordan and Egypt. Learn more »
The Carter Center issued its final report on the 2019 elections this week, highlighting both the Tunisian people’s ability to overcome potentially challenging political circumstances and the election commission’s remarkable work to conduct credible elections under a tight timeframe following the president’s death in office. Learn more »
The Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism and the Mental Health Reporters Network in Liberia announce the inaugural class of mentees in mental health journalism. Learn more »
More than 500 political, civil leaders, Nobel Laureates and pro-democracy institutions – including the Carter Center’s CEO, Paige Alexander – have signed an open letter to defend democracy, warning that the freedoms we cherish are under threat from governments that are using the crisis to tighten their grip on power. Learn more »
As it does around the world, The Carter Center stands with those in our own community whose human rights and democratic rights are violated. The death of yet another African American man, Rayshard Brooks, at the hands of police in Atlanta last week once again emphasizes that America must come to grips with its long history of systemic racism and ensure full respect for and protection of the human rights of all, as established in our Bill of Rights and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Learn more »
The Carter Center commends the Guyana Elections Commission on the completion of the recount process and welcomes the CARICOM report, which indicates that despite minor flaws in the process, the recount results are acceptable and provide the basis for a declaration of results from the March 2 election. Learn more »
As COVID-19 continues to spread in Liberia, The Carter Center has answered the request of the government to assist with prevention efforts and mental health support. Learn more »
Rosalynn and I are pained by the tragic racial injustices and consequent backlash across our nation in recent weeks. Our hearts are with the victims’ families and all who feel hopeless in the face of pervasive racial discrimination and outright cruelty. We all must shine a spotlight on the immorality of racial discrimination. But violence, whether spontaneous or consciously incited, is not a solution. Learn more »
TUNE IN May 29: Carter Center Forum to Host Roundtable Discussion on Native American Participation in 2020 Elections . Learn more »
The Carter Center is deeply disappointed by the government of Guyana’s decision not to approve its recent requests to allow two accredited international observers to return to Guyana to observe the ongoing recount and the remainder of Guyana’s electoral process. Learn more »
Please join us on Wednesday, May 20, from 1:30-2:30 p.m. EDT (UTC -4), Carter Center Senior Advisor for Human Rights Karin Ryan will host a conversation between Jacqueline Novogratz and media executive Pat Mitchell about Novogratz’s latest book, "Manifesto for a Moral Revolution: Practices to Build a Better World." Learn more »
During the pandemic, mental health has been more openly discussed than at any time in recent memory. The media, health experts, members of the entertainment industry, and families are sharing tips to help each other cope with stress and anxiety caused by the outbreak. Journalists and experts will discuss whether this could be a tipping point for reducing the stigma that typically surrounds mental health discussions. Learn more »
The United States faces a series of critical challenges because of the COVID-19 pandemic, including serious impediments to holding safe, secure, and inclusive elections in November. Many voters across the U.S. are likely to find themselves in areas where the pandemic has not abated and where the health risks involved in going to polling locations will be unacceptably high. Learn more »
The Carter Center’s accredited observation mission remains committed to providing an independent observation of Guyana's electoral process, including the upcoming recount. The Center deployed an observer to Miami who was prepared to travel to Georgetown today, but unfortunately, his flight was denied approval to carry international election observers. Learn more »
I am distressed by the decision to withhold critically needed U. S. funding for the World Health Organization, especially during an international pandemic. WHO is the only international organization capable of leading the effort to control this virus. Learn more »
Center Forum to Host Roundtable Discussion on Protecting Human Rights During COVID-19 April 16 at 12 p.m. EDT Learn more »
The Carter Center, which serves as the Independent Observer of Mali’s 2015 peace agreement, today released a new report describing two persistent obstacles to the implementation of the agreement: the delay of electoral and administrative redistricting and continued problems preventing full redeployment of integrated army units. Learn more »
After careful consideration, The Carter Center has withdrawn its electoral experts and international observers from Guyana. The Center remains committed to promoting democracy and constitutional reform in Guyana and is willing to return when the electoral process resumes, assuming international travel is feasible. Learn more »
The international observer missions from the Commonwealth, the European Union, and The Carter Center issue the following statement: Learn more »
The Carter Center and the University of La Sabana in Colombia, in association with the Gabo Foundation, are now accepting applications for 2020-2021 Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism in Latin America. Learn more »
As part of a partnership with The National media outlet in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), The Carter Center announces that applications are now open for the Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism Program in the UAE. Learn more »
The international observer missions from the Commonwealth, the Organization of American States, the European Union, and The Carter Center issue the following statement. Learn more »
Rosalynn and I are proud that our grandson, Jason Carter, will be inducted as a member of Lions Clubs International. As Lions Clubs International celebrates the 42nd Annual Lions Day with the United Nations under the theme "Peace and International Understanding," our shared commitment to peace and service is more important now than ever. Learn more »
The Carter Center is deeply concerned about the events that took place today at the Office of the Returning Officer for Region 4 and the decision to announce results that had not been verified. Learn more »
In a preliminary statement released today, The Carter Center commended the people of Guyana for their participation in the March 2 election and encouraged all Guyanese to remain patient and peaceful as GECOM finalizes the results. Learn more »
The Carter Center first became involved in Guyana in the early 1990s at the invitation of President Desmond Hoyte and since then has been dedicated to the advancement of democracy in the country. These elections will be the fifth that The Carter Center has observed in Guyana since 1992, reflecting an ongoing commitment to the consolidation of democracy and a desire for Guyanese to live together in peace, security, and prosperity. Learn more »
The Carter Center Board of Trustees is pleased to announce that Paige Alexander has been appointed CEO of The Carter Center, effective June 16, 2020. She succeeds Ambassador (ret.) Mary Ann Peters, who is retiring. The CEO is charged with leading the Center into its next era of building peace, health, and hope for the world’s poorest people. Learn more »
Shyam K. Reddy, chief administrative officer and senior vice president of corporate development at BlueLinx Corporation, has been appointed chair of the Carter Center's Board of Councilors for 2020. The board comprises 215 members, who serve as a leadership advisory group that promotes understanding among opinion leaders and the broader community of The Carter Center and its activities. Learn more »
Aminata Touré, former prime minister of Senegal, and Jason J. Carter, chairperson of The Carter Center Board of Trustees, will co-lead the Carter Center’s international election observation mission in Guyana. Learn more »
The Carter Center is pleased to announce that applications for journalists who are U.S. citizens and residents are now being accepted for the 2020-21 Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism. Learn more »
The third of six regional School-Based Behavioral Health Forums across Georgia will convene at Dublin High School on Feb. 6. These forums – co-hosted by The Carter Center, Georgia Appleseed Center for Law & Justice, and Voices for Georgia’s Children – assess the status of school-based behavioral health efforts in Georgia, identify and discuss strategies to eliminate barriers to success, and encourage the adoption of state and national best practices. Learn more »
Rosalynn joins me in sharing our condolences to the extended family and friends of Anne Cox Chambers. Ambassador Chambers was an important part of our lives for over six decades. Her life serves as a path for fairness and equality for everyone and especially for women and girls. Atlanta, our State of Georgia, and the world has lost a wonderful woman, business leader, and philanthropist. Rosalynn and I are grateful to have been among those whose lives were so richly touched by her. Learn more »
President Trump’s plan for unilateral annexation to Israel of a large piece of the occupied Palestinian territories offers the Palestinians fragmented statehood, without control of their borders, in four years and subject to certain conditions, and leaves the status of large parts of the West Bank to be determined in the future. Learn more »
A provisional total of 54 cases of Guinea worm disease were reported in 2019, The Carter Center announced Wednesday. Intensified surveillance and reporting incentives in endemic areas in recent years have produced expected fluctuations in the small number of Guinea worm cases. When The Carter Center assumed leadership of the program in 1986, about 3.5 million human cases occurred annually in 21 countries in Africa and Asia. Learn more »
The Carter Center, which serves as the Independent Observer of Mali’s 2015 peace agreement implementation, released its 2019 end-of-year report, which criticizes the overall stagnation of the process and urges vigorous measures to consolidate peace in Mali. Learn more »
Following an invitation from the government of Guyana, The Carter Center has launched an election observation mission to observe the March 2 general election in Guyana. Learn more »
Rosalynn and I are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Sultan Qaboos bin Said of Oman. His voice for peace and tolerance in the Middle East will be missed. He was a wise counsel and ally to me in the White House. After the White House, I was grateful for his support in our efforts to eradicate Guinea worm disease from the world. We extend our condolences to members of the royal family. Learn more »
In a statement released today, The Carter Center commended the Tunisian authorities and its people on the successful completion of the 2019 electoral process and urged Tunisian political leaders to move quickly to form a government before the one-month extension provided by the president expires Jan. 15, 2020. Learn more »
Rosalynn and I are saddened to learn of the passing of our friend Judge Haynes Townsend. Learn more »
The Carter Center today released its findings and recommendations from an election expert mission in the DRC deployed during the 2018 elections. Learn more »
As part of a partnership with The National media outlet in the United Arab Emirates, The Carter Center announces a new recipient of the Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism Program. Learn more »
Following letters of invitation from the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Election Board and principal chief, The Carter Center deployed a small team of three international electoral experts to observe elections in Muscogee (Creek) Nation (MCN) for principal chief, second chief, and members of the National Council. The Center deployed observers to the Nov. 2, 2019, primary election and the Dec. 14, 2019, general election. Learn more »
Rosalynn and I are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Paul Volcker, whose economic acumen made him a giant of public service. Paul was as stubborn as he was tall, and although some of his policies as Fed chairman were politically costly, they were the right thing to do Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter was discharged from Phoebe Sumter Medical Center this afternoon, where he was treated for a urinary tract infection. He said he looks forward to further rest and recovery at home in Plains, Georgia. He and Mrs. Carter wish everyone peace and joy this holiday season. Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter was admitted to Phoebe Sumter Medical Center in Americus, Ga., this past weekend for treatment for a urinary tract infection. Learn more »
Former U.S President Jimmy Carter was released from Emory University Hospital this morning after successful surgery and recovery to relieve pressure on his brain caused by a subdural hematoma. He and Mrs. Carter look forward to enjoying Thanksgiving at home in Plains, where he will continue to recover. The Carters are grateful for all the prayers, cards, and notes they have received and hope everyone will join them in enjoying a special Thanksgiving. Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter is recovering at Emory University Hospital following surgery this morning to relieve pressure on his brain from a subdural hematoma. There are no complications from the surgery. President Carter will remain in the hospital as long as advisable for observation. We do not anticipate any further statements until he is released from the hospital. President and Mrs. Carter thank everyone for the many well-wishes they have received. Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter was admitted to Emory University Hospital this evening for a procedure to relieve pressure on his brain, caused by bleeding due to his recent falls. The procedure is scheduled for tomorrow morning. President Carter is resting comfortably, and his wife, Rosalynn, is with him. Learn more »
Following letters of invitation from the election board and principal chief, The Carter Center deployed a small team of observers to the Nov. 2 primary election in Muscogee (Creek) Nation for the tribe’s principal chief, second chief, and members of the National Council. A general election is anticipated on December 14, 2019. Learn more »
The Carter Center congratulates the Democratic Republic of Congo for being recognized by the International Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative Board as having made “meaningful progress” in improving extractive sector transparency. Learn more »
Following letters of invitation from the election board and principal chief, The Carter Center is preparing to deploy a small team of observers to the Nov. 2 primary election in Muscogee (Creek) Nation as well as a general election anticipated in December. Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter has been released from Phoebe Sumter Medical Center. He is looking forward to continuing to recuperate at his home in Plains, Georgia, and thanks everyone for their kind well wishes. Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter had a fall yesterday evening at his home in Plains, Georgia. He has been admitted to Phoebe Sumter Medical Center for observation and treatment of a minor pelvic fracture. He is in good spirits and is looking forward to recovering at home. Learn more »
The Carter Center is calling for global solidarity with activists facing increasingly violent retribution for their work to advance human rights and peace worldwide. The 12th meeting of the Human Rights Defenders Forum took place Oct. 12-15 and brought together activists from 28 countries. There was a special focus on attacks against female human rights defenders and peacemakers, who face even more severe violence than their male counterparts. Learn more »
In a preliminary statement released today, The Carter Center commended the Tunisian people and its election administration on the successful completion of the 2019 electoral cycle and their deep commitment to the democratic process, which required them to cast ballots in three successive elections in less than a month. Learn more »
The Carter Center condemns the murder of Anastacio Matavele, the head of a nonpartisan election observation organization in Mozambique, and calls for an immediate and thorough investigation to bring those responsible to justice. Learn more »
Dozens of activists, peacemakers, and community leaders from 28 countries will come together Oct. 12-15 for the Carter Center’s 12th Human Rights Defenders Forum, which this year focuses on “Building Solidarity toward Equality for All.” Learn more »
In a preliminary statement released today, The Carter Center commended the Tunisian election administration for conducting a well-run parliamentary election and expressed concern about the low voter turnout and a perceived lack of public confidence in the institution of parliament to realize the goals of the 2011 revolution. Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter had a fall today at his home in Plains, Georgia, that required stitches above his brow. He said he feels fine and wanted everyone to know that he and Mrs. Carter are eager to be at Habitat for Humanity’s Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project in Nashville, Tennessee, Oct. 6-11, starting with the opening ceremony this evening. Learn more »
Dozens of short-term observers arrived in Tunis this week to join the Carter Center’s international election observation mission for Tunisia's parliamentary election. Tana de Zulueta, a former member of Italy’s parliament, and Karen AbuZayd, a commissioner on the Independent Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic, will co-lead the delegation of more than 90 observers. Learn more »
The Carter Center Board of Trustees announced it is launching a $40 million fundraising campaign, including a $20 million Carter Center Challenge Fund, toward the eradication of Guinea worm disease, and Alwaleed Philanthropies, a global philanthropic foundation, said it would invest the first $1 million in matching support. Learn more »
Despite recent progress in the demobilization of combatants from former armed groups, foot-dragging and lack of support from decision-makers is significantly delaying the implementation of Mali’s 2015 peace agreement, according to a new Carter Center report. Learn more »
The Carter Center today released a preliminary statement about Tunisia’s Sept. 15 presidential election, which provided Tunisia with an opportunity to reinvigorate the country’s political transition, strengthen its democratic culture, and refocus on reforms that will improve the lives of its citizens. Learn more »
As part of a partnership with the Qatar Foundation’s World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH), The Carter Center announced today two new recipients of the Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism Program in Qatar. In 2018, The Carter Center joined with WISH to develop a program designed to train students at universities in Qatar about accurate and ethical reporting on mental illnesses. The two students, from Northwestern University in Qatar (NU-Q), add to the two students trained from the inaugural cohort last year. See below for the journalist names and project topics. Learn more »
The Carter Center and the University of La Sabana, in association with the García Márquez Foundation, announces three new fellows for the 2019-2020 Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism Latin America. Learn more »
The Carter Center today released a pre-election statement offering an assessment of the pre-election period for Tunisia’s 2019 elections, which was marked by the death of President Beji Caïd Essebsi and the arrest of businessman and presidential candidate, Nabil Karoui. The statement looks at amendments to the electoral law as well as at voter registration and candidate nominations. It also offers preliminary recommendations to electoral stakeholders. Learn more »
The second of six regional School-Based Behavioral Health Forums across Georgia will convene at Albany State University on Sept. 13 (more details below). These forums – co-hosted by The Carter Center, Georgia Appleseed Center for Law & Justice, and Voices for Georgia’s Children – assess the status of school-based behavioral health efforts in Georgia, identify and eliminate barriers to success, and encourage the adoption of national best practices. Learn more »
Working with the government of Liberia, The Carter Center has helped to train over 300 credentialed mental health clinicians who work in all 15 counties in the country; 140 of whom specialize in the needs of children and adolescents. Learn more »
The Carter Center has launched an election observation mission to observe the Sept. 15 presidential and Oct. 6 parliamentary elections in Tunisia. The Center has monitored several legislative and political processes during the country’s democratic transition following the revolution, starting with its observation of the 2011 National Constituent Assembly elections. The High Independent Authority for Elections (ISIE) has invited and accredited the Center to observe the national elections this year. Learn more »
The Carter Center announced today eight U.S. recipients of the 2019-2020 Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism. The Center will train fellows on effective mental health reporting and support them as they report on a mental health topic of their choice. Learn more »
The nonprofit Carter Center raised more than $4.2 million at its annual Carter Center Weekend Auction and Retreat June 26-30 at Lansdowne Resort and Spa in Leesburg, Virginia. All proceeds will benefit the Center’s ongoing efforts to wage peace, fight disease, and build hope in the world's poorest and most forgotten countries. Learn more »
Photographs of five U.S. presidents signed by each, original oil paintings and a handcrafted cedar chest by U.S. President Jimmy Carter are among more than 150 items to be auctioned on June 29 to benefit the not-for-profit Carter Center. Learn more »
The Carter Center, a not-for-profit organization advancing peace and health worldwide, has appointed 32 new members to its Board of Councilors, bringing total membership to 230. Learn more »
President Carter will not be teaching his Sunday school class tomorrow. Though he is progressing well, he underestimated the amount of time he would need to recover from his recent hip replacement. He and his wife, Rosalynn, appreciate everyone's support and prayers and apologize for any inconvenience to those who traveled to hear his lesson. In their absence, Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Ga., would love to welcome all visitors. Learn more »
President Carter was released from Phoebe Sumter Medical Center today and will continue to recuperate at home. He will undergo physical therapy, as part of his recovery from hip replacement surgery. President Carter plans to teach Sunday school at Maranatha Baptist Church this weekend. Learn more »
BAMAKO, MALI (May 14, 2019) — The Carter Center, which is serving as Independent Observer of the implementation of the 2015 Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in Mali, emanating from the Algiers process, today released its fourth report on the state of implementation. The report warns of recent backsliding in the implementation process and highlights the major blockages impeding progress. It also focuses on the state of reconciliation and justice in Mali. Learn more »
While leaving to go turkey hunting this morning, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter fell at his home in Plains, Georgia. He is recovering comfortably from surgery to repair a broken hip at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center in Americus, Georgia. His surgeon stated that the surgery was successful. His wife, Rosalynn, is with him. Learn more »
Recommendations on how to accelerate improvements in Georgia’s mental health system and meet the remaining obligations from the settlement agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice will be addressed during the 24th annual Rosalynn Carter Georgia Mental Health Forum on May 10, 2019, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Carter Center. Learn more »
This World Malaria Day, members of the global health community laud the dedication of thousands of Haitian health workers committed to accelerating efforts to eliminate malaria in Haiti. Learn more »
Rosalynn and I are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Dr. David Hamburg. Learn more »
The Carter Center today released a report analyzing the resolution of electoral disputes stemming from Kenya’s 2017 presidential and parliamentary elections, which found that lower courts faced significant challenges in assessing consistently whether alleged electoral violations were substantial enough to warrant annulment of election results. Learn more »
The first of six regional School-Based Behavioral Health Forums across Georgia will convene at The Carter Center on April 15 (more details below). These forums – co-hosted by The Carter Center, Georgia Appleseed Center for Law & Justice, and Voices for Georgia’s Children – will assess the status of school-based behavioral health efforts in those regions of Georgia, identify and eliminate barriers to success, and encourage the adoption of national best practices. During the April 15 event, panelists will focus on school-based behavioral health in the Atlanta metropolitan region and the anticipated release of new state funding to increase the number of mental health professionals in Georgia’s schools. Educators, parents, policy leaders, behavioral health experts and providers are encouraged to attend this public forum. Learn more »
In the past year, 26 states in the U.S. have adopted legislation to discourage support to the “Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions” (BDS) campaign advocated by Palestinian activists. The campaign aims to pressure Israel to respect Palestinian rights. These laws apply to individuals and business entities, and prevent them from receiving U.S. government contracts. Courts in Kansas and Arizona have struck down anti-BDS laws, declaring them unconstitutional as they infringe on rights protected by the First Amendment to freedom of expression. Learn more »
A Carter Center delegation led by Jason J. Carter, chairman of the Carter Center’s Board of Trustees, has been in Guyana this week meeting with key stakeholders to learn about the current challenges facing Guyana and to assess whether the Center could assist Guyanese going forward. Learn more »
In advance of International Women’s Day on March 8, a Carter Center brief highlights the need for Kenya’s Parliament to take action to facilitate women’s active and effective participation in civic and political affairs. While Kenya’s 2010 Constitution introduced progressive provisions to support women’s inclusion in elected and appointed bodies, Parliament has failed to pass the necessary implementing legislation to ensure more balanced gender representation at the national level. Learn more »
The Carter Center, which is serving as Independent Observer of the implementation of the 2015 Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in Mali, today released its third report on the state of implementation in 2018. Learn more »
Applications from U.S. citizens and residents are now being accepted for eight one-year journalism fellowships with the Carter Center's Mental Health Program. These fellowships aim to enhance public understanding of mental health and substance use conditions and reduce stigma and discrimination against people living with these illnesses through balanced and accurate reporting. The deadline for applications is Wednesday, April 10, 2019, and the fellowship recipients will be announced Wednesday, July 17, 2019, on the Center's website. Learn more »
Venezuela is undergoing an historic moment as it attempts to reconcile deep political divisions that have undermined its democracy. The National Assembly that was freely elected in 2015, and subsequently disbanded by President Nicolas Maduro, has declared Juan Guaidó president of Venezuela through an interpretation of the presidential succession clause in the constitution approved in 1999 under President Hugo Chavez. Learn more »
The Carter Center expresses deep concern about the unfolding crisis in Venezuela and calls on all Venezuelans to work urgently toward a peaceful political solution with a clear road map to restore legitimate democratic governance. Learn more »
Just 28 human cases of Guinea worm disease were reported in 2018, down slightly from 30 cases reported in 2017. When The Carter Center assumed leadership of the Guinea Worm Eradication Program in 1986, there were an estimated 3.5 million human cases annually in 21 countries in Africa and Asia. Learn more »
Because of discrepancies between the official preliminary election results in the DRC and the results reported by some domestic observers and parties, The Carter Center expresses concern about the potential for insecurity and conflict and asks all political leaders to call on their supporters to refrain from violence and to pursue any challenges to the election results through legal channels. Learn more »
Forty years after U.S. President Jimmy Carter and Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping ended three decades of estrangement between the United States and the People’s Republic of China, The Carter Center will convene a three-day symposium on Sino-American relations. Learn more »
Harold Brown was one of the best-qualified and most effective defense secretaries who ever served our nation. He knew firsthand the price of war and why it was important to develop the conditions for peace. Learn more »
As the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo await the preliminary results of the Dec. 30 election, The Carter Center calls on all stakeholders to remain patient while the tabulation of final results is completed and urges election officials to ensure that the process proceeds transparently. Learn more »
The Carter Center is deeply concerned about the Nicaraguan government’s recent assault and continued repression of civil society organizations and the media. Learn more »
The Carter Center today released the final report from its observation mission of Liberia’s 2017 elections, outlining key findings and offering recommendations for reform to strengthen Liberia’s electoral process. Learn more »
Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) is participating in the Sudan Public Health Training Initiative, which is supported by Qatar Fund for Development and overseen by The Carter Center in collaboration the Federal Ministry of Public Health in Sudan and Health Sciences Academy. The participation will take place from 10-13 December 2018. Learn more »
Rosalynn and I are deeply saddened by the death of former President George H.W. Bush. His administration was marked by grace, civility, and social conscience. Through his Points of Light initiative and other projects, he espoused a uniquely American volunteer spirit, fostering bipartisan support for citizen service and inspiring millions to embrace community volunteerism as a cherished responsibility. We again extend our heartfelt condolences to the Bush family. Learn more »
The Carter Center today released its Youth and Women’s Consultations on Political Participation in Kenya report, which outlines key challenges women and youth face when trying to participate in politics and offers detailed recommendations for strengthening their political engagement in future elections. Learn more »
We, the undersigned civil society organizations, support the acknowledgement by the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly of the OHCHR Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women Report (A/73/301) on Violence Against Women in Politics. The report sends a vital message that violence against women in politics (VAWP) contributes to the underrepresentation and political disempowerment of women worldwide. We urge all member states to make concrete and accountable commitments to pursuing the recommendations of the report. Learn more »
Carter Center Chief Executive Officer Ambassador (ret.) Mary Ann Peters will visit Sudan Nov. 18 and 19 to explore ways The Carter Center can contribute to durable peace and advance efforts to control or eliminate neglected tropical diseases, particularly river blindness and trachoma. Learn more »
The Carter Center, which is serving as Independent Observer of the implementation of the 2015 Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in Mali, released its second report today, which focuses on measures that could help accelerate implementation of the peace agreement. The report notes modest but real progress in the implementation of the agreement but also highlights problems impeding further progress. Learn more »
The Carter Center has partnered with The World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH), an initiative of Qatar Foundation, to announce an expansion of the Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism program started with WISH in Qatar in 2016. Learn more »
The sustainability of democracy depends, in large part, on the establishment of institutions to protect Tunisians’ constitutional rights and freedoms, including independent constitutional authorities and a Constitutional Court. Learn more »
A new Lancet Commission report on mental health released today said that mental disorders are on the rise in every country in the world and will cost the global economy $16 trillion by 2030. The economic cost is primarily due to early onset of mental illness and lost productivity, with an estimated 12 billion working days lost due to mental illness every year. Learn more »
Nineteen clinicians specializing in child and adolescent mental health graduated today at Monrovia City Hall in Liberia from a training developed by the Carter Center’s Mental Health Program in partnership with the Liberia Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, and Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection. Learn more »
Thirty-two states, including Georgia, get a failing grade for statutes designed to ensure equal access to mental health and addiction treatment, according to a report being issued today on the 10th anniversary of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act. Learn more »
As part of the celebration of International Right to Know Day, The Carter Center, with support from the European Union, will launch a new one-year project, “Increasing Transparency in the Public Sector through Freedom-of-Information Training.” Learn more »
The Carter Center released its final comprehensive Kenya 2017 election observation report today, which outlines its key findings and offers recommendations for reform to strengthen Kenya’s electoral processes, including new annexes that lay out the Center’s findings on women’s participation and on the use of information and communications technology in elections. Learn more »
John McCain was a man of honor, a true patriot in the best sense of the word. Americans will be forever grateful for his heroic military service and for his steadfast integrity as a member of the United States Senate. Learn more »
Rosalynn and I are saddened to learn of the passing of Princeton Lyman. He deftly represented the United States as an ambassador to Nigeria and later to South Africa at critical points in both the history of those nations and in U.S.-Africa relations. Learn more »
Rosalynn and I are deeply grieved by the loss of Kofi Annan, and we extend our condolences to his wife Nane and to the other members of his family. Kofi was a cherished personal friend and an inspiration to all who knew him. Learn more »
The Carter Center and the Universidad de La Sabana, a private accredited university in Colombia, announced today three new recipients for the two fellowship slots for Colombia's Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism. Learn more »
The Carter Center expresses grave concern about post-election tensions and the violent clashes that occurred today between armed security forces and protestors in Harare, which resulted in multiple casualties. Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter joined human rights defenders from 36 countries gathered at The Carter Center in calling for citizens and governments to work urgently to address the unequal treatment of people worldwide based on their race, gender, nationality, ethnicity, religion, or social and economic status. Learn more »
More than 60 activists, peacemakers, and community leaders from 36 countries will come together July 21-24 for the Carter Center’s annual Human Rights Defenders Forum to discuss “Restoring Faith in Freedom.” Learn more »
The Carter Center announced today eight U.S. recipients of the 2018-2019 Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism. Selected from a pool of highly competitive applicants, the 22nd annual class brings the total to 197 journalists who have been awarded the fellowships to date. (See below for a list of journalist names and project topics.) Learn more »
The nonprofit Carter Center raised $3,524,890 at its annual Carter Center Weekend Auction on June 30, held this year at Skamania Lodge in Washington state. All proceeds will benefit the Center’s ongoing efforts to wage peace, fight disease, and build hope in the world's poorest and most forgotten countries. In addition to the auction totals, $600,000 was raised at the event for the Carter Center Mental Health Program and $75,000 for the Access to Information Program, bringing the grand total of the weekend to $4.2 million dollars raised. Learn more »
A lock of President John F. Kennedy’s hair, an original oil painting by President Jimmy Carter, a photograph of five U.S. presidents signed by each, and other presidential memorabilia are just a few of the items to be auctioned on June 30 to benefit the not-for-profit Carter Center. Proceeds will support the Center’s work to advance peace and health across the globe. President Carter and his wife, former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, will join invited friends and supporters for the auction and other activities during a five-day retreat June 27 – July 1 at the Skamania Lodge in Washington state. Learn more »
When I was first lady, I worked to call attention to the plight of refugees fleeing Cambodia for Thailand. I visited Thailand and witnessed firsthand the trauma of parents and children separated by circumstances beyond their control. The practice and policy today of removing children from their parents’ care at our border with Mexico is disgraceful and a shame to our country. Learn more »
The Carter Center congratulates its longtime partner Ghana, which has become the first sub-Saharan African country to be validated by the World Health Organization (WHO) for eliminating the eye disease trachoma as a public health problem. Learn more »
The Carter Center strongly condemns the violent retaliation and excessive use of force against demonstrators in Nicaragua, and calls on the government to cease all acts of violence and repression and to dismantle para-police groups and riot squads. Learn more »
The Carter Center, a not-for-profit organization advancing peace and health worldwide, has appointed 20 new members to its Board of Councilors, bringing total membership to 216. Learn more »
The Carter Center, which is serving as Independent Observer of the implementation of the 2015 Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali, released its first report today, saying that despite slow progress the signatories remain committed to the agreement. Learn more »
The Friends of the Inter-American Democratic Charter express alarm at the breakdown of the constitutional order in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, which has had devastating effects on the Venezuelan people and their human rights. Learn more »
New CDC research into children’s mental health services and policies will be unveiled during the 23nd annual Rosalynn Carter Georgia Mental Health Forum on May 11, 2018, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Carter Center. This event is open to the public, but registration is required. Learn more »
The Carter Center repudiates the violent events that occurred during demonstrations protesting reforms to the social security law in Nicaragua. We lament the injuries and loss of life and strongly condemn the disproportionate use of public force. Equally concerning were the obstacles to the media’s ability to report on these events, including attacks on journalists and seizure of equipment. Learn more »
Rosalynn and I are saddened by the death of Barbara Bush. She touched the hearts of millions with her warmth, generosity, and keen wit. The matriarch of a family dedicated to serving, she urged volunteerism as a way for all citizens to participate in our nation’s progress. Through her own work to promote literacy as a value in every American home, countless families now have the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in all aspects of their lives. She will be missed. Learn more »
Nineteen clinicians specializing in child and adolescent mental health graduated today in Monrovia, Liberia, from a training developed by the Carter Center’s Mental Health Program in partnership with the Liberia Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, and Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection. Learn more »
A Carter Center report issued today by its expert electoral mission for the March 7 general elections in Sierra Leone urges the two main parties to support a peaceful and genuine process for the runoff scheduled for March 27. Learn more »
Zell Miller left an indelible mark on the history of Georgia. He was one of Georgia’s longest serving public servants and left our state with a legacy that is highlighted by the Hope Scholarships that provide an education for our young students. Learn more »
The world’s newest nation, South Sudan, has succeeded in interrupting transmission of Guinea worm disease, the country’s minister of health announced Wednesday at The Carter Center. As of the end of February 2018, South Sudan, which gained independence from Sudan in 2011, has recorded zero cases of Guinea worm disease for 15 consecutive months. Because the Guinea worm life cycle is about a year, a 15-month absence of cases indicates the interruption of transmission. Learn more »
Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health has interrupted transmission of river blindness in two large states and as a result will stop mass drug administration (MDA) of ivermectin (Mectizan®) in 2018. Learn more »
The Carter Center, MAP International, and the Liberian Ministry of Health have formed a new partnership to combat a growing mental health crisis in Liberia. Learn more »
The Carter Center released its final election report today, presenting its comprehensive findings from Kenya’s 2017 electoral period and offering recommendations to help strengthen Kenya’s future electoral processes. Learn more »
The following international election observation missions (IEOMs) present in Sierra Leone: Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), African Union (AU), The Commonwealth, Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa (EISA), European Union (EU), and The Carter Center (TCC). Learn more »
The Carter Center has deployed a team of electoral experts to assess the process surrounding Sierra Leone’s March 7 presidential, parliamentary, and local elections. Learn more »
Rosalynn and I are deeply saddened to learn of the death of The Reverend Billy Graham. Tirelessly spreading a message of fellowship and hope, he shaped the spiritual lives of tens of millions of people worldwide. Broad-minded, forgiving, and humble in his treatment of others, he exemplified the life of Jesus Christ by constantly reaching out for opportunities to serve. Learn more »
In a ceremony today in Khartoum, Sudan, The Carter Center joined officials from the Sudan Federal Ministry of Health and other dignitaries to distribute critical supplies, textbooks, and equipment as part of a five-year partnership to improve the country’s maternal and child health education program efforts. Learn more »
Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter had successful surgery Sunday, Feb. 18, to remove troubling scar tissue from a portion of her small intestine caused by removal of a cyst many years ago. She will remain a few days at Emory University Hospital for rest and recovery. Learn more »
The Tunisian Revolution was triggered by disadvantaged populations who demanded a development strategy that was just and sustainable, which would redress unequal development among Tunisia’s regions. Learn more »
Applications from U.S. citizens and residents are now being accepted for eight one-year journalism fellowships with the Carter Center's Mental Health Program. These fellowships aim to enhance public understanding of mental health and substance use conditions and reduce stigma and discrimination against people living with these illnesses through balanced and accurate reporting. The deadline for applications is Wednesday, April 11, 2018, and the fellowship recipients will be announced Wednesday, July 11, 2018, on the Center's website, www.cartercenter.org. The 2018-2019 fellowship year begins in September 2018. Learn more »
The Carter Center, together with its partners, recognizes continued progress in the global Guinea worm eradication campaign. In 2017, there were only 20 villages with cases of Guinea worm disease in two countries, both in Africa, compared to 23,735 villages in 21 countries on two continents in 1991. Learn more »
In recent decades, the United States has made great strides in ensuring that those who experience mental illness and substance use disorders have access to affordable treatment services. However, changing health care priorities are jeopardizing some of those gains. Come hear about ways to protect and advance policies that support access to this essential aspect of health care. Learn more »
The Carter Center today announced that it has chosen former U.S. Ambassador Bisa Williams to spearhead its efforts as the official independent observer of Mali’s 2015 Peace Agreement. Learn more »
This is the Carter Center’s preliminary report on the Dec. 26 voting and counting processes for Liberia’s presidential runoff election. It is important to note that the election process is ongoing and that there are still important steps to be completed before the Center can provide an overall assessment. Learn more »
The Carter Center today issued a post-election statement detailing its findings related to Nepal’s vote-counting process. Learn more »
The Carter Center commends the hard work done by the Commission on Children’s Mental Health and the recommendations included in their final report. Learn more »
In a preliminary statement released today, The Carter Center said that despite political tensions and logistical and operational challenges, the voting process in Nepal’s 2017 federal and provincial elections has generally been well-conducted. Learn more »
Following letters of invitation from the tribal council, legislature, and election commission, The Carter Center is preparing to deploy a small team of observers to the Dec. 12 general election in the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes. Learn more »
President Donald Trump’s announcement recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and ordering the Department of State to start preparations to move the U.S. embassy there damages the credibility of the U.S. as an effective mediator and undermines hope for a two-state solution. Since 1967, the international community has been unanimous in rejecting such a shift and in considering East Jerusalem part of the occupied Palestinian territory. Learn more »
The Carter Center's election observation mission enters a new phase Saturday with the arrival of the short-term observer delegation in advance of phase two of Nepal’s parliamentary and provincial elections, to be held on Dec. 7. Learn more »
The Liberian Ministry of Foreign Affairs released the country’s first Mental Health Act and distributed the official handbill in Liberia this week. Learn more »
The Carter Center urges all parties to respect today’s unanimous decision by Kenya’s Supreme Court to uphold the results of the Oct. 26 fresh presidential election and calls on political leaders to initiate a process of sustained national dialogue to heal the wounds aggravated by the often tense and tumultuous electoral period. Learn more »
The Carter Center deeply regrets the decision of the Cambodian Supreme Court to dissolve the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party. The decision, taken in response to a government-initiated lawsuit, follows a government crackdown on peaceful opposition that has included the arrest of CNRP leader Kem Sokha in early September and the closure of numerous media outlets. Learn more »
The Carter Center has launched an international election observation mission to Nepal’s Nov. 26 and Dec. 7 parliamentary and provincial elections. Learn more »
In a statement about Kenya’s Oct. 26 election released today, The Carter Center urged Kenya’s political leaders to engage in constructive dialogue to bridge the gap between the opposition and ruling parties, and their respective supporters, following a tense electoral period. Learn more »
As today’s Supreme Court ruling means a significant delay in the Liberian presidential run-off originally scheduled for Nov. 7, The Carter Center reiterates its call for all political parties to reaffirm their commitments to a peaceful process and ensure that their supporters maintain calm and exercise patience as they await resolution of electoral disputes. Learn more »
The Carter Center and the Friends of the Inter-American Democratic Charter are conducting pre-election visits to Honduras in advance of the Nov. 26 general elections. Learn more »
The Carter Center today released the first part of a comprehensive report, A State Affair: Privatizing Congo’s Copper Sector, which is the culmination of years of research on the contractual and financial practices of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s state-owned mining company, Gécamines, and its most important investment partners. Learn more »
As Liberia prepares for a presidential run-off election, The Carter Center acknowledges the historic opportunity for the country to proceed with a peaceful transition of power from one democratically elected president to another. Learn more »
We the Heads of the undersigned international observer missions present in Kenya issue this communiqué on the election rescheduled for the 28th of October. Learn more »
The Carter Center announced today that it is unveiling innovative modifications to the Congo Mines website (www.congomines.org) to make the mapping portal interactive and to provide previously inaccessible information on local development planning related to mining projects in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Learn more »
The current political and electoral context in Kenya is marked by increased insecurity, a lack of dialogue, and narrowing prospects for a credible presidential election on Oct. 26. Therefore, The Carter Center urges Kenya’s key political leaders to use the limited time remaining before the scheduled polls to engage in dialogue to find a mutually acceptable way forward so that the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) can conduct fresh presidential elections in a peaceful and secure environment. Learn more »
Following invitations from the Cheyenne and Arapaho legislative branch, the Tribal Council, the Cheyenne and Arapaho Election Commission, and with the welcome of Cheyenne and Arapaho citizens, The Carter Center deployed a limited election observation mission of two international election experts to assess the Oct. 3 primary elections in the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes. Learn more »
Millions of Nigerians no longer are at risk of a disfiguring tropical disease, thanks to a pioneering partnership between the Federal Ministry of Health and The Carter Center. Learn more »
In a preliminary statement issued today, The Carter Center commended Liberians for the calm and peaceful atmosphere of their nation’s Oct. 10 election. Learn more »
The Carter Center today issued a statement urging Kenya’s political leaders to work with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to come to a consensus on the changes necessary to hold Oct. 26’s presidential election in accordance with the ruling of the Supreme Court, which ordered the fresh polls. Learn more »
Former President of Bolivia Carlos Mesa and former Vice President of Guatemala Eduardo Stein, in their capacity as members of the Friends of the Inter-American Democratic Charter (FIADC) and experts on electoral-political processes, will travel to Managua, Nicaragua, Oct. 3-6, 2017, for a Carter Center/FIADC high-level visit. This visit will focus on analyzing the electoral environment in the country and promoting a peaceful election process for Nicaragua’s upcoming municipal elections. Learn more »
Following letters of invitation from the Tribal Council, Legislature, and Election Commission, The Carter Center is deploying a team of observers to the Oct. 3 primary election in the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes. The Carter Center respects the tribes’ sovereign status and is conducting this election observation mission with the understanding that these are elections of a sovereign people for their government. Learn more »
The Carter Center today released a pre-election statement summarizing key findings from the campaign period and pre-electoral environment in the lead-up to Liberia’s presidential and legislative elections on Oct. 10. Learn more »
The Carter Center, in collaboration with the National Democratic Institute and the Violeta B. de Chamorro Foundation, held a pair of events on domestic electoral observation and the role of the media in electoral processes Sept. 26-27 in Managua, Nicaragua. Learn more »
The Carter Center convened leading academics, activists, and policymakers from around the world Sept. 25-27 to discuss the growing threat of Islamophobia and seek effective solutions. Hate crimes against Muslims are at an all-time high. According to a recent report issued by the Southern Poverty Law Center, the total number of anti-Muslim hate groups in the United States grew 197 percent from 2015 to 2016. In 2016, anti-Muslim hate crimes surged 67 percent, reaching a level of violence not seen since the aftermath of 9/11. Learn more »
Twenty-two clinicians specializing in child and adolescent mental health graduated today in Monrovia, Liberia, from a training developed by the Carter Center’s Mental Health Program in partnership with the Liberia Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, and Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection. Learn more »
As part of a partnership with the Qatar Foundation’s World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH), The Carter Center announced today two new recipients of the Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism Program in Qatar. Learn more »
As Liberia moves toward its third post-conflict election and a historic transfer of power, the Carter Center’s international election observation mission today released a statement on the process to date, which includes recommendations to ensure a peaceful, credible election. Learn more »
The “One America Appeal” launched last week by all five living former presidents to raise private money for hurricane victims today announced that their efforts will also aid Floridians impacted by Hurricane Irma through the Florida Disaster Fund, following its activation by Governor Rick Scott. Learn more »
All five living former American presidents have joined together to issue the “One America Appeal” to ask their fellow citizens and friends around the world to support the staggering recovery needs from Hurricane Harvey. As the nation carefully watches the advance of Hurricane Irma, the presidents stand ready to expand their appeal to help those affected by that storm. Learn more »
The Carter Center joins Panama in celebrating the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Torrijos-Carter Treaties. Learn more »
Following the decision issued today by Kenya’s Supreme Court, The Carter Center commends the court for conducting an open and transparent judicial process, which gave all parties the opportunity to be heard and ensured due process consistent with the constitution and laws of Kenya. Learn more »
The Carter Center, in collaboration with the Institute for Strategic Studies and Public Policies (IEEPP), recently held a camp outside Managua to help young people identify and propose local policies, programs, and projects that respond to the needs and demands of Nicaraguan youth. Learn more »
The Carter Center has launched an international election observation mission to Liberia’s Oct. 10 presidential and legislative elections. Learn more »
Rosalynn and I join thousands across our nation in mourning the passing of Cecil Andrus, a friend from the time we served together as governors. Cece was the only person I considered for the cabinet post of secretary of the interior, and together we made conservation history with the successful passage of the Alaska lands legislation, which doubled the size of the National Parks, established large additions to the National Wildlife Refuge System, designated new wild and scenic rivers and protected for future generations entire ecosystems such as the Gates of the Arctic. Learn more »
In a signing ceremony today in Khartoum, Sudan, The Carter Center joined officials from the Qatar Fund for Development, the Sudanese Federal Ministry of Health, and other dignitaries, including the ambassador of the state of Qatar to the Republic of Sudan, to mark the beginning of the first phase of a five-year partnership to improve maternal and child health in Sudan. Learn more »
Following the release of its Aug. 10 preliminary statement, The Carter Center continues to follow the electoral process in Kenya, including the tallying and public posting of official results and the judicial review of any electoral petitions. Learn more »
Carter Center CEO Ambassador (ret.) Mary Ann Peters is in Liberia from Aug. 15-21 to review Center health and peace programs and discuss program goals and progress with partners in government, civil society, and the international community. Learn more »
The harsh rhetoric from Washington and Pyongyang during recent months has exacerbated an already confrontational relationship between our countries, and has probably eliminated any chance of good faith peace talks between the United States and North Korea. In addition to restraining the warlike rhetoric, our leaders need to encourage talks between North Korea and other countries, especially China and Russia. Learn more »
The Carter Center commends the people of Kenya for the remarkable patience and resolve they demonstrated during the Aug. 8 elections for president, governors, senators, the national assembly, women’s representatives, and county assemblies. Learn more »
We, the heads of the following international observer missions present in Kenya — African Union (AU), Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the Commonwealth, East African Community (EAC), European Union (EU), International Conference of the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), National Democratic Institute (NDI) and The Carter Center — have agreed that ... Learn more »
We the heads of the following international observer missions present in Kenya — African Union (AU), Common Market for East and Southern Africa (COMESA), the Commonwealth, East Africa Community (EAC), European Union (EU), International Conference of the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), Intergovernmental Authority for Development (IGAD), National Democratic Institute (NDI) and The Carter Center... Learn more »
As part of a partnership with the Al Jalila Foundation, The Carter Center announced today two new recipients of the Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism Program in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Learn more »
The Carter Center and the Universidad de La Sabana, a private accredited university in Colombia, announced today three new recipients of two fellowship slots for Colombia's Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism. Learn more »
The Carter Center International Observation Mission in Kenya offers its condolences to the family of Mr. Christopher Msando, ICT manager at Kenya’s Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission. The Center’s technical experts enjoyed a productive relationship with Mr. Msando and are personally saddened by the loss. Learn more »
The Carter Center is dismayed by the deplorable events that have taken place in Venezuela in recent days. Learn more »
In a pre-election statement released today, The Carter Center commended Kenya’s Independent Election and Boundaries Commission on its efforts to keep the Aug. 8 election on track despite many challenges. Learn more »
— We, the members of the group of the Friends of the Inter-American Democratic Charter, committed to the promotion and defense of democratic values, met in Atlanta to discuss the situation in our hemisphere and identify challenges that limit democracy in our region Learn more »
The Carter Center announced today eight U.S. recipients of the 2017-2018 Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism. Selected from a pool of highly competitive applicants, the 21st annual class brings the total to 189 journalists who have been awarded the fellowships to date. Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter was discharged from St. Boniface General Hospital this morning to return to the Habitat for Humanity build site in Winnipeg. He attended the morning devotional at 8 a.m. kicking off the last day of the annual Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project in Canada. Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter became dehydrated this morning while working at a Habitat for Humanity build site in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Learn more »
President Carter has been working hard all week. He was dehydrated working in the hot sun and has been taken offsite for observation. He encourages everyone to stay hydrated and keep building. Any further updated will come from the Carter Center. Learn more »
The release of Leopoldo Lopez from prison to “house arrest” is an important step toward restoring democratic order in Venezuela. However, he is still not free. Changing one prison for another is not freedom. The prolonged arbitrary detention of Lopez and other political prisoners criminalizes the political activities of opposition groups, which is unacceptable in a democratic society. Learn more »
The annual auction at this year’s Carter Center Weekend, which took place June 21-25 near Lake Tahoe, California, brought in more than $2,705,500 — and netted an additional $1,050,000 in restricted donations for its trachoma program. Learn more »
A mahogany four-poster bed designed by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and created by master furniture maker Andrew Reid is among more than 150 items to be auctioned on June 24 to benefit the not-for-profit Carter Center. Proceeds will support the Center's work to advance peace and health across the globe. Learn more »
Former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and former Prime Minister of Senegal Aminata Touré will co-lead the Carter Center’s election observation mission in Kenya. The mission will deploy more than 50 observers throughout the country on election day. Learn more »
The Carter Center, a not-for-profit organization advancing peace and health worldwide, has appointed 21 new members to its Board of Councilors, bringing total membership to 211. Learn more »
Rosalynn and I were deeply saddened when we learned that Gregg Allman had passed. I met Gregg through Phil Walden of Capricorn Records, which was headquartered in Macon. Learn more »
Rosalynn and I are saddened by the death of Zbigniew Brzezinski. He was an important part of our lives for more than four decades and was a superb public servant. Learn more »
The Carter Center congratulates Liberia on the passage of its first law to improve health care for people with mental illnesses and prevent discrimination against them. Learn more »
On May 25, The Carter Center held a forum titled “The Responsibility of Citizens in the Strengthening of Democracy” to discuss the importance of citizen engagement in democratic processes, including domestic electoral observation. Learn more »
The Carter Center today released its final report on Guyana’s 2015 general and regional elections. The report summarizes the Carter Center’s observation activities and makes recommendations to the Guyanese authorities to improve future elections to help bring them in line with international standards for democratic elections and Guyana’s own legal framework. Learn more »
The Carter Center is hosting on June 15 a discussion on anxiety disorders with Rosalynn Carter Mental Health Journalism Fellow Andrea Petersen and Carter Center Mental Health Program staffer Rebecca Palpant Shimkets. Learn more »
At the invitation of Kenya’s Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, The Carter Center has launched an international election observation mission for the country’s Aug. 8 general election. Learn more »
New research about the factors associated with mental, behavioral, and developmental disorders in children aged 2-8 years will be discussed this year during the 22nd annual Rosalynn Carter Georgia Mental Health Forum on May 12, 2017, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Carter Center in Atlanta. Learn more »
More than 70 activists, peacemakers, and community leaders from 31 countries will come together May 8-9 for the Carter Center’s annual Human Rights Defenders Forum to discuss strategies for protecting human rights in the wake of rising authoritarianism. Learn more »
The Carter Center congratulates the people of Myanmar for participating in important by-elections on April 1. The Center did not directly observe the elections, but supported the observation efforts of local partner Election Education and Observation Partners (EEOP). Learn more »
The OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) has awarded The Carter Center a grant of US$800,000 to help support an initiative to eliminate blinding trachoma in Mali and Niger. Learn more »
Twenty-one clinicians specializing in child and adolescent mental health graduated today in Kakata City, Liberia, from a training developed by The Carter Center’s Mental Health Program in partnership with the Liberia Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection. Learn more »
The Carter Center and European Union have awarded certificates of distinction to nearly 70 Liberian government officials, including officers of the Liberia National Police, at the end of training to build their capacity in implementing the 2010 Freedom of Information Act. Learn more »
The Carter Center deployed a delegation of international electoral experts to Liberia to assess the voter registration process and the pre-election environment in advance of general elections anticipated in October 2017, when voters will elect a new president and 73 members of the House of Representatives. Learn more »
Efforts to eliminate blinding trachoma as a public health problem in the West African nations of Mali and Niger will receive US$11.725 million in additional support from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, to be implemented by The Carter Center, Helen Keller International, and Sightsavers, the organizations announced Wednesday. Learn more »
The Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum, The Carter Center, and Emory University’s Institute for Developing Nations invite you to learn how museum design, the hunt for global health’s holy grail (eradication), and sheer human determination intersect in a new exhibition at the Jimmy Carter Museum. Countdown to Zero: Defeating Disease explores the social and scientific innovations that make disease eradication possible. Learn more »
Following an invitation from the National Election Commission of Liberia, The Carter Center will deploy a limited mission of international electoral experts to Liberia to assess the voter registration process and the pre-election environment in advance of general elections anticipated in October 2017. Learn more »
Eight bold solutions to critical social problems were named semi-finalists today in 100 and Change, a global competition for a single $100 million grant from MacArthur. The proposals address challenges ranging from eliminating needless blindness to educating children displaced by conflict, in places from Nigeria to Nepal to the United States. Learn more »
The Carter Center and its Congolese civil society partners will present key findings from fiscal analyses of five major mining projects in Democratic Republic of Congo at an event that will run from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 14, at the Sultani Hotel, 30 Avenue De La Justice. Learn more »
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Over one billion people around the world suffer from neglected tropical diseases, a group of illnesses that tend to strike marginalized communities in the developing world. Learn more »
Applications from U.S. residents are now being accepted for eight 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. Learn more »
The Carter Center urges the government of Democratic Republic of the Congo to release the contract for the transfer of Congo’s most productive copper mining joint venture, Tenke Fungurume Mining (TFM), to new investors. Learn more »
The Carter Center commends the participants of the recent talks held under the auspices of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Congo (CENCO), including representatives of the presidential majority, opposition, and civil society, whose hard work and perseverance resulted in an inclusive political agreement on Dec. 31, 2016. Learn more »
The Carter Center commends Tunisia’s parliament, the Assembly of the Representatives of the People (ARP), for its efforts to strengthen legal protections for the fundamental rights provided for in the 2014 Constitution and to establish key constitutionally mandated institutions. While important progress has been made in these areas during the last two years, the Center recommends that the ARP take steps to ensure it has full legislative authorities so that it can fulfill its duties to pass important legislation. Learn more »
In 2016, only three countries — Chad, Ethiopia, and South Sudan, reported a total of 25 human cases of Guinea worm disease. For the first time, Mali reported none. In 2015, four countries — Chad, Ethiopia, Mali, and South Sudan — had reported 22 cases. Learn more »
Countdown to Zero: Defeating Disease, a multimedia exhibition opening at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum on Jan. 11, 2017, explores the factors that determine whether a disease can be eradicated and the scientific and social innovations that are making it possible. Learn more »
The Carter Center welcomes the recent regulations issued by the government of Sudan aimed at facilitating humanitarian relief throughout the country and looks forward to further discussions with the government and other stakeholders on the specific rollout of the new directives. Learn more »
The Carter Center, the impartial nongovernmental organization led by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, held meetings earlier this month with key members of the Sudanese government, civil society, and opposition. Learn more »
The Carter Center, the impartial non-governmental organization founded and led by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, plans to hold three meetings in the coming days with a group of international experts and key Sudanese stakeholders to discuss possibilities for peace in Sudan. Learn more »
The Carter Center commends the decision by the Ministry of Relations with Constitutional Authorities, Civil Society and Human Rights to launch public consultations in preparation for the Tunisia’s first periodic report to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) since the passage of the new constitution in 2014. Learn more »
Rosalynn and I share our sympathies with the Castro family and the Cuban people on the death of Fidel Castro. Learn more »
The Carter Center, with financial support from the European Union and other donors, has launched a certificate program to build the capacity of 90 government officials to implement the 2010 Freedom of Information Act. Learn more »
On behalf of the staff of The Carter Center, we extend our congratulations to Bill and Melinda Gates on receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom Learn more »
More than 140 health and corporate wellness leaders will come together Nov. 17-18 to discuss ways to improve mental health and well-being by addressing behavioral health within defined populations such as communities, organizations, and other groups. Learn more »
The health programs of The Carter Center have surpassed a major milestone: The organization on Nov. 4 celebrated assisting with the distribution of 500 million doses of donated medication to combat five neglected tropical diseases in 14 countries in Africa and Latin America. Learn more »
Recent claims about rigging of U.S. elections are unfounded and irresponsible. Based on our knowledge of the electoral system in the United States and of the many independent analyses of U.S. polling processes, The Carter Center has great confidence in the overall administrative integrity of U.S. elections. Checks and balances within our electoral system exist to protect it against manipulation. These include processes and checks before and after election day to ensure the integrity of the election process, such as pre-election testing of voting technology and postelection audits that take place in some states; the widespread presence of agents from both parties in polling stations; and the broad access to election results given to the media and the public, enabling transparent reviews of the election results. The American electoral process also benefits from the hard work and dedication of hundreds of thousands of poll workers and election officials, who represent both parties and ensure the integrity of the voting and counting process. Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and The Carter Center congratulate President Juan Manuel Santos on receiving the 2016 Nobel Prize for Peace. The peace prize is a testament to the unfaltering commitment of President Santos to bring a 52-year conflict to an end in Colombia. Learn more »
An article published in Al Akhbar, a Moroccan newspaper, on Sept. 21, makes false allegations against Moroccan preacher Oustada Naima Ben Yaich, who was a participant in a Carter Center workshop earlier in the month. The Carter Center strongly refutes the false allegations in the article entitled, “The preacher Ben Yaich incites international jurists against Moroccan Security Services in a Countering Daesh workshop in Switzerland.” Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and The Carter Center congratulate President Jimmy Morales and the people of Guatemala for eliminating onchocerciasis (river blindness) in the nation, as verified recently by the World Health Organization (WHO). Learn more »
The Carter Center urges the Assembly of the Representatives of the People to move quickly to adopt key amendments to the draft electoral law so that municipal and regional elections can be held as soon as possible. Learn more »
The Carter Center congratulates the people of Colombia on this historic day, which opens the door to peace after a 50-year civil war. Learn more »
The Carter Center is deeply concerned about key aspects of the 2016 Zambian electoral process in both the pre- and post-electoral period, especially the failure of Zambia’s institutions to provide a level playing field prior to election day and adequate due process to ensure a fair hearing and effective remedy for electoral petitions filed following the polls. Unfortunately, this represents a significant step backward for Zambia. Learn more »
For the first time, journalists from Middle Eastern countries will participate in the annual meeting of The Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism Program held at The Carter Center each year. Fellows from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar join the 20th class of fellows in a journalism program which aims to reduce the stigma of those living with mental health conditions. Learn more »
The Carter Center hopes that today’s decision by the Palestinian High Court of Justice to postpone municipal elections in Gaza and the West Bank will not result in a long delay or the cancelling of these elections. Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and Organization of American States Secretary General Luis Almagro met in Plains, Georgia, Thursday to exchange ideas on matters relating to democracy and human rights in the region. Learn more »
Uganda has successfully freed 821,230 people, the largest number to be freed from river blindness globally based on the latest WHO guidelines. This has expedited the process of achieving its goal of eliminating river blindness (onchocerciasis) nationwide by 2020. At its peak, the vector-transmitted parasitic worm caused eye and skin disease in 37 districts in Uganda, with about 6.7 million people at risk. Learn more »
The Carter Center has partnered with the UBS Optimus Foundation to improve the well-being of vulnerable youth in Liberia by tailoring and strengthening the national mental health care system to address the unique needs of children and adolescents. Learn more »
The Carter Center congratulates the people of Colombia on the historic agreement announced today that will bring an end to a 50-year civil war between the government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia – People’s Army (FARC-EP). Learn more »
Women in Bangladesh cannot access government information as easily as can men, according to a new study conducted by The Carter Center in collaboration with the Manusher Jonno Foundation, and with the support of the Information Commission of Bangladesh. Learn more »
The Carter Center today released the final report of its assessment of the Nov. 8, 2015, general elections in Myanmar. Learn more »
The Carter Center expresses concerns regarding pre-election environment and urges patience while results come in. Learn more »
The Carter Center, with partners at the National Conference of State Legislatures, today launched a webpage on election observation in the United States. The page houses research that examines access and current regulations for election observers in each of the 50 states, including a state-by-state breakdown of access and accreditation for different types of observers. Learn more »
The Carter Center’s Mental Health Program invites the media to a screening of the documentary “Requiem for a Running Back,” followed by a panel discussion and Q&A on the issues and stigma associated with the disease and the toll it takes on caregivers. Learn more »
Twenty-one clinicians specializing in child and adolescent mental health graduated today in Monrovia, Liberia, from a training developed by The Carter Center’s Mental Health Program in partnership with the Liberia Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection. Learn more »
The Carter Center convened its third Africa-China-United States Consultation for Peace and Development in Lome, Togo on July 27-28, 2016 Learn more »
The Carter Center and Noor Dubai Foundation have announced a new four-year partnership to accelerate efforts to eliminate blinding trachoma in Ethiopia by 2020. Ethiopia has the highest known burden of trachoma in the world, with an estimated minimum of 67 million Ethiopians at risk of disease. Learn more »
At the invitation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, The Carter Center has launched a limited international election observation mission for Zambia’s Aug. 11 elections and national referendum on the Bill of Rights. Learn more »
President Carter was awarded the Lui Che Woo Prize for Positive Energy for all the good work that he and The Carter Center have done, which has contributed significantly to the promotion of positive life attitude and enhancement of positive energy in the world. Learn more »
We strongly support the "Justice That Works Act" that will appear on the November ballot in the state of California. Learn more »
In advance of 2017’s key national elections, The Carter Center today released an assessment of the pre-election environment that includes recommendations to help Liberia continue to strengthen its democracy. Learn more »
The Carter Center announced today the recipients of the 2016-2017 Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism. Selected from a pool of highly competitive applicants, the 20th annual class of fellows includes eight from the United States. Two fellowships also were awarded to journalists from Colombia. Learn more »
A Carter Center pre-election assessment team will travel to Liberia next week, following up an earlier visit in April. The team will evaluate the pre-election environment and status of technical preparations in advance of legislative elections scheduled for October 2017. Learn more »
HE Dr. Maha Barakat, Director General of the Health Authority Abu Dhabi and HE Saif Saeed Ghobash, Director General of Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, inaugurated a preview of the exhibition Countdown to Zero: Defeating Disease at Yas Mall on Monday. Learn more »
The annual auction at this year’s Carter Center Weekend, which took place June 22-26 in Annapolis, Maryland, brought in a record-setting $3,724,000 — more than twice the amount raised at any previous auction. Learn more »
The Carter Center Mental Health Program has partnered with the Qatar Foundation’s World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH) global healthcare community initiative to develop and implement a Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism (RCJF) program in Qatar. The RCJF Qatar program will be the second mental health fellowship program for journalists in the Middle East. The first one began in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in May 2016. Learn more »
We the undersigned members of the Friends of the Inter-American Democratic Charter, committed to the promotion and defense of democratic values, have been carefully following the severe crisis in Venezuela. We reiterate our support for the Organization of American States (OAS) Secretary General’s efforts and the convening of the extraordinary meeting of the Permanent Council of the OAS on June 23, 2016, for the consideration of the report of the Secretary General on Venezuela. Learn more »
The Carter Center today issued its findings from a limited election observation mission to the Philippines May 9 general elections. Learn more »
A farm table with six chairs handcrafted at the Jimmy Carter Boyhood Farm in Plains, Georgia, last summer by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and three other artists is among more than 150 items to be auctioned June 25 to benefit the not-for-profit Carter Center. Proceeds will support the Center's work to wage peace, fight disease, and build hope in the world's poorest and most forgotten countries. Learn more »
The 2016 Human Rights Defenders Forum will include the debuts of a musical composition and a music video, both designed to promote peace and understanding. Learn more »
The Carter Center, a not-for-profit organization advancing peace and health worldwide, has appointed 22 new members to its Board of Councilors, bringing total membership to 205. Learn more »
The Carter Center has been engaged in promoting an end to fighting and a political transition in Syria since the conflict began in 2011. The Center has facilitated a series of workshops examining governance options for the 18-month transition called for by U.N. Security Council Resolution 2254 and constitutional changes necessary to support the resolution's call for an "inclusive transitional governing body with full executive powers." Learn more »
ATLANTA — President Daniel Ortega has closed the door to international observation of national elections to be held on November 6, 2016, despite the clamor for observation by a majority of the Nicaraguan people. Learn more »
More than 60 activists, scholars and community leaders will come together June 18-21 to discuss ways to end violence in all its forms during the Carter Center's annual Human Rights Defenders Forum, "A Time for Peace: Rejecting Violence to Secure Human Rights." Learn more »
ATLANTA — The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, an autonomous organ of the Organization of American States, announced Monday that a grave financial crisis has led to the suspension of site visits and cancellation of hearings scheduled for July and October, and the imminent loss of 40 percent of its staff. To avert this dire situation, the IACHR needs to receive funds, or at least written commitments for contributions, before June 15. Learn more »
Rosalynn and I are deeply saddened by the passing of Patricia Derian. As the senior State Department official in charge of human rights during my administration, Patt spent hundreds of hours meeting with victims and their families. She became a champion of oppressed people around the world, helping me exert pressure on dictatorships from Argentina to South Korea. Learn more »
New research about the needs of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, will be discussed during the 21st annual Rosalynn Carter Georgia Mental Health Forum on May 20, 2016, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Carter Center in Atlanta. This event is open to the public, but registration is required. Learn more »
The Carter Center will receive the International Association for Impact Assessment's Institutional Award this week at the IAIA16: Resilience and Sustainability conference in recognition of its work with local civil society partners to protect human rights in the mining sector in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Learn more »
The Carter Center Mental Health Program has partnered with the Al Jalila Foundation to develop and implement a United Arab Emirates (UAE) Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism (RCJF). This program will be the first mental health fellowship program for journalists in the Middle East. Learn more »
Dean G. Sienko, M.D., M.S., has been appointed vice president for health programs at The Carter Center, effective June 2016. Learn more »
On the occasion of the Forty-Fourth Special Session of the General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS), which will take place on March 22, 2013, with the objective of approving the recommendations presented by the Permanent Council for the strengthening of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) and the Inter-American Human Rights System, the below signatories express our recognition and support for the protection of human rights within the Inter-American system and the IACHR, as one of the main collective achievements of the countries in the hemisphere and for the valuable work that, since its creation in 1959, it has carried out and continues to carry out for the promotion, defense, and protection of human rights in the hemisphere. Learn more »
The Carter Center has launched a new web tool that shows in near real time which groups control what areas of Syria. Learn more »
Myanmar's Union Election Commission has addressed post-election complaints in a transparent manner, The Carter Center said in a statement released today, but the country's new government should address legal and structural issues to make it easier for candidates and citizens to pursue complaints in future elections and to further increase the transparency of the tabulation of results. Learn more »
ATLANTA…In a ceremony today in Khartoum, Sudan, The Carter Center joined officials from the Sudanese Federal Ministry of Health to mark an official handover of supplies and equipment to improve the country's maternal and child health. Learn more »
Liz Blake, retired senior vice president of Habitat for Humanity International, has been appointed chair of the Carter Center's Board of Councilors for 2016. The board comprises 239 members, who serve as a leadership advisory group that promotes understanding among opinion leaders and the broader community of The Carter Center and its activities. Learn more »
It has been a little more than a year since Tunisia’s Assembly of the Representatives of the People took up its work. The Carter Center commends the ARP for the important strides it has made in consolidating the rule of law — through the timely implementation of the Provisional Authority for the Control of the Constitutionality of Draft Laws — and for adopting legislation creating the Constitutional Court. Learn more »
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. The deadline for applications is April 6, 2016, and the fellowship recipients will be announced July 11, 2016, on the Center's website, www.cartercenter.org. The 2016-2017 fellowship year begins in September 2016. Learn more »
The Carter Center congratulates the people of Myanmar on the sitting of the newly elected union and state/regional legislative assemblies. The results of the historic elections on Nov. 8, 2015, delivered a strong mandate to incoming representatives to press forward with Myanmar's ongoing transition from authoritarian rule to democracy. Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and The Carter Center call on the international community to continue providing desperately needed humanitarian support to Nepal and urge the country's political leaders to work quickly to resolve differences over the new constitution. Learn more »
Only 22 cases of Guinea worm disease were reported worldwide in 2015, an 83 percent reduction from the 126 cases reported in 2014, the greatest single percentage reduction in human cases in the history of the global campaign. These provisional numbers are reported by the ministries of health in remaining endemic countries and compiled by The Carter Center. When the Center began leading the international campaign to eradicate the parasitic disease in 1986, there were an estimated 3.5 million Guinea worm cases occurring annually in Africa and Asia. Learn more »
The Carter Center, the Office of the National Chief Imam of Ghana, and regional civil society organizations participating in the West Africa Human Rights Defenders Forum in Accra, Ghana, released today a declaration to advance human rights for women and girls. The forum, held Dec. 7-9, 2015, brought together more than 40 scholars, activists, and religious leaders to seek ways to combat the abuse and oppression of women and girls, and means of countering interpretations of faith-based teachings that perpetuate inequality and gender-based violence. Learn more »
My most recent MRI brain scan did not reveal any signs of the original cancer spots nor any new ones. Learn more »
On Dec. 7-9, The Carter Center will bring together more than 40 scholars, activists, and religious leaders to seek ways to combat the abuse and oppression of women and girls, and means of countering interpretations of faith-based teachings that perpetuate inequality and gender-based violence. Learn more »
President Carter has received good news from his Winship Cancer Institute doctors. Learn more »
The Carter Center congratulates the people of Myanmar, who have exercised their political rights with pride and enthusiasm. Both on election day and in the preceding months, they participated as voters, observers, political party agents, election officials, and civil society activists. Learn more »
The Carter Center and former U.S. President Jimmy Carter urge the Government of Egypt to dismiss all charges against renowned journalist and human rights defender Hossam Bahgat. "Hossam has devoted his life and work to advancing human rights for all Egyptians," said President Carter. Learn more »
Media are invited to cover the Nov. 12-13, 2015, 31st Annual Rosalynn Carter Symposium on Mental Health Policy. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) resulted in millions more people trying to access mental health and substance use services as one of the 10 essential health benefits included in all covered plans. Learn more »
The Carter Center and former U.S. President Jimmy Carter encourage all governments and stakeholders to take robust and immediate action to ensure women's participation in all efforts to advance peace and security. "Fifteen years after United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 was adopted," said Carter, "women remain largely excluded from the peace tables and corridors of power despite clear evidence that women's participation in peace processes contributes to more comprehensive agreements that lead to sustainable peace. The time for decisive action is now." Learn more »
The Carter Center's election observation mission enters a new phase Wednesday with the arrival of more than 50 short-term observers in advance of the Nov. 8 general election. The delegation will be co-led by former President of Ireland Mary Robinson, former chairman of Nepal's Election Commission Bhojraj Pokharel, and incoming chairman of the Carter Center's Board of Trustees Jason Carter. Learn more »
On Oct. 21, The Carter Center sent a small, high-level political delegation to Guatemala City for Sunday's run-off presidential election. The presence of the delegation did not constitute an electoral observation but was an expression of the international community's high interest in Guatemala's democratic process. Learn more »
The Carter Center today released its latest statement on Myanmar's pre-election activities, making recommendations to help ensure a democratic process in the days to come. Learn more »
The Carter Center closely follows events in Syria and regularly publishes reports about conflict developments on its website. These reports are publicly available and are forwarded to all interested parties, including Syrians across political divides and governments in the west and in the region. Learn more »
On Oct. 21, The Carter Center will send a small, high-level political delegation to Guatemala City ahead of Sunday's runoff presidential election. The delegation will be led by Jorge Castañeda, a former Mexican minister of foreign affairs, and John Maisto, former U.S. ambassador to the Organization of American States — both members of the Friends of the Inter-American Democratic Charter — and by Jennie Lincoln, director of the Center's Americas Program. Learn more »
The Carter Center and former U.S. President Jimmy Carter congratulate the National Dialogue Quartet on the 2015 Nobel Prize for Peace. The peace prize is testament to the Quartet's success in steering Tunisia through deadlock and crisis to the adoption of the constitution and peaceful, credible, democratic elections. Learn more »
The International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) and The Carter Center have entered into a memorandum of understanding to guide a partnership based on the common mission of strengthening the quality of elections and democracy. Learn more »
The Carter Center and former U.S. President Jimmy Carter congratulate the winners of the 2015 Nobel Prize for Medicine, who discovered drugs that have prevented needless suffering for countless millions of people. Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and The Carter Center congratulate President Enrique Peña Nieto and the people of Mexico for eliminating onchocerciasis (river blindness) within its borders, as verified recently by the World Health Organization (WHO). Mexico is the world's third nation to receive official verification of elimination of the disease. Learn more »
The Carter Center, PAHO/WHO, and the Mectizan Donation Program of Merck & Co., Inc., known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, are part of a coalition of organizations helping countries in the Americas fight river blindness (onchocerciasis) and are calling for a final push to definitively eliminate transmission of the disabling disease from the Western Hemisphere. Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter met with Venezuela President Nicolás Maduro Moros in New York City today to discuss the status of the campaign to eliminate river blindness (onchocerciasis) from the Americas. Learn more »
The Carter Center welcomes the important announcement made by the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) in Havana, on Sept. 23. The major breakthroughs that were reached on the issues of victims, transitional justice, and disarmament, as well as the commitment to an immediate, bilateral cease-fire and to sign a final peace agreement within six months, represent an historic progress to end the country's 51-year war. Learn more »
As The Carter Center marks 10 years as an original endorser of the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation, its Democracy Program has launched a new project aimed at supporting those working to improve the quality of elections in the United States. Learn more »
The Carter Center election observation mission has deployed field teams to observe the electoral campaign, which officially started on Sept. 8. The first week of campaigning, as observed by the Center in three states, was peaceful, and parties report being able to conduct their campaign activities without significant difficulty. Learn more »
The Carter Center Mental Health Program today released "The Carter Center Journalism Resource Guide on Behavioral Health" to journalists, behavioral health and media experts, and guests during the three-day annual meeting of the Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism. Approximately 1 in 5 Americans aged 18 or older experienced a mental illness last year and 20.7 million adults (8.8%) had a substance use disorder. Learn more »
The Carter Center's high-level political delegation to the Sept. 6 general elections in Guatemala found these elections to be distinct, not only in regard to Guatemala's electoral history, but also in the context of the region. Learn more »
After its first contact with electoral authorities and other Guatemalan stakeholders, the Carter Center's high-level political delegation has found an extraordinary climate of peace and civic commitment despite the complex political moment through the country has experienced. In this spirit, we encourage all citizens to vote in peace and with democratic conviction, sure that in this new stage, an election with high voter turnout will fortify Guatemala's transformation. Learn more »
At the invitation of the Guatemalan Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE), The Carter Center will send a small, high-level political delegation to the Sept. 6 general elections in Guatemala. Learn more »
Leaders of The Asia Foundation, The Carter Center, Democracy International, Freedom House, IREX, and World Learning met in Washington today to discuss their enhanced cooperation in programs worldwide to advance democratic elections and political transitions. Learn more »
The Carter Center's Mental Health Program in Liberia, in partnership with the Liberia Ministry of Health, has exceeded its goal of training 150 mental health clinicians by 2015, working largely in primary care clinics and hospitals across all 15 counties to provide much needed care. Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter reflected on his life's work during a press conference Aug. 20 in which he revealed that cancer has spread to his brain. Learn more »
At his press conference today to discuss his cancer and treatment, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter mentioned four scheduled cancer treatments. Learn more »
A number of important steps have been taken in the election process since March 2015, according to a Carter Center monitoring mission report released today. Observer accreditation procedures have been finalized, a large number of political parties have announced intentions to compete, and most parties have signed a code of conduct. Learn more »
Recent liver surgery revealed that I have cancer that now is in other parts of my body. I will be rearranging my schedule as necessary so I can undergo treatment by physicians at Emory Healthcare. A more complete public statement will be made when facts are known, possibly next week. Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter underwent an elective procedure at Emory University Hospital today to remove a small mass in his liver. His operation proceeded without issues, and the prognosis is excellent for a full recovery. Learn more »
Tunisia's new counterterrorism law imperils human rights and lacks the necessary safeguards against abuse, eight nongovernmental organizations said today. The law grants security forces broad and vague monitoring and surveillance powers, extends incommunicado detention from 6 to up to 15 days for terrorism suspects, and permits courts to close hearings to the public and allow witnesses to remain anonymous to the defendants. Learn more »
The Carter Center announced today the recipients of the 2015-2016 Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism. Selected from a highly competitive and record number of applicants, the 19th annual class of fellows includes six from the United States. Two fellowships also were awarded from Colombia. (See below for a full list of fellows and their project topics.) Learn more »
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. Learn more »
The Carter Center and the World Affairs Council of Atlanta are teaming up to host two events examining the future of Cuba and Latin America. Learn more »
An auction held during this year's annual Carter Center Weekend, which took place June 24-28 in Vail, Colorado, brought in just under $1.8 million, making it the Center's most successful auction to date. Learn more »
The Carter Center urges the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to release the terms of the deal in which state-owned mining company Gécamines lost its interest in the potentially rich Kawama concession. In February 2015, Chabara Sprl, in which Gécamines holds a 30 percent stake, sold the Kawama permit to one of the country's largest companies, Mutanda Mining. The sale was reported in the media only this week. Learn more »
The Carter Center's mining governance program launched a revamped and improved Congo Mines website (www.congomines.org) on June 24 in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Learn more »
During the Carter Center's fourth annual Mental Health Liberia Program Review held this week in Atlanta, Georgia, former First Lady Rosalynn Carter congratulated former Liberia Minister of Health and Social Welfare Dr. Walter Gwenigale for his many contributions that have helped to increase access to care and services for those living with mental illnesses in Liberia. Learn more »
The Carter Center was informed on June 16 of the decision by the Cherokee Nation Election Commission not to extend an invitation to The Carter Center to observe the upcoming elections. While the Center regrets this news, it respects the commission's decision and will not deploy an observer team for the elections. Learn more »
The Carter Center commends the Supreme Constitutional Court's decision to reject the request from parliamentarians to impeach President Hery Rajaonarimampianina. Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and businessman Sir Emeka Offor signed an agreement today for a partnership to eliminate river blindness (onchocerciasis) from seven states in Nigeria where The Carter Center works with the Federal Ministry of Health, including Sir Emeka's native state, Anambra. Learn more »
An original oil painting by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter is among more than 150 items to be auctioned June 27 to benefit the not-for-profit Carter Center. Proceeds will support the Center's work to wage peace, fight disease, and build hope in the world's poorest and most forgotten countries. Learn more »
The Carter Center today released its final preliminary statement on Guyana's May 11 general and regional elections. Learn more »
The Carter Center has released its final report summarizing its findings and highlighting the genuine and competitive nature of the 2014 legislative and presidential elections in Tunisia. The three rounds of elections were the latest steps in a transition to democracy that grew from a spark in December 2010 to the peaceful ouster of the authoritarian Ben Ali regime in January 2011. Learn more »
New research about the needs of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, will be released during the 20th annual Rosalynn Carter Georgia Mental Health Forum on May 15, 2015, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Carter Center in Atlanta. This event is open to the public, but registration is required. Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter has urged Guyana's election commission to release election results and called on political leaders to act responsibly. Learn more »
Tunisian legislators should drop problematic provisions from a new security bill, 13 nongovernmental organizations said in a joint statement today. Learn more »
On May 11, Guyanese citizens turned out in large numbers to cast their votes in what is probably the most important election since the watershed elections of 1992. Guyanese voters waited patiently in long lines from early in the morning until into the evening. All across the country, thousands of dedicated poll workers, party agents, and officials of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) served with honesty, integrity, and professionalism. GECOM officials and poll workers are to be commended for these efforts. Learn more »
All forms of sexual exploitation are a violation of fundamental human rights and human dignity. Commercial sexual exploitation is gender-based violence and a public health crisis made possible by unethical and ungrounded male entitlement, which disproportionately affects the most vulnerable among us. Learn more »
President Carter was not feeling well and has departed Guyana to return to Atlanta today. The Carter Center election observation mission in Guyana is continuing its work and will keep him informed of developments. Learn more »
Fear of stigma and discrimination remains one of the biggest factors in preventing people from seeking treatment for mental illnesses. This problem is especially true for older children and young adults struggling with mental health issues who sense additional pressure to "fit in" with their peer group. Learn more »
Guyana's electoral preparations appear to be on track in most of the country, according to early Carter Center observer reports, which also expressed deep concern about divisive campaign rhetoric. Learn more »
Guyana's electoral preparations appear to be on track in most of the country, according to early Carter Center observer reports, which also expressed deep concern about divisive campaign rhetoric. Learn more »
In the wake of the devastating earthquake and ongoing rescue and recovery operations in Nepal, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter calls on the international community to redouble efforts to support Nepal and to develop clear plans for long-term assistance and rebuilding. Learn more »
After two years of deliberation and negotiation, Tunisia adopted its new constitution in January 2014. Today, The Carter Center released its comprehensive report on the constitution and the deliberative process that culminated in its adoption, as well as recommendations for next steps in its implementation. Learn more »
On May 11 and 12, The Carter Center will join with Rotarians Against Child Slavery to convene a summit of advocates, nongovernmental organizations, and senior government officials from nine countries to coordinate action to end the sexual exploitation of women and children. Learn more »
The Carter Center has launched an international election observation mission for Guyana's May 11 elections at the invitation of the government of Guyana. Learn more »
The Carter Center today announced plans for a major forum May 6 and 7 on China's wide-ranging domestic and international reforms and their implications for U.S.-China relations. Learn more »
Jordan Ryan has been named vice president for peace programs at The Carter Center, effective June 1, 2015. Ryan served 24 years with the United Nations in developing countries and post-crisis settings. Most recently, he was assistant administrator of United Nations Development Programme and director of the UNDP Bureau for Crisis Prevention and Recovery, serving at the assistant secretary-general level. Learn more »
Myanmar's Union Election Commission is making efforts to improve the transparency and integrity of the electoral process in advance of the 2015 general elections, according to a Carter Center monitoring mission report released today. However, a number of key challenges need to be addressed in order to ensure that the upcoming elections earn the confidence of voters, political parties, and civil society organizations. Learn more »
International Women's Day this year highlights the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a roadmap for women's rights and equality that was signed by Guatemala and 188 other governments 20 years ago. The declaration underscores the importance of access to information for women in achieving such goals as improved health and economic empowerment through entrepreneurship. Learn more »
The Carter Center's Mental Health Program in Liberia, in partnership with the Liberia Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, congratulates the newest class of 21 clinicians who have joined the effort to continue improving access to mental health services in Liberia. With the addition of these graduates, 144 mental health clinicians are now trained, working largely in primary care clinics and hospitals across all 15 counties to provide much needed care. Learn more »
On March 19, The Carter Presidential Library will debut a new exhibit of photos by acclaimed photographer Jean Mohr called "War from the Victims' Perspective." Learn more »
Consortium Aims to Eliminate Malaria on Hispaniola by 2020 Starting With $29.9 Million Grant to CDC Foundation Learn more »
The Liberian Government and the World Bank Group in partnership with the Government of Japan, today launched a new $3 million project to address the psychological effects of Liberia's Ebola crisis and to promote psychosocial health in the country. The ceremony was held at the World Bank Liberia Office. Learn more »
In the run-up to Lesotho's national elections on Feb. 28, The Carter Center encourages all political parties and leaders to ensure a peaceful electoral process and respect for the democratic process. Learn more »
GUATEMALA CITY — Guatemalan women face deep inequities in exercising their fundamental right of access to information, according to a new study from The Carter Center's Global Access to Information Initiative. Learn more »
ATLANTA — Leading members of the election and human rights communities will come together today at The Carter Center for the first major meeting between the two groups. Co-chaired by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and U.N. Assistant Secretary General Ivan Šimonović, the Human Rights and Election Standards Conference will provide participants an opportunity to reflect on areas of common interest between the two communities. Participants will also discuss potential future cooperation and will advance solutions to technical and political challenges to electoral reform at the national, regional, and international levels. Learn more »
While efforts to ensure transparency in Congo's lucrative mining sector have made some progress in recent years, much more is needed in order to ensure that key information is made available to the public, according to a new report published by three Congolese NGO networks in partnership with the Carter Center. Learn more »
On Feb. 9-10, more than 60 scholars, activists, and religious leaders from 20 countries will participate in The Carter Center's Human Rights Defenders Forum. "Beyond Violence: Women Leading for Peaceful Societies" will focus on advancing the rights of women and girls, including the right to peace. Learn more »
I offer my condolences and prayers to the Saud family on the death of King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia. He was a strong leader with great wisdom and vision for the Royal Kingdom, and I will miss his friendship. Learn more »
ATLANTA...Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and The Carter Center congratulate Ghana on being certified by the World Health Organization this week as having eliminated Guinea worm (Dracunculus medinensis), a water-borne parasitic disease poised to be the second human disease in history to be eradicated. Learn more »
The challenges of eradicating devastating diseases are enormous, but successful strategies can bring about enormous social and economic benefits. Opening at the American Museum of Natural History on January 13, Countdown to Zero: Defeating Disease explores the factors that determine if a disease is eradicable — meaning that it can be wiped out completely — as well as the scientific and social innovations that are ridding the world of ancient afflictions. Learn more »
The Carter Center announced today that 126 Guinea worm cases were reported worldwide in 2014. 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 15 percent in 2014 compared to 148 cases in 2013. When the Center began leading the first international campaign to eradicate a parasitic disease in 1986, there were an estimated 3.5 million Guinea worm cases occurring annually in Africa and Asia. Learn more »
Early Carter Center observer reports indicate that Tunisia has successfully completed its first democratic election cycle under the new constitution with Dec. 21's final round of the presidential election. Learn more »
The Carter Center notes with concern the conviction of Republic of Korea incumbent lawmaker, Lee Seok-ki, a member of the National Assembly, by the Seoul High Court on a charge of insurrection conspiracy based on taped remarks he made to his political followers and for which he has been sentenced to nine years in prison. Learn more »
I am delighted with the wise and courageous decision of President Obama to improve relations with Cuba, and congratulate Alan Gross and his family on his freedom. Learn more »
The Carter Center has launched an international election observation mission for Tunisia's Dec. 21 presidential runoff, its third such effort in 2014. Learn more »
Tunisian citizens voted in a genuine and competitive election on Nov. 23, the country's first presidential elections under the new constitution. This presidential election further consolidates Tunisia's democratic transition following a long and sometimes contentious transition period. Learn more »
In recent weeks, as the Jan. 22 deadline to promulgate a new constitution approaches, Nepal's constitution-making process has become increasingly polarized. The Carter Center urges all parties to recommit to the spirit of consensus upon which the peace process and constituent assembly are founded and to find broadly acceptable compromises to bring constitution-making to a successful close. Learn more »
Under the accreditation of the Instance Supérieure Indépendante pour les Élections (ISIE) of Tunisia, The Carter Center has launched an international election observation mission for Tunisia's presidential election on Nov. 23. Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and Mexican businessman Carlos Slim announced today a partnership to assist the regional initiative working with six countries in the Americas to eliminate river blindness (onchocerciasis): Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, and Venezuela. The announcement comes as the Mexican government celebrates eliminating transmission of river blindness nationwide, joining Colombia, Ecuador, and Guatemala. Learn more »
O ex-presidente dos Estados Unidos Jimmy Carter e o empresário mexicano Carlos Slim anunciaram hoje uma parceria para ajudar a iniciativa regional com ações em seis países nas Américas para eliminar a cegueira dos rios (oncocercose): Brasil, Colômbia, Equador, Guatemala, México e Venezuela. O anúncio foi feito ao mesmo tempo em que o governo mexicano comemora a eliminação da transmissão da cegueira dos rios em todo o país, juntando-se a Colômbia, Equador e Guatemala. Learn more »
El ex Presidente de los EE.UU. Jimmy Carter y el empresario mexicano Ing. Carlos Slim anunciaron hoy una alianza para colaborar con la iniciativa regional para eliminar la ceguera de los ríos (oncocercosis) que incluye seis países en las Américas: Brasil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, México y Venezuela. El anuncio viene en un momento en que el Gobierno mexicano celebra la eliminación de la transmisión de la ceguera de los ríos a nivel nacional, uniéndose a Colombia, Ecuador y Guatemala. Learn more »
The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) and The Carter Center today launched two publications that break new ground on reviewing and assessing legal frameworks for elections. Learn more »
Tunisia's historic legislative elections on Oct. 26 were carried out in a calm, orderly, and transparent manner throughout the country. In a preliminary statement released by The Carter Center today, election observers reported that many Tunisians waited patiently in long lines to exercise their right to vote in the first election carried out under the new Tunisian constitution adopted in January 2014. Learn more »
Following observation of the pre-election environment and election day itself, 54 observers from The Carter Center and the Electoral Institute of Sustainable Democracy in Africa (EISA) remained deployed across the country to observe the immediate post-election period, including tabulation and certification of results at the district and provincial levels, as well as the complaints process. Learn more »
The Carter Center is joining forces with the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance to launch two new election manuals Tuesday, Oct. 28, at the United Nations in New York. Learn more »
Under the accreditation of the Instance Supérieure Indépendante pour les Élections (ISIE) of Tunisia, The Carter Center has launched an international election observation mission for Tunisia's legislative election on Oct. 26. Former Yemen Prime Minister Abdel Karim Al-Eryani will lead the mission. Learn more »
The Carter Center and the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa (EISA) deployed a team of 87 observers representing 40 countries to observe Mozambique's Oct. 15, 2014, presidential, national assembly, and provincial elections at the invitation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation. Learn more »
The Carter Center announced today that it has closed its field office in Egypt after nearly three years and that it will not deploy an observation mission to assess Egypt's parliamentary elections anticipated later this year. This decision reflects The Carter Center's assessment that the political environment is deeply polarized and that political space has narrowed for Egyptian political parties, civil society, and the media. As a result, the upcoming elections are unlikely to advance a genuine democratic transition in Egypt. Both Egyptian civil society and international organizations face an increasingly restrictive environment that hinders their ability to conduct credible election observation. Learn more »
The Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa (EISA) and The Carter Center welcome today's confirmation by Mozambique's National Election Commission (CNE) that the entire electoral process, in all its phases, is subject to observation. Learn more »
The Carter Center has launched an international election observation mission for Mozambique's presidential, legislative, and provincial assembly elections on Oct. 15, at the invitation of the government of Mozambique. Learn more »
The Carter Center and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) congratulated Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa and the people of Ecuador for their country becoming the second in the world to achieve elimination of onchocerciasis (river blindness), as verified by the World Health Organization (WHO). Learn more »
The challenges of eliminating devastating diseases are enormous, but successful strategies can bring about colossal social and economic benefits. Countdown to Zero, a new exhibition about scientific and social innovations that are ridding the world of ancient afflictions, will open at the American Museum of Natural History on Jan. 13, 2015. The exhibition, developed in collaboration with The Carter Center, focuses on several global efforts that have been able to contain, eliminate, or eradicate disease. Chief among these is the 30-year campaign that may soon eradicate Guinea worm disease, positioning it to become only the second human disease ever eradicated, after smallpox. Learn more »
The Carter Center commends the concerted efforts taken by electoral authorities, civil society organizations, and political parties to prepare for the upcoming parliamentary and presidential elections. Learn more »
We, the Friends of the Inter-American Democratic Charter, strongly condemn the death threats issued against 100 human rights defenders in Colombia by unscrupulous individuals on Sept. 9, the National Day of Human Rights in Colombia. These threats not only affect human rights defenders and their noble, arduous work, but also constitute a threat to the citizenry in general. Learn more »
At a small event today, The Carter Center formally marked the transfer of its Nepal observation research database to Social Science Baha, a Kathmandu-based nonprofit organization that promotes and enhances the study and research of social sciences in Nepal. Learn more »
The Carter Center commends the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) for responding to President Jimmy Carter's call to action to advance the rights of women and girls by adopting a declaration promoting respect and equality of women on Aug. 30, 2014, at its 51st Annual Convention in Detroit, Michigan. Learn more »
The Carter Center congratulates the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on becoming a full member of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI). This hard-won achievement is the result of unprecedented collaboration between Congolese government agencies, extractive companies, and civil society organizations to accurately report significant revenue flows in Congo's complex natural resource sector. Learn more »
A high-level delegation of chiefs and elders from Grand Gedeh County will visit Nimba County for a two-day peace and reconciliation meeting with chiefs and elders from Nimba County. The Honorable Minister of Internal Affairs Morris M. Dukuly Sr., has requested Chief Zanzan Karwor, chairman of the National Council of Chiefs and Elders, to lead the meeting, which takes place in Toweh Town, Nimba County, from July 21-23, 2014. Learn more »
Gaza is on the verge of a humanitarian catastrophe. Two weeks of indiscriminate bombing and fighting in and around Gaza has left over 600 Palestinians dead, an estimated two-thirds of whom are civilians, including over 150 children. The Israeli death toll has reached 29, including two civilians. Learn more »
A high-level delegation of chiefs and elders from Grand Gedeh County will visit Nimba County for a two-day peace and reconciliation meeting with chiefs and elders from Nimba County. The Honorable Minister of Internal Affairs Morris M. Dukuly Sr. has requested Chief Zanzan Karwor, chairman of the National Council of Chiefs and Elders, to lead the meeting, which takes place in Toweh Town, Nimba County, from July 21-23, 2014. Learn more »
The Carter Center has named Pewee Flomoku as the first Liberian chief of party for its office in Liberia, effective today. A veteran Liberian journalist, Flomoku will lead both general office operations and its Access to Justice Project. Learn more »
The Ministry of Gender and Development, the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism, and the Women's NGO Secretariat (WONGOSOL), working with the Access to Information Project of The Carter Center, will release the study "Women and the Right of Access to Information in Liberia." Learn more »
The Carter Center deployed on July 7 an international election observation mission for Tunisia's national elections on Oct. 26 and Nov. 23, 2014. Following its observation of the October 2011 National Constituent Assembly elections, The Carter Center monitored the constitution-making process and developments related to the establishment of institutional and legal frameworks for subsequent elections. Learn more »
Based on a recent field assessment, The Carter Center reports that while Nepal's second constituent assembly has made commendable progress to prepare a new constitution in a spirit of compromise, many Nepalis are concerned about the slow pace of the process to date, a perceived lack of engagement by senior political leaders on contentious issues, and the persistence of long-term risks to the credibility of the political process. Learn more »
As violence and instability continue to dominate the political scene in Libya, The Carter Center urges all stakeholders to cease hostilities, engage in comprehensive dialogue, and recommit to the democratic process. Learn more »
In view of the reelection of magistrates to the Nicaraguan Supreme Electoral Council (CSE) announced by media outlets last month, The Carter Center, which is committed to the welfare of the Nicaraguan people and to the legitimacy and vitality of democracy and human rights in Nicaragua, hereby publicly expresses its concern over this decision, which is a significant lost opportunity for this country to strengthen its battered electoral institutions. Learn more »
The Carter Center today released the final report of the study mission that was deployed to Venezuela for the April 14, 2013, presidential elections. The report provides an extensive study of both election day as well as the pre- and post-election periods, including the results of the post-electoral audit process of the electoral system and the challenges to election results presented by the opposition. Learn more »
The Carter Center is concerned about the restrictive political and legal context surrounding Egypt's electoral process, the lack of a genuinely competitive campaign environment, and the deep political polarization that threatens the country's transition as May 26-27 presidential elections quickly approach. Learn more »
During a ceremony held at the Carter Center's headquarters on May 15, 2014, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and Lions Clubs International Foundation Chairperson Wayne Madden announced a US $8.8 million expansion of the Lions-Carter Center SightFirst Initiative to end suffering from major causes of preventable blindness in Ethiopia, Uganda, Mali, and Niger. Learn more »
In light of the historical interest of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter in Panama's democracy and well-being, The Carter Center and the Friends of the Inter-American Democratic Charter closely followed the electoral process and sent a small, high-level delegation to the May 4 general elections. Learn more »
At the invitation of the Panamanian Electoral Tribunal, The Carter Center will send a small high-level delegation to the May 4 national elections in Panama. The delegation will be led by two members of the Friends of the Inter-American Democratic Charter, former Colombia President Andrés Pastrana and former foreign minister of Mexico Jorge Castañeda, and will include Dr. Jennifer McCoy, director of the Americas Program at The Carter Center; Marcelo Varela-Erasheva, the program's associate director; Ana Caridad, a program associate; and electoral expert Ricardo Valverde. Learn more »
The Carter Center deployed a team of electoral experts to assess the process surrounding upcoming presidential elections in Egypt, including the ongoing legal and political context. Learn more »
The Carter Center commends Tunisia's National Constituent Assembly for its efforts to advance electoral reform. The draft legislation under consideration in the assembly makes improvements in Tunisia's legal framework for voter registration and media and campaign finance regulation for the anticipated 2014 presidential and parliamentary elections. Learn more »
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. Learn more »
El Centro Carter aplaude los esfuerzos para abrir un canal de comunicación entre el gobierno y los sectores de la oposición venezolana facilitados por el grupo de cancilleres de la Unión de Naciones Suramericanas (UNASUR) y el Vaticano. Learn more »
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. Learn more »
Tune in to the media appearances to hear President Carter discuss his new book, "A Call To Action: Women, Religion, Violence, and Power." Learn more »
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" (Simon & Schuster). Learn more »
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. Learn more »
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. Learn more »
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. Learn more »
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. Learn more »
The Nigeria Federal Ministry of Health is distributing new national guidelines for coimplementation of interventions to eliminate malaria and lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis). This combined nationwide strategy is the first of its kind in Africa and will allow the Federal and State Ministries of Health to efficiently protect all Nigerians from the two mosquito transmitted parasitic diseases. Learn more »
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. Learn more »
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. Learn more »
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. Learn more »
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. Learn more »
The Carter Center congratulates Tunisian National Constituent Assembly members and the Tunisian people on the promulgation of its new constitution. Learn more »
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. Learn more »
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. Learn more »
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. Learn more »
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.
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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. Learn more »
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). Learn more »
Rosalynn and I are deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Robert Pastor. As my advisor for Latin American affairs on the National Security Council in the White House, he helped to reshape our country's relations with our Latin American neighbors and secure democracy and human rights throughout the region. Learn more »
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. Learn more »
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. Learn more »
Tunisia's political leaders have devoted substantial efforts over the past several months to overcome the country's political crisis. Following the selection of a new candidate for prime minister, The Carter Center urges the National Constituent Assembly (NCA) to prioritize the creation of a new election commission while debates on the constitution and an electoral law are ongoing. Learn more »
On Dec. 20, Madagascar held legislative elections and the second round of presidential elections. Following a protracted political crisis, these elections offer an opportunity that we are hopeful will reinstate a democratically-elected government, enable Madagascar to rejoin the community of nations, and provide a foundation through which to address the prolonged humanitarian crisis that has continued to escalate within recent years. Learn more »
The Carter Center published today a report of its observations of Nepal's counting process, concluding that the process was largely conducted according to procedures and that the Election Commission of Nepal has announced credible results to the Nov. 19 constituent assembly election. Other key findings of the report include: Learn more »
The Carter Center deployed a team of electoral experts to assess Egypt's constitution-building process, including the ongoing legal and political context. Learn more »
The Carter Center today released to the public a series of reports that provide a comprehensive analysis of Syrian paramilitary group structures and their evolution. The reports are part of the Center's Syria Conflict Mapping Project, which analyzes the unprecedented volume of online citizen-generated information about the conflict in an effort to better inform peace-building efforts. Learn more »
The Carter Center and the Friends of the Inter-American Democratic Charter, following up on the 2013 electoral process in Honduras, recognize the willingness and openness shown by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal to address the concerns, questions, and complaints posed by various political actors and parties. Learn more »
At the invitation of the Honduran Supreme Electoral Tribunal, The Carter Center sent a high-level delegation to the country's Nov. 24 electoral process. The delegation was led by two members of the Friends of the Inter-American Democratic Charter, former Presidents Carlos Mesa of Bolivia and Martin Torrijos of Panama, and Dr. Jennifer McCoy, director of the Americas Program at The Carter Center. Learn more »
The Carter Center urges the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to ensure that all transactions and revenue flows of state-owned mining companies, particularly La Générale des Carrières et des Mines (Gécamines), are carried out in a transparent manner that safeguards the public interest. Learn more »
The Carter Center finds that Nepal's Nov. 19 constituent assembly election was conducted remarkably well, especially in the face of attempts by boycotting parties to disrupt the process through violence. The Election Commission of Nepal estimated the voter turnout at more than 70 percent. Learn more »
At the invitation of the Honduran Supreme Electoral Tribunal, The Carter Center will send a small high-level delegation to the Nov. 24 national elections in Honduras. The delegation will be led by two members of the Friends of the Inter-American Democratic Charter, former Presidents Carlos Mesa of Bolivia and Martin Torrijos of Panama, and will include Dr. Jennifer McCoy, director of the Americas program at The Carter Center, and Marcelo Varela-Erasheva, the program's associate director. Learn more »
The Sudan-South Sudan Dialogue Group visited the Tamazuj area in Northern Bahr el-Ghazal State from November 7-9, 2013. The objective of the visit was to advance people-to-people dialogue and specifically to learn from the experiences of the Dinka Malual and their interactions with neighboring Misseriya and Rizeigat tribes. Learn more »
The Carter Center announced today that former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and former Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand Dr. Surakiart Sathirathai will co-lead the Carter Center's delegation to observe Nepal's Nov. 19 constituent assembly election. The Center's mission will include more than 50 observers representing 27 nations deployed throughout the country. Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter joined Pfizer (NYSE:PFE) today to commemorate the 15th Anniversary of the International Trachoma Initiative (ITI), an independent, not-for-profit program dedicated to the elimination of blinding trachoma as a public health concern. Learn more »
During the 29th Annual Rosalynn Carter Symposium on Mental Health Policy on Nov.7-8, 2013, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius will join former U.S. First Lady Rosalynn Carter to discuss how access to mental health care could improve with the implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (ACA). Learn more »
In a report released today, The Carter Center offered a series of recommendations to Nepal's election commission, candidates and parties, and government to support the conduct of a credible constituent assembly election on Nov. 19. Learn more »
The Carter Center has launched an international election observation mission for Madagascar's national elections on Oct. 25 and Dec. 20, at the invitation of the country's National Independent Electoral Commission of the Transition (CENI-T). Learn more »
The Carter Center and Emory University are bringing together renowned American and Chinese leaders and scholars to discuss the future of the bilateral relationship between the United States and China at a public forum Nov. 11-12. Learn more »
In a report released today, The Carter Center applauds the Election Commission of Nepal's efforts to finalize a new voter roll for the constituent assembly elections on Nov. 19, 2013, while also identifying areas of concern such as potential voters who have not been registered. Learn more »
The Carter Center has launched an international election observation mission for Nepal's Nov. 19, 2013, constituent assembly election at the invitation of Interim Election Council Chair Khil Raj Regmi and the Election Commission of Nepal and the welcome of political parties. Learn more »
The use of chemical weapons on August 21 near Damascus is a grave breach of international law that has rightfully outraged the world community. The United States and some of its European allies are calling for military strikes on Syria, but apparently without support from NATO or the Arab League. Learn more »
The Carter Center's Mental Health Program in Liberia, in partnership with the Liberia Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, congratulates the newest, fifth class of 21 clinicians who are pioneering a new model for mental health services in Africa. With 100 local mental health clinicians trained since 2011, all 15 counties in Liberia now have access to at least two service providers. These clinicians largely work in primary care clinics and hospitals in remote, rural areas. Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter today congratulated President Juan Manuel Santos and the people of Colombia for becoming the first of six countries in the Americas to eliminate river blindness. The official ceremony was held today in Bogotá. River blindness, also known as onchocerciasis, is a parasitic disease that can cause intense itching, eyesight damage, and irreversible blindness. Learn more »
The Carter Center strongly condemns the assassination of Mohamed Brahmi, a National Constituent Assembly deputy and leader of the Popular Currant (Courant Populaire, El Tayyar El Chaabi). His assassination comes on the anniversary of the declaration of the Republic of Tunisia and just six months after the targeted killing of opposition leader, Chokri Belaïd. Learn more »
It is critically important to bring Tunisia's new constitution in line with international human rights standards and Tunisia's obligations under international law, four human rights organizations said today. Learn more »
The Carter Center announced the recipients of the 2013-2014 Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism today. Selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants, the 17th annual class of fellows includes six from the United States, two from Romania, and for the first time, two teams from Colombia. (See below for a full list of fellows and their project topics.) Learn more »
Representatives of the Carter Center's Conflict Resolution Program will travel to Beirut and Damascus in late July for discussions on eventual political transition in Syria. Learn more »
The Carter Center announced today the recipients of the 2014-2015 Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism. Selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants, the 18th annual class of fellows includes six from the United States and two fellowships from Colombia. (See below for a full list of fellows and their project topics.) Learn more »
The Carter Center announced today that it will no longer only control river blindness, but instead it will work with ministries of health to eliminate it in all 10 countries in Africa and Latin America in the areas where the Center fights the neglected disease. Learn more »
Zimbabwe Electoral Commission Chairperson Rita Makarau on July 9 informed The Carter Center that our application to observe forthcoming national elections in Zimbabwe has been declined. While the Center regrets this news, it respects the commission's decision. Without accreditation, The Carter Center will not be able to conduct an international election observation mission. Learn more »
The Carter Center today released a preliminary report (PDF) on Venezuela's April 14, 2013, special presidential elections recommending electoral reforms to ensure greater campaign equity, increased efforts to improve the electoral climate for voters, and more information about the effectiveness of the biometric identification system and procedures to prevent usurpation of voter identity and multiple voting. Learn more »
A group of 60 human rights defenders, religious leaders, and scholars representing 15 countries gathered at The Carter Center today and called on all believers to work within their communities to seek positive solutions for violence against women and other gender-based violations of human rights. Learn more »
The Carter Center urges restraint and calm before, during, and after the demonstrations planned on and around June 30, 2013. Learn more »
The Carter Center congratulates Nasarawa and Plateau states for becoming the first Nigerian states to stop transmission of lymphatic filariasis (LF), a parasitic disease most commonly known for causing elephantiasis. The parasites that cause LF (Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, Brugia timori) are transmitted by mosquitoes and live in the lymphatic system of sufferers. Repeated infection can lead to severe swelling of a person's limbs and genitals, a condition called elephantiasis. Learn more »
The Carter Center, working to support a successful transition to democracy in Tunisia, has evaluated the country's working constitutional draft and assessed the extent to which it is consistent with obligations under public international law. Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and the Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights are bringing together religious leaders, human rights advocates and practitioners, and academics to further the role of religion in advancing women's rights June 27-29 at The Carter Center. Participants are committed to making concrete gains in women's rights, working within the context of religion and traditional belief structures. Learn more »
As Tunisia's National Constituent Assembly prepares to debate the draft Political Immunization of the Revolution Law, The Carter Center urges assembly members to reconsider several provisions, especially proposed restrictions on fundamental political rights. Learn more »
The Carter Center is gravely concerned about the shrinking space for civil society in Egypt. The conviction this week of 43 Egyptian and foreign NGO workers who had been engaged in peaceful, democracy promotion activities is the most recent example. Also troubling, is the restrictive and onerous draft legislation to regulate civil society that is under discussion at the Shura Council currently. Learn more »
Bolivian President Evo Morales and former President Eduardo Rodriguez visited Plains, Georgia, today to meet with former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, and Carter Center staff about Bolivia's quest to obtain a mutually satisfactory means of access to the sea with Chile and Peru. Learn more »
During this time of tension and uncertainty, The Carter Center urges all Venezuelans to express their differences peacefully, respecting the legal order and the constitutional rights of all citizens. Learn more »
On the occasion of Palestinian Prisoners' Day, April 17, The Carter Center expresses concern for the treatment of 4,750 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, which contravenes international law and human rights norms. Learn more »
Former U.S. First Lady and Carter Center Co-Founder Rosalynn Carter and former Congressman Tony Coelho will join experts from the federal government and other mental health officials to discuss new research published in the American Journal of Public Health's first theme issue on stigma against people with mental illness on April 18, 2013, at 2 p.m. at The Carter Center in Atlanta, Ga. Learn more »
The Carter Center and the Universidad de La Sabana, a private accredited university in Colombia, announce the launch of Colombia's Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism, which will award two annual fellowships to local journalists to investigate and produce a comprehensive project unveiling mental health issues in the nation. Learn more »
Aired on Comedy Central's The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.
President Carter appeared on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and explained how The Carter Center has nearly eradicated Guinea worm disease. President Carter also discussed latrine building in Ethiopia to prevent trachoma and answered a few questions about the news of the day. Learn more »
At the invitation of Venezuela's National Election Council, The Carter Center will send a small delegation to accompany the Venezuelan people during the April 14 presidential election. Learn more »
The Carter Center finds that in spite of serious shortcomings in the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission's (IEBC) management of technology and tabulation of final election results, the paper-based procedure for counting and tallying presented enough guarantees to preserve the expression of the will of Kenyan voters. Learn more »
The Carter Center has launched a series of nongovernmental dialogues between prominent leaders from Sudan and South Sudan to strengthen peace and create lasting understanding between the two countries. Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter will visit Nepal and Myanmar from March 29-April 6. Learn more »
The Carter Center's Mental Health Program in Liberia, in partnership with the Liberia Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, announces that efforts to improve access to mental health care in the post-conflict nation now reach all 15 counties in Liberia, with each county having access to at least one locally trained and credentialed mental health clinician. Only a few years prior, Liberia, a nation of 3.8 million people, had one psychiatrist to meet the needs of at least 300,000 Liberians suffering from mental illness each year. Learn more »
In a report released today, The Carter Center notes that identity-based political activity in Nepal has decreased since May 2012, providing space for much-needed civic dialogue on federalism and social inclusion. Learn more »
The Carter Center finds that Kenya's polls were well-conducted in a peaceful environment. Voter turnout appears to have been high. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has made important commitments to improve the transparency of the counting and tabulation of votes. Although partial provisional results are available, the full tabulation of results is ongoing. Learn more »
The Observer Missions of the African Union, the Carter Center, the Commonwealth, the European Union, Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, Intergovernmental Authority on Development, East African Community, International Conference on the Great Lakes Region and Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa to the 2013 Kenya Elections headed by His Excellency Joaquim Chissano, His Excellency Rupiah Banda, His Excellency Festus Mogae, Mr. Alojz Peterle, Amb. Simbi Veke Mubako, Amb. Dr. Berhane Ghebray, Hon. Abdulrahman Kinana and Mr. Vincent Tohbi, respectively, have observed the voting and counting process across the country. Learn more »
Observer groups from the African Union, The Carter Center, the East African Community, Intergovernmental Authority on Development, Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, International Conference on the Great Lakes Region, the Commonwealth, and the European Union call on Kenya's political parties and candidates to abide by the Electoral Code of Conduct and to respect their commitment to nonviolent participation in the electoral process. Learn more »
In a report released today, The Carter Center commends the Election Commission of Nepal's latest mobile voter registration outreach drive, but lower registration rates of women and young citizens, data quality, and an uncertain national political context remain areas of concern that must be rectified to improve the voter roll before the next election is held. Learn more »
The Carter Center announced today that former Zambia President Rupiah Banda and Carter Center Vice President for Peace Programs Dr. John Stremlau will co-lead the Center's 60-person delegation representing 29 nations to observe Kenya's March 4 elections. Learn more »
Carter Center observers in Kenya have found the electoral campaign generally peaceful thus far, and the Center urges all Kenyans to commit themselves to nonviolent participation in the electoral process. Learn more »
While Jordan's 2013 parliamentary elections yielded important technical advances, the elections were marred by a system that limits equality of suffrage and by persistent concerns about vote buying, proxy registration, and other problems, according to a report issued today by The Carter Center, which sent a study mission to assess the elections held on Jan. 23, 2013. Learn more »
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. Learn more »
At the invitation of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission and the welcome of political parties, The Carter Center has launched an international election observation mission for Kenya's March 4, 2013, elections. Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter announced today that the international Guinea worm eradication campaign spearheaded by The Carter Center has reached its final stages with only 542 cases reported worldwide in 2012. These provisional case numbers, identified by ministries of health in the remaining four endemic nations and compiled by The Carter Center, show that cases of the parasitic disease were reduced by nearly half in 2012. Learn more »
The Carter Center today released its recommendations for Egypt's upcoming parliamentary elections based on its observation missions for the 2011-2012 parliamentary and presidential elections. The Center suggests critical reforms in the following areas: voter education and information, women in the electoral process, electoral observation, internal and external communications, procedures and training, voter access and participation, electoral contestants (parties and candidates), and electoral legal framework. Learn more »
The Carter Center today released its recommendations for Egypt's upcoming parliamentary elections based on its observation missions for the 2011-2012 parliamentary and presidential elections. The Center suggests critical reforms in the following areas: voter education and information, women in the electoral process, electoral observation, internal and external communications, procedures and training, voter access and participation, electoral contestants (parties and candidates), and electoral legal framework. Learn more »
The Carter Center and the ACE Electoral Knowledge Network are pleased to announce the release of two new resources on voter identification processes and practices. The reports provide groundbreaking analysis of a range of critical electoral issues on voter identification, the right to vote, and related international standards and election administration practices. Learn more »
The Carter Center announced today it will not deploy a delegation of witnesses to observe the constitutional referendum process, scheduled to start Dec. 15, 2012. The late release of regulations for accreditation of witnesses precludes the Center from conducting a comprehensive assessment of all aspects of the referendum process, consistent with its methodology for professional observation of elections. A Carter Center technical expert team may release further statements on the process at a later date. Learn more »
Uganda has successfully interrupted the transmission of Onchocerciasis (river blindness) in three more foci in four districts: Kibaale (Mpamba-Nkusi focus), Maracha (Maracha-Terego focus) and, Mitooma and Bushenyi (Imaramagambo focus). Learn more »
On Nov. 23, Dr. Christiana Thorpe, chairperson of the National Electoral Commission (NEC), certified the final results of the presidential election, which indicated that President Ernest Bai Koroma of the All People's Congress (APC) was re-elected with 58.7 percent of the valid votes, ahead of his main challenger, Julius Maada Bio of the Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP), who garnered 37.4 percent of valid ballots cast. Over 87 percent of registered voters turned out to vote. Learn more »
The Nov. 17, 2012, elections are the first self-administered elections to be conducted in Sierra Leone since the end of the civil war, representing an important test for the country's democratic consolidation. Carter Center observers reported that voting and counting processes were peaceful, orderly, transparent, and in general accordance with Sierra Leone's legal framework and obligations for democratic elections. Learn more »
A report on the 2012 Venezuelan presidential election issued today by The Carter Center notes increased citizen confidence in the voter system compared to past contests. Learn more »
The Carter Center condemns rocket fire from Gaza against Israeli communities, the assassination of Ahmed Jabari, head of the Hamas military wing, and other targeted attacks in Gaza. Learn more »
Sierra Leone's upcoming presidential, parliamentary, and local council elections represent a critical test for the country's emerging democratic institutions 10 years after the end of the civil war. Carter Center observers report that the campaign period has been generally peaceful, allowing political parties to assemble freely and to convey their message to potential voters. Learn more »
The Carter Center commends the General Legislation Committee (GLC) of the National Constituent Assembly (NCA) for its consultative approach regarding the draft law to establish an Election Management Body (EMB). By involving external stakeholders, the GLC has taken important steps to promote public participation. Learn more »
The Carter Center commends the 15 Christian leaders who recently urged Congress to investigate human rights violations by Israelis against Palestinians that are obviously in violation of U.S. law. Learn more »
The Oct. 20, 2012, municipal polls, the first to be held in the occupied Palestinian territory (OPT) since 2006, took place under significant pressures, including the conduct of elections while under Israeli occupation, the political impasse between the two leading Palestinian political movements, and the continued erosion of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms by political actors in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Learn more »
At a critical juncture in Georgia's efforts to restructure community access to quality mental health services, former U.S. First Lady Rosalynn Carter and Frank Berry, the new commissioner of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD), will co-host a public town hall meeting in Mrs. Carter's home region on Oct. 24 at Georgia South Technical College in Americus from 12:30-4:00 p.m. (additional details below). Learn more »
The Carter Center deployed a study mission to the West Bank this week to assess the overall political and electoral conditions surrounding the Oct. 20, 2012, municipal elections. The Center was invited and is accredited by the Central Election Commission (CEC) as guest observers. Learn more »
We the undersigned members of the Friends of the Inter-American Democratic Charter, committed to the promotion and defense of democratic values, have been following carefully the current electoral process in Venezuela. Learn more »
The Carter Center's independent study mission to Venezuela today released a pre-electoral report (PDF), which assesses the preparations for key elements of the process including voter registration, campaign conditions, voting conditions, integrity of the vote count, and the dispute resolution process. Learn more »
The Carter Center today deployed eight long-term observers to launch an international election observation mission for Sierra Leone's general elections on Nov. 17, 2012, at the invitation of Sierra Leone's National Elections Commission (NEC). Learn more »
In a report released today, The Carter Center commends Tunisia's National Constituent Assembly (NCA) on its progress in introducing a constitutional draft. Moving forward, the Center urges the NCA drafting commissions to ensure that the future constitution upholds Tunisia's international treaty obligations on human rights and fundamental freedoms. Learn more »
On Aug. 28, the district court in Haifa, Israel, ruled that the State of Israel was not responsible for the 2003 killing of Rachel Corrie, a 23-year-old U.S. peace activist who was crushed by an Israeli bulldozer as she attempted to nonviolently prevent the demolition of a Palestinian home in the southern Gaza Strip town of Rafah. Israel's policy of home demolitions has been widely criticized by human rights organizations as a form of collective punishment. Learn more »
The Carter Center has declined an invitation from the Venezuelan National Electoral Council (CNE) to accompany the Oct. 7 presidential elections. The concept of accompaniment differs from observation in that the purpose of accompaniment is to invite foreign individuals to witness the day of the election with a largely symbolic political presence, Learn more »
The Carter Center's Mental Health Liberia Program, in partnership with the Liberia Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, announces that efforts to build a sustainable mental health care system have reached an important milestone with 14 out of 15 counties in Liberia now having access to at least one locally trained and credentialed mental health clinician. Only three years prior, Liberia had one psychiatrist in the entire country. Learn more »
The Carter Center supports efforts undertaken by the Tunisian government to create a permanent election management body (EMB), and urges the National Constituent Assembly (NCA) to enhance key aspects of the draft law recently submitted for its consideration to guarantee the legitimacy, independence, and transparent functioning of the future EMB. Learn more »
In a report released today, Carter Center observers found that the Election Commission of Nepal (ECN) continues to make progress toward finalizing a new voter register but faces challenges related to registration turnout, access to eligibility documents such as citizenship certificates, and data quality. Learn more »
The Carter Center shares its profound sadness for the untimely death of Oswaldo Payá Sardiñas, recognized advocate of human rights for all the citizens of his beloved Cuba, whom we met during former U.S. President Jimmy Carter's visits to the island. Learn more »
The Carter Center welcomes the announcement of preliminary election results by Libya's High National Elections Commission (HNEC) on July 17, 2012, and congratulates HNEC staff for their diligence in completing the tabulation process in a timely manner and for their efforts to ensure that all voters had an opportunity to participate in the elections. Learn more »
The Carter Center announced the recipients of the 2012-2013 Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism today. Selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants, the 16th annual class of fellows includes six from the United States and two from Romania. (See below for a full list of fellows and their project topics.) Learn more »
While acknowledging initiatives undertaken by the government and several civil society organizations, The Carter Center calls on Tunisian authorities to launch a broad and transparent consultation process, including all relevant stakeholders, to build consensus on the key features of an independent body entrusted with future elections in Tunisia. Learn more »
The July 7 elections provided Libyans an historic opportunity to vote in meaningful national polls for the first time in almost six decades. The Carter Center was honored to be invited to observe the elections, and congratulates the Libyan people, the High National Elections Commission (HNEC), and the National Transitional Council (NTC) for their dedication and efforts to support Libya's democratic transition. Learn more »
Following an invitation from the High National Elections Commission (HNEC), The Carter Center launched a limited international election observation mission to Libya on Monday, deploying several teams of observers to monitor and report on the upcoming National General Congress elections. Learn more »
Contrary to certain reports in the media, The Carter Center would like to reiterate one of its findings with respect to the second round of the Egyptian presidential election. Carter Center witnesses did not observe evidence of major or systematic flaws in the voting and counting processes (June 16-18) that unfairly advantaged either candidate. Learn more »
The Carter Center's election witnessing mission in Egypt issued preliminary findings today for the second round of Egypt's presidential elections. The Center noted that the Egyptian people again have demonstrated their deep commitment to the electoral process. However, The Carter Center expressed grave concern about the broader political and constitutional context, which calls into question the meaning and purpose of the elections. Learn more »
The Carter Center announced today that it will deploy a limited mission to witness parts of the June 16- 17, 2012, runoff election for Egypt's president. The Center will deploy 90 witnesses from 36 countries to follow polling, counting, and those parts of the tabulation processes to which the Center has access. Learn more »
The Carter Center election witnessing mission was accredited in Egypt by the Presidential Election Commission (PEC) on May 3, 2012. Accreditation badges, necessary for witnesses to observe the process, were only provided on May 16, less than seven days before the election. Learn more »
In response to false reports in the media, The Carter Center election witnessing mission confirms that it has not issued any statements relating to the presidential election results. The Carter Center's preliminary statement on the first round of the presidential election, which was formally issued by President Jimmy Carter on May 26, 2012, can be viewed here. Learn more »
Press Releases News &smp; Publications May 24, 2012 Contacts: In Atlanta, Deborah Hakes +1 404-420-5124; In Kathmandu, Sarah Levit-Shore +977-1-444-5055/1446 Statement by Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter on Nepal (नेपालीमा पढ्नुहोस) I am concerned by the tensions, prolonged strikes, and incidents of political violence that have taken place throughout Nepal in recent weeks. Positively, it appears that these tensions have reduced in the last few days following the signing of several agreements between the Government of Nepal and protesting groups, as well as some commendable initiatives at the local level. Learn more »
The Carter Center has received accreditation as an organization from Egypt's Supreme Presidential Election Commission and will deploy 22 international election witnesses from 14 countries for the presidential election scheduled May 23-24, 2012. They will be joined by a larger delegation of 80 witnesses from over 35 nations that will travel to Egypt several days before the election, led by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter. Learn more »
The Carter Center office in Tunisia has found that issues of transparency and participation in the country's recently established National Constituent Assembly (NCA) are coming to the forefront and recommends the establishment of a detailed work plan and timeline to help structure NCA work and increase visibility on the process and accountability to stated objectives. Learn more »
Efforts to eliminate two mosquito-borne diseases – malaria and lymphatic filariasis – in Haiti and the Dominican Republic are ongoing, with the first of four binational meetings on the issue to take place in 2012, held in Santo Domingo on the 29th and 30th of March of this year, with participants from the technical teams of the National Center for Tropical Disease Control, the Dominican Republic's Ministry of Health and the National Malaria Control Program of the Haitian Ministry of Health. Also participating in the strategic meeting are experts from The Carter Center, The Panamerican Health Organization (OPS) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Learn more »
The Carter Center today announced its support for the Declaration of Global Principles for Nonpartisan Election Observation at the official launch of the document at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. Learn more »
The Carter Center strongly condemns the seizure of power in Mali by elements of the military. The Carter Center calls for the immediate and peaceful return to constitutional order and the establishment of a short transition toward the scheduled elections. Learn more »
Following a series of public hearings, South Sudan's National Legislative Assembly (NLA) is in the final review stages of a national elections bill to establish the framework for political competition in future elections in South Sudan. Learn more »
My colleagues at The Carter Center and I commend Nepal's government and political parties for closing 13 of 28 cantonments and completing the discharge process for those Maoist combatants who have chosen voluntary retirement. These are important steps toward completing the peace process. Learn more »
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. Learn more »
The Carter Center and the Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism (MICAT), have extended their Memorandum of Understanding to continue ongoing collaboration to promote and strengthen awareness, implementation, and compliance with the 2010 Freedom of Information (FOI) Act. Learn more »
As Egypt's new parliament works to select a 100-member Constitutional Drafting Committee, the Carter Center's mission to witness the country's Shura elections urges Egypt's elected representatives to address the overwhelming lack of representation of women in the parliament by ensuring at least 30 percent of the committee is female. Learn more »
We, the undersigned, Friends of the Inter-American Democratic Charter, express our deep concerns about restrictions on freedom of expression in the Republic of Ecuador. Learn more »
The Carter Center finds that as with the Nov. 28, 2011, presidential election in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the integrity of the national assembly results has been compromised. It is difficult, and given the circumstances and amount of time that has passed, perhaps impossible, for the Independent National Election Commission (CENI) or any other body to reconstruct fully the results in the hopes of producing a faithful record of the will of the people. Learn more »
The Carter Center congratulates Uganda for its historic achievement of interrupting transmission of river blindness disease (onchocerciasis) in several parts of the country, freeing hundreds of thousands from risk of this scourge. Learn more »
The Carter Center deplores the suppression of today's march by Christian groups in Kinshasa to protest discontent over the recent elections, and calls on the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) not to interfere with the rights of Congolese citizens to peaceful assembly and expression. Learn more »
The Carter Center calls on the Israeli government to immediately charge or release Palestinian prisoner Khader Adnan, who was arrested on Dec. 17, 2011, based on "secret evidence" and has been held in administrative detention without charge. Learn more »
As Venezuela enters an important election year, The Carter Center will send a small study group of international experts to the country for the opposition's primary elections on Feb. 12, 2012. The candidates chosen in the primaries will represent the political opposition in the Oct. 7 presidential elections and the December 2012 governor and mayoral elections. Learn more »
The Carter Center commends South Sudan's National Legislative Assembly for its decision to convene a public hearing on the draft Political Parties Bill and solicit input from political parties, civil society, and citizens. This is an important opportunity for South Sudanese to provide input and demonstrate citizens' interest in the political process. Learn more »
Carter Center witnesses in Egypt observed low levels of interest and participation among voters, political parties, and nongovernmental organizations during the first stage of the country's Shura Council elections. Despite the brief respite between the People's Assembly and Shura Council elections, Egypt's election authority was able to introduce several technical amendments for the Shura election including the use of more secure ballot boxes and the counting of votes at polling stations. Learn more »
In a report released today, The Carter Center commended the Election Commission of Nepal (ECN) for registering more than 10 million Nepali citizens to date, and encouraged the ECN to undertake additional efforts to reach out to those who have yet to participate in the process. Learn more »
$40 million in donations announced today from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, president of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the Children's Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) will enable a Carter Center-led eradication campaign to end Guinea worm disease by 2015. The Center also announced today that provisional results show only 1,060 cases of Guinea worm occurred worldwide in 2011. Learn more »
The Carter Center denounces the recent detention of Speaker of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) Dr. Aziz Dweik, as well as the arrests of three other legislators and one former minister, who are members of the speaker's Hamas-affiliated faction. Learn more »
The Carter Center announced today it will not deploy a delegation of witnesses to observe the constitutional referendum process, scheduled to start Dec. 15, 2012. The late release of regulations for accreditation of witnesses precludes the Center from conducting a comprehensive assessment of all aspects of the referendum process, consistent with its methodology for professional observation of elections. Learn more »
The Friends of the Inter-American Democratic Charter, a group of former leaders and eminent persons in the Western Hemisphere, today called for "serious review and reform" of Nicaragua's electoral system. Learn more »
The Carter Center announced today that former U.S. President Jimmy Carter will visit Egypt next week as part of the Center's witnessing of Egypt's parliamentary elections. He will join a delegation of 40 witnesses representing 21 countries deployed in Egypt since mid-November to witness all three phases of voting. Learn more »
Carter Center witnesses observing the People's Assembly elections in Egypt reported progress in several aspects of polling during the second round of voting on Dec. 14-15, but found that there are numerous areas where procedures need further improvement. Learn more »
Un informe publicado el día de hoy - La política de drogas en los Andes: buscando alternativas humanas y eficaces propone introducir cambios innovadores de política para enfrentar la amenaza del narcotráfico tanto en América Latina como en los Estados Unidos. Learn more »
Côte d'Ivoire's 2011 legislative elections represent an essential step in re-establishing the constitutional order in Cote d'Ivoire and achieving a key goal of the peace process laid out by the Political Accord of Ouagadougou. The Carter Center highlights the generally peaceful voting environment and the absence of major security incidents during the polls, which took place in the fragile political and social context of the post-electoral crisis of 2010-2011. Learn more »
The Carter Center finds the provisional presidential election results announced by the Independent National Election Commission (CENI) on Dec. 9 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to lack credibility. CENI results point to the re-election of incumbent President Joseph Kabila with 49 percent of the vote followed by Etienne Tshisekedi with 32 percent and Vital Kamerhe with 7.7 percent. Voter turnout was 58 percent. Learn more »
The Carter Center has closely observed the first round of Egypt's parliamentary elections, witnessing polling and counting Nov. 28-30 and the runoffs Dec. 5-6, and notes that conducting runoffs amid a multiphase election poses distinct challenges requiring extra efforts in key areas. Learn more »
The Carter Center deployed witnesses to observe two days of polling on Nov. 28-29 in the first of three rounds of Egypt's parliamentary elections, as well as the preceding election preparation period. Carter Center witnesses visited more than 300 polling stations in all nine active governorates, and followed the process through to the counting exercise. Learn more »
The Carter Center welcomes the conduct of presidential and legislative elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on Nov. 28; voters participated in large numbers with few major incidents that disrupted the peaceful conduct of the polls. The results tabulation process is underway. Learn more »
Following an invitation from the Independent Electoral Commission, The Carter Center has launched an international election observation mission to Côte d'Ivoire to monitor preparations and the conduct of legislative elections anticipated on Dec. 11. Learn more »
The Carter Center announced today that former Zambia President Rupiah Banda and Carter Center Vice President for Peace Programs Dr. John Stremlau will co-lead the Center's 70-person delegation representing 27 nations to observe the Democratic Republic of the Congo's Nov. 28 elections. Learn more »
The Carter Center is greatly concerned about the ongoing violence at Tahrir Square and elsewhere in Egypt that has resulted in more than 30 casualties. As events continue to unfold, we urge the authorities to act with restraint and for all involved to continue to advance a meaningful democratic transition in Egypt through peaceful political participation and respect for the rule of law. Learn more »
The Carter Center reports that the tally process for the Nov. 8 presidential run-off election was conducted transparently and in general accordance with Liberia's obligations for democratic elections. Tallying was carried out smoothly throughout the country, with greater adherence to procedures and fewer irregularities than in the first round of the elections. Learn more »
The Carter Center commends the government of the Republic of South Sudan (RoSS) for the inclusive and consultative approach it has taken thus far in its drafting of the National Elections Act of 2011 and Political Parties Bill 2011. Learn more »
Following approval from the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and accreditation by the Supreme Judicial Commission for Elections, The Carter Center announced today the deployment of an international delegation to 'witness' Egyptian Parliamentary Elections scheduled to start on Nov. 28, 2011. Learn more »
The Carter Center and its Onchocerciasis Elimination Program for the Americas (OEPA) are pleased to congratulate three Latin American countries on their recent progress toward eliminating river blindness (onchocerciasis). Today at the sixteenth annual InterAmerican Conference on Onchocerciasis – sponsored by The Carter Center, the Pan American Health Organization, the Lions Clubs International Foundation, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation – three of the six countries in the Americas that have historically suffered from river blindness announced the good news Learn more »
The Carter Center's election observation mission finds that Liberia's Nov. 8 presidential run-off election was conducted in general accordance with Liberia's legal framework and its international obligations for democratic elections. Regrettably, the election was marred by an opposition boycott, violence on the eve of the election, and low voter turnout. Learn more »
After a successful day of polling in Tunisia on Oct. 23, The Carter Center notes that several key areas related to the tabulation of results and appeals procedures did not receive sufficient attention of the High Independent Authority for the Elections (ISIE). Learn more »
We acknowledge the strong electoral support given to President Ortega in Sunday's election. Nevertheless, we are troubled by the reports of significant deficiencies in the 2011 electoral process in Nicaragua and their implications for democratic governance. Learn more »
The Carter Center notes that it is an international obligation of states to ensure that the will of the people, as expressed in periodic elections, serves as the basis for democratic government. All Liberians have a fundamental right to participate in public affairs, including the right to choose whether or not to cast a vote, in an atmosphere free from fear and intimidation. Learn more »
The Carter Center welcomes the recent agreement by Nepal's political parties to address key outstanding issues in the peace process, including the integration and rehabilitation of Maoist combatants, drafting of the constitution, and other important points. Learn more »
The Carter Center announced today that it will deploy a delegation of international observers to monitor Liberia's presidential run-off election scheduled for Nov. 8, 2011. The delegation again will be led by His Excellency General Dr. Yakubu Gowon, former head of state of Nigeria, and will include more than 50 observers from 20 countries across Africa and around the world. Learn more »
Mining operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) generate huge profits but impoverished local communities receive few of the benefits. A website launched today by The Carter Center (www.congomines.org) aims to close that gap by providing detailed information and maps of industrial mines in Katanga Province, increasing transparency and accountability around mining in the nation's rich Copper Belt. Learn more »
The Oct. 11, 2011, presidential and legislative elections mark an important test for Liberia's transition from civil war to democratic, constitutional government. Learn more »
In a statement released today, Carter Center observers monitoring the landmark Oct. 23 Constituent Assembly elections in Tunisia reported that the voting process was marked by peaceful and enthusiastic participation, generally transparent procedures, and popular confidence about Tunisia's democratic transition. Learn more »
We, the undersigned, regret the announcement of the Venezuelan Supreme Court that it will not be feasible to comply with the decisions of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights in the case of Leopoldo Lopez vs. Venezuela issued on Sept. 1, 2011. Learn more »
Carter Center observers monitoring the tally and the tabulation of final results in Liberia report a largely transparent process with no evidence of systematic fraud or manipulation of results. Learn more »
In a pre-election report released today, The Carter Center called for urgent steps by the Democratic Republic of the Congo's (DRC) election commission in order to be credibly prepared for Nov. 28 elections. The report is based on findings from the Center's long-term observers, who have been deployed throughout the DRC since August. Learn more »
The Carter Center announced today that former President of Mauritius and Club of Madrid member Cassam Uteem and Carter Center President and CEO Dr. John Hardman will co-lead the Center's international election observation delegation to Tunisia's National Constituent Assembly elections on Oct. 23. Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter will also participate in the delegation. Learn more »
The Carter Center congratulates the election commission, candidates, and voters of the Cherokee Nation on a successful election day. Sept. 24 was the only day for voters to cast ballots at 38 precincts in the Nation, but there will be additional opportunities for citizens to cast a ballot at the election commission and for Freedmen** to vote by absentee ballot to determine who will be the next principal chief. Learn more »
A small delegation from The Carter Center will visit Nicaragua during the upcoming presidential and legislative elections in Nicaragua on Nov. 6. Learn more »
Thanks to the fine work of John Hardman, Phil Wise, Don Hopkins, David Carroll, Hrair Balian, Larry Frankel, Nicole Kruse, Curtis Kohlhaas, and others, I completed an interesting and successful series of visits with leaders in these four countries and in the United Nations, the European Union, and other international organizations. Learn more »
The Carter Center announced today that His Excellency General Dr. Yakubu Gowon, Nigeria's former head of state, will lead the Center's international election observation delegation to Liberia. Learn more »
Britain today announced it will provide major support to a new project that will make Guinea worm the second human disease ever to be eradicated in human history. Learn more »
Liberia's upcoming 2011 presidential and legislative elections represent a critical test for the country's transition from war to democratic and constitutional government. Carter Center observers report that campaigning has been vibrant and generally peaceful, and that political parties and independent candidates have been able to move freely and to convey their message to potential voters. Learn more »
With the launch of the electoral campaign period on Oct. 1, Tunisia has entered the final leg of the National Constituent Assembly elections, scheduled for Oct. 23, 2011. While electoral preparations are progressing, key issues such as the allocation of voters to polling stations and the system for the tabulation of results require final decisions and publication by election authorities. Learn more »
Jimmy Carter and Margaret Chan to announce major new funding campaign to wipe out Guinea worm disease. Learn more »
The Carter Center commends the Cherokee Nation Election Commission (CNEC) on the completion of the extended special election for Principal Chief. Voting took place over 10 days and counting over three (Oct. 9-11, 2011). Learn more »
An opinion poll currently circulating in Liberia by email is being falsely attributed to The Carter Center. We reject such efforts to mislead the public and call on all stakeholders to be vigilant in assessing information about the electoral process. Learn more »
The Carter Center today deployed teams of long-term observers to launch an international election observation mission for Liberia's presidential and legislative elections on Oct. 11, 2011. Learn more »
At the invitation of the Cherokee Nation Election Commission, The Carter Center will deploy a small observation mission for the Sept. 24, 2011, special election for principal chief. Carter Center observers will interview the election commission, political contestants, and others to assess the electoral process. Learn more »
In light of the Nicaraguan Supreme Electoral Council's (CSE) publication of the Electoral Accompaniment Regulations on Aug. 16, 2011, The Carter Center wishes to explain its conditions for observing the Nicaraguan elections in 2011. Learn more »
A Carter Center statement released today noted that Tunisia's voter registration process was conducted smoothly, but important operational challenges remain for the High Independent Authority for the Elections (ISIE), particularly the allocation of voters to polling stations and a campaign to disseminate voter information to the public. Learn more »
At the invitation of the Independent Electoral Commission (CENI) and the welcome of political parties, The Carter Center has launched an international election observation mission for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) elections on Nov. 28, 2011. Learn more »
Today, during a ceremony attended by Liberian government officials, community and religious leaders, and other partners, The Carter Center celebrated the graduation of Liberia's first class of locally trained mental health clinicians. Learn more »
Kathmandu… In a report released today, Carter Center observers found broad consensus that political space has opened across Nepal since the 2008 Constituent Assembly election. Improvements in the behavior of Unified Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) cadres at the local level and a decline in armed group activity in parts of the Tarai were frequently cited as the main reasons for this change. Learn more »
In response to an invitation from the Tunisian electoral commission, The Carter Center formally launched an international observation mission to monitor preparations for the country's Constituent Assembly elections anticipated on Oct. 23. The mission is supported by an office in Tunis, which is led by Field Office Director Sabina Vigani. Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and The Carter Center congratulate Ghana on becoming the world's newest country to stop transmission of Guinea worm, a water-borne parasitic disease poised to be the second human disease in history to be eradicated. Learn more »
The Carter Center announced the recipients of the 2011-2012 Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism today, one of the only journalism fellowship programs exclusively focused on mental health issues. Selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants, the 15th annual class of fellows includes six from the United States and two from Romania. (See below for a full list of fellows and their project topics.) Learn more »
In a report released today, The Carter Center commended the Election Commission of Nepal (ECN) for registering nearly eight million Nepali citizens to date and encouraged the ECN to undertake additional efforts to reach out to millions more who have yet to participate in the process. Learn more »
As Southern Sudan prepares for independence in the face of recent armed conflict with the North, it is critically important that the Government of Southern Sudan (GoSS) and the ruling Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) take steps to demonstrate a strong commitment to inclusive and participatory governance. Learn more »
The Carter Center and the Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA), have extended their Memorandum of Understanding to continue collaboration to promote and strengthen good governance and the rule of law. With support from USAID and Humanity United, and in partnership with IREX, The Carter Center and MIA are committed to continue support to capacity-building activities for the traditional people of Liberia and the National and County Traditional Councils, with a focus on enhancing dispute resolution skills and increasing understanding of the law. Learn more »
The Carter Center welcomes the recent agreement by Nepal's political parties as well as their decision to extend the Constituent Assembly tenure by three months. Learn more »
A new report from The Carter Center and the American College of Physicians (ACP), "Five Prescriptions for Ensuring the Future of Primary Care," argues that an overhaul of the primary care education system—including adopting more rigorous training in mental illness diagnosis and treatment—is necessary to fully implement reform of the U.S. health care system. Learn more »
Despite a climate of heightened insecurity and instances of procedural irregularities that removed an important safeguard of the process, South Kordofan's elections were generally peaceful and credible. The voting, counting, and results aggregation processes were conducted in a nonpartisan and transparent manner under intense scrutiny from leading political parties. Learn more »
In a report released today, Carter Center observers found that although the overall functioning of Local Peace Committees (LPCs) has improved since November 2009, their effectiveness remains unclear and they continue to face serious challenges. Learn more »
The Carter Center urges calm during the aggregation of results for the South Kordofan gubernatorial and legislative elections. The Carter Center calls on all contesting parties and candidates to continue to observe the results aggregation peacefully, to ask their supporters to remain calm and to seek recourse to potential electoral disputes through established legal channels. Learn more »
The Carter Center congratulates the Government of Egypt for their success in brokering the historic intra-Palestinian reconciliation agreement announced on April 27. The Carter Center further commends the representatives of Fatah and Hamas for having the vision to begin the process of reunifying the Palestinian people. Mediated by the Government of Egypt, the agreement provides a framework for resolving long-standing issues regarding reform of the Palestine Liberation Organization, Palestinian governance, elections, human rights abuses, and the security sector. Now, the challenge will be implementing the agreement on the ground. Learn more »
The Carter Center is concerned by recent deteriorations in South Kordofan's security environment and calls on all sides to promote a genuine and credible polling process for the state. Although the recently concluded candidate nomination period was largely conducted transparently, efficiently, and peacefully, there have been worrying developments during the campaign period. Learn more »
In a report released today, Carter Center observers found that overall the Election Commission of Nepal's (ECN) voter registration process is moving forward, despite delays. Learn more »
A group of human rights defenders and religious leaders representing more than 20 countries gathered at The Carter Center today called on faith leaders to reassess the role religions play in continuing discrimination against women worldwide. Learn more »
After 13 years training more than 26,000 public health workers to help fill the gap in rural health services for 75 million Ethiopians, The Carter Center- assisted Ethiopia Public Health Training Initiative (EPHTI) officially has been transferred to Ethiopia's Federal Ministries of Health and Education. Established in 1997 at the invitation of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, EPHTI worked in partnership with seven Ethiopian universities and the Ethiopian government to improve the public health education system. Learn more »
In a statement released today, The Carter Center welcomed the completion of the voter registration process in South Kordofan. The process was conducted in a generally peaceful environment and the majority of registration centers operated without major problems. Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, will arrive in Havana, Cuba, Monday, March 28, for a visit, at the invitation of the Cuban government. Learn more »
In a statement issued today, The Carter Center reports that the first phase of the popular consultation in Blue Nile produced notable accomplishments, but that state legislative assembly members, political parties, and consultation authorities should work collaboratively to ensure a more transparent and genuine dialogue on the key issues in remaining phases of the process in Blue Nile. Learn more »
Distrust between the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) and opposition parties is a critical challenge that undermines the unity of Southern Sudan on the eve of its independence. To ensure a successful transition, The Carter Center urges all Southern Sudanese political leaders to agree on genuinely inclusive processes for reviewing and adopting the transitional constitution and planning for the transition. Learn more »
The Andean-U.S. Dialogue Forum, a citizens' forum created to identify and contribute solutions to multilateral problems and tensions among the Andean countries (Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela) and the United States, issued a report today outlining a common agenda to improve cooperation among the nations. Learn more »
In a report released today, Carter Center observers found that overall clashes between Nepal's political party youth wings appear to have decreased. However, many activities of the Maoist-affiliated Young Communist League (YCL) and, to a lesser extent, the CPN-UML Youth Force [1] remain targeted toward financial gain, and youth wing activity continues to have a negative impact on security in many districts. Learn more »
Former U.S. President and Carter Center Founder Jimmy Carter announced today that only three endemic countries remain in the fight against Guinea worm disease, poised to be only the second disease in history—after smallpox—to be eradicated. Learn more »
L'ancien Président américain et Fondateur du Centre Carter, M. Jimmy Carter, a annoncé aujourd'hui qu'il ne restait que trois pays d'endémicité dans la lutte contre la dracunculose, maladie sur le point d'être la deuxième – après la variole - qu'ait jamais été éradiquée. Learn more »
The Carter Center congratulates the Southern Sudan Referendum Commission, the Southern Sudan Referendum Bureau, the Comprehensive Peace Agreement partners, and the Sudanese people on the announcement of the final results of the referendum on the self-determination of Southern Sudan. Learn more »
The Carter Center congratulates the people of Egypt on their courageous steps toward a new era of democratic legitimacy and respect for human rights. Learn more »
Original artwork by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, a baseball signed by four presidents, a behind-the-scenes tour of Delta Air Lines, and historic memorabilia from the Carter presidential campaign and White House years are among more than 150 items up for public auction in Port St. Lucie, Fla., on Feb. 26, 2011, during the Carter Center's annual Winter Weekend event. The auction, held for the past 18 years, is a critical source of support for the not-for-profit Center's international work advancing peace and health. Learn more »
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. Learn more »
The Carter Center, in partnership with the Catholic Justice and Peace Commission (JPC), is expanding its Community Legal Advisor (CLA) program to provide legal support services in nine rural Liberian counties. With support from USAID and Humanity United, the services will be continued and expanded for the next two years. The program gives rural Liberians access to free community-based legal services and knowledge of their rights. Since 2007, more than 3,000 cases have been opened by community legal advisors. Learn more »
The Carter Center observation mission congratulates the people of Sudan for the successful conduct of the historic referendum on self-determination, which was marked by an overwhelming turnout of enthusiastic voters during a peaceful and orderly seven-day voting period. Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, former U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan, former Tanzania Prime Minister Joseph Warioba, and Dr. John Hardman, Carter Center president and CEO, will lead the Carter Center's international observation delegation for the January 2011 referendum on the self-determination of Southern Sudan. Learn more »
In a statement issued today, The Carter Center reported that although the voter registration for the Southern Sudan Referendum on self-determination faced several logistical, procedural, and security challenges, the process was generally credible and represents a strong step toward the successful conduct of the referendum. Learn more »
Standing in his school's courtyard in El Xab, Guatemala, a blindfolded boy swings a large stick toward an enormous piñata shaped like a fly. Though the scene is a cheerful one, the children are learning something meaningful about the power of their community and country to fight the debilitating disease river blindness (onchocerciasis), which is spread by the bites of black flies that breed in swiftly flowing rivers. Learn more »
The Carter Center congratulates Alassane Ouattara on his election as president of Cote d'Ivoire. The Center equally appreciates the efforts of Prime Minister Guillaume Soro to ensure the credibility of the entire electoral process. Learn more »
We at The Carter Center congratulate the people of Cote d'Ivoire for a successful presidential election, which now offers hope for a peaceful, prosperous, and democratic future. Learn more »
In a statement released today, The Carter Center concluded that the conduct of Guinea's presidential electoral processes was broadly consistent with the country's international and regional obligations for genuine democratic elections. Learn more »
In a letter to key people in Washington sent on Nov. 22, 2010, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and former Representative Jim Kolbe requested the renewal and extension of the Andean Trade Promotion and Drug Eradication Act (ATPDEA), set to expire in December 2010. Learn more »
The Carter Center found high voter turnout for the presidential run-off election in Cote d'Ivoire despite an often tense and sometimes violent political campaign. The Center notes with special concern that several deaths occurred in election day violence and calls on the two presidential candidates, Laurent Gbagbo and Alassane Ouattara, to remind their supporters of the need to wait for the announcement of results without further incident. Learn more »
The Carter Center urges Cote d'Ivoire's presidential candidates to refrain from the use of negative campaign rhetoric, including personal attacks made in a threatening tone, and reminds candidates and their supporters of the code of conduct and other rules governing electoral behavior. Learn more »
The Carter Center welcomes the successful opening of voter registration for the Southern Sudan Referendum on self-determination and congratulates the Southern Sudan Referendum Commission (SSRC) and Southern Sudan Referendum Bureau (SSRB) on their preparations for the first days of registration, particularly in Southern Sudan where the process is challenged by difficult logistics. Learn more »
Mistrust among Nepal's political leaders, failure to implement previous commitments, and repeated unsuccessful efforts to form a new government pose threats to the peace process and constitutional drafting. Learn more »
The Carter Center appeals to Guinea's political party leaders to allow the Supreme Court to resolve any disputes over election results and to reiterate their appeals for calm. At the same time, the Center welcomes pledges made by both candidates to constitute a government of national unity as a gesture of reconciliation regardless of who is declared winner by the Supreme Court. Learn more »
The Carter Center deployed more than 50 observers across Sudan and overseas on Nov. 12 to observe the voter registration process for the Southern Sudan referendum on self-determination. The current deployment significantly increases the size of the Center's international observation mission and expands its presence to out-of-country registration locations in eight countries during the registration process, which was formally launched today by the Southern Sudan Referendum Commission (SSRC). The 56 observers join the Center's team of 16 long-term observers and additional core staff in Sudan. Learn more »
Public health officials at the 20th Inter-American Conference on Onchocerciasis in Antigua, Guatemala, confirmed that more than one-third of all Latin Americans who ran the risk of contracting river blindness (onchocerciasis), a leading cause of preventable blindness, are no longer at risk. Learn more »
Reservations are still available for the Nov. 9 Conversations at The Carter Center event, "After the War: Mental Health and a Veteran's Journey Home." In addition, attendees now will have the chance to participate in a special book signing immediately following the panel discussion. Learn more »
The Carter Center congratulates Guineans for the peaceful and orderly conduct of voting and the high-level of participation for the Nov. 7, 2010, presidential run-off election. The successful voting process is an overwhelming testament of Guineans' profound desire to express their will at the ballot box and to complete their historic democratic transition. The Carter Center salutes the enthusiasm and commitment of the Guinean people and electorate; all Guineans should be proud of what they have achieved so far. Learn more »
The largest single event in trachoma control history is underway. This week, the Lions-Carter Center SightFirst project, the Amhara National Regional State Health Bureau, and the International Trachoma Initiative will provide Pfizer-donated antibiotic treatment to 10 million Ethiopians at risk for blinding trachoma. Learn more »
The Oct. 31 presidential election in Cote d'Ivoire was conducted in a calm environment with a high-level of voter participation. These elections marked a crucial step in Cote d'Ivoire's peace process and gave voters the opportunity to elect their next president in the country's first truly open contest. The Ivoirian people have exercised their right to vote; they also have the right to have their vote accurately recorded and ultimately respected by all candidates. Learn more »
Former Nigeria Head of State General Yakubu Gowon and Carter Center Vice President for Peace Programs John Stremlau will lead the Carter Center's international observation of Guinea's Nov. 7 runoff election. The Center's mission will deploy throughout the country 30 observers representing more than 13 nations. Learn more »
In its latest statement on Sudan's referenda processes, The Carter Center noted important progress by the Southern Sudan Referendum Commission (SSRC) and Southern Sudan Referendum Bureau (SSRB) in establishing and swearing in nearly all of the county subcommittees of Southern Sudan and publishing a referendum calendar. Learn more »
The unique challenges for mental health care and community reintegration faced by National Guard and reserve veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan will be the topic of two events being held by The Carter Center in the two weeks prior to Veterans Day. Both events will be webcast live. Learn more »
Former Ghana President John Kufuor will co-lead the Carter Center's international election observation delegation to Cote d'Ivoire along with Dr. John Stremlau, Carter Center vice president for peace programs. The Center's mission will also include 40 observers representing 23 different countries. These presidential elections mark an important step in the country's peace process, as it seeks to put its civil war firmly in the past. Learn more »
The Carter Center calls on all actors involved in Guinea's electoral process to contribute to a peaceful and orderly environment in the period before the presidential run-off election, while ensuring respect for the rights and safety of all individuals, no matter their conviction. Learn more »
The Carter Center welcomes Guinea's progress toward holding its historic runoff presidential election, and we urge both candidates, their supporters, and each CENI commissioner to ensure that the constitutional processes are respected to ensure that the will of the Guinean people can be freely expressed. Learn more »
The Carter Center welcomes Guinea's progress toward holding its historic runoff presidential election, and we urge both candidates, their supporters, and each CENI commissioner to ensure that the constitutional processes are respected to ensure that the will of the Guinean people can be freely expressed. Learn more »
oday, during a special ceremony in Atlanta, former U.S. President and Carter Center Founder Jimmy Carter received on behalf of The Carter Center two new pledges — $500,000 toward the Guinea Worm Eradication Program and $500,000 toward the Onchocerciasis Elimination Program for the Americas (OEPA) — from the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID), represented by His Excellency Director General Suleiman Jasir Al-Herbish. Learn more »
The Carter Center deployed 10 long-term observers to regions around Côte d'Ivoire this week to assess preparations for the Oct.31, 2010, presidential election. The observers will meet with government and election authorities, political parties, civil society organizations, and domestic observer groups, as well as the United Nations and the international community. Learn more »
The Carter Center is deeply concerned about recent events in Ecuador and expresses its support for the constitutional government of this country and its democratically-elected President Rafael Correa Delgado. Learn more »
Former President Jimmy Carter is feeling normal this morning. His doctors at MetroHealth Medical Center recommended additional observation during the day. Learn more »
Former President Jimmy Carter will remain at MetroHealth Medical Center overnight. His medical team continues to observe his progress. Learn more »
The Carter Center election observation mission in Guinea is heartened by the Independent National Electoral Commission's (CENI) announcement recommending that the country's delayed run-off presidential election should be held on Oct. 10. Learn more »
The Carter Center congratulates the Liberian National Legislature for its unanimous passage of the Freedom of Information (FOI) bill. The Carter Center also commends the FOI Consortium, comprised of representatives of more than 10 civil society organizations and government agencies including the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism, for its commitment to advancing the right of access to information in Liberia. Learn more »
The Carter Center condemns the recent attacks in the West Bank resulting in four murdered and two injured Israeli settlers. The military wing of Hamas has assumed responsibility. Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter is featured in two independently produced documentaries screening at The Carter Center as part of DocuFest Atlanta's 5th annual, five-day international film festival. Beginning at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 21, take a rare inside look at the challenges facing Carter Center health workers in remote, impoverished areas as they eradicate an alien-like disease in the premier of "Foul Water / Fiery Serpent." Learn more »
The Carter Center this week launched the Database of Obligations for Democratic Elections, the first of its kind to consolidate more than 150 sources of international law related to human rights and elections that can be used by international and domestic election observers to assess elections. The database represents a critical step in building consensus toward a single common set of internationally accepted criteria for assessing democratic elections. Learn more »
In the August 2010 issue of the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, a new paper co-authored by experts from the Nigeria Ministry of Health, The Carter Center, and the World Health Organization, details Nigeria's historic triumph over many challenges to successfully eliminate the ancient waterborne plague Guinea worm disease (also known as dracunculiasis). Learn more »
The Carter Center congratulates all Guinean presidential candidates and commends that the settlement of election disputes brought to the attention of the Supreme Court has been accepted by all parties. Learn more »
The Carter Center congratulates all Guinean presidential candidates and commends that the settlement of election disputes brought to the attention of the Supreme Court has been accepted by all parties. Learn more »
Le Centre Carter félicite tous les candidats présidentiels guinéens et applaudit le fait que les parties concernées aient soumis leurs contentieux électoraux auprès de la Cour Suprême et aient accepté la décision de cette dernière. Learn more »
The Carter Center expresses deep concern about the revocation of Jerusalem residency rights for three members of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC): Muhammad Abu-Teir, Ahmad Attoun, and Muhammad Totah, as well as the former Palestinian Minister of Jerusalem Affairs Khaled Abu Arafeh. Learn more »
After a highly competitive selection process, the Carter Center's Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism, one of the only journalism fellowships exclusively for mental health, announced today the winners of its 2010-2011 awards. Learn more »
The June 27, 2010, elections represented an important political opening for the people of Guinea. These were the first elections to be held in Guinea without an incumbent candidate, which increased political space and the opportunity for participation by all sectors of society. Learn more »
Les élections du 27 Juin 2010, représentent une ouverture politique importante pour le peuple Guinéen. En Guinée, ces élections étaient les premières où le President sortant ne figurait pas sur le bulletin de vote; un fait qui a permit l'élargissement du champ politique et a donné l'opportunité à tous les secteurs de la société de participer. Learn more »
The Carter Center announced today that General Dr. Yakubu Gowon, Nigeria's former head of state, will co-lead the Center's international election observation delegation to Guinea along with Dr. John Stremlau, Carter Center vice president for peace programs. The Carter Center mission will also include more than 30 observers representing over 15 different nations deployed throughout the country. Learn more »
In a report released today, The Carter Center has found that the Maoists and successive governments have each only partially fulfilled land commitments as outlined in the November 2006 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) and subsequent agreements. Learn more »
The Carter Center observation mission in Guinea is encouraged by the positive tone of the electoral campaign in Guinea, including candidates' messages promoting reconciliation and transcending ethnic boundaries, and by the National Electoral Commission's (CENI) commitment to inclusive elections. Learn more »
La mission d'observation du Centre Carter en Guinée est encouragée par le ton positif de la campagne électorale en Guinée, aussi les messages des candidats, de promouvoir la réconciliation, transcender les limites ethniques, et par l'engagement de la Commission Electorale Nationale Indépendante (CENI) de mener les élections inclusives. Cependant, le Centre conseille vivement la CENI d'adresser les défis restants en s'assurant que toutes la logistique électorale arrive à temps pour les élections, que le personnel des bureaux de votes soit suffisamment formé, et que le maximum de ses efforts soient étendu á l'éducation de l'électeur aussi largement que possible. Malgré ces défis, le Centre á l'espoir que tous les acteurs se sont engagés pour un processus transparent et l'acceptation des résultats d'une l'élection paisible et crédible. Ces conclusions sont détaillées dans le rapport ci-dessous. Learn more »
The Carter Center expresses deep regret for the loss of life and condemns the unprovoked and illegal Israeli assault on the humanitarian Gaza aid flotilla in international waters. Learn more »
The Carter Center will deploy eight long-term observers throughout Guinea this week to formally launch its international election observation mission of the country's June 27 elections. The mission is supported by an office in Conakry, which was established in mid-May and led by Field Office Representative John Koogler. Learn more »
The Sudan Federal Ministry of Health, with assistance from The Carter Center and Lions Clubs International Foundation, announced that the isolated desert area of Abu Hamad has stopped transmission of river blindness (onchocerciasis). Learn more »
The Carter Center is launching an 18-month USAID-funded project to strengthen the capacity of Liberia's local indigenous leaders to manage local disputes, as well as to provide the officers of the National Traditional Council enhanced ability to respond to major disputes. The project is implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the National Traditional Council. Learn more »
The decision last year by a part of the Nicaraguan Supreme Court to declare unconstitutional article 147 prohibiting consecutive re-election in the 1995 Constitution allowed President Daniel Ortega to propose his candidacy for reelection in 2011. Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter will lead a study mission to Israel, the West Bank, Egypt, Syria, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan April 13-21, 2008, as part of the Carter Center's ongoing effort to support peace, democracy, and human rights in the region. Learn more »
The Carter Center calls on political leaders in Cote d'Ivoire to renew their commitment to genuine democratic elections and ensure necessary steps are taken to realize that goal as soon as possible. Cote d'Ivoire has made important strides to keep the peace process on track, but further delay could reverse those achievements. Learn more »
The Carter Center announced today that former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, former Algerian Foreign Minister and member of the Elders Lakhdar Brahimi, Judge Joseph Warioba, and Carter Center President and CEO Dr. John Hardman will lead the Center's international election observation delegation to observe Sudan's April 2010 elections. Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter was announced today as winner of the XXII edition of the Catalonia International Prize for his "heart and courage" in defense of peace and human rights worldwide. Learn more »
In its latest statement on Sudan's electoral process, The Carter Center notes that while much has been achieved in organizing the 2010 elections, the country's first competitive elections since 1986, the process remains at risk on multiple fronts including the ability of candidates to campaign freely and the impact of delayed logistical preparations by the National Elections Commission (NEC). Learn more »
The Carter Center expresses serious concern about the growing incidence of threats and attacks on media personnel in Nepal. The Center strongly believes that a free and vibrant press is indispensable for the sustainability of a functioning democracy. Learn more »
Participants from the African Regional Conference on the Right of Access to Information today released the Regional Findings and Plan of Action to advance the right in Africa. Learn more »
Carter Center experts congratulate the people of Ecuador for breaking transmission of the blinding parasitic disease river blindness, or onchocerciasis. Ecuador is the second nation in the Americas after Colombia (in 2008) to stop the transmission of this debilitating, yet preventable affliction on a countrywide basis, according to officials of the Ministry of Health of Ecuador and the Onchocerciasis Elimination Program in the Americas (OEPA). Learn more »
According to a Carter Center report released today, Nepalis expect their new constitution to provide peace, security, and address basic needs. They support measures to promote equality, inclusivity, and education for all; end discrimination; uplift disadvantaged communities; and improve access to the state and justice system. Learn more »
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. Learn more »
In the dusty and remote village of Molujore, Terekeka County, Southern Sudan, food shortages are common, insecurity lingers, and survival is a daily struggle. Yet, important progress is being made in the effort to wipe out Guinea worm disease, resulting in the community being singled out for a visit from former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, Central Equatoria State Governor Clement Wani Konga, and Commissioner Clement Maring Samuel today to urge intensification of efforts to wipe out the waterborne parasitic infection during the next transmission season beginning in April. Learn more »
I have followed closely Nepal's progress over the last several years, and I commend you for your continued dedication to sustainable peace and inclusive democracy. Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, will travel to the world's most Guinea worm-endemic country—Sudan—Feb. 9-12, 2010, to personally appeal for completing eradication of the crippling waterborne parasite as soon as possible and to urge peace and stability in the nation as it prepares for its first multi-party elections in 24 years in April, which the Carter Center's international election observation team will monitor. Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter will lead the African Regional Conference on the Right of Access to Information Feb. 7-9, in Accra, Ghana, hosted by The Carter Center and its partners in Africa. Learn more »
The Carter Center hopes to observe presidential and legislative elections in Palestine, but will only consider the opportunity if the democratic principles and fundamental freedoms required for genuine and inclusive elections across the West Bank and Gaza are met. Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, responding to recent allegations of attempted fraud in Cote d'Ivoire's election preparations, called for an objective and transparent resolution of the issue, noting that the claims "should not be used to discredit the other important achievements, to delay unduly the election, or to challenge previous political agreements that serve as the basis to conduct the elections." Learn more »
In a statement released today, The Carter Center welcomed the conclusion of national voter registration in Sudan, which ended Dec. 7, and congratulated the people of Sudan for the broad and generally peaceful participation in the registration process. Learn more »
The Carter Center limited observation mission in Bolivia found election day to be generally peaceful and that the new biometric voter list served the purposes for which it has been implemented. The Center recommends that Bolivian society and the National Electoral Court (CNE) continue to strengthen their efforts to consolidate credibility in their institutions. Learn more »
The following letter was distributed today from The Carter Center and The Friends of the Inter-American Democratic Charter to the Permanent Representatives of the OAS prior to their planned discussion on Honduras. Learn more »
The Carter Center announced today that it will deploy a small observation delegation to Bolivia's Dec. 6 elections, led by Jennifer McCoy, director of the Center's Americas Program. Learn more »
In a report released today, The Carter Center commended the publication of the biometric voter registry by the National Electoral Court (CNE) for contributing significantly to the transparency of the Dec. 6 elections. Learn more »
In a report released today, The Carter Center in Nepal describes the current security environment around the country and notes that while the situation across parts of the Tarai remains poor, it has moderately improved since early-2009. Learn more »
In a statement released today, The Carter Center commended the largely peaceful implementation of national voter registration in Sudan, which began on Nov. 1, and welcomed the National Election Commission's (NEC) decision to extend voter registration by one week to promote greater inclusion in the process. Learn more »
The Carter Center has decided not to observe the Honduras elections scheduled for Nov. 29 because a national unity government has not been established and the vote by the Congress is not scheduled until after the elections. Learn more »
The American Civil Liberties Union today filed a friend-of-the-court brief on behalf of the Carter Center, Human Rights Watch and several other human rights and humanitarian organizations in a case before the U.S. Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of a law that makes it a crime to provide "material support or resources" to any organization that the Secretary of State has designated a ''foreign terrorist organization'' (FTO). Learn more »
The MalTra campaigns are a huge joint undertaking between the Amhara National Regional State (ANRS) and Lions-Carter Center Sightfirst Initiative held twice a year to tackle two of the major scourges of humanity in Amhara region: malaria and trachoma. Learn more »
In a statement released today, The Carter Center noted continued progress in Sudan's electoral process, including voter registration, which began Nov. 1, but expressed concerns about the obstacles facing election observers, including delays in finalizing their accreditation procedures and delays in election preparations, as well as continued reports of harassment of political party and civil society activity. Learn more »
Upon completing two days of interviews with a range of political actors and representatives of Honduran society, the delegation from The Carter Center and the Friends of the Inter-American Democratic Charter group share their findings and initial insights in the statement below, and they reiterate their commitment to the promotion of democracy and to effective international support and vigilance. Learn more »
In 2006, the International Task Force for Disease Eradication (ITFDE) concluded that elimination of malaria and lymphatic filariasis (LF) from Hispaniola (Dominican Republic and Haiti), which is the only endemic island remaining in the Caribbean for both diseases, is "technically feasible, medically desirable, and would be economically beneficial." Former US President Jimmy Carter and staff from The Carter Center visited Dajabón, Dominican Republic and Ouanaminthe, Haiti (clinics, malaria prevention and control offices, homes of families, and mosquito breeding sites) on Oct.7, 2009 and met with the respective heads of state, ministers of health, partner organizations, and donor representatives on October 8. During the visit, the two Ministries of Health announced a bi-national plan to eliminate malaria from the entire island by 2020, at a combined cost of US$194 million (two-thirds for Haiti, one-third for the Dominican Republic) or $1 per person per year, using active epidemiological surveillance, free diagnosis and treatment, health education, and vector control, including selective indoor residual spraying and long-lasting insecticide-treated bed nets. Learn more »
The Carter Center deplores the violent attacks by security forces that killed more than 150 peaceful demonstrators in Conakry, Guinea, on Sept. 28. Learn more »
The Carter Center urges all parties to heed the recommendations of the recent United Nations report on hostilities in and around Gaza from December 2008 to January 2009. Learn more »
At the invitation of the National Electoral Court, The Carter Center is continuing to observe the process of the biometric census registration in all of the departments of Bolivia, including rural districts, isolated areas, special districts, and some cities outside of the country. Learn more »
In celebration of the second annual International Day of Democracy, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and The Carter Center call upon citizens around the globe to recommit themselves to the principles of democracy. Learn more »
Ethiopia's devastating child mortality rates—which are among the highest in the world—could be significantly decreased as a result of treatment to control the nonfatal eye disease trachoma, suggests new research published in the Sept. 2, 2009, issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association by the University of California at San Francisco and The Carter Center, in partnership with the Ethiopia Ministry of Health. Learn more »
The Carter Center launched a voter registration observation mission to Bolivia this week by deploying six long-term observers to cover all of the country's nine departamentos (districts). The Center's observers will monitor the biometric voter registration process, focusing on the administration of voter registration, citizen participation, voter registration complaints, and related issues. Learn more »
Nepal has made significant progress on the path to peace and inclusive democracy over the past three years but the future of the process now appears in question. Reminiscent of the 1990s, political leaders in Kathmandu appear focused on zero-sum power politics at the expense of the constitution drafting, peace process, and provision of basic government services. Learn more »
In a statement released today, The Carter Center noted recent positive steps in Sudan's electoral process, including the release of a revised electoral calendar that should allow voter registration to take place in November, avoiding the rainy season, as well as the formation of 25 state Election High Committees and the Southern Sudan Elections High Committee (SSEHC). Learn more »
The Carter Center is pleased to have finalized memoranda of understanding with the Government of National Unity (GONU) of Sudan and the National Elections Commission (NEC) and the Government of Southern Sudan (GOSS) on its program of election observation in Sudan. The Center welcomes the spirit of cooperation demonstrated by Sudanese authorities in these efforts. Learn more »
We are deeply concerned about a possible escalation in violence and bloodshed in Honduras. The San Jose Accords provide the best avenue to resolve the current crisis, and we urge both sides to work in good faith to achieve an agreement along these lines. International verification will be important to ensure that the agreements are fully implemented and to provide reassurance to all Hondurans. Learn more »
At a meeting of the World Health Organization's (WHO) global partnership on eye disease — the Alliance for the Global Elimination of Blinding Trachoma by the Year 2020 (GET 2020) — Ghana, Mexico, and Saudi Arabia reported that they have reached the goal for eliminating blinding trachoma. Each country has also strengthened its health care system so it can deliver eye surgery for those in need. Learn more »
Based on the Carter Center's long concern for the peace and well-being of the Liberian people and its current collaboration with the government of Liberia to conduct civic education on the rule of law, this statement aims to help explain in simple terms what will happen now that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) has issued its final report. Learn more »
After receiving a record number of applicants, the Carter Center's Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism—the only journalism fellowships exclusively for mental health—announced today the winners of its 2009-2010 awards (see below for full list of fellows and their project topics). Learn more »
The Carter Center commends the significant progress that Nepal has made on the path to peace and stability during the last three years, but notes with concern that the breakdown in consensus politics following the 2008 Constituent Assembly elections, as well as the delay in implementing previous commitments, threatens to derail the progress made thus far. Learn more »
Faced with the occurrence of the coup d'état in the Republic of Honduras, Sunday, June 28, We, the Friends of the Inter-American Democratic Charter, express our great concern for the rupture of the constitutional order in the Republic of Honduras that took place on June 28, 2009. Learn more »
The Carter Center commends Indonesia's Constitutional Court for their timely handling disputes relating to election results for the April 9, 2009 legislative elections. Learn more »
The Carter Center commends the Lebanese people and the electoral authorities for the successful conduct of the 2009 parliamentary elections, the results of which have been accepted by both sides. While the process fell short of several of Lebanon's international commitments, most notably secrecy of the ballot, it was conducted with enhanced transparency and in accordance with Lebanon's new consensual electoral law and regulations. Learn more »
The Carter Center announced today that former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and former Yemeni Prime Minister Abdul Karim al-Eryani will lead the Center's international election observation delegation to observe Lebanon's June 7 parliamentary elections. The Carter Center mission will also include more than 50 observers representing more than 20 different nations deployed throughout the country to observe balloting, counting, and tabulation processes. Learn more »
In a report released today, The Carter Center welcomed the May 26 decision by Lebanon's Council of Ministers to appoint the final five members of the Constitutional Council, the body mandated to adjudicate candidates' challenges to electoral results. At the same time, the Center urged Lebanese electoral authorities to provide further clarification of procedures for the filing and resolution of election day complaints by voters and party agents and for the district-level tabulation of official election results. Learn more »
Atlanta . . . Participants in a conference on the right of access to information released today their findings and plan of action to advance the right in the Americas.The Americas Regional Plan of Actionprovides a blueprint for the regional and international community, states, and non-state actors to establish, develop, and nurture the right of access to information in the Americas and calls on them to commit to the plan in furtherance of our common objective. The regional document serves as an annex to last year's global Atlanta Declaration and Plan of Action. Learn more »
The Carter Center congratulates the government of Indonesia, the National Election Commission (KPU), the Election Supervisory Body (Bawaslu), and civil society groups for the ongoing commitment they have shown to establishing electoral complaints and dispute resolution mechanisms within the electoral system of Indonesia. Learn more »
Dear Secretary General Insulza, Knowing the special importance that the relations with Cuba hold on the hemispheric agenda, we address you in our capacity as Friends of the Inter-American Democratic Charter. Our purpose is to share some reflections that we believe are fundamental to the analysis and development of an institutional strategy underpinning a gradual rapprochement between the Organization of American States (OAS) and Cuba. Learn more »
National Christian leaders meeting at The Carter Center on May 14-15 sent the following letter to President Barack Obama following two days of discussions on the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. Citing a growing sense of despair in the Holy Land, the letter conveys to the President support for his efforts to push for a two-state solution and calls for an immediate opening of the Gaza borders. Learn more »
The Carter Center calls on Ivorian political leaders to sustain the hard-earned momentum of the ongoing identification and voter registration process and bring about the credible democratic elections envisioned by the Ouagadougou Political Accord (OPA). Learn more »
In a report issued today, The Carter Center welcomes the important steps taken in Sudan toward holding national elections but identifies additional key steps that the Government of National Unity (GONU) and the National Elections Commission (NEC) should take to ensure a genuine and viable electoral process. Learn more »
The Carter Center commends the parties, candidates, and National Elections Commission of Indonesia for the important progress made in campaign finance laws and practices since the 2004 elections. Learn more »
Health officials from 11 African countries have honored former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and The Carter Center for their "pioneering contributions to eradicating neglected tropical diseases in Africa." The leadership award was presented to Carter Center CEO Dr. John Hardman and Dr. Donald Hopkins, vice president of health programs, on April 22 in a Washington, D.C., event sponsored by Global Health Progress and ONE. Learn more »
The Carter Center condemns the killing and maiming of suspected collaborators, political opponents, and common criminals committed by Hamas-affiliated security forces in the Gaza Strip. According to a recent Human Rights Watch report, during the course of Operation Cast Lead from Dec. 27, 2008, through Jan. 17, 2009, Hamas-affiliated security forces executed extra-judicially 18 people while maiming dozens of others, often by shooting them in the knees and feet. Learn more »
More than 100 high-ranking officials, civil society leaders, and journalists from 20 countries will participate in a Carter Center-hosted Americas Regional Conference on the Right of Access to Information from April 28-20 in Lima, Peru. Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter will attend as part of his four-country trip to visit Carter Center projects in Ecuador, Bolivia, and Brazil, in addition to the Lima conference, from April 27-May 4. Learn more »
The Carter Center launched an international election observation mission to Lebanon last week by deploying six long-term observers to cover all of the country's qadas (districts). The observers represent a diverse team from six countries: Portugal, Belgium, Iraq, the United Kingdom, Albania, and the United States. Learn more »
Atlanta...Former U.S. President and Nobel Peace Prize winner Jimmy Carter will visit Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil from April 27-May 4 to assess Carter Center projects, participate in a regional conference on the right of access to information, and meet with officials to discuss regional themes of importance following the Summit of the Americas. President Carter will meet with each country's president - Rafael Correa in Ecuador, Alan García in Perú, Evo Morales in Bolivia, and Lula Da Silva in Brazil – as well as with each foreign minister and representatives of other sectors. Accompanying him will be former First Lady Rosalynn Carter; Dr. John Hardman, president and CEO of The Carter Center; Dr. Jennifer McCoy, director of the Center's Americas Program; and Francisco Diez, representative of the Center in Latin America. Learn more »
The Carter Center congratulates the people of Nepal, the election commission, and the political parties for a generally peaceful and orderly by-election process. Following an invitation from the Election Commission of Nepal, The Carter Center deployed four teams of short-term observers to Morang, Dhanusha, Kaski, and Kanchanpur from April 9-11 to conduct a small scale assessment of Nepal's April 10, 2009, Constituent Assembly by-elections. Learn more »
The Carter Center congratulates the people, political parties, and National Election Commission (KPU) of Indonesia on the generally peaceful April 9, 2009, legislative elections, the third since the country's democratic transition from the New Order of former President Soeharto. Learn more »
The Friends of the Inter-American Democratic Charter have followed the recent Presidential elections in El Salvador with particular interest. We congratulate president-elect Mauricio Funes and his FMLN party, as well as Rodrigo Avila for his rapid and unhesitating acceptance of the verdict of the Salvadoran people as announced by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal. With a difference of 69,412 votes out of over four million cast, the difference was narrow. We extend warm congratulations to the entire country on the degree of political maturity shown by the electorate in this peaceful, orderly, and well organized election. Learn more »
Few benefits resulted for the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) from the government's two-year review of contracts with companies mining billions of dollars of gold, copper, cobalt, diamonds, and other minerals. Learn more »
An international team of researchers led by Rodrigo Gonzalez of the Universidad del Valle de Guatemala reports that the transmission of onchocerciasis or river blindness has been broken in Escuintla, Guatemala, one of the largest endemic areas in the Western Hemisphere to date to stop the transmission of the parasitic disease. Learn more »
The Carter Center deployed three teams of long-term observers to locations in Indonesia this week to formally launch its limited election observation mission of the country's April 9 legislative elections. These will be the third elections in Indonesia that the Center has observed. Learn more »
The Carter Center expresses strong concern about recent home demolition orders issued by the Jerusalem Municipality. If implemented, a total of 95 structures, including 87 homes in the historic Al-Bustan neighborhood south of the Old City, would be demolished and some 1,840 Palestinian residents of East Jerusalem would be displaced. Learn more »
Applications are now being accepted for six one-year journalism fellowships with the Carter Center's Mental Health Program. The 2009-2010 fellowships begin in September 2009, and aim to enhance public understanding of mental health issues and combat stigma and discrimination against people with mental illnesses. Applicants must be U.S. residents. Learn more »
There are a lot of images that convey the spirit of the Carter Center's work around the world, but few are as unusual and exuberant as a painting of bright red tulips by local Atlanta artist Jerome Lawrence. The vibrant, cheerful painting titled "Tulips are People II," was featured on the Carter Center's 2008 holiday card. Lawrence was selected not only for his artistic skill, but also because his life of recovery with schizophrenia is a message of hope for others struggling with mental illness. Learn more »
The Carter Center congratulates the Bolivian people for the peaceful exercise of its civic obligations during the constitutional referendum held on Jan. 25. The Center's political mission visited more than 100 polling stations and did not witness any act of violence or intimidation that would affect the voting of the citizens. Learn more »
The Carter Center welcomes the temporary cessation of the war in and around the Gaza Strip, but notes that the situation remains extremely precarious. Learn more »
The Carter Center, in partnership with Liberia's Ministry of Internal Affairs, the National Traditional Council, and the Ministry of Gender, will conduct workshops for Liberia's local leaders on how to strengthen the rule of law and expand the role of women in local governance in each of the country's fifteen counties between Jan. 27 and the end of April 2009. Learn more »
The Carter Center will deploy a small political mission to observe Bolivia's constitutional referendum on Jan. 25. The group includes former Foreign Minister of Ecuador Maria Isabel Salvador, former Judge of the Electoral Tribunal of Brazil Torquato Jardim, Vice President of Carter Center Peace Programs John Stremlau, and other expert observers. Learn more »
The Carter Center expresses deep concern for the resurgence in politically driven violence in Nicaragua, which began after contentious Nov. 9 elections and recently regained intensity. Events leading up to the elections, their conduct, and subsequent controversies have harmed the credibility of the electoral authorities, the democratic nature of the process, and the legitimacy of results. Learn more »
The Carter Center congratulates Ghana President-elect John Evans Atta Mills of the National Democratic Congress following the Electoral Commission of Ghana's Jan. 3 announcement of final election results. The Center also commends New Patriotic Party candidate Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for his acceptance of the results in an extremely competitive race. Learn more »
The Carter Center urges an immediate end to violence in and around Gaza. The government of Israel must cease actions that endanger the civilian population of densely populated Gaza, and the de facto authorities of Gaza must halt rocket attacks. Learn more »
The Carter Center has deployed 10 election observers to Ghana's Brong-Ahafo region to observe Friday's voting in the Tain constituency. Learn more »
The Carter Center found that Ghana's voters participated in a transparent and relatively peaceful presidential run-off election on Dec. 28, 2008. Preliminary reports of the election, which was contested by John Evans Atta Mills of the National Democratic Congress and former Foreign Minister Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of the ruling New Patriotic Party, indicate that the administration of this election was well executed, illustrating the successful organization of the Electoral Commission and the determination of the Ghanaian public to ensure continued democratic consolidation. Learn more »
The Carter Center election observation mission has been in Ghana since May 2008 following an invitation from the Electoral Commission of Ghana. During the Dec. 7 first-round election, the Center deployed a 57-person observer team to more than 300 polling stations in 30 districts. A preliminary statement released on Dec. 9 details the Center's findings on the political environment and election-day activities. Learn more »
ACCRA...Carter Center election observers returned to Ghana this week to observe election preparations and voting for the presidential runoff elections on Dec. 28. The returning short-term observers, who were deployed throughout Ghana for the Dec. 7 election, join the Center's long-term observers, who have been deployed since late-September. Observers will be briefed for two days then deployed to all 10 regions in the country. Learn more »
Carter Center observers in Cote d'Ivoire report slow progress in the ongoing population identification and voter registration due to significant logistical challenges and financial constraints as activities are expanded across the country. It appears that the scale of logistical challenges and their implications in terms of planning, organization, and financing might have been underestimated. Learn more »
The Carter Center calls on local authorities and the Government of Zimbabwe to immediately release Jestina Mukoko, Broderick Takawira, and Pascal Gonzo – human rights activists and leaders of the Zimbabwe Peace Project. Mukoko was abducted from her home in Norton, Harare in the early hours of Dec. 3. Learn more »
The Carter Center congratulates the Ghanaian people for their democratic participation in the Dec. 7 presidential and parliamentary elections, which were conducted in a peaceful, transparent, and dignified manner. Learn more »
Former U.S President Jimmy Carter announces major financial contribution from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and DFID toward final eradication of Guinea worm disease. Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter announced today that cases of Guinea worm disease have reached an all-time low with fewer than 5,000 estimated cases remaining worldwide. To help eliminate the remaining cases, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID) announced new commitments totaling US$55 million to support the historic Carter Center-led eradication campaign. Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter will visit Lebanon and Syria next week. Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, Carter Center President and CEO John Hardman, M.D. (right), and Carter Center Global 2000 Program Director Craig Withers (left) announce a $55 million commitment from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the United Kingdom Department for International Development toward final eradication of Guinea worm disease. Learn more »
An international group of human rights organizations and human rights defenders meeting at The Carter Center today issued an urgent appeal for President-elect Barack Obama to renew U.S. commitments to human rights principles and practices that have been abandoned since the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks against the United States. Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and Guinea worm disease eradication partners will address the critical juncture facing the international Guinea worm eradication campaign with a major announcement of new progress and funding on Dec. 5, 2008, at The Carter Center in Atlanta. Learn more »
Carter Center election observation leaders and short-term observers will arrive in Ghana tomorrow to observe election preparations and voting on Dec. 7. Learn more »
Atlanta...A quarter of a century has passed since a groundbreaking, 50-state study shone a piercing light on America's alarming disarray of mental health services for children and urged strong federal leadership on policies to support states' efforts. A follow-up study released today finds that states are still struggling to deliver effective care while a lack of federal leadership remains. Learn more »
The Carter Center calls on all actors, leaders, and civil and state authorities to seek an expeditious, legitimate, and mutually respectful solution to the claims of electoral irregularities and doubts that have arisen about the administration of Nicaragua's municipal elections. Learn more »
New research by the National Center for Children in Poverty at Columbia University reveals that state by state policies continue to hinder children's mental health delivery 25 years after the strong recommendation of a federal plan to address the issue. Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Navanethem Pillay will host human rights leaders from around the world on Dec. 2-3 to develop recommendations for President-elect Barack Obama's human rights agenda for the United States. Learn more »
The Carter Center deployed three teams of observers to regions around Côte d'Ivoire this week to formally launch its international election observation mission. Observers will focus on ongoing voter registration and assess overall preparations for the presidential elections. Learn more »
Mental health services for children across the United States are spotty at best, due to a patchwork of state approaches in which the most effective services are not necessarily the ones funded, according to a new study by the National Center for Children in Poverty called "Unclaimed Children Revisited." The results of the study were unveiled at the 24th annual Rosalynn Carter Symposium on Mental Health Policy in November 2008. Learn more »
A Carter Center delegation that assessed Ghana's pre-electoral environment this week concluded that problems arising from the limited registration period, including the registration of minors and multiple registrations, have resulted in serious concerns leading to decreased confidence in the electoral process. Learn more »
The Carter Center will host a Chinese delegation to observe U.S. elections in the San Francisco and Washington, D.C., areas on Nov. 4, 2008. Learn more »
A Carter Center delegation will visit Ghana from Oct. 27 –31 to assess the ongoing difficulties and irregularities with voter registration processes and other concerns ahead of the Dec. 7 presidential and parliamentary elections. Learn more »
We, the undersigned Friends of the Inter-American Democratic Charter, committed to the promotion and defense of the values and principles in the Charter and attentive to democratic development in the Western hemisphere, express our deep concern for the recent events and acts in Nicaragua. Learn more »
In an effort to eliminate river blindness (onchocerciasis) from the Western Hemisphere, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) issued an urgent call to interrupt the disease's transmission by 2012. Learn more »
We have won a major victory today for millions of people who long have been discriminated against because they have a mental illness or substance use disorder. By passing mental health and addiction parity legislation, Congress has made an important statement that these diseases should be treated like any other physical illness. Learn more »
The Carter Center, in partnership with Haiti and the Dominican Republic, announced today a one-year initiative to try to accelerate elimination of malaria and lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis) from the island of Hispaniola, which the countries share. Learn more »
The Carter Center congratulates the Ecuadorian people for their democratic participation in the Sept. 28 constitutional referendum, which expressed their civic and peaceful will in a transparent manner. Learn more »
The burden of trachoma in Ayod county, one of the most severe ever documented, is a crucial threat to public health in Jonglei state, Southern Sudan according to a recently conducted survey. These alarming results, published today in the open-access journal PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, were uncovered through a collaborative survey between The Carter Center, University of Cambridge, and health officials from the government of Southern Sudan. Learn more »
We are pleased to commemorate the first annual International Day of Democracy, established by U.N. General Assembly resolution as a unique opportunity for inter-governmental and nongovernmental organizations "to focus attention on the promotion and consolidation of democracy at all levels and to reinforce international cooperation in this regard." Learn more »
The Carter Center calls for an end to violence in Bolivia in light of the grave situation facing the country. The Center urges political and social leaders to sustain territorial integrity and national unity as the pillars for a peace that guarantees democracy, full respect for human rights, and a return to tranquility for all inhabitants. Learn more »
The Carter Center will field an electoral observation mission during Ecuador's constitutional referendum to be held on Sept. 28, 2008, in response to an invitation by Ecuador's Supreme Electoral Tribunal (Tribunal Supremo Electoral). Learn more »
Carter Center observers in Ghana found the voter registration process that took place July 31 – August 12 to be generally successful but hampered by several irregularities. Learn more »
The Carter Center launched an international election observation mission in Ghana this week with the deployment of four teams of observers to four regions around the country. Learn more »
The Carter Center Mental Health Program has named the 10 recipients of its twelfth annual Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism, including six from the United States, two from southern Africa, and two from Romania. Each domestic fellow will receive a $10,000 stipend to study and report on a particular issue within the mental health field for one year. International fellows will receive a comparable stipend. Learn more »
The Carter Center is deeply concerned by the recent announcement that the Democratic Republic of the Congo will begin renegotiating critical mining contracts in mid-July without policy or procedures to guide this process or indication of whether requisite expertise will be secured. Learn more »
The Carter Center will continue working for dialogue and the improvement of the relationship between the people of Colombia and Ecuador and remains ready to collaborate with both governments in the manner the presidents deem to be most appropriate and opportune. Learn more »
At the initiative of a group of citizens belonging to the Binational Dialogue Group—composed of Colombians and Ecuadorians and supported by The Carter Center and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), a series of messages geared specifically toward promoting camaraderie between the two countries will be released at their World Cup qualifying match today. Learn more »
I am shocked by the announced $8.4 million dollar cut in funds for mental health services for children in the state of Georgia, particularly considering the current crisis state mental health services face. Learn more »
The Carter Center and I welcome the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Boumediene v. Bush, restoring the constitutional rights of habeas corpus for Guantanamo detainees. Learn more »
Representatives of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter delivered today a handwritten letter from Cpl. Gilad Schalit, held in Hamas captivity for two years, to his parents, Noam and Aviva. Learn more »
The founder of The Carter Center and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Jimmy Carter, together with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), have supported the work of a dialogue group composed of distinguished citizens from Ecuador and Colombia to improve relations between the two countries since September 2007. Learn more »
The Carter Center congratulates the people of Nepal, the government, and the political parties on the first sitting of the Constituent Assembly on May 28, 2008. This is a testament to the commitment and dedication of the Nepali people and their political leadership to sustainable peace and multi-party democracy. Learn more »
The government of Zimbabwe has a democratic commitment to ensure the freedom of movement and association of domestic and international election observers during the upcoming second round of the country's presidential election. Learn more »
The Carter Center calls on the General Assembly not to re-elect Sri Lanka to the Human Rights Council in the upcoming Council elections. Recently adopted reforms of the former Commission on Human Rights, including competitive elections, call for the conduct of a government to be a factor in whether it is selected for a seat on the Council. Learn more »
The Carter Center condemns in the strongest terms the rocket attack launched from the Gaza Strip against Israeli civilians in Ashkelon yesterday. According to reports, the "Grad-type" rocket injured at least 14 civilians, including a mother and her three-year-old daughter, when it struck the Hutzot shopping center. Learn more »
Jewish Voice for Peace and Just Foreign Policy have presented former U.S. President Jimmy Carter with a petition signed by 5,000 of their members supporting his meeting with Hamas leader, Khaled Meshaal. The petition is being delivered to the three remaining Democratic and Republican presidential candidates this week. Learn more »
A critical shortage of health care workers plagues sub-Saharan Africa. Without access to health care provided by qualified professionals, people suffer daily from fully preventable maladies such as diarrhea, malnutrition, malaria, and HIV/AIDS. An expert panel will address a sold-out audience on the Carter Center's work to alleviate the problem in Ethiopia through its Ethiopia Public Health Training Initiative, and prospects for applying the model elsewhere. Learn more »
President Carter has the greatest respect for Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and believes her to be a truthful person. However, perhaps inadvertently, she is continuing to make a statement that is not true. Learn more »
Statement issued by The Carter Center clarifying press communiqués issued in recent days by the governments of Ecuador and Colombia. Learn more »
The Carter Center found that the majority of Nepali voters participated in a remarkable and relatively peaceful constituent assembly election on April 10, 2008. Preliminary reports indicate that the administration of this election was well executed, bearing testimony to the hard work of election officials and the determination of Nepal's people to ensure that their country continues on the path to sustainable peace and democracy. Learn more »
Los participantes en una conferencia global sobre el derecho de acceso a la información publicaron hoy día la "Declaración de Atlanta y el Plan de Acción" para promover el acceso a la información pública como un derecho humano fundamental. Learn more »
The countdown to complete elimination of Guinea worm disease is ticking closer to zero. Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter helped the global Guinea Worm Eradication Program celebrate a major milestone today by honoring four new countries that ended transmission of Guinea worm disease in 2007 at a special ceremony. Ethiopia, Cote d'Ivoire, Burkina Faso, and Togo join 11 others in reporting an end to the parasitic infection. Learn more »
Le compte à rebours s'approche de zéro : la dracunculose est sur le point d'être éliminée. L'ancien Président américain Jimmy Carter a aide le Programme mondial d'éradication de la dracunculose à faire un autre grand pas en avant. En effet, aujourd'hui quatre nouveaux pays qui ont mis fin à la transmission de la dracunculose en 2007 ont été à l'honneur lors d'une cérémonie spéciale. L'Ethiopie, la Côte d'Ivoire, le Burkina Faso et le Togo sont venus se joindre à 11 autres pays qui ont indiqué qu'ils avaient mis fin à l'infection parasitaire. Learn more »
Of the original eleven Guinea worm endemic Francophone countries in West Africa, only Niger and Mali remain, with both aiming to eliminate the disease by the end of the 2008. The successful accomplishments of these countries are due to the hard work of hundreds of in-country volunteers, health workers, government officials, and other partners. Learn more »
Des onze pays francophones de l'Afrique de l'Ouest où la dracunculose était endémique au départ, seuls restent le Niger et le Mali dont les deux visent à éliminer la maladie d'ici la fin de 2008. Ces victoires ont été remportées par les efforts ardus de centaines de volontaires, agents de santé, représentants officiels dans le pays et autres partenaires. Learn more »
One year after witnessing the horrific Savelugu Guinea worm outbreak in northern Ghana, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter returned to Accra today to congratulate the national program for its recent effective efforts in reducing the incidence of Guinea worm disease. Learn more »
The Carter Center announced today that its founders, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, will lead the Center's international election observation delegation to Nepal. Dr. Surakiart Sathirathai, former deputy prime minister of Thailand, will co-lead the delegation with the Carters. The Carter Center mission will also include more than 60 observers representing more than 20 different nations deployed throughout the country. Learn more »
Participants in a global conference on the right of access to public information released today the Atlanta Declaration and Plan of Action to advance access to information as a fundamental human right. Learn more »
The Carter Center welcomes the decision of the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to release the final report of the Inter-Ministerial Commission on the Revisitation of Mining Contracts and the decision to name a Task Force with political responsibility for the review. Learn more »
The Carter Center's international election observation mission in Nepal has observed the pre-electoral environment in the country for the past 14 months. The Center is encouraged by the level of electoral preparations and campaigning presently taking place, as this represents a marked increase from the two previous election periods in June and November 2007. Learn more »
The Carter Center welcomes recent steps taken by the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to advance the review of natural resource contracts negotiated during and immediately following its years of deadly conflict. Learn more »
Hrair Balian, an attorney with background in international conflict mediation and democratic governance for organizations including the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, United Nations, and International Crisis Group, is the new director of the Carter Center's Conflict Resolution Program. Learn more »
The Carter Center will offer two live webcasts at www.cartercenter that will explore challenges facing the right to information in the United States and around the world. Learn more »
The Carter Center has heard from Nepalis nationwide that they want peace, prosperity, and a representative, transparent, and accountable government. Nepal's political leaders need to respond to these expectations by holding a credible election for the constituent assembly on April 10, 2008. Learn more »
The Carter Center condemns the recent Palestinian suicide bombings and rocket fire against Israel and calls on the Palestinian leadership in Gaza to take urgent and immediate measures to halt the spiraling cycle of violence. Learn more »
Applications are now being accepted for six one-year journalism fellowships with the Carter Center Mental Health Program. Designed to enhance public understanding of mental health issues and combat stigma and discrimination against people with mental illnesses, the fellowships begin in September 2008. Applicants must be U.S. residents. Learn more »
Applications are now being accepted for six one-year journalism fellowships with the Carter Center Mental Health Program. Designed to enhance public understanding of mental health issues and combat stigma and discrimination against people with mental illnesses, the fellowships begin in September 2008. Applicants must be U.S. residents. Learn more »
After two years of almost complete isolation, the people of the Gaza Strip breached the iron wall along the border with Egypt, pouring over the border to seek basic supplies, receive needed health care, and some said, to "breathe a breath of freedom." Although Egypt seems poised to close the border again, most Gazans are giving Hamas credit for relieving their misery, even if the relief is temporary. Learn more »
Today a group led by Lions Clubs International Foundation Chairperson Jimmy Ross witnessed a historic moment in trachoma control when the 10 millionth dose of azithromycin (Zithromax®) was dispensed to a person in Awi Zone. Learn more »
The Carter Center's River Blindness Program, with its global partners, announced recently the 100 millionth treatment of Mectizan® since 1996. The drug, proven effective and safe in treatment and prevention of river blindness, also called onchocerciasis, is donated by Merck & Co., Inc. Learn more »
The Carter Center calls on President Pervez Musharraf to restore immediately the independent judiciary he incapacitated during the recent state of emergency in Pakistan. Learn more »
The Soviet Gulag prison system imprisoned millions of innocent people during its infamous history; a panel of human rights leaders will discuss its impact on Russia and the world today, as well as offer comparisons to the American Civil Rights Movement, at a sold out program Dec. 12 from 7-8:30 p.m. The event is part of the Conversations at The Carter Center speaker series and will be webcast live on www.cartercenter.org. Learn more »
Venezuelan citizens responded on Dec. 2 in a peaceful and orderly way to the referendum convoked by the National Electoral Council (CNE) to approve or reject the proposal to reform the National Constitution, presented to the citizens by the government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Learn more »
In a message to Ecuador's newly inaugurated Constituent Assembly, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter urged the constituents to use human rights as a basis for drafting a new constitution and encouraged them to seek a harmonious solution on the definition and implementation of their role in transforming the state's institutions. Learn more »
Almost 30 years ago, when I assumed the presidency of my country and military dictatorships extended throughout Latin America, Ecuador inaugurated a wave of democratization that continues today. Human rights began to be restored as fundamental values, and slowly the countries of Latin America established democratic regimes. Learn more »
Poised to be the first parasitic disease eradicated in human history, Guinea worm disease now teeters on the verge of extinction. The 2007 Fries Prize for Improving Health was bestowed on Donald R. Hopkins, M.D., M.P.H., Carter Center vice president for health programs, for his sustained leadership in the global campaign to eradicate Guinea worm disease (dracunculiasis), a debilitating parasitic infection contracted from drinking contaminated water. Learn more »
The Venezuelan society faces a serious dilemma. The National Electoral Council (CNE) has convened a referendum for December 2, 2007 for Venezuelan citizens to cast their votes and convey their opinion about the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela Government´s proposal to reform the current Constitution. Learn more »
The people of Nepal have embarked on a remarkable and historic transition. I am proud and grateful to witness parties formerly in conflict demonstrating their commitment to resolving their differences through peaceful means. Learn more »
Colombia has become the first country to interrupt transmission of onchocerciasis (also known as river blindness) on a countrywide basis, according to officials of the Onchocerciasis Elimination Program in the Americas (OEPA). Learn more »
The Russian Federation's conditional invitation to the Organization for the Security and Cooperation in Europe - Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE/ODIHR) to observe its Dec. 2 elections to the State Duma placed unacceptable limitations both on the number of election observers permitted to monitor the polls and the duration of their observation activities. Learn more »
The Carter Center deplores General Pervez Musharraf's announcement that January elections will be held under martial law. Elections are a necessary step to secure peace and sustainable democracy, but not with potential candidates under house arrest or expelled from Pakistan. No international observers would participate without the full restoration of the constitutional order, including the independent judiciary. Learn more »
The OSCE invitation was received last week, too late to deploy effective long term observers in advance of the Dec. 2 elections to the State Duma of the Russian Federation. The OSCE/ODIHR has a record of long-term observation through a standing invitation to its member states that have openly entered into a broad range of commitments that underscore democratic governance and guarantee fundamental civil and political rights. Learn more »
The Carter Center condemns recent actions by Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf to suspend the country's Constitution and proclaim a state of emergency. In the process, members of the independent judiciary, news media, and human rights defenders have been abused and imprisoned. Many activist lawyers demanding restoration of the Pakistani Constitution and rule of law have also been arrested. Learn more »
Harnessing the power of prevention to stop the onset or progression of mental illnesses is long overdue. Failure to implement preventive measures on a national scale takes not only a human toll but also an economic and societal toll in terms of lost productivity and disability. Learn more »
The Carter Center urges the government of Israel to cease consideration of a proposal to cut energy supplies in Gaza. On Sept. 19, 2007, Israel threatened to declare the Gaza Strip a "hostile territory" and cut off provision of essential services such as electricity and fuel to the civilian population as retaliation for rocket attacks being launched from the territory. Learn more »
The Carter Center is disappointed with the announcement of a second postponement of Nepal's constituent assembly election. The Center hopes that Nepal's political leadership will now use the time ahead of them wisely to reach reasonable compromises on key issues in dispute. Learn more »
Nepal's peace process is at a critical juncture following the Sept. 18 departure of the Maoists from the interim government and the rapid approach of key electoral deadlines. The Carter Center is encouraged by the renewed commitment of all parties to maintaining unity and pursuing intensive negotiations to resolve contentious issues. Learn more »
Yesterday, Sept. 30, the Ecuadorian people demonstrated their profound democratic vocation by voting peacefully for representatives to the constituent assembly. Learn more »
Since July 2007, The Carter Center has worked intensively to observe the electoral processes leading up to Ecuador's Constituent Assembly elections. This statement presents the continued findings of the Center's international election observation mission in Ecuador. Learn more »
Battling the dangerous void left by the migration of its skilled health professionals to other countries, Ethiopia, a country challenged by the grim realities of killer diseases, has proven it can build a sustainable health workforce to meet its unique health situation. Learn more »
In a statement issued today (see below): The Carter Center deplores the decision taken Wednesday by Israel to declare the Gaza Strip a hostile territory and its threat to cut off provision of essential services such as electricity and fuel to the civilian population. Learn more »
In response to an invitation by the Supreme Electoral Court (Tribunal Supremo Electoral) of Ecuador, The Carter Center will field an electoral observation mission during the constituent assembly election to be held Sept. 30, 2007. The Carter Center also announces the opening of a field office in the city of Quito. Learn more »
On Sept. 5, human rights defenders, including several from faith-based organizations, came from 20 countries to discuss the challenges they face in addressing mass atrocities and to develop recommendations for the international community. Learn more »
Harassed, labeled as traitors, and sometimes jailed for their work, human rights defenders come from backgrounds as diverse as the issues they advocate in their home countries. Many work from an equally diverse platform, one of personal faith. Defenders from 20 countries convened at The Carter Center in September for the fourth annual Human Rights Defenders Policy Forum, co-sponsored by Human Rights First. Learn more »
The Carter Center Mental Health Program has awarded two Romanian journalists with the eleventh annual Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism. This will be the first year that journalists from the Eastern European country will participate in the program. Learn more »
This statement presents the observations and continued findings of the Carter Center's international election observation mission in Nepal. Since March 2007, The Center's 13 international long-term observers (LTOs) have visited all of Nepal's 75 districts, in many cases multiple times, reaching not only to district headquarters but also to the village level. Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter participated in a live online chat June 28, 2007, to discuss malaria and the article "The Ethiopia Campaign - Jimmy Carter Takes on Malaria," featured in the June 2007 issue of Smithsonian magazine. Learn more »
The Carter Center Mental Health Program has named eight recipients of its eleventh annual Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism, including six from the United States and two from southern Africa. Two Romanian journalists will be named at a later date. Each domestic fellow will receive a $10,000 stipend to study and report on a particular issue within the mental health field for one year. International fellows will receive a comparable stipend. Learn more »
The collapse of the Palestinian National Unity Government (NUG) last month following the takeover of Gaza by Hamas has left the Palestinian territories in crisis. Learn more »
The majority of Timor-Leste voters participated in an orderly and peaceful June 30 parliamentary election. The administration of these elections was very well executed, bearing testimony to the hard work of election officials and the determination of Timorese citizens to ensure their country remains on the democratic path chosen at independence. Learn more »
I'm happy to be back in Nepal and to be briefed by The Carter Center's long-term observers, political leaders, marginalized groups, and election officials here. I admire deeply what's been accomplished by the people of this great country over the past year. Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter will visit Nepal June 13-16 to encourage Nepal's political leaders to continue on the path to peace as they prepare to hold constituent assembly elections later in 2007. President Carter, 2002 Nobel Laureate and co-founder of The Carter Center, will lead a delegation including former U.S. Ambassador A. Peter Burleigh, Carter Center Democracy Program Director Dr. David Carroll, and Carter Center Nepal Field Director Darren Nance. Learn more »
This statement presents the observations and continued findings of the Carter Center's international election observation mission in Nepal. In March 2007, the mission deployed 13 long-term observers (LTOs) representing nine different nationalities throughout Nepal to assess the political and electoral environment in the period leading up to the constituent assembly election. Learn more »
Political party and election campaign financing is a murky field in eight Latin American countries, according to a study released today by Transparency International (TI) and The Carter Center. Learn more »
As the foreign ministers of the Western Hemisphere gather for their annual General Assembly to review progress in achieving collective goals for the improvement of security, democracy, and development, The Carter Center and Transparency International announce the creation of a new instrument for transparency in the Americas. Learn more »
The Carter Center expressed concern about the potential for a renewed escalation of violence in the wake of the termination of broadcasts by RCTV and called for new dialogue among political opponents to maintain peace in the country. Learn more »
The Carter Center and its partners are another step closer to eradicating Guinea worm disease, a horrific and debilitating parasitic infection, thanks to the completion of a challenge grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which leveraged a total of $45 million with the support of more than 500 partners in a record two years. Learn more »
The Carter Center is reinvigorating its presence in the Palestinian Territories in support of peace for Israel, justice for the Palestinians, and the emergence of a viable, democratic Palestinian state. Learn more »
The Carter Center congratulates Nepal's sustained commitment to the peace process and applauds efforts to address political differences through dialogue. Following the Election Commission of Nepal's April 13 announcement indicating that a June constituent assembly election is not technically feasible, it is now up to Nepali political leaders to focus their efforts on putting the proper conditions in place for the conduct of a sound electoral process in a realistic timeframe. Learn more »
Since 1993, my colleagues at the Carter Center and I have worked together with governments and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to improve the United Nations' system for protecting human rights throughout the world. Learn more »
The Carter Center has issued "Building Consensus on Principles for International Election Observation," a report outlining the consensus-building process leading to the endorsement of best practices in the field. Learn more »
Today, the Embassy of Japan awarded funding for the Southern Sudan Guinea Worm Eradication Program. The contract to purchase 420,000 Guinea worm pipe filters was presented by H.E. Ambassador Yuichi Ishii to The Carter Center in the presence of H.E. Dr. Theophilus Ochang Lotti, Minister of Health, Government of Southern Sudan, Mr. Primo Celerino, Coordinator for the Ministry of Health, Government of Southern Sudan, and Dr. Nabil Aziz, National Guinea Worm Program Coordinator, Federal Ministry of Health. Learn more »
The Carter Center launched an international election observation mission in Nepal with the deployment this week of thirteen long-term observers in all five development regions around the country. The long-term observers come from eight countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Croatia, France, Germany, Sweden, United Kingdom, and the United States. Learn more »
Applications are now being accepted for six one-year journalism fellowships with the Carter Center Mental Health Program. Learn more »
Philip J. Hickey, Jr., chairman of the board and chief executive officer of RARE Hospitality International, Inc., has been appointed vice chair of the Carter Center's Board of Councilors. The board is comprised of 202 members, who serve as a leadership advisory group that promotes understanding among opinion leaders and the broader community of The Carter Center and its activities. Learn more »
ATLANTA…Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, with a delegation of senior-level Carter Center officials, concluded their two-week tour of Africa today. The Feb. 6-16 visit called international attention to health needs among impoverished communities in Nigeria, Ethiopia, Sudan, and Ghana. Learn more »
Today, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter watched as hundreds of school children received drug treatment for schistosomiasis, a silent and destructive parasitic infection that leads to poor growth and impaired learning, in the small community of Nasarawa North. Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter distributed long-lasting insecticide-impregnated bed nets today in Afeta, a community of 7,500 people in the Jimma zone. The symbolic action was part of the Carter Center's new malaria control initiative in Ethiopia, the largest and most populous country in the Horn of Africa. Malaria is Ethiopia's single largest cause of death. Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright will speak on the prospects for lasting peace in the Palestinian territories to a sold-out audience at The Carter Center on Feb. 22, 2007, from 7-8:30 p.m. Learn more »
On Thursday, Feb. 9, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and Lions Clubs International President Jimmy Ross encouraged Sudan's local Lions Club to participate in the fight against two blinding diseases affecting the country—river blindness and trachoma. The appeal comes during President Carter's multi-country tour of Africa to promote health issues affecting Ghana, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Sudan. Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and Government of Southern Sudan Minister of Health Dr. Theophilus Ochang Lotti, during a meeting at the National Assembly on Feb. 10, 2007, encouraged top officials of the Government of Southern Sudan to continue their progress in conquering two of the region's most debilitating scourges—Guinea worm disease and trachoma. Learn more »
Today, amid the scorching heat of peak dry season, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter visited the parched community of Savelugu to meet with dozens of Guinea worm disease victims in an effort to bring global attention to Ghana's growing Guinea worm epidemic caused by inadequate water supply in the country. Learn more »
The fight against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) received a major boost today with the announcement of five grants from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation totaling $46.7 million. The grants will support efforts to coordinate and integrate programs to fight key neglected diseases in developing countries. Learn more »
During my recent book tour I signed more than 10,000 books and was interviewed on 100 news media outlets.* The high point for me was a meeting with leaders of the Board of Rabbis of Greater Phoenix, who announced before my arrival that they would demonstrate against my book. Learn more »
In the community of Tampiong in northern Ghana, Miss Ghana 2005, Lamisi Mbillah, balanced on her high heel sandals, lifts a small black pipe filter above her head so that the hundreds of school children surrounding her could see it. She selects a shy little boy from the crowd to demonstrate how the filter works. The boy complies, using the pipe filter as a straw to drink from the container of water in Mbillah's hand. Learn more »
The Carter Center deplores the Nov. 21 attack on the Supreme Court of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and cautions all political leaders that they are accountable for the actions of their militants, especially when they use violence to protest election results. Learn more »
In response to an invitation from the Venezuelan National Electoral Council (CNE), The Carter Center will organize a specialized, limited technical mission for the Dec. 3, 2006, presidential elections. Learn more »
U.S. policies established during the war on terror have undermined the human rights principals upon which the country was founded, adversely affecting the country's reputation globally, the rights of its citizens, and the work of human rights activists. Learn more »
Based on its observation of vote tabulation following the Oct. 29 presidential elections, The Carter Center election observation mission to the Democratic Republic of the Congo is confident the results announced by the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI) are consistent with the results obtained in the polling stations. Learn more »
Transmission of Guinea worm disease has been stopped in Benin, Central African Republic, Mauritania, and Uganda. Guinea worm, a debilitating disease that causes severe pain and economic hardship and once plagued millions of people in Africa and Asia, today sits on the brink of eradication. Learn more »
The four African countries of Benin, Central African Republic, Mauritania, and Uganda will be honored Wednesday, Nov. 15 from 6 to 7 p.m. during a special awards ceremony and reception at The Carter Center, recognizing their stopping the transmission of Guinea worm disease for at least a year. Learn more »
As The Carter Center continues its observation of the electoral process in Nicaragua, we note that the Supreme Electoral Council has reported the results for 92 percent of the polling stations. These results indicate that Daniel Ortega has a clear lead of 9 percent over the second place finisher Eduardo Montealegre in the presidential race. Learn more »
Once again we wish to thank the Supreme Electoral Council and the government of Nicaragua for their kind invitations to observe the 2006 election process. This is the 4th national election The Carter Center has observed in Nicaragua since 1990, and each experience brings fresh lessons. Learn more »
The Carter Center will issue a preliminary statement of findings on Nicaragua's Nov. 5 presidential, vice-presidential, and legislative elections during a press conference scheduled for 11:30 a.m. EDT Nov. 7 at the InterContinental Metrocentro Hotel. Learn more »
This is the fourth national election that The Carter Center has observed in Nicaragua, beginning in 1990. Your country has always held a special place in my heart. It is a pleasure to be here in the company of my two co-leaders, the former president of Panama Nicolás Ardito Barletta and the former president of Peru Alejandro Toledo. Learn more »
The Carter Center will host a delegation of election officials from China's Ministry of Civil Affairs for an observation of the U.S. elections on Nov. 7, 2006. Learn more »
On Oct. 29, the majority of Congolese voters participated in an election that in most parts of the country was extremely orderly and peaceful. The administration of these elections was very well executed, bearing testimony to the accumulated experience of the many thousands of election workers over three democratic exercises held in less than a year. Learn more »
News &smp; Publications Background: The Carter Center and the Historic 2006 Democratic Republic of the Congo Elections 27 October 2006 A 45-member Carter Center delegation will observe voting in the Democratic Republic of the Congo's presidential run-off and provincial assemblies elections on Sunday, Oct. 29. They are among the estimated 1,500 observers deployed throughout the DRC by international groups including the European Union and the African Union. Learn more »
ATLANTA…The Carter Center announced today that it has named former Peru President Alejandro Toledo and former Panama President Nicolás Ardito Barletta to join former U.S. President Jimmy Carter as co-leaders in observing Nicaragua's national elections on Nov. 5, 2006. The Carter Center delegation will also include 50 international observers deployed throughout the country. Learn more »
ATLANTA…. Former Prime Minister of Canada Joe Clark will lead a 45-member international delegation to observe the Democratic Republic of the Congo's presidential run-off elections Oct. 29. The Carter Center began long-term election observation in April following an invitation from the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI), and the welcome of all major political parties to observe the presidential and legislative elections. Mr. Clark led the Center's delegation for the July 30 elections and he will be joined once again by John Stremlau, associate executive director of the Carter Center's Peace Programs, who returns as co-leader. Learn more »
Having accompanied Nicaragua's election process throughout 2006, and monitored it intensively since September, The Carter Center takes this occasion to express its views concerning the progress of the preparations for the November 5th balloting. Learn more »
The attempt to coerce Hamas leaders by starving the Palestinian people has failed, and it is time for the international community to alleviate their suffering and resort to diplomacy. Learn more »
ATLANTA…In recognition of National Mental Illness Awareness Week (October 9-13) and World Mental Health Day (October 10), a candlelight ceremony will be held Sunday, Oct. 8, 2006, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Jimmy Carter Library and Museum's outdoor circle of flags, 453 Freedom Pkwy., Atlanta. The event is open to the public. Learn more »
MANAGUA...The Carter Center fielded its first election observers in Nicaragua on Sept. 8, 2006, sending seven observers to begin monitoring the election process. The observers received a two-day training at the Carter Center's Managua office before deploying to Esteli, Leon, Matagalpa, Granada, Juigalpa, Bluefields, and Puerto Cabezas. The Center will also initiate observation of the Department of Managua from its office in the capital this week. Learn more »
ATLANTA, GA....The Carter Center announced today that it received an invitation from the Zambian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to observe the 2006 elections, but has decided not to pursue involvement in the upcoming elections. Learn more »
The Carter Center did not find evidence of widespread or systematic manipulation. The Center concludes that the presidential results announced August 20 are credible; legislative results, on the whole, are also credible, but cannot be validated in detail because of the shortcomings outlined in this statement. Learn more »
The Carter Center commends the people of Guyana, the political parties, and the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) for what so far has been the most peaceful and orderly electoral process in recent history. This speaks to the maturing of Guyana's political culture and the deep yearning for peace and progress, which is shared by all Guyanese. That said, the frustration and fear that exists across society must be acknowledged and mitigated through actions of political leaders over the coming days and beyond. Learn more »
The Carter Center regrets The Daily Observer's selective citation of a private letter from former U.S. President Jimmy Carter to President Yahya Jammeh, giving readers the false impression that President Carter supports President Jammeh and his policies. Learn more »
ATLANTA….The Carter Center announced today that it is organizing a small election observation presence for Guyana's upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections on August 28. The purpose is to demonstrate the Center's interest in and support for Guyana's democratization process and to assess the political and electoral environment in Guyana surrounding the elections in follow-up to former U.S. President Jimmy Carter's visit to Guyana in August 2004. Learn more »
After fighting neglected diseases in Africa for a quarter century, former president Jimmy Carter takes on one of the continent's biggest killers—malaria Learn more »
This statement reflects the observations of The Carter Center on the events of the week leading up to and including the elections, and complements our two pre-election statements. For the July 30 vote, The Carter Center deployed a 58-member international delegation to observe the Democratic Republic of Congo's (DRC) presidential and legislative elections, led by the Former Prime Minister of Canada Joe Clark and co-leader John Stremlau, Carter Center associate executive director for peace programs. Learn more »
Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo....The Carter Center's 58-member international delegation observed this central African country's historic presidential and legislative elections July 30, led by by Right Honourable Joe Clark, former prime minister of Canada, and Dr. John Stremlau, Carter Center associate executive director for peace programs. Learn more »
ATLANTA....Former Prime Minister of Canada Joe Clark and Carter Center Associate Executive Director for Peace Programs John Stremlau will lead a 58-member international delegation to observe the Democratic Republic of Congo's (DRC) presidential and legislative elections. The Carter Center was invited by the Independent Electoral Commission and welcomed by all major political parties to observe the July 30 elections. Learn more »
The presidential and legislative election campaigns are now slowly underway across the country. While there has been an improvement in the quality of the information put out by political parties and candidates, there is still a tendency to politicize and sensationalize relatively straight-forward technical issues and unjustly undermine confidence in the electoral process. Learn more »
ATLANTA.....The Carter Center Mental Health Program has named 10 recipients of its tenth annual Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism, including eight from the U.S. and two from southern Africa. Each domestic fellow will receive $10,000 to study and report on a particular issue within the mental health field for one year. International fellows will receive a comparable stipend. Learn more »
Managua, Nicaragua....Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, with experts from The Carter Center, held a press conference here July 6 at 10 a.m. in the InterContinental Metrocentro Hotel. The event concluded several days of meetings with Nicaragua's presidential and vice presidential candidates, election officials, and civil society groups by President Carter, former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, and top Carter Center staff. Learn more »
Managua....Rosalynn and I have spent three days in Managua learning about the election process, accompanied by the Director of the Americas Program at The Carter Center Dr. Jennifer McCoy, Senior Associate Director Dr. Shelley McConnell, our new Chief of Mission for the Nicaraguan Elections Dr. Jaime Aparicio, and our political analyst David Dye. Learn more »
A press conference following several days of meetings including President Carter, his wife, Rosalynn, top staff of The Carter Center and Nicaragua's presidential and vice presidential candidates, election officials, and civil society groups Learn more »
Managua, Nicaragua....The Carter Center sent a group of 11 experts from Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ireland, the UK, and the U.S. to Nicaragua for the purpose of observing citizen verification of the voting rolls during the weekend of June 17 and 18, 2006. The Center´s observers were deployed to the departments of Boaco, Carazo, Chinandega, Chontales, Estelí, Granada, León, Jinotega, Madriz, Managua, Masaya, Matagalpa, and Nueva Segovia as well as to the South Atlantic Autonomous Region. Learn more »
The Carter Center will increase its international observation presence surrounding Timor-Leste's June 30 parliamentary elections by sending a larger delegation to join long-term observers, who have been deployed throughout the country since early June. A field office in Dili will remain open through July 2007. Learn more »
En los próximos días Los ciudadanos nicaragüenses tendrán la oportunidad de participar en un proceso de verificación en el que confirmarán personalmente que sus nombres se incluyen en el padrón electoral de las elecciones de noviembre. Insto a todos los nicaragüenses en edad de votar a participar en este proceso durante los días 17 y 18 de junio. Esta es una importante oportunidad para corregir cualquier error u omisión en el padrón de electores. El derecho de votar es sagrado y debe protegerse, de modo que al verificar sus nombres y lugares de votación los ciudadanos pueden contribuir con la construcción de una democracia fuerte Learn more »
Washington, D.C….The Carter Center received the 2006 Gates Award for Global Health from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation during the Global Health Council's 33rd Annual International Conference on Global Health recently held here. Learn more »
Kinshasa....The Carter Center's international election observation mission to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is pleased to release its first pre-election statement on the 2006 presidential and legislative elections. Learn more »
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic….New maps will point the Dominican Republic in the direction of improved democratic principles, including better access to information and election campaign finance reform. The Carter Center, the University of Calgary, and the Canadian Foundation for the Americas (FOCAL) introduced the maps of the Dominican Republic on June 5 at Fundación Global Democracia y Desarrollo (FUNGLODE) in Santo Domingo. Learn more »
Kingston, Jamaica…The Carter Center will conduct a series of access to information events, June 6-9. News media are invited to cover any and all portions. Please visit www.cartercenter.org, or click the following links, for detailed agenda information: Learn more »
ATLANTA....The Carter Center deeply regrets to report the accidental death of one of its dedicated long-term election observers in the Democratic Republic of Congo on May 29. Guillaume Kakanou, 25, of Benin, was killed when the vehicle in which he was traveling with another Carter Center observer, Noor Tawil, left the road and rolled several times, near the town of Kabinda. The driver required medical attention, but Ms. Tawil was not injured seriously. Learn more »
The Director of The Carter Center Americas Program Jennifer McCoy concluded an institutional visit of three days to Venezuela on May 26, during which she met with the president of the National Electoral Council (CNE), the Vice-president of the Republic, the Archbishop of Caracas, the ministers of Foreign Relations, Communication and Information, and Science and Technology, opposition candidates, and representatives of international organizations such as UNDP and the European Union. She also met with the directors of diverse organizations such as: Grupo Cesap, Ojo Electoral, Súmate, INVESP, Convidemos, IPYS, Aquí Cabemos Todos and Fortalecer la Paz, among others. Learn more »
ATLANTA….Human rights, and the people trying to protect them, are being threatened in more countries around the world than at any other time in recent history, according to the Carter Center's third annual Human Rights Defenders Policy Forum. Despite recent numerous elections that have raised the hopes of millions of people for freedom and justice, democracies - both fledgling and established - are falling short in their support of fundamental human rights. Learn more »
The May 23-24 Human Rights Defenders Policy Forum, sponsored by The Carter Center and Human Rights First, seeks to amplify the voices of those on the front lines of the struggle for human rights and democracy, and initiate action on pressing human rights issues to the international community. Learn more »
The Carter Center joins with the National Mental Health Association and other mental health partners in observing Mental Health Month during May 2006. This year, which marks more than five decades of celebration, the observance focuses on the mind-body connection through the promotion of mental wellness and overall health for all Americans, regardless of age or background. Learn more »
On Monday, May 22, The Carter Center will hold a free screening of "State of Fear: The Truth About Terrorism." The film begins in 1980, and follows 20 years of terror and conflict during Peru's Truth Commission and the government's proclaimed "war on terror." Learn more »
ATLANTA….A study released last year reveals that overall in 2004, Georgia's public mental health services supplied through the Division of Mental Health reached less than a third of people estimated to have a serious mental illness or a serious emotional disturbance. This gap and two others will be tackled by state leaders and mental health advocates and consumers participating in the 11th annual Rosalynn Carter Georgia Mental Health Forum at The Carter Center on Friday, May 19. Learn more »
Atlanta....El Centro Carter tiene El honor El día de hoy de anunciar que El ex-presidente de los Estados Unidos, Jimmy Carter visitará Nicaragua durante Los días 3 a 5 de julio de 2006, para informarse de la marcha del proceso electoral de este país. Durante su estadía, El ex-presidente Carter se reunirá con las autoridades electorales y gubernamentales de Nicaragua para discutir posibles modalidades de una misión del Centro Carter para observar las elecciones nacionales programadas para noviembre. Asimismo se reunirá con todo el espectro de participantes en la contienda electoral, igual que con organismos de la sociedad civil y observadores nacionales e internacionales. Learn more »
ATLANTA…Cette semaine, la Fondation Carter a initié une mission d'observation internationale en Republique Démocratique du Congo (RDC), avec le déploiement de 7 observateurs de long terme dans 4 provinces de la RDC. Notre bureau local, ouvert à la fin du mois de mars, supervisera la mission d'observation des élections législatives et présidentielles prévues pour le 30 juillet. Si nécessaire, la mission d'observation sera prolongée jusqu'au second tour des élections présidentielles. En cas de succès, ces élections seront les premières élections démocratiques en RDC depuis 40 ans. Learn more »
ATLANTA....Select former government officials with expert perspectives on democracy and stability in the Western Hemisphere gathered at The Carter Center April 25-26 to bolster their mandate as Friends of the Inter-American Democratic Charter. The group was formed by the Center to strengthen the ability of countries to prevent crisis in the hemisphere, where fifteen presidencies have been interrupted with impeachment, coups, or forced resignations from mass protests since 1990, democracies remain weak, and civil unrest is growing. Learn more »
ATLANTA...."Global Equity-Global Security," the final event of the 2005-2006 Conversations at The Carter Center, will be held April 27 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Center's Ivan Allen Pavilion and will examine the widening gap between rich and poor. The event will be webcast live on www.cartercenter.org. Learn more »
The Carter Center has supported in its various reports, declarations, and recommendations the need to continue strengthening the electoral branch in Venezuela by means of a permanent National Electoral Council (CNE) whose transparency, professionalism, and impartiality permits an increased level of confidence in the vote among citizens. Learn more »
Guatemala City, Guatemala….New maps will point Guatemala in the direction of improved democratic principles, including better access to information and election campaign finance reform. The Carter Center, the University of Calgary, and the Canadian Foundation for the Americas (FOCAL) will introduce the Guatemala maps on April 6. Twelve countries in the Western Hemisphere will have such maps, completed by July of 2007, using state-of-the-art Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology and made available as a public resource via the Internet. The cutting-edge technology will foster fairness, increase transparency, and galvanize stability throughout the Americas by illustrating where media are located, how far they broadcast, who owns them, and what the demographic profile is of the electoral constituencies they reach. Learn more »
ATLANTA.... Applications are now being accepted for six one-year journalism fellowships with the Mental Health Program of The Carter Center. Designed to enhance public understanding of mental health issues and combat stigma and discrimination against people with mental illnesses, the fellowships begin in September 2006. Read about the Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism. Learn more »
The Carter Center applauds the United Nations General Assembly (GA) for adopting the resolution creating a new Human Rights Council. Nearly a year after Secretary-General Kofi Annan issued his call for reform of the Commission on Human Rights, GA President Jan Elliason has produced a solid foundation upon which to build the U.N.'s new principal human rights body. Learn more »
I endorse the call for a moratorium on executions in Georgia and wholeheartedly support the American Bar Association's Georgia Death Penalty Assessment Team Report. I have openly opposed the death penalty for a long time. There are serious questions about the fairness of its application in our state. Learn more »
I urge all nations to move quickly to adopt the proposed resolution offered yesterday by U.N. General Assembly President Jan Eliasson on the creation of a new Human Rights Council. President Eliasson has succeeded in producing a delicate compromise that contains many good aspects, including a body that will be elevated in status within the U.N. and will be much more effective. Learn more »
In response to an invitation extended by the seven members of the Supreme Electoral Council, The Carter Center announced today that it is sending a small contingent of observers to the regional elections on the Atlantic Coast of Nicaragua, scheduled for March 5, 2006. The elections for Atlantic Coast regional councils are critically important for strengthening the process of regional autonomy and therefore of democracy, and are of importance to all Nicaraguans. Learn more »
Dr. John Stremlau has been named associate executive director for peace programs at The Carter Center. He will oversee the Center's work to foster democracy and human rights through programs advancing conflict resolution, democracy, and development in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Learn more »
Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter will join Joshua Shenk, author of "Lincoln's Melancholy: How Depression Challenged a President and Fueled His Greatness," for a special conversation on Thursday, Feb. 16 at 7:30 p.m. in the Carter Center's Ivan Allen III Pavilion. The conversation will be webcast live on www.cartercenter.org, and both the lecture and book-signing are free and open to the public. Seating is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis. Learn more »
Breakthrough interactive and Web-based maps detailing media coverage during national elections will be unveiled Thursday Feb. 9, 2006, by The Carter Center, the University of Calgary, and the Canadian Foundation for the Americas (FOCAL). Learn more »
En enero de 2006, El Centro Carter recibió del Presidente del Consejo Supremo Electoral, el Dr. Roberto Rivas, una invitación para observar las elecciones regionales y nacionales a realizarse en Nicaragua en los meses de marzo y noviembre del 2006. Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter is scheduled to appear on CNN's "Larry King Live" Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2006, from 9 to 10 p.m. EST (8 to 9 p.m. CST, 6 to 8 p.m. PST). Learn more »
Halting river blindness in the Americas by 2007 has accelerated with the completion of a $15 million challenge grant to The Carter Center. Learn more »
This preliminary statement on the January 25, 2006 Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) elections is offered by the international observer delegation organized by the National Democratic Institute (NDI) in partnership with The Carter Center. Learn more »
Election observers with the National Democratic Institute (NDI) and The Carter Center today said that under the difficult circumstance of the ongoing conflict and occupation, yesterday's elections for the Palestinian Legislative Council "can be an important step on the road to greater democracy for the Palestinian people." Learn more »
A joint Carter Center/National Democratic Institute delegation of 80 multinational election observers monitored polling stations today in Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza for today's historic Palestinian Legislative Council elections - the first in a decade. The polls close at 7 p.m. (12 p.m. EST). Learn more »
Election observers from 22 countries have arrived to observe election preparations and voting as part of a multinational delegation organized by the National Democratic Institute in partnership with The Carter Center. The observers will attend orientation briefings over the next two days and will be deployed on election day, Wednesday Jan. 25, to locations in Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza. Learn more »
On any given day, more people in developing countries die from preventable diseases than all those killed in the Asian tsunami of late 2004. "The Silent Tsunami of Preventable Diseases," the third installment in this season's Conversations at The Carter Center, will be held Thursday, Jan. 19, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., and webcast live on www.cartercenter.org. Learn more »
North American Airlines, a wholly owned subsidiary of World Air Holdings, Inc., has launched an onboard program to raise funds in support of The Carter Center and its mission to eradicate Guinea worm disease. Learn more »
The National Democratic Institute (NDI) and The Carter Center today announced their multinational delegation to observe the January 25 Palestinian Legislative Council elections. Learn more »
Breakthrough interactive and Web-based maps detailing media coverage during national elections will be unveiled Tuesday, Jan. 17 by The Carter Center, the University of Calgary, and the Canadian Foundation for the Americas (FOCAL). Learn more »
On Sunday, December 18, 2005, the citizens of Bolivia will participate in important elections for a new president, vice president, representatives to the legislature, and prefects. In their recent democratic history, Bolivians have always found constitutional means of reconciling their differences, and this election is a demonstration of their continued commitment to democratic processes established in the Bolivian constitution. Learn more »
The Nov. 10 preliminary statement issued by the National Democratic Institute (NDI) / Carter Center international observer delegation provided a generally positive overall assessment of the process up to that point. Learn more »
An intimate, inside look at living with a mental illness, the newest National Council of Churches USA-sponsored television documentary, will begin airing on ABC affiliates across the country on Dec. 4. Shadow Voices: Finding Hope in Mental Illness examines how individuals and their families find their way through a tangle of mental, medical, governmental, societal and spiritual issues. Learn more »
In recognition of Delta's support for The Carter Center and its initiatives, President and Mrs. Carter dedicated the lobby of the Center's Ivan Allen III Pavilion to Delta Air Lines during a ceremony Nov. 17 at 11 a.m. at The Carter Center. Learn more »
This statement is offered by the 28-member multinational delegation jointly organized by NDI and The Carter Center. The delegation was co-led by His Excellency Dr. Alex Ekwueme, former Vice-President of the Republic of Nigeria; Dr. Christopher Fomunyoh, NDI's Senior Associate for Africa; and Dr. David Carroll, Director of the Democracy Program at The Carter Center. The delegation included elected officials, electoral and human rights experts, regional specialists and political and civic leaders from Africa, Europe and North America. Learn more »
The Carter Center expresses its alarm at the outbreak of violence in Ethiopia rooted in the ongoing dispute over the May 2005 elections. We send condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives, and urge that every effort be made to avoid further death and injury. Learn more »
The National Democratic Institute (NDI) and The Carter Center today announced the arrival of their delegation to observe the November 8 presidential run-off election in Liberia. Learn more »
Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, a tireless advocate for improved access to mental health services, is the recipient of the 2005 Aetna Voice of Conscience Award, honoring her commitment to improving the lives of people around the world. Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, founder of The Carter Center, joined National Democratic Institute Chairman and former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan Oct. 27, 2005, to unveil a Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation. Learn more »
A critical chasm is developing between major medical research advances and applying those breakthroughs to the treatment of people with mental illnesses and addictive disorders. Learn more »
A joint National Democratic Institute (NDI) and Carter Center delegation today issued its preliminary statement on the October 11 presidential and legislative elections in Liberia. Learn more »
After a generation of civil war and instability, Liberia's citizens flocked to the polls Oct. 11, 2005, to vote in what could be the first genuine democratic elections in Liberia in almost two decades. The ballot included 22 presidential candidates and hundreds of contestants for the 94 seats in Liberia's Senate and House of Representatives. Learn more »
The Carter Center has appointed directors for its Democracy Program and China Elections Program. Dr. David Carroll, formerly interim director of the Democracy Program, has been appointed director of the Democracy Program Learn more »
The National Democratic Institute (NDI) and The Carter Center today announced the arrival of their delegation to observe the October 11 presidential and legislative elections in Liberia. Learn more »
A Carter Center staff team conducted an assessment Aug. 11-17, 2005, of electoral conditions at the start of the campaign for Liberia's Oct. 11 elections. The team found that despite enormous logistical challenges and post-conflict conditions, electoral preparedness appears good at this juncture and the prospects for a competitive election seem high. Learn more »
A remote Ethiopian village had cause for celebration today, as Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, senior officials from The Carter Center, and Ethiopia Minister of Health Dr. Kebede Tadesse made a historic visit to commend the efforts of the Amhara Region to prevent trachoma, a painful and debilitating disease that causes blindness. Learn more »
The Carter Center was pleased to accept the invitation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to observe the 2005 parliamentary elections in Ethiopia. The May 15 elections were for 524 of the country's 547 constituency-based seats in the national parliament. The remaining 23 seats in the Somali region were elected separately in votes held on August 21. Learn more »
Carter Center Mental Health Program Director Thom Bornemann has joined a special disaster assistance team organized by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and deployed September 12 to Houston to provide urgently needed support. Learn more »
This statement is offered by an international pre-election delegation to Liberia, organized jointly by the National Democratic Institute (NDI) and The Carter Center. From September 1 through 9, 2005, the delegation assessed the political environment in Liberia in advance of the October 11 presidential and legislative elections. Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter will call international attention to global health needs among impoverished communities in Mali, Nigeria, and Ethiopia when he leads a delegation including his wife, Rosalynn, senior level Carter Center officials including Board of Trustee Chairman John Moores and Executive Director Dr. John Hardman, and Emory University President Dr. James Wagner to Africa on Sept. 9-15. Learn more »
The Carter Center’s Liberia Election Observation Project called for fair and honest campaigning for the Oct. 11, 2005, Liberian presidential and legislative elections, as the official campaign period begins today. Learn more »
My colleagues and I at The Carter Center are deeply saddened by the death of Vice President Dr. John Garang, chairman of the Sudanese People's Liberation Movement. John Garang was for millions in Africa and across the world a symbol of the struggle for peace and dignity, and his passing will be greatly mourned. Learn more »
The Carter Center opened an office today on Mechlin Street in Monrovia to support its ongoing Liberia Election Observation Project, including the deployment of a team of long-term observers throughout the country to monitor electoral conditions in the run-up to the Oct. 11, 2005, presidential and legislative elections. Learn more »
The Carter Center Mental Health Program has named 10 recipients of its ninth annual Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism, including two from New Zealand and two from South Africa. Each domestic fellow will receive $10,000 to study and report on a particular issue within the mental health field for one year. International fellows will receive a comparable stipend. Learn more »
An informative and innovative series of evening discussions, open to the public and to the media, is coming up at The Carter Center. This season's Conversations schedule is designed to increase awareness of national and global issues as they relate to our work. Distinguished panels consisting of Carter Center experts and special guests make presentations followed by question-and-answer periods with the audience. Learn more »
With former U.S. President Jimmy Carter's visit to support the process of national dialogue in July 2002, The Carter Center began a two and a half year cycle of continuous activities in Venezuela. The Center's activities continued until August 2004, the date of the presidential recall referendum, and drew to a close in February 2005, with the monitoring of the post electoral environment. Learn more »
The Carter Center joins other members of the international community and Ethiopian citizens in expressing its deep alarm and sorrow at the violence, injuries, deaths, and violations of human rights that have occurred since 6 June in Addis Ababa and elsewhere in Ethiopia in the aftermath of the 15 May national elections. Learn more »
The Carter Center and Human Rights First hosted the second conference in a series titled "Human Rights Defenders on the Frontlines of Freedom: Advancing Security and the Rule of Law," with former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour as co-chairs, U.N. Special Representative for Human Rights Defenders Hina Jilani, human rights defenders from 14 nations, and representatives from major U.S. human rights organizations. Learn more »
Human Rights Defenders on the Frontlines of Freedom: Advancing Security and the Rule of Law A conference in Atlanta, GA, June 6-7, 2005 Co-Sponsored by The Carter Center and Human Rights First Learn more »
The Carter Center's May 16 postelection statement, based on observations of the polling process in Addis Ababa and selected locations in eight regions, expressed some concerns and noted that for the first time in history the majority of Ethiopian voters were presented with choices when they went to the polls. Learn more »
Brief descriptions of participants in the Human Rights Defenders Conference. Learn more »
Human rights activists are often the first to sound the alarm bell on crises that escalate into conflict and even genocide, and they increasingly find themselves under attack from extremists and silenced by repressive regimes whose actions are overlooked because of their cooperation in the war on terrorism. Learn more »
Because election results are still being compiled, The Carter Center can only offer a preliminary statement. A more comprehensive final election report will be published after final results are announced. Learn more »
Soon, Georgians will receive Medicaid services through managed care programs, and Atlantans will be among the first in the state to experience these changes. Learn more »
This represents a summary of major issues discussed by participants in the Human Rights Defender Policy Forum organized by The Carter Center and Human Rights First in Atlanta. It is not an exhaustive review of the discussions, nor does it necessarily represent the views of any of the individual participants in the meeting or the organizations they represent. A full report of the meeting will be issued later this year. Learn more »
Is investigative journalism thriving in Jamaica? How can Jamaican journalists defend and promote freedom of expression? These questions and other issues related to the Access to Information Act and the new draft Code of Conduct for Journalists will be addressed in a panel discussion Tuesday, May 3, at the Knutsford Court Hotel 5:30-8:30 p.m. Learn more »
Throughout May, The Carter Center will join organizations and individuals across the United States in observance of Mental Health Month, sponsored by The National Mental Health Association. With the theme "Mind Your Health," Mental Health Month will encourage people to care for their minds as well as their bodies as part of maintaining good overall health. Learn more »
Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter will be the featured guest on Scully: The World Show, hosted by Robert Scully, airing on PBS affiliates nationwide during May (air date/time varies, check local listings). Learn more »
The Carter Center views with concern the political crisis of the past four months, culminating in the removal of the Ecuadorian president yesterday. The Center urges calm to allow the restoration of a normal constitutional situation, including re-establishing the Supreme Court. Learn more »
The Carter Center, invited by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and welcomed by the National Election Board, will observe Ethiopia's national elections May 15. The 50-member delegation will be led by: former U.S. President Jimmy Carter; his wife, Rosalynn; former Botswana President Sir Ketumile Joni Masire; former Tanzania Prime Minister Judge Joseph Warioba; and Carter Center Executive Director John Hardman. Learn more »
ACCRA, GHANA…The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has pledged US$25 million to the Carter Center's fight to eradicate the remaining cases of Guinea worm disease worldwide. The grant includes an initial $5 million contribution and challenges other donors to provide an additional $20 million, of which of the Gates Foundation will match one-to-one. Already, the Canadian International Development Agency and the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation have responded to the challenge by pledging $5 million and $1 million, respectively, joining with the Center and the Gates Foundation to help make Guinea worm the first parasitic disease to be eradicated. Learn more »
Atlanta....Frank O. Richards, Jr., M.D., has returned to The Carter Center after retiring from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in March 2005. He returns as technical director for the River Blindness Program, Lymphatic Filariasis Elimination Program, and Schistosomiasis Control Program. Dr. Richards was seconded from CDC to the Center in 1996 with the launching of the River Blindness Program (onchocerciasis) and served as its technical director until 2002. Learn more »
I have watched with concern the increasing tension in Bolivia culminating two days ago in the resignation letter of President Mesa. Over the past 17 months, Bolivia has faced difficult choices on a variety of issues, and these will not be solved simply with a change in the government. Learn more »
ATLANTA....Rosalynn and I are pleased to see that the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled today that executing juvenile offenders is cruel and unusual punishment. With this ruling, the United States acknowledges the national trend against juvenile capital punishment and joins the community of nations, which uniformly renounces this practice. Learn more »
After two and a half years of continuous activities in Venezuela, today The Carter Center ends an extensive cycle of work in the country. This cycle, beginning in July 2002 with former U.S. President Jimmy Carter's visit to support the process of national dialogue, continued until August 2004, the date of the presidential recall referendum, and drew to a close in recent months with the monitoring of the post electoral environment. Learn more »
ATLANTA…International experts will discuss the state of world conflict in a live webcast on www.cartercenter.org as part of the Conversations at The Carter Center series on Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2005, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Learn more »
Snowbird, Utah....The Carter Center's 13th annual "Winter Weekend" live and silent auctions held Feb.12 in Snowbird, Utah, raised $875,036 to help support the Center's work to advance peace and health worldwide. The silent auction raised a record $42,936.55, with more online bidders winning valuable collectibles than ever before. Learn more »
ATLANTA....Americans showed unprecedented compassion and generosity in response to the Asian tsunami disaster. Once again tragedy has struck, this time in Guyana, a small country on the northern coast of South America, where The Carter Center has supported political, social, and economic development since 1991. Learn more »
Paul Emerson, Ph.D., joins The Carter Center as technical director of its Trachoma Control Program, a program dedicated to prevention of unnecessary blindness caused by a bacterial infection. Learn more »
The Carter Center recognizes the overall results and congratulates the elected Frelimo President Armando Emílio Guebuza. However, the Center concludes the National Elections Commission (CNE) has not administered a fair and transparent election in all parts of Mozambique. Political parties must also be held accountable since it is their representatives in the CNE and the Technical Secretariat for Election Administration (STAE) who are responsible for the overall success or failure of the elections. Learn more »
ATLANTA…Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter called on countries in the Western Hemisphere to strengthen the OAS Inter-American Democratic Charter today in a keynote speech of the inaugural Lecture Series of the Americas at the Organization of American States in Washington. Learn more »
PLAINS, Ga. -- President Carter opened up his workshop here Jan. 19 for an exclusive, up-close look at how he creates his historic paintings, woodwork, and wine - some of which are auctioned to raise funds for the Carter Center's global humanitarian efforts. Learn more »
The Carter Center partnered with the National Democratic Institute on a delegation to observe the Jan. 9, 2005, Palestine presidential election; both organizations observed the 1996 election of Yasser Arafat. Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter was co-leader of the delegation. Learn more »
ATLANTA.....It is with great joy that I congratulate the government of Sudan and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army on their peace accord signed today. The road to this agreement has been long and hard, but finally the people of Sudan have a chance to realize their great potential for a future of peace. Learn more »
NAIROBI....The historic peace accord signed here today by the government of Sudan and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army not only brings an end to Africa's longest running civil war, but also paves the way for final global eradication of Guinea worm disease Learn more »
This Sunday, Jan. 9, the world will be watching as Palestinians choose their president. The success of this election, the recent local elections, as well as future votes at the local and parliamentary level, can lay the foundation for a Palestinian government that is open, accountable, and representative. To support this important process of democratic development, the National Democratic Institute (NDI) today announced the arrival of its delegation to observe the Jan. 9 election for president of the Palestinian Authority. Learn more »
President and Mrs. Carter and the staff of The Carter Center extend condolences and deepest sympathies to the victims and their families of the earthquake and tsunami in the Indian Ocean. President and Mrs. Carter have made a personal contribution to the relief effort and have sent letters of condolence to the embassies of the affected countries. They strongly encourage quick and generous assistance from governments and citizens around the world. Learn more »
The National Democratic Institute (NDI) today announced its delegation that will observe the Jan. 9 election for president of the Palestinian Authority. The 80-member multinational delegation, organized in partnership with The Carter Center, will be co-led by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt, and former New Jersey Governor Christine Todd Whitman. Learn more »
This statement has been prepared by a pre-election assessment team organized by the National Democratic Institute (NDI) in partnership with The Carter Center. The delegation examined technical preparations and the political environment leading up to the presidential election in the West Bank and Gaza, currently scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 9, 2005. Learn more »
Continuing its observation of the Dec. 1-2 presidential and legislative elections, The Carter Center has monitored the tabulation of results in provincial capitals and the reclassification of invalid votes at the National Elections Commission (CNE) in Maputo. Learn more »
ATLANTA....Ingrid Saunders Jones, a senior vice president of The Coca-Cola Company, has been appointed vice chair of the Carter Center's Board of Councilors. The board is comprised of 202 members who serve as a leadership advisory group that promotes understanding among opinion leaders and the broader community of The Carter Center and its activities. Learn more »
The Carter Center was invited by the National Election Commission (CNE) and welcomed by all major political parties to observe the Dec. 1 – 2 elections. The Center observed the 1999 and 2003 elections, and has been engaged in initiatives in Mozambique, including support for the Agenda 2025 national consensus-building initiative and agriculture production technologies through SG2000. Learn more »
ATLANTA.... Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter announced today a $2 million gift from the Lions Clubs International Foundation to accelerate the Carter Center's efforts to eliminate river blindness (onchocerciasis) in the Americas. The contribution will be matched by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation as part of a challenge grant to help The Carter Center secure a total of $15 million to halt transmission of the disease throughout the region. Learn more »
ATLANTA…. Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, his wife, Rosalynn, former Benin President Nicéphore Soglo, and Carter Center Executive Director Dr. John Hardman will lead a 60-member international delegation to observe Mozambique's presidential and legislative elections. The Carter Center, which observed the 1999 national elections and the 2003 municipal elections, was invited by the National Election Commission and welcomed by all major political parties to observe the Dec. 1 - 2 elections. Learn more »
Yasser Arafat's death marks the end of an era and will no doubt be painfully felt by Palestinians throughout the Middle East and elsewhere in the world. Learn more »
ATLANTA…Millions of American adults who have mental illnesses are leading lives of quiet desperation. For many, their conditions began when they were children, but there was no help for them then. It doesn't have to be that way today. Learn more »
ATLANTA…The Carter Center will host 35 Chinese electoral officials Nov. 2 around Atlanta and Chattanooga to observe U.S. Election Day. Learn more »
ATLANTA….The Carter Center thanks the Venezuelan National Electoral Council for its invitation received Oct. 8 to observe the election of governors and mayors, but the Center, unfortunately, has had to decline the invitation. Learn more »
ATLANTA, GA….Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter will visit Grenada Oct. 14-15 to help focus international attention on the catastrophic needs of the island ravaged by Hurricane Ivan last month. Learn more »
Rosalynn and I are pleased to congratulate Wangari Maathai, winner of the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize. I have known her for many years as a heroine in Kenya and throughout Africa. She has fought courageously to protect the environment and human rights, in the face of severe governmental pressures to silence her often lonely voice. As an outstanding woman leader, she is a role model for other women throughout Africa struggling to improve the well-being of their families and communities. Learn more »
World Mental Health Day, sponsored by the World Federation for Mental Health, will be observed Sunday, Oct. 10, 2004, with former First Lady Rosalynn Carter as honorary chair. "The Relationship Between Physical and Mental Health: Co-occurring Disorders," is this year's theme. Learn more »
KINGSTON, JAMAICA…In recognition of International Right to Know Day, the public is invited Tuesday to hear an update on the implementation of Jamaica's Access to Information Act at the Courtleigh Hotel, Knutsford Boulevard, at 10 a.m. Minister of Information the Hon. Senator Burchell Whiteman, the Carter Center's Laura Neuman, Neville James of the Media Association of Jamaica, and Dr. Carolyn Gomes, executive director of Jamaicans for Justice, will speak at the event. Learn more »
The second round of Indonesia's historic first direct presidential election has taken place successfully, in a general atmosphere of calm, order, and open participation. The Carter Center congratulates the people and leaders of Indonesia for the successful conduct of the presidential election and for the peaceful atmosphere that has prevailed throughout Indonesia's three rounds of elections in 2004. This represents a major step in the country's ongoing democratic transition. Learn more »
Public radio host Tavis Smiley interviews former U.S. President Jimmy Carter A pre-recorded interview with former U.S. President Jimmy Carter is scheduled to air on the Tavis Smiley Show Thursday, Sept. 23 (in most markets). Atlanta public radio stations WCLK and WJSP will carry the program. Learn more »
ATLANTA….A live webcast with former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter will kick off the 2004-2005 season of the international issues discussion series Conversations at The Carter Center, Tuesday, Sept. 21, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The webcast is free to the public on the Carter Center Web site: www.cartercenter.org. Learn more »
JAKARTA, INDONESIA…The Carter Center will deploy 57 observers this week in preparation to observe the Indonesian presidential runoff Sept. 20. The Center, which observed the 1999 and the 2004 presidential elections, was invited by the General Election Commission and welcomed by all major political parties to observe the runoff. Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter are the scheduled guests on CNN's Larry King Live, Monday, Sept. 20 at 9 p.m. EDT. The Carters will discuss the peace and health initiatives of The Carter Center and current international issues during the first half of the program, which will air live. Learn more »
Former U.S. First Lady Rosalynn Carter will open the third world conference on the Promotion of Mental Health and the Prevention of Mental and Behavioural Disorders being held Sept. 14-17, 2004, at the Hyatt Hotel in Auckland, New Zealand. Mrs. Carter, honorary chair of the conference, has worked for more than 30 years to help people with mental illnesses and their families. Learn more »
Upon receiving complaints from the opposition Coordinadora Democrática about suspected irregularities in the voting results recorded in the machine, specifically, a pattern of tied results among two or three machines in the same voting tables, The Carter Center consulted with several statisticians. Learn more »
CARACAS, VENEZUELA…I am delighted to be back in Caracas, with my good friends Cesar Gaviria, Raul Alfonsín, Belisario Betancur and Rodrigo Carazo to observe the recall referendum tomorrow. The vote tomorrow is the culmination of a dialogue under the leadership of the Secretary General, the resulting agreement of May 29, 2003, a year of peaceful and legal effort by the Coordinadora to obtain the requisite number of signatures, and a month of vigorous but violence-free campaigning. Learn more »
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA…I would like to thank once again President Jagdeo and Chairman Corbin for inviting me to visit Guyana. I have had an opportunity to meet with a wide range of organizations and individuals, who all have given generously of their time and have shared their opinions and suggestions. I had productive discussions with Mr. Corbin and other leaders of the People's National Congress Reform, President Jagdeo and the Central Executive Committee of the People's Progressive Party/Civic, members of parliament of both ROAR and WPA/GAP, the chairman and commissioners of the Ethnic Relations Commission, the speaker of the National Assembly, the chancellor, chief justice, and president of the bar association, representatives of the private sector and trade unions, the Rights of the Child youth group, the international donor community, and others. Learn more »
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA…I want to thank President Jagdeo for his invitation and look forward to meeting with him, Robert Corbin, and members of Guyanese civil society. I have a deep personal interest in Guyana and believe the basic integrity of its political, social, and economic systems must be made more responsive to the needs and aspirations of all Guyanese. The purpose of my visit is to assess whether The Carter Center can make a further contribution to this need. At the close of my visit, I will hold a press conference. Learn more »
CARACAS, VENEZUELA….Invited by the National Election Council (CNE) to observe the presidential recall referendum on Aug. 15, the Carter Center delegation of experienced observers from 14 countries arrives Wednesday to complement the core team already in Caracas. Learn more »
ATLANTA....The Carter Center announces an informative and innovative series of evening discussions, open to the public and to the media. This season's schedule is designed to increase awareness of national and global issues. A distinguished panel consisting of Carter Center experts and special guests make presentations followed by question-and-answer periods with the audience. Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, his wife, Rosalynn, and former Thailand Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai led a 60-member international delegation to observe Indonesia's July 5 presidential elections. The delegation, representing six countries, arrived July 1 and received briefings in Jakarta before being deployed throughout Indonesia on July 3. On election day, they witnessed poll openings, voting, vote counting at polling stations, and transportation of the ballot boxes to the village organizing election committee. Learn more »
In support of Indonesia's ongoing democratization and political reform, The Carter Center is continuing to monitor this election, as Indonesian voters for the first time directly choose their president. The Carter Center was invited by the election commission (KPU) and welcomed by all major political parties. Learn more »
30,000 medical kits packed and boxed: Donations still being accepted for shipment Learn more »
MAPUTO, MOZAMBIQUE… In response to an invitation issued by the National Elections Commission (CNE), The Carter Center observed the voter registration update in Mozambique from June 28 to July 15. With observers from five countries-Belgium, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ecuador, Guinea-Conakry, and the United States-The Carter Center visited 151 registration brigades in nine provinces. Learn more »
ATLANTA….I urge Bolivians to maintain a calm and peaceful atmosphere as they go to vote on the issues surrounding the hydrocarbons law and management of the gas sector this weekend. Bolivia has experienced extraordinary political developments in the past year. I commend the public for their courage in following a democratic path and for seeking a more participatory democracy. For that reason, I join U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan and the Organization of American States in the calling for a peaceful referendum. Learn more »
ATLANTA.....The Carter Center's Mental Health Program has named 10 recipients of its eighth annual Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism, including two from New Zealand and the first two from South Africa. Each domestic fellow will receive $10,000 to study a particular issue within the mental health field for one year. Learn more »
ATLANTA.... More than 300 corporate volunteers and members of the diplomatic community in Atlanta will join Carter Center staff July 13-30 to assemble 30,000 medical kits to use in the effort to eradicate the last 1 percent of Guinea worm disease left in the world. Learn more »
In support of Indonesia's ongoing democratization and political reform, The Carter Center is pleased to observe this historic election, as Indonesian voters for the first time directly choose their president. The Carter Center, which observed the 1999 national elections, was invited by the election commission (KPU) and welcomed by all major political parties. In late April, the Center established a field office in Indonesia and deployed 10 long-term observers across the country to monitor the electoral process. Since then, the Center's observers have visited 25 provinces and have met with representatives of political parties and candidates, government and election officials, journalists, election officials, police, domestic election monitoring groups, religious organizations, and other civil society groups. On June 25, the Center issued a pre-election statement that commented on several pre-election issues and the conduct of the campaign. Learn more »
ATLANTA...I have accepted an invitation from President Jagdeo to visit Guyana. The Carter Center has been involved in Guyana for more than a decade. In that time, we have observed elections, supported the formulation of the country's National Development Strategy, and helped bolster the judicial system and strengthen citizens' organizations to make a greater contribution to public policy. The purpose of my visit is to assess whether the Center might be able to make further contributions to the improved welfare of all Guyanese. I also spoke by telephone to Robert Corbin last week to discuss my visit. I look forward to meeting with President Jagdeo, Mr. Corbin, parliament members, and representatives of civil society and donor countries to hear all views on the challenges facing Guyana. Learn more »
In support of Indonesia's ongoing process of democratization and political reform, The Carter Center is pleased to witness the historic 2004 election, when Indonesian voters for the first time will directly choose their president. The Carter Center, which observed the 1999 national elections, was invited by the Election Commission (KPU) and welcomed by all major political parties. In late April, the Center deployed 10 long-term observers across the country to monitor the electoral process. For the July 5 presidential elections, the Center is bringing 50 additional short-term observers to join the mission which will be led by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, his wife, Rosalynn, and former Prime Minister of Thailand Chuan Leekpai. Learn more »
Mr. Chairman, thank you for the invitation to testify before this subcommittee. I have studied Venezuela as a scholar for twenty years, and have been involved in Venezuela with The Carter Center since 1998, when we observed the 1998 and 2000 elections. Since June of 2002, I have been leading the Carter Center’s efforts to facilitate dialogue between the government and opposition, and to monitor the recall referendum effort begun in November 2003. Learn more »
ATLANTA…. Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, his wife, Rosalynn, and former Thailand Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai will lead a 60-member international delegation to observe Indonesia's presidential elections. The Carter Center, which observed the 1999 national elections, was invited by the General Election Commission and welcomed by all major political parties to observe the July 5 elections. Learn more »
Representing the Carter Center, President Jimmy Carter hosted a meeting on June 18, 2004, between Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez Frías and Venezuelan entrepreneur Gustavo Cisneros. There was a mutual commitment to honor constitutional processes and to support further discussions between the government of Venezuela and the country's news media to ensure the most appropriate climate for this constitutional process Learn more »
As governor of Georgia I fought unsafe burial of nuclear waste from the Savannah River Site (SRS) near Aiken, South Carolina. SRS reprocessed spent nuclear fuel to produce plutonium for nuclear weapons during the Cold War, leaving behind by-products of liquid and slurry high-level nuclear waste. Today, 37 million gallons of high-level radioactive waste containing millions of curies of lethal radioactivity remain in 51 aging tanks at SRS, still awaiting a permanent solution. The tanks are located in the water table, near the Savannah River, and amid the Tuscaloosa Aquifer, which Georgia and other states depend on for drinking water. Learn more »
KINGSTON, JAMAICA…The Carter Center, in collaboration with the Jamaican Bar Association and the Independent Jamaica Council for Human Rights, launched the Volunteer Attorneys Panel to provide free legal representation to those denied their right to government information. The launch, as part of a Continuing Legal Education series held May 29, 2004, focused on the new Jamaican Access to Information Act and enforcement of similar laws in other countries. Learn more »
ATLANTA....I am pleased that the Sudan peace talks made important progress yesterday with the signings of additional significant agreements in Navaisha, Kenya. All concerned should be congratulated for their dedication to working through the difficult details of these protocols. The world looks forward to a final, comprehensive accord. This will mark the true beginning of the hard work of implementing the agreements and building peace throughout Sudan. Learn more »
ATLANTA.... I have followed with concern for a number of years the appalling working conditions in the Florida-based tomato industry. While production costs in the industry have increased over the last 25 years, wages have been effectively stagnant, as giant cooperative buying mechanisms hold prices down. Conditions are so bad in parts of the industry that there have been two separate prosecutions for slavery in recent years. Learn more »
CARACAS, VENEZUELA…In the framework of the invitation from the National Electoral Council (CNE) and the Venezuelan government, the Organization of the American States and The Carter Center have observed the first phase of the reparos, or signature repair, process for the recall referenda on representatives of the National Assembly. Learn more »
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA…The Carter Center will be closing its project office in Guyana at the end of May 2004, having completed its most recent project in the country. Since 2000, the Center has been implementing the More Responsive and Participatory Governance and Rule of Law in Guyana project financed by the United States Agency for International Development, in partnership with the National Democratic Institute and the International Foundation for Election Systems. As part of this project, the Center has worked to improve the influence of civil society on public policy and to strengthen the administration of justice in Guyana. Learn more »
ATLANTA....Merck & Co., Inc., has donated $1 million to the Carter Center's effort to eliminate river blindness disease in the Americas in this decade. Learn more »
KINGSTON, JAMAICA….The Carter Center is hosting three seminars in late May on access to information issues, including how to use the Access to Information Act, how to appeal denials, and the relationship between access to information, the officials secrets act, and public interest disclosure. The seminars underscore the importance of public discussion on existing and future legislation to increase accountability and transparency in Jamaica. Learn more »
CARACAS, VENEZUELA….In recent days, at the request of representatives of the election observation mission of the Organization of American States and The Carter Center, informal communication with the authorities of the National Electoral Council (CNE) has been maintained, in which they have lessened friction caused by recent public statements. The electoral authorities have asked the members of the international mission continue their observation process, and the international mission maintains its position that it will avoid all disturbing interference in the good rhythm that has prevailed in their relations with the CNE. Likewise, it has been decided that a meeting of the directorate of the CNE with the head of the OAS mission, Fernando Jaramillo, and Carter Center representative Francisco Diez will occur next Wednesday. The mission reiterates its respect and consideration for the authority of the CNE to make decisions and, in keeping with the nature of the organization, to direct the process of calling recall referendum. #### PARA PUBLICACION INMEDIATA Lunes, 17 de Mayo de 2004 Contactos: Javier Montes OEA, 202-458-6194 Kay Torrance The Carter Center, 404-420-5129 NOTA DE PRENSA DEL CONSEJO NACIONAL ELECTORAL Y LA MISIÓN CONJUNTA DE LA OEA Y EL CENTRO CARTER CARACAS, VENEZUELA....Durante estos últimos días, a solicitud de los representantes de la misión de observación electoral de la Organización de los Estados Americanos y el Centro Carter, se han mantenido comunicaciones informales con las autoridades del Consejo Nacional Electoral, donde se han limado las asperezas ocasionadas por recientes manifestaciones públicas. Las autoridades electorales han dispuesto que los miembros de la misión internacional sigan adelante con sus tareas de observación del proceso y la observación internacional mantiene su posición de evitar toda injerencia perturbadora a la buena marcha que ha prevalecido en las relaciones con el CNE. Asimismo, se ha acordado realizar una reunión del directorio del CNE con el jefe de la misión electoral de la OEA, Fernando Jaramillo y el representante del Centro Carter, Francisco Diez, el próximo miércoles de esta semana. La misión conjunta reitera su respeto y consideración a la autoridad del CNE para la toma de sus decisiones, en su carácter de organismo rector del proceso de convocatoria a referendums revocatorios. #### Donate Now Sign Up for Email Updates Email Address: Enter Your Email Address Spam Control Text: Please leave this field empty Submit Learn more »
CARACAS, VENEZUELA….The joint mission of the Organization of American States and The Carter Center wish to clarify the scope and sense of its last statement, as well as to reiterate its respect and consideration for the electoral authority, which has generously permitted both organizations to work as international observers in the process of the referenda request Learn more »
CARACAS, VENEZUELA...The Organization of American States and The Carter Center will observe the two scheduled reparos (recall signatures corrections) processes in Venezuela, May 21-23 and May 28-30. This observation occurs at the invitation of the National Electoral Council (CNE) and in the context of the Accord of May 2003. Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and O.A.S. Secretary General Cesar Gaviria will lead the observation mission and will arrive in the country on May 29th to be present for the conclusion of the reparos. Learn more »
CARACAS, VENEZUELA... Today the national government, represented at the Enlace Mechanism (established by the May 29, 2003, accord) by deputies Nicolás Maduro and Desireé Santos Amaral, has informed the group's facilitators of the delicate situation regarding the detention of a group of foreign mercenaries. These mercenaries may be willing to initiate violent and criminal actions against military and political targets. Learn more »
ATLANTA....On Wednesday, May 12, the 2004 Rosalynn Carter Georgia Mental Health Forum will bring together experts and policy-makers in an effort to implement recommendations from the final report of President Bush's New Freedom Commission on Mental Health. Tens of thousands of Georgians have suffered a breakdown in availability and delivery of public mental health services as a result of massive budget cutbacks and repeated management reorganizations over the last several years. The presidential report finds that mental health systems are in a shambles and makes strong recommendations for rebuilding, but state and local agencies are left to implement them Learn more »
ATLANTA…The Carter Center opened an office last week in Jakarta to begin a long-term observation of electoral conditions leading up to Indonesia's July 5 presidential elections. This observation will continue through to early October should a Sept. 20 runoff prove necessary. Learn more »
CARACAS, VENEZUELA…Yesterday the Democratic Coordinator publicly announced their intention to participate in the repair (reparos) process. Learn more »
CARACAS, VENEZUELA….The OAS and The Carter Center have been participating in the meetings that the CNE has formally held about the mechanisms for the correction period, in order to listen to the proposals and concerns of the actors involved in the recall referendum process. Learn more »
The Carter Center joins the world community in commemorating the loss of life from the genocide in Rwanda that began on April 7, 1994. Learn more »
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA…The Carter Center and its partner groups will hold a conference this weekend on issues of interest to nongovernmental organizations in Guyana, including participation in public policy, collaboration with government and the private sector, networking among nongovernmental organizations, and the legal framework for such organizations Learn more »
ATLANTA.... Applications are now being accepted for six one-year journalism fellowships with the Mental Health Program of The Carter Center. Designed to enhance public understanding of mental health issues and combat stigma and discrimination against people with mental illnesses, the fellowships begin in September 2004. Learn more »
CARACAS, VENEZUELA…Today, the National Electoral Council made public the preliminary official results of the process of verification of signatures for the petition to recall the president of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Learn more »
CARACAS, VENEZUELA….The Organization of the American States and The Carter Center have been observing the process of collection, verification, and validation of signatures developed by the National Electoral Council to determine whether current requests for recall referenda will be adequate. This work has been at the invitation of the government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and the electoral authority and in the framework of the agreement of May 23, 2003, as a result of the Table of Negotiation and Agreements. Learn more »
CARACAS....Since last November, the Mission of the Organization of the American States and The Carter Center has been observing the process of verification and validation of signatures that the National Electoral Council is implementing to determine the possibility of a recall referendum. Learn more »
TAMALE, GHANA...Today 650 kilometers north of Ghana's capital city, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and senior officials from The Carter Center, the World Health Organization, and UNICEF made a historic visit to the endemic Guinea worm village of Dashie to urge Ghana to finish the eradication of Guinea worm disease. Learn more »
ATLANTA….Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, will travel to Mali Feb. 5-7 on behalf of the Carter Center's Global Development Initiative. They will meet with President Amadou Toumani Touré to launch the Development and Cooperation Initiative, a multi-year effort to help reduce poverty in Mali. Learn more »
ATLANTA....Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, and his wife, Rosalynn, will travel on behalf of The Carter Center to West Africa Feb. 2-6, 2004, to call international attention to the need to eliminate the last 1 percent of Guinea worm disease remaining in the world. Learn more »
ATLANTA….The Carter Center joins the international community in congratulating President Oscar Berger and Guatemala's newly elected congressional deputies and local mayors. After decades of devastating civil war and with little progress on implementing the 1996 Peace Accords, the new administration has an important opportunity to work with political leaders and civil society to make significant progress in fulfilling the longstanding aspirations of all Guatemalans. Learn more »
MAPUTO, MOZAMBIQUE…The Carter Center welcomes the Jan. 15, 2004, Constitutional Council of Mozambique announcement of final results for the November 2003 municipal elections. Learn more »
Caracas, Venezuela….Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter will travel to Caracas, Venezuela, on behalf of The Carter Center Jan. 25-27 to advance the Peace and Democracy Accord. President Carter will meet with Venezuela President Hugo Chavez, the National Electoral Council, opposition leaders, the National Assembly, and the Supreme Court. Learn more »
GUATEMALA CITY, GUATEMALA…Carter Center representatives observed the second round of national elections in Guatemala on Dec. 28, 2003, in the departments of El Quiché, San Marcos, Totonicapán, Huehuetenango, and Suchitepéquez. The Center congratulates president-elect Oscar Berger and expresses the hope that his government will prioritize full implementation of the 1996 Peace Accords, particularly strengthening the rule of law within the framework of fundamental human rights. Learn more »
LA PAZ, BOLIVIA….I thank President Carlos Mesa, the Bolivian Congress, and the people of Bolivia for the opportunity to visit and hear your views. Bolivia now has a unique opportunity to reach a new consensus through informed debate on the rules of your democracy. Learn more »
ATLANTA….The Carter Center called on electoral authorities in Guatemala to ensure voters who recently updated their registration will be able to cast their ballots and on the authorities and political parties to provide a secure and impartial environment for the second round of elections, according to the Center's second statement on the Guatemalan electoral process released today. Learn more »
Georgetown, Guyana…..Six Guyanese not-for-profit organizations from three regions will compete in the finals of a contest to present the best paper advocating a solution to a public policy issue. The contest is an activity funded under United States Agency for International Development's Democracy and Governance Program and implemented by The Carter Center in Guyana. Learn more »
Now that the signature collection process for the recall referenda has been concluded, the joint mission of the Organization of American States and The Carter Center wishes to express its gratitude for the warm welcome it has received and for the confidence placed in its observers by the Venezuelan people, and for the collaboration of the governmental and electoral authorities, the representatives of the various political and civil society organizations, and the members of the armed forces. Learn more »
CARACAS, VENEZUELA…In light of the invitation extended by the National Electoral Council (CNE) and the government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, the Organization of American States and The Carter Center have had the privilege of observing the first phase of the signature collection process for the recall referenda. Learn more »
MAPUTO, MOZAMBIQUE…Mozambique's second municipal elections were generally well conducted and peaceful. The National Election Commission (CNE), the Technical Secretariat for Electoral Administration (STAE), and local polling staff are to be congratulated for the conduct of all aspects of the polling process on election day. Learn more »
ATLANTA....The Carter Center today announced it will escalate the fight to eliminate river blindness disease from the Americas in this decade with a $10 million challenge grant provided by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Learn more »
The Carter Center and the Crisis Management Initiative Will Not Assess Elections in Northern Cyprus but Emphasize Importance of an Election Free of Manipulation Learn more »
The Organization of American States (OAS) and The Carter Center will observe the two scheduled collections of recall signatures in Venezuela, from Nov. 21-24 and Nov. 28-Dec. 1. Learn more »
ATLANTA….Mozambicans will go to the polls Wednesday to select leaders in their country's second multiparty municipal elections. I urge all candidates and their supporters to maintain the generally peaceful atmosphere of the campaigns during election day and the vote counting process. The Carter Center, invited by the National Election Commission, has deployed 15 observers from 12 countries throughout Mozambique, and they will join the many domestic observers already in place. The Center has observed the dedication and preparation of the electoral authorities, and all eligible voters should cast their ballots freely with confidence that the international community is watching this process with interest. Learn more »
ATLANTA...At a conference co-sponsored by The Carter Center and the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, representatives from 43 nations assembled to discuss key challenges that adversely affect their work as human rights activists. This was an assembly of human rights defenders, many of whom have been tortured, imprisoned, and otherwise abused by their own governments because they have attempted to defend freedom and justice. Learn more »
ATLANTA….Governments must repeal urgently all counterterrorism and emergency legislation that infringes upon the work of human rights defenders, concluded prominent human rights defenders gathered at The Carter Center today to address the troubling backsliding on human rights since the beginning of the war on terrorism. Learn more »
The Carter Center supports the authority of the National Electoral Council Learn more »
ATLANTA…Guatemalans will go to the polls Sunday to select their next president, members of the legislature, and municipal authorities. They do so amid concerns about personal security that have a long history and have been rekindled in some areas of the country in recent weeks. To fulfill its obligation to guarantee the security of its citizens, the government of Guatemala has deployed police and the armed forces, as is practiced in many other Latin American countries during elections. It is incumbent upon these security forces to fulfill their duties with respect for the rights of all voters and to remain attentive to the sensitivities of certain communities still engaged in the painful process of reconciliation. I urge all eligible voters to go to the polls and cast their ballots freely with confidence that the international community is following this process with interest and that both international and Guatemalan election monitors will be active throughout the country. Learn more »
The Philippines has arrested and tortured people allegedly connected to the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group. Uzbekistan convicted more than 100 people in the months following the terrorist attacks for alleged crimes related to religious worship. Eritrea jailed journalists after accusing them of having terrorist ties, and all independent press outlets were closed in September 2001. And Colombian President Alvaro Uribe recently called human rights organizations "politickers at the service of terrorism" and defended expansive police powers granted to public security forces, arbitrary detentions, and raids of civil society organizations. Learn more »
GUATEMALA CITY…A Carter Center election observation team, including four international observers, a human rights expert, and a campaign finance expert, established an office in Guatemala on Oct. 21, 2003, to begin monitoring the Nov. 9 presidential, congressional, and municipal electoral process. The goal of the Center's project in Guatemala is to highlight human rights and political finance issues as they relate both to the elections and to sustainable peace through justice and national reconciliation. The Center will continue to monitor the electoral process until December or January, depending upon whether there is a second round of balloting, and will publish periodic public statements detailing our observers' findings. During the week of Oct. 27-31, two Carter Center observation teams visited the Department of El Quiché and a number of communities in Alta and Baja Verapaz, meeting with Guatemalan and international election observers, local civil society groups, representatives of political parties and government agencies, and community members. This is the first summary report of Carter Center observers' findings regarding the Guatemalan electoral environment. Learn more »
ATLANTA…Guatemala's campaign finance system is one of the least regulated in the Western Hemisphere, and concern is rising among citizens that donor anonymity opens the door to illicit funding that may include drug money, according to a Carter Center report released today. Learn more »
ATLANTA….The Carter Center opened an office this week in Maputo to begin assessing the Nov. 19 municipal elections in Mozambique, a part of a larger electoral assistance project leading up to observation of the 2004 national elections. Learn more »
ATLANTA....Forty-three-year-old Tom Lane's story illustrates what's wrong with America's access to mental health services. Not long ago, he was coping with severe depression and bipolar disorder in northern California. Medical bills amounted to more than $40,000. Unable to get any mental health insurance and living in total isolation, he was desperate and nearly succeeded at suicide. He managed to find help just in time. Today, he is a successful and experienced professional serving as the director of consumer affairs with the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill. Learn more »
ATLANTA….U.N. Acting High Commissioner for Human Rights Bertrand Ramcharan and U.N. Special Representative to the Secretary-General on Human Rights Defenders Hina Jilani will join former U.S. President Jimmy Carter for a conference Nov. 11-12 at The Carter Center on the troubling backsliding on human rights since the beginning of the war on terrorism. Learn more »
WASHINGTON...."How can we heal our planet and achieve an Earth that nurtures humanity and nature in all their diversity?" asks former president Jimmy Carter in his introduction to a new book from National Geographic that takes a sweeping look at the human condition, the state of the world's health and the challenges facing us in the 21st century. Learn more »
GUATEMALA CITY…. The Carter Center opened an office this week in Guatemala City to begin monitoring the national electoral process, with special emphasis on human rights and campaign finance. These issues are critical to equal participation in a democracy. Learn more »
ATLANTA...The weeks of protests, marches, and violence have taken a heavy toll on the people of Bolivia. The loss of lives in El Alto and elsewhere will remain just one of the many sad reminders of this period in Bolivia's history. Learn more »
ATLANTA. . . In the battle to fight a major cause of preventable blindness, the Carter Center's River Blindness Program and Lions Clubs International Foundation are celebrating the delivery of more than 50 million Mectizan® treatments in 11 countries in Africa and the Americas since 1996. Learn more »
ATLANTA… I wish to express my deepest regret for the loss of life that has occurred in Bolivia these past days and weeks and my personal condolences to the family and friends of those who have died. The violence that has rocked Bolivia is abhorrent to all peace loving people. Learn more »
ATLANTA....Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter and the Carter Center's Mental Health Program are proud to present the award-winning documentary "Imagining Robert: My Brother, Madness and Survival" on Monday, Oct. 13, at 7 p.m. in the Center's Ivan Allen Pavilion. The screening precedes the airing on local Atlanta public television (PBA 30) and other PBS stations nationwide. Learn more »
Atlanta. . . A collaborative action plan for making Guinea worm disease (dracunculiasis) the next disease to be eradicated from the earth was issued today at The Carter Center. Learn more »
Former US president and 2002 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Jimmy Carter on Friday urged Myanmar's military junta to release democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi from detention. Learn more »
ATLANTA….The Missouri Supreme Court's ruling that executing juveniles is unconstitutionally cruel is the most recent and resounding indication of positive changes in public attitudes about government executions. In June 2002, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that executing mentally retarded individuals violates "the evolving standards of decency that mark the progress of a maturing society." Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter promoted the Carter Center's peace and health programs during a recent tour of Japan and China Learn more »
ATLANTA…. Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter will open a Beijing conference Sept. 8 on village elections and meet with government officials in support of The Carter Center's project to improve electoral procedures of the villager committees. Learn more »
The Carter Center is prepared to collaborate with the new electoral authorities in Venezuela in future electoral processes and to continue as a facilitator between the government and opposition. The Center has noted advances in the implementation of the May Accord facilitated by the Organization of American States with the support of The Carter Center and the United Nations Development Programme. Learn more »
ATLANTA….Concessions must be made by both India and Pakistan to resolve escalating tensions between the countries over Kashmir, the strife-torn Himalayan region, The Carter Center recommended in a report released today. India must acknowledge the existence of Pakistani grievances over the disputed territory while Pakistan must visibly take all possible steps to stop infiltrations by terrorists, the report said. Learn more »
ATLANTA....Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, will travel to Japan Sept. 4-6 to promote the Carter Center's work to increase agricultural production and eradicate Guinea worm disease in Africa. Learn more »
ATLANTA…..Members of the Egyptian, Israeli, and U.S. delegations to the 1978 Camp David negotiation will gather in Washington, D.C., Sept. 17 on the 25th anniversary of the accords to discuss lessons learned for Middle East peacemaking. Learn more »
ATLANTA…The Carter Center applauds the announcement of the Supreme Court of Venezuela Monday to appoint a new National Electoral Council in accordance with the court's interpretations of the Venezuelan Constitution. As The Carter Center proposed in January 2003, the Supreme Court should name an Electoral Council if the National Assembly were unable to name one. Learn more »
ATLANTA…..U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan and former U.S. President Jimmy Carter lend their voices to the campaign to eradicate Guinea worm disease in public service announcements being released in West Africa by The Carter Center. Learn more »
ATLANTA, GA…..The Carter Center and I welcome the peace agreement reached last night in Accra. It is our profound hope that this document will prove to be a springboard for the lasting peace so much desired by ordinary Liberians. This cannot be another false dawn. We urge Liberian leaders to work tirelessly to regain the trust of their people and to learn fully from past mistakes. With the strong assistance of the international community, it is now time to begin to implement all needed measures to lift Liberians out of poverty and oppression and move toward a future based on good governance and respect for basic human rights. Learn more »
ATLANTA....I am pleased to see that the White House has released the final report from the President's New Freedom Commission on Mental Health. President Bush and Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson should be commended for their support of this effort and for making mental health a real priority for the Administration. Learn more »
The Carter Center's Mental Health Program has named eight recipients of its seventh annual Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism, including two fellows from New Zealand. Learn more »
The Carter Center Guyana will host a legal empowerment forum at Umana Yana in Georgetown on Saturday, July 12, that will involve more than 60 participants mostly from Regions 4 and 10. Learn more »
I welcome President Bush's recent statement of his determination to help the people of Liberia find the path to peace and his strong support for the cease-fire signed early this month. Learn more »
Matthew Hodes, a former United Nations official, has been appointed director of the Carter Center's Conflict Resolution Program. He had served as the program's senior associate director since September 2001. Learn more »
Agenda 2025 National Vision and National Development Strategy Process's only nongovernmental partner, The Carter Center, will participate in the presentation June 25 of the strategy document to President Joaquim Chissano in Maputo, Mozambique. Learn more »
The Honourable Susan Whelan, Canada's Minister for International Cooperation, announced today that Canada, through the Canadian International Development Agency, will contribute $3 million over three years to The Carter Center to help eradicate Guinea worm disease in Africa. Learn more »
The Carter Center's Guyana office awarded grants today to four not-for-profit organizations promoting the causes of women, youth, and Amerindians to implement projects on literacy, adolescent reproductive health, community sanitation, and agricultural education for youth. Learn more »
More than 90 participants attended the Carter Center Guyana's second Youth Empowerment Forum Saturday, June 7, aimed at raising participation by youth in decision-making and governance, mobilizing young people to become volunteers, and supporting development of future community leaders. Learn more »
The Carter Center announced its findings and recommendations on the October 2002 Jamaican elections in its final report released June 5 during a symposium held in Kingston. Learn more »
The Carter Center will report its findings and recommendations of its final report on the October 2002 Jamaican elections during a symposium scheduled for June 5 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Hilton Hotel. Learn more »
In addition to Mrs. Carter, Congressman Kennedy will be joined by several experts who have first-hand experience in dealing with the psychological impacts of terrorism in the wake of the attack on Sept . 11 attacks. They include Dr. Kerry Kelly, chief medical officer for the New York City Fire Department, who was at Ground Zero when the towers collapsed; and William P. Van Wart, a battalion chief in the New York City Fire Department, who helped coordinate relief efforts on the ground after the attack. Learn more »
I congratulate the members of the Forum on Negotiation and Agreements in Venezuela on the signing of an accord to respect human rights, freedom of expression, and the right to petition for recall referenda of elected officials. Learn more »
We, the undersigned members of the Forum for Negotiation and Agreement, representing the national government and the political and social groups supporting it, as well as the political and civil society organizations comprising the Coordinadora Democrática, hereby sign this Agreement in a spirit of tolerance, in order to contribute to strengthening the climate of peace in the country. It is in this spirit that we reaffirm the principles and mechanisms that brought us to this table, as set forth in the Executive Summary agreed by the parties from the time it was established, as well as our conviction with regard to finding a constitutional, peaceful, democratic, and electoral solution. Learn more »
ATLANTA....Join former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, KQED Public Television, San Francisco, and Georgia Public Broadcasting for a free preview of the one-hour documentary Hope on the Street – addressing mental illness and homelessness – at 7 p.m., Tuesday, May 13, in the Ivan Allen Pavilion at The Carter Center. The screening will be followed by an open question-and-answer period with producer Michael Isip, Ray Guevara, a bi-polar patient featured in the film, and the narrator, Dede Ranahan, whose son has schizophrenia and has spent time living on the streets. The Carter Center Mental Health Program Director Thomas Bornemann will moderate the event. Learn more »
On a sweltering day in Georgetown, a handful of people huddled around a table debating no less than the future of their country. Learn more »
Due to the world situation, The Carter Center has postponed international travel for the time being and therefore will not send a delegation to the Nigerian elections as originally intended. Learn more »
The Carter Center Guyana held a legal empowerment forum in Anna Regina on Saturday, March 29, attended by more than 70 participants from Regions 2 and 3. Learn more »
This report is the product of a pre-election assessment team organized by The National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI) and The Carter Center that visited Nigeria March 16-21, 2003. The report details the team's observations and respectfully includes specific recommendations for ways to improve the conduct of the elections in the few weeks remaining before the first set of elections on April 12. The team was warmly received by all with whom it met, for which it expresses its gratitude, and urges all Nigerians to work together to ensure the integrity of the 2003 election process. Learn more »
I am deeply concerned about reports of detentions of Cuban citizens known for supporting the Varela Project, promoting human rights, and practicing independent journalism. Learn more »
Friends, family, and dignitaries from across Georgia gathered here March 19 for a gala event at Atlanta Symphony Hall to honor former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, and his wife, Rosalynn. The evening, which President Carter described as "an ironic night," began at 8 p.m.--the exact deadline issued for Saddam Hussein's exit from Iraq. Learn more »
Ten former presidents and prime ministers from the Western Hemisphere met at The Carter Center this week and agreed upon practical recommendations for how governments can reduce campaign costs and the influence of money on politics. Learn more »
O Centro Carter organizou a conferência "O Financiamento da democracia: Partidos políticos, campanhas e eleições", em colaboração com o Fórum Interamericano sobre Partidos Políticos da Organização dos Estados Americanos. Learn more »
Members of the Council of Presidents and Prime Ministers of the Americas Learn more »
Maria Teresa Riveros de Almarza is the director of public affairs and communications for Venezuela and Colombia for The Coca-Cola Company. Before holding this position, Ms. Almarza worked as corporate communications manager of Coca-Cola Venezuela, public relations director for Hilton International in Venezuela, and as membership manager of the Venezuelan American Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VenAmCham). Additionally, she coordinated committee work as vice president of the Latin American Chapter of the World Federation of Advertisement and president of the Venezuelan Advertiser Association. Ms. Almarza holds a bachelor's degree in business administration. Learn more »
The planned meeting of American, British, and Spanish leaders in the Azores this weekend is a strong indication of their determination to resolve the present impasse in the United Nations. Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter has hailed the International Criminal Court, formally inaugurated March 11 in The Hague, as a "watershed in our collective struggle for justice in the world." Learn more »
The Carter Center's Guyana office is launching its second opportunity for Guyanese nonprofit organizations to apply for funding for projects focusing on regional or national policy changes. The Carter Center will award grants of up to US$10,000 each to assist eligible organizations in their projects, which may include data collection or raising public awareness. Learn more »
Bolivia Vice President Carlos Mesa, Chile Minister of the Interior Jose Insulza, Organization of American States Secretary General César Gaviria, U.S. Rep. Christopher Shays, former Colombia President Andrés Pastrana, former Chile President Eduardo Frei, former Costa Rica President Miguel Angel Rodríguez, former Dominican Republic President Leonel Fernandez, and former Uruguay President Luis Alberto Lacalle are among the leaders who will join former U.S. President Jimmy Carter March 17-19 at The Carter Center to address the need to restore public confidence in government by enacting laws requiring full disclose of campaign finances. Learn more »
The Carter Center deplores the escalation of violence in Caracas in the last week and deplores the bombings of the diplomatic missions of Colombia and Spain in Caracas. Learn more »
The Carter Center Guyana held a Youth Empowerment Forum Feb. 15 in Linden that was attended by more than 60 participants from Regions 10 and 4. The participants represented a wide array of youth organizations, secondary schools, and other entities focusing on youth issues, based in both rural and urban areas, ranging from Amerindian villages to the city of Georgetown. Learn more »
I wish to express my deep sadness for the violence, looting and vandalism that occurred in Bolivia. My thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those killed and injured on the streets of La Paz. Learn more »
Applications are now being accepted for six one-year journalism fellowships with the Mental Health Program of The Carter Center. Designed to enhance public understanding of mental health issues and combat stigma and discrimination against people with mental illnesses, the fellowships begin in September 2003. Learn more »
I am pleased to see that the government and the Coordinadora have begun discussions at the Mesa de Negociaciones y Acuerdos on an electoral solution. Both sides have used the proposals that The Carter Center presented at the Mesa last week as a basis for progress and have presented their initial responses. Learn more »
On Friday, Jan. 31, the Carter Center's Guyana office will be celebrating the launch of its Resource Center, located at the Center's Guyana headquarters at 34 North and King Streets, Lacytown, in Georgetown. Learn more »
Georgetown, Guyana…..The Carter Center's Guyana office will award this week nearly GY$8 million to 10 small nonprofit organizations working to advance the causes of women, youth, and Amerindians. Learn more »
La oposición anuncia la finalización del paro. El Gobierno anuncia que no habrá represalias contra los trabajadores públicos que recurrieron a sus derechos sindicales. Quienes sean encontrados culpables de sabotaje o de otros delitos, serán penados conforme a la ley. Learn more »
La oposición anuncia la finalización del paro. El Gobierno anuncia que no habrá represalias contra los trabajadores públicos que recurrieron a sus derechos sindicales. Quienes sean encontrados culpables de sabotaje o de otros delitos, serán penados conforme a la ley. Learn more »
The Carter Center is pleased to have observed Kenya's presidential, parliamentary, and civic elections on Dec. 27. The Center commends the people of Kenya for their conduct on election day and the generally calm atmosphere in which polling took place. Overall, the 2002 elections were conducted in a peaceful and tolerant manner. Thousands of Kenyans responded enthusiastically, often forming long lines at the opening of polls. Learn more »
Quiero expresar al pueblo Venezolano mi profunda preocupación por el alto nivel de tensión en el que se aproximan a celebrar las Navidades y la llegada del Año Nuevo. Learn more »
Georgetown, Guyana….The Carter Center held a Women's Legal Empowerment Forum in New Amsterdam on Dec. 14, with a turnout of more than 60 participants from East and West Berbice. This was the first of a series of planned forums for women that will raise awareness of women's legal rights and issues and mobilize people to address the challenges facing women in realizing their full legal rights. Learn more »
ATLANTA…The Carter Center today announced it will observe Kenya's national, state, and local elections Dec. 27. Former Zambia President Kenneth Kaunda and former U.S. Ambassador Gordon Streeb, associate executive director of the Center's peace programs, will lead the Center's delegation of 27 observers. Learn more »
Abuja, Nigeria....This statement is the product of the National Democratic Institute and the Carter Center pre-election assessment mission that visited Nigeria Nov. 17-22, 2002. To support the work of the delegation, a 13-person advance team of observers visited nine states in all six geo-political zones Nov. 7-15 and conducted more than 100 meetings and interviews. The statement details the delegation's observations and respectfully includes specific recommendations to stakeholders for ways to improve the conduct of the elections. Learn more »
Atlanta.... Joyce P. Murray, Ed.D., R.N., professor of nursing at the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing of Emory University, has joined The Carter Center as director of its Ethiopia Public Health Training Initiative, a teacher training program enabling Ethiopia to meet staffing needs for more than 500 community health centers nationwide. Learn more »
ATLANTA, GA….I commend the Venezuelan government and opposition grouped under the Coordinadora Democratica for opening the Table of Negotiation and Accords today to resolve the deep differences between them. Direct conversation is the best method to increase understanding and to resolve conflict peacefully. Learn more »
Etched forever on our minds are the images of the Sept. 11 attacks in New York City and Washington, D.C. But how do some of us cope with the mental aftereffects of such a potentially staggering trauma? Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter leads a blue-ribbon panel in search of answers. Learn more »
ATLANTA….National experts and public officials concerned about the mental health implications of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the United States will gather at the 18th Annual Rosalynn Carter Symposium on Mental Health Policy Nov. 6-7 at The Carter Center. Learn more »
ATLANTA…. Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter issued an open letter today inviting Latin Americans to consider making Atlanta the headquarters for the Free Trade Area of the Americas. Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin read President Carter's letter at a meeting of Latin American business leaders in Quito, Ecuador. Learn more »
Los países del hemisferio occidental están estrechando sus lazos hoy más que en ningún otro momento de la historia. Nuestros países mantienen entre sí acuerdos desde hace muchos años destinados a promover y proteger la seguridad mutua y, más recientemente, han afirmado el apoyo y la defensa de la democracia y de la transparencia a través de nuevos acuerdos internacionales. Los líderes de la región se reúnen asiduamente en cumbres que han resultado en acuerdos trascendentales como el Area de Libre Comercio de las Américas y la Carta Democrática. Learn more »
Georgetown, Guyana….The Carter Center's Guyana office announces the launch of the Small Grants Advocacy Program 2002-2003, which is being organized under the auspices of the U.S. Agency for International Development's program More Responsive and Participatory Governance and Rule of Law in Guyana. Learn more »
We commend the Jamaican voters for participating peacefully in an election day that was generally free of the violence marring it in elections prior to 1997. The Jamaican people made a clear call for change in the culture of violence, and the candidates have responded. Learn more »
ATLANTA….The Carter Center has appointed Melanie Reimer, a Canadian citizen, as country project director to coordinate its work in Georgetown, Guyana. Reimer will manage programs aimed at strengthening the judicial system and civil society organizations that represent indigenous people, women, and youth. Learn more »
The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided to award the Nobel Peace Prize for 2002 to Jimmy Carter, for his decades of untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development. Learn more »
The Center is a not-for-profit, nongovernmental organization founded in 1982 in Atlanta, Ga., by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, in partnership with Emory University. Learn more »
I am deeply grateful for this honor. I want to thank the Nobel Committee and the many people at The Carter Center who have worked side by side with me and my wife, Rosalynn, to promote peace, health, and human rights. Learn more »
President Jimmy Carter Biography Photos The Nobel Peace Prize 2002 Announcement Press Release Acceptance Statement The Day That Was: Oct, 11, 2002 Learn more »
ATLANTA….Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and former Costa Rica President Miguel Angel Rodriguez will lead a 55-member international delegation, representing 16 countries, to observe Jamaica's national elections. The Carter Center and its Council of Presidents and Prime Ministers of the Americas, which observed Jamaica's elections in 1997, were invited by the Electoral Advisory Committee and welcomed by all major political parties to observe the Oct. 16 elections. Learn more »
Kingston, Jamaica…The Carter Center, as part of its continuing observation of the Jamaica electoral process, would like to offer the following interim comments. These are based on the findings of 12 international medium term observers, who have monitored the electoral process in 24 constituencies throughout the island since nomination day, Sept. 30. Learn more »
ATLANTA….On Oct. 5, former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, vice chair of The Carter Center, will be inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame in Seneca Falls, N.Y. She will be only the third first lady ever inducted into the Hall of Fame joining Abigail Adams (inducted in 1976) and Eleanor Roosevelt (inducted in 1973). Originally named to the Hall of Fame in 2001, Mrs. Carter's induction was postponed a year, due to the Sept.11 attacks. Learn more »
ATLANTA….Jamaicans will no longer tolerate violence during an election period. The electoral authorities and political parties have demonstrated their interest in peaceful elections by establishing mechanisms to reduce conflict. A political ombudsman has been appointed, the Elections Centre established, and a political code of conduct signed by Prime Minister P.J. Patterson and Leader of the Opposition the Hon. Edward Seaga. These advances merit praise. Learn more »
La Misión integrada por funcionarios de la Organización de los Estados Americanos (OEA), del Programa de las Naciones Unidas para el Desarrollo (PNUD) y del Centro Carter, concluyó hoy una visita de cinco días a Venezuela, atendiendo a invitaciones tanto del Gobierno como de los diversos sectores de la oposición agrupados en la Coordinadora Democrática. Learn more »
A mission of officials from the Organization of American States (OAS), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and The Carter Center concluded a five-day visit to Venezuela today, in response to invitations from the Government and the various opposition groups in the Coordinadora Democrática. Learn more »
Atlanta….During the past year, we have seen the strength and resilience of our nation in the face of the unconscionable acts of last September. Other nations of the world have banded together with us to preserve justice and freedom. Learn more »
Atlanta....A mission of the Organization of American States (OAS), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Carter Center will visit Venezuela on September 9 to 13, 2002, in response to an invitation from the government and the various opposition groups in Coordinadora Democrática. Learn more »
ATLANTA….An informative and innovative series of evening discussions open to the public and to the media is coming up at The Carter Center. This season's 'Conversations' schedule is designed to increase awareness of national and global issues. A distinguished panel consisting of Carter Center experts and special guests will make presentations followed by question-and-answer periods with the audience. The kickoff Town Hall Meeting With President and Mrs. Carter is expected to be a quick sellout. Here is the exciting lineup of all five events: Learn more »
Kingston, Jamaica….The Carter Center continues to observe the preparations for the upcoming Jamaica parliamentary elections. The Carter Center and its Council of Presidents and Prime Ministers of the Americas were invited by the Electoral Advisory Committee and welcomed by all major political parties to observe the elections. Learn more »
ATLANTA….The Carter Center welcomes the outcome of the recent IGAD peace talks on Sudan and applauds all concerned for this renewed commitment to peace. It is our profound hope that the agreements reached mark the beginning of a new era of justice and prosperity throughout Sudan and the region. It remains, however, the solemn responsibility of Sudan's leaders and their international friends to transform these initial agreements into a final and comprehensive peace that is fully embraced and implemented by all of the peoples of Sudan. Learn more »
An open letter from Jimmy Carter Learn more »
The Carter Center has been deeply involved in Venezuela during recent years, having monitored two national elections, the drafting of a new constitution, and the referendum for public approval. We also have attempted to reduce tension in this sharply divided country, with the charismatic and unorthodox President Hugo Chavez confronted by a phalanx of opposition forces concerned about his revolutionary policies. Learn more »
The Carter Center received an invitation from the government of Venezuela, dated June 4, 2002, requesting that we visit the country and facilitate a process of dialogue. We accepted the request, consulted with the U.S. government, the OAS, and UNDP, and received their encouragement and advice. Learn more »
ATLANTA…..The Carter Center's Mental Health Program today named eight recipients of its sixth annual Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism, including two fellows from New Zealand. Learn more »
CARACAS, VENEZUELA....Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter begins a four-day trip to Caracas today, where he will meet with political and civil society groups to discuss a process for helping to resolve the nation's political crisis. Learn more »
Caracas, Venezuela...At the invitation of the Government of Venezuela, a five-member delegation of The Carter Center has completed an assessment mission to the country to evaluate the conditions for a dialogue process in the current climate of uncertainty. After holding meetings with Venezuelans representing key sectors of society and branches of government, as well as the Vice President and President, the delegation has been impressed by the deep commitment to democracy and strong support among Venezuelans for a peaceful resolution to the divisions within the country. Learn more »
Caracas, Venezuela.... A raíz de la invitación cursada por el Gobierno de Venezuela, una delegación de cinco miembros del Centro Carter realizó una misión al país con el propósito de evaluar las condiciones para un proceso de diálogo en el clima de incertidumbre existente. Learn more »
I applaud the United States Supreme Court's ruling today that executing people with mental retardation constitutes cruel and unusual punishment and is therefore unconstitutional. Today's ruling is the latest, most resounding indication of shifting public attitudes about government executions. Eighteen states already prohibit capital punishment for people with severe developmental disabilities and 16 of these have banned such executions within the last dozen years. The death penalty should not be imposed on those who are least capable of mature understanding and therefore least blameworthy, no matter how grave their crimes. Learn more »
In response to a request last week from the Venezuela government to former U. S. President Jimmy Carter to facilitate a national dialogue, The Carter Center will send a small assessment team to Caracas June 24-29, 2002, to form a recommendation to President Carter on whether to accept this invitation. Learn more »
ATLANTA, GA…. Ante una solicitud formulado la semana pasada por el gobierno venezolano al ex presidente de los Estados Unidos, Jimmy Carter, proponiéndole facilitar el proceso de diálogo nacional; el Centro Carter enviará una pequeña delegación que estará en Caracas entre los días 24 y 29 de junio. Dicha misión estará a cargo de estudiar la situación a fin de recomendar al ex presidente Carter si aceptar o no la invitación. La delegación planea reunirse con autoridades gubernamentales, partidos políticos, dirigentes sindicales y empresarios, organizaciones no gubernamentales, representantes de los medios de comunicación y con los mandatarios de la Iglesia. La misión estará conformada por el Dr. Leonel Fernández, ex presidente de la República Dominicana; la Dra. Jennifer McCoy, directora del Programa de las Américas del Centro Carter; el Dr. Benjamin Hoffman, director del Programa de Resolución de Conflicto del Centro Carter; el Dr. Francisco Diez, experto internacional en mediación y la Dra. Laura Neuman, Oficial Principal del Programa de las Américas del Centro Carter. El Dr. Fernández es miembro del Consejo de Presidentes y Primeros Ministros de las Américas, un grupo de ex Jefes de Estado cuya base se encuentra en el Centro Carter, que trabaja para promover la paz y la democracia en el hemisferio. Learn more »
This is the Carter Center's second and final public statement on the 2002 presidential elections in Mali. The Center conveyed its preliminary observations of the first round of the presidential elections in an interim statement issued on May 7. This final statement summarizes the Center's overall impressions of Mali's presidential elections. A comprehensive report, including recommendations for electoral reform, is forthcoming. Learn more »
Rosalynn and I lament the passing of Fernando Belaunde Terry, a friend and colleague. Former President Belaunde was a man of honor who restored democracy in Peru. Learn more »
David Satcher, M.D., Ph.D., former U.S. Surgeon General, will join the Carter Center's Mental Health Task Force in September. Chaired by former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, the task force works to identify mental health issues of major concern, convene diverse constituencies, and develop initiatives to reduce stigma and discrimination against people with mental illnesses. Learn more »
The Carter Center and its Council of Presidents and Prime Ministers in the Americas are pleased to accept the invitation from the Electoral Advisory Committee to observe the upcoming parliamentary elections. The Carter Center was privileged to observe the 1997 elections and to continue working in Jamaica on transparency and democracy-building initiatives. The forthcoming Jamaican elections are a priority for The Carter Center, and President Carter hopes to lead a 40-50 member election observation delegation. Learn more »
The Carter Center and its Council of Presidents and Prime Ministers of the Americas have accepted the invitation from the Electoral Advisory Committee of Jamaica to observe the upcoming parliamentary elections. Learn more »
Thomas H. Bornemann, Ed.D., M.S.W., senior adviser for mental health with the World Health Organization (WHO) department of Mental Health and Substance Dependence, will join The Carter Center August 1 as director of its Mental Health Program. Learn more »
FROM FORMER BENIN PRESIDENT NICEPHORE SOGLO - On behalf of The Carter Center election observation delegation and my co-leader, Ambassador Gordon Streeb, I would like to offer the following preliminary remarks about the Sierra Leone Presidential and Parliamentary Elections on May 14, 2002: Learn more »
El texto de la Conferencia de Carter y lo que sucedió antes y después en la Aula Magna de la Universidad de La Habana el 14 de mayo, 2002 Learn more »
THE CARTER CENTER is a nonprofit, nongovernmental organization founded by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife,Rosalynn, in 1982 to advance peace and health worldwide. Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the Center has helped to improve quality of life for people in more than 65 countries. Its staff of 150 includes experts working to control and eradicate diseases, diminish the stigma against mental illness, strengthen democracy, advance human rights, and improve development planning. Learn more »
The Carter Center welcomes the completion of the first round of Mali's 2002 presidential elections. These elections mark an important step in Mali's democratic transition following the completion of President Alpha Oumar Konare's two terms in office. Overall, the elections were peaceful, well managed and conducted in a spirit of transparency. The high number of presidential candidates (24) indicates significant enthusiasm for multiparty electoral competition but also the highly personalized character of politics in Mali. The general atmosphere during the electoral campaign was positive and there were no reports of intimidation before or on election day. However, the conduct of some elements of the electoral process has generated concerns about the accuracy and reliability of the reported results. Learn more »
The Carter Center encourages the people of Zimbabwe to remain determined to vote in the presidential elections on March 9-10, 2002, even though the government of Zimbabwe has not met its responsibilities to ensure that conditions for open and peaceful elections are in place. Learn more »
Carter Center election observers began arriving in Freetown Monday to prepare for Sierra Leone's first post-conflict presidential and parliamentary elections, scheduled for May 14, 2002. The delegation of 25 observers includes election experts, regional specialists, human rights and civic leaders, including representatives from groups in Guinea and Liberia, and expert conflict resolution and human rights staff of The Carter Center. Former Benin President Nicéphore Soglo will co-lead the delegation. The Carter Center made pre-election assessment trips in August 2001 and February 2002 to Sierra Leone and to meet with national political leaders, electoral administrators, domestic and regional civil society organizations, and representatives from the international community. Learn more »
Accepting an invitation from Cuba President Fidel Castro, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, will head a Carter Center delegation to Cuba May 12-17. Learn more »
The Carter Center observers witnessed a successful election day in an election that clearly met international standards for freeness and fairness. In the post-election period, democratic development will be needed at all levels of government down to the grassroots if East Timor is to succeed as a democratic nation. It is the responsibility of Timorese civil society and the elected government, with the full support of the international community, to work toward this end. Learn more »
My heart goes out to the Venezuelan people who have suffered the turmoil of the last four days, and especially to the families of those who were killed. Learn more »
ATLANTA...The Carter Center today praised East Timor's Independent Election Commission for its impressive preparations for Sunday's presidential elections and reassured citizens that their vote will be held in secret. Learn more »
Background: The Carter Center re-opened a field office in East Timor in May 2001 for the long-term observation of the Aug. 30, 2001 Constituent Assembly elections and the subsequent constitution drafting process. Learn more »
ATLANTA...In the history of mankind, only one disease, smallpox, has been eradicated. Through the efforts of a worldwide coalition led by The Carter Center and with the generous support of partners such as the Government of Japan, a parasitic disease known as Guinea worm is poised to become the second, and the first disease to be overcome without a single vaccine or medication. Learn more »
Following The Carter Center's Development Cooperation Forum in which leaders said the world is not on target for cutting global poverty in half by 2015, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter will address international leaders Tuesday at the International Conference on Financing for Development in Monterrey, Mexico. Learn more »
This is the Carter Center's fourth and final public statement on the Zambian 2001 Tripartite Elections, released 7 March 2002 (PDF format). Learn more »
ATLANTA, GA… At a high-level forum at The Carter Center, leaders and representatives of developing countries and international development organizations called attention to the lack of progress toward achieving the Millennium Development Goals to reduce poverty. Learn more »
ATLANTA, GA… Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, will participate in the International Conference on the Eradication of Guinea Worm Disease, March 4-7, in Khartoum, Sudan. The meeting, which brings together the leaders of the Guinea worm disease eradication effort from countries throughout Africa, is co-sponsored by the Government of Sudan, The Carter Center, World Health Organization, and UNICEF. Learn more »
This statement is The Carter Center's third public statement on the Zambian electoral process. The first was a pre-election statement released on December 13, 2001. The second was an interim post-election statement on December 30, 2001. Learn more »
ATLANTA, GA… World Bank President James Wolfensohn, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Administrator Mark Malloch Brown, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Andrew Natsios, Minister of International Development for Norway Hilde Johnson, and Minister of Development Cooperation for the Netherlands Eveline Herfkens will join former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and former Secretary of the Treasury Robert Rubin February 21-22 at The Carter Center to address challenges to economic development and overcoming poverty. Four sitting presidents, from Albania, Guyana, Mali, and Mozambique, will detail their countries' experiences in developing poverty reduction strategies with the help of the international community. Learn more »
More than 60 international experts from a variety of disciplines convened at The Carter Center from Jan. 22-24, 2002, to address the question 'Is onchocerciasis (river blindness) eradicable with current knowledge and tools?' The conference, organized by The Carter Center and the World Health Organization, with funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, included presentations by expert speakers, deliberations in four working groups, and a plenary discussion of major conclusions. Learn more »
Lusaka, Zambia…The Carter Center is pleased to observe Zambia's first tripartite elections since 1964. This is the Center's second election observation mission in Zambia, having observed the historic 1991 multi-party election. Learn more »
Former Nigeria Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar, former Benin President Nicéphore Soglo, and former Tanzania Prime Minister Judge Joseph Warioba have arrived in Lusaka as co-leaders of a 33-person Carter Center observer delegation and have met with presidential candidates and election officials to discuss the election environment. Learn more »
Atlanta... In this difficult political moment, I want to express my support for the Argentine people and my sincere regret for the recent violence and consequent loss of life. Argentina remains a valued member of the democratic community of nation states, and the Argentine people will find support from citizens across the hemisphere as they seek a way forward. I have confidence that the Argentine people and their leaders will find a peaceful solution to current challenges through established democratic procedures, reflecting the country's respect for human rights and civil liberties. Learn more »
Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter is calling on parents, teachers, and health care providers to address a national crisis in children's mental health. Learn more »
ATLANTA, GA… The Carter Center has opened an office in Lusaka to begin formal in-country observation of preparations leading to Zambia's presidential and parliamentary elections due later this year. Learn more »
Managua, Nicaragua… Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter will arrive in Managua on Friday, November 2 and former Costa Rica President Oscar Arias will arrive Saturday, November 3 to lead The Carter Center's election-monitoring mission to the November 4, 2001 Nicaraguan elections. Learn more »
Managua, Nicaragua… El ex-presidente estadounidense Jimmy Carter llegará a Managua el viernes 2 de noviembre y el ex-presidente costaricense Oscar Arias llegará el sabado 3 de noviembre para encabezar la misión del Centro Carter para observar las elecciones presidenciales en Nicaragua el 4 de noviembre. Learn more »
No other set of health conditions is as harmful to children as mental illness. One in 10 children and adolescents suffer from mental illness severe enough to cause some level of impairment, yet only one in five such children receive treatment, according to the Surgeon General's report on children's mental health. Learn more »
ATLANTA, GA…When I visited Bangladesh in August, I was impressed with the evenhanded, impartial preparations for the election being made by the caretaker government and the electoral authorities, laying the foundation for free and fair elections. I congratulate the Election Commission for the central role it played in ensuring the peaceful, free and fair conduct of the elections on October 1. Learn more »
ATLANTA, GA… Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter will lead a Carter Center delegation to Nicaragua to observe its November 4th presidential elections. Prior to his visit, the Center will send a second pre-election assessment team to Managua September 27, 2001, led by former Peru President Valentín Paniagua, former US Ambassador Gwen Clare, and Dr. Shelley McConnell of The Carter Center. Learn more »
ATLANTA, Ga… El ex-presidente estadounidense Jimmy Carter, encabezará una delegación del Centro Carter para observar las elecciones presidenciales en Nicaragua el 4 de noviembre. Previo a su visita, el Centro enviará a Managua una misión de evaluación liderada por el ex presidente peruano Valentín Paniagua, la ex-embajadora estadounidense en el Ecuador Gwen Clare, y la Dra. Shelley McConnell del Centro Carter. Learn more »
Dhaka… The National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI) and The Carter Center have decided regretfully to call off their joint international observer delegation to Bangladesh's October 1 parliamentary elections, due to circumstances surrounding the terrorist attacks of September 11 in the United States. Learn more »
ATLANTA, GA…Two career U.S. Foreign Service officers have joined The Carter Center as diplomats-in-residence. Gwen C. Clare, former ambassador to the Republic of Ecuador, and Dr. Alfreda E. Meyers, advisor at the U.S. mission to the United Nations (USUN), will work with The Carter Center's Peace Programs. Ambassador Clare will focus on the Latin American and Caribbean Program and the Democracy Program, while Ms. Meyers will work with the Center's Global Development Initiative. Learn more »
Dili, East Timor…We would like to commend the people of Timor Lorosa'e for their massive and peaceful participation in the August 30 elections and congratulate the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET), which worked hard for an efficient and peaceful electoral process. Political party leaders, candidates, and supporters together with civil society organizations, actively participated in the democratic political process on a large scale. To this point, but with vote tabulation still ahead, we find that the elections meet international standards for freeness and fairness. Learn more »
Dili, East Timor…The calm, peaceful, orderly voting and extremely high voter turnout yesterday were impressive signs of the Timorese people's determination to exercise their right to democratic self-government. In the mountains we saw how people had arisen before dawn and walked miles to cast their ballots early in the morning soon after the polling stations opened. Learn more »
ATLANTA, GA…The Carter Center today commended the Independent Election Commission (IEC) for its preparations and reported satisfactory conditions in East Timor for the Aug. 30 elections and a campaign largely free of violence and intimidation in stark contrast to the time leading up the 1999 referendum. In its first report on pre-election conditions, the Center cited concerns about political parties' use of inflammatory language in their campaign speeches, which has led to some fear of retribution after the election toward political parties and their leaders and supporters. Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter will visit China Sept. 3-5 to discuss with leaders there progress in holding elections for local officials in villages nationwide. Learn more »
Carter Center observers have monitored the pre-election environment in East Timor since June 2001. Teams in the eastern, central, and western regions have conducted interviews with election officials, political party representatives, peacekeepers, police, domestic observer groups, voters, and civil society organizations. They have also observed civic education campaigns, voter education, campaign rallies, and other events related to the political process. The long-term observers will be joined by short-term observers on August 25, to provide greater coverage for the balloting on August 30. This is the first in a series of public reports on observer findings. Learn more »
Dhaka, Bangladesh -- A National Democratic Institute (NDI)/Carter Center delegation to Bangladesh led by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter resulted in the first meeting since last November between political rivals Sheikh Hasina, leader of the Awami League, and Begum Khaleda Zia, leader of the Bangladeshi Nationalist Party. The leaders of the two main political parties in Bangladesh made commitments to the delegation which can ensure a more democratic and peaceful parliamentary election, expected by October this year, as well as a more stable political environment following the polls. Learn more »
ATLANTA, Ga….In a report released today, The Carter Center praised the political climate in Nicaragua in preparation for its November presidential election. Nicaragua's Supreme Electoral Council (CSE) has made substantial progress toward holding a good election, the report stated, including assisting voters with registration and identification documents through the Complementary Plan for Citizen Cedulation, accrediting political parties, registering candidates for office, and verifying the voters list. The report also commends civil society groups, such as Ethics and Transparency, that are organizing for election observation and civic education efforts. Learn more »
A five-person international delegation organized by the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI) and The Carter Center will be in Bangladesh from July 30 to August 4, 2001, to observe the electoral environment leading up to the parliamentary elections expected to be called for September or October. Former United States President Jimmy Carter will lead the delegation, which will also include Member of Cambodia's National Assembly Saumura Tioulong, NDI Senior Associate and Director of Programs on Elections and Political Processes Patrick Merloe, The Carter Center Senior Program Associate, Democracy Programs, Ashley Barr, and NDI Asia Deputy Director Lawrence Lachmansingh. Learn more »
ATLANTA, GA…The Carter Center has deployed initial long-term observers throughout East Timor to begin reporting on the campaign period and general political climate in advance of an August 30 election for the new territory's first Constituent Assembly. Additional long-term observers will join the team in early August for a total of eight. Learn more »
LIMA.....In a report released today, the joint post-electoral observation mission of the National Democratic Institute and The Carter Center called Peru's 2001 elections an "extraordinary accomplishment in the process of returning Peru to the world community of democracies. Learn more »
Atlanta, GA….The Carter Center's Mental Health Program today named nine recipients of its Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism, including, for the first time, two international fellows. Each domestic fellow will receive $10,000 to study a particular issue within the mental health field over the course of one year. Learn more »
Studies have shown a link between employees with depressive symptoms and decreased job performance, but companies increasingly are scrutinizing their mental health care benefits. As a result, the mental health community must do more to show companies how a lack of mental health care coverage can impact their bottom line. Learn more »
Atlanta, GA….Leaders of Atlanta's multinational corporations will join former U.S. President Jimmy Carter at a conference on international business practices and corruption June 20 at The Carter Center. Learn more »
This statement is offered by the joint National Democratic Institute (NDI)/Carter Center international election observer delegation to Peru’s June 3, 2001, presidential runoff election. This was the ninth multinational NDI/Carter Center delegation to Peru since November 1999. The delegation, which visited Peru from May 30-June 5, included 35 members from 12 countries and was led by: Madeleine K. Albright, Chairman of NDI and former Secretary of State of the United States; Ramiro de Leon Carpio, former President of Guatemala and current Vice President of Guatemala’s Legislative Assembly; Rodrigo Carazo Odio, former President of Costa Rica; and Sam Gejdenson, former Member of the U.S. House of Representatives and ranking Member of the House International Relations Committee. Learn more »
I am honored to speak to you on behalf of the joint National Democratic Institute (NDI)/Carter Center international election observer delegation. I am happy to have returned to NDI upon leaving government. It is an organization that I helped found in 1983 and which I have watched closely over the years as it has worked to advance democracy worldwide. I am also pleased that this is a joint delegation with The Carter Center. We are proud of our collaborative effort in Peru over the last 18 months, and I would like to recognize the outstanding contributions of President Carter and The Carter Center around the globe. NDI and The Carter Center have worked well together in many countries over the years, just as the two institutions have advanced their work separately on many fronts. Learn more »
The National Democratic Institute (NDI) and The Carter Center today announced it will send a delegation to observe the June 3 Peruvian presidential run-off election. The 35-member multinational delegation will be led by Madeleine Albright, former U.S. Secretary of State; Rodrigo Carazo Odio, former President of Costa Rica; Ramiro de Leon Carpio, former President of Guatemala; and Sam Gejdenson, former Member of the U.S. House of Representatives. Learn more »
The Carter Center, along with its partners - - Health and Development International (HDI), Hydro Polymers of Norsk Hydro, and Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) - - has begun to blanket Sudan with nine million pipe filters - one for every man, woman, and child at risk of Guinea worm disease in Sudan. Learn more »
La misión de observación electoral del Instituto Nacional Demócrata(NDI)/Centro Carter en Perú ha continuado observando el entorno electoral previo a la segunda vuelta presidencial. Además de mantener una presencia permanente en Lima, los observadores de largo plazo están realizando viajes a Arequipa, Cuzco, Puno, Tarapoto, Piura, Chiclayo, Trujillo e Iquitos para observar los desarrollos electorales en estas zonas del país. Learn more »
ATLANTA, GA....More than 65 percent of children in Georgia's juvenile justice system have a diagnosable mental disorder, and adequate treatment services for them are sorely lacking. This is one of the topics to be addressed at The Carter Center May 17 at the 2001 Rosalynn Carter Georgia Mental Health Forum Georgia at the Crossroads: Children in the Juvenile Justice, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse Systems. Learn more »
ATLANTA, GA....The Carter Center today received the American Psychiatric Association's "Distinguished Service Award" in recognition of its efforts to address key public policy issues and develop initiatives to reduce the stigma of mental illness. Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter met today with Reebok Chairman Paul Fireman and the Reebok Board of Directors to discuss the company's continuing efforts to promote human rights worldwide. Learn more »
Twenty-eight former presidents and prime ministers from the Western Hemisphere appealed to heads of state at the Summit of the Americas here today to take action to safeguard democracy in the region. Learn more »
The National Democratic Institute (NDI)/Carter Center observer delegation today expressed "admiration" for the conduct of Peru's national elections on Sunday, saying Peruvians had "demonstrated a solid commitment to truly democratic elections." Learn more »
This statement is offered by the joint National Democratic Institute (NDI)/Carter Center international election observer delegation to Peru's April 8, 2001, extraordinary presidential and congressional elections. The delegation, which visited Peru from April 4-10, included 35 members from 11 countries and was led by: Jimmy Carter, former President of the United States; Ramiro de Leon Carpio, former President of Guatemala and current Vice President of Guatemala's Legislative Assembly; Eni Faleomavaega, Member of the U.S. House of Representatives; and Peter McPherson, President of Michigan State University and former Administrator of USAID under the Reagan Administration. Learn more »
Esta declaración ha sido elaborada por la Delegación de Observación Electoral Internacional Conjunta del Instituto Nacional Demócrata (NDI)/ Centro Carter al Perú para las elecciones presidenciales y congresales extraordinarias del 8 de Abril de 2001. La Delegación visitó el Perú del 4 al 10 de Abril, incluyó 35 miembros de 11 países, y fue encabezada por el Sr. Jimmy Carter, ex-presidente de los Estados Unidos; Ramiro de León Carpio, ex-presidente de Guatemala y actual vicepresidente del Congreso de Guatemala; Eni Faleomavaega, miembro de la Cámara de Representantes de los Estados Unidos; y Peter McPherson, Rector de la Universidad Estatal de Michigan y Administrador de la Agencia de los EE.UU. para el Desarrollo Internacional (USAID) durante el mandato del Presidente Reagan. Learn more »
Lima, Peru....On behalf of The Carter Center and the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI), I want to say our joint delegation is honored to be in Peru to observe this historic election. Learn more »
A nombre del Centro Carter y el Instituto Nacional Demscrata para Asuntos Internacionales (NDI) quisiera decir que es un honor para nuestra delegacisn conjunta observar esta eleccisn histsrica. Learn more »
The final report from the Carter Center's observation of the 2000 Venezuela elections and the 1999 constitutional assembly calls for reforms to electoral procedures to build voter confidence in the process and avoid deficiencies that flawed the July 2000 elections. Learn more »
ATLANTA, GA....The National Democratic Institute (NDI) and The Carter Center today announced its delegation that will observe the April 8th Peruvian legislative and presidential elections. The 35-member multinational delegation will be led by Jimmy Carter, former President of the United States, Ramiro de Leon Carpio, former President of Guatemala and current Vice President of Guatemala's Legislative Assembly, Eni Faleomavaega, Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, and Peter McPherson, President of Michigan State University and former Administrator of USAID under the Reagan Administration. The delegation will include elected officials, electoral and human rights experts and civil society leaders from 11 countries in Europe and the Americas. Learn more »
ATLANTA, GA...El Instituto Nacional Demócrata (NDI) y el Centro Carter (TCC) anunciaron hoy día la delegación que observará las elecciones peruanas legislativas y presidenciales del 8 de abril. La delegación multi-nacional de 40 miembros estará liderada por Jimmy Carter, ex-presidente de los Estados Unidos; Ramiro de León Carpio, ex -presidente de Guatemala; Eni Faleomavaega, miembro de la Cámara de Diputados de los Estados Unidos; y Peter McPherson, Presidente de la Universidad del Estado de Michigan y ex-Administrador de la Agencia de Desarollo Internacional de Los Estados Unidos (USAID) en el gobierno de Ronald Reagan. La delegación incluirá a funcionarios electos, expertos en asuntos electorales y derechos humanos y líderes de la sociedad civil de 11 paises de Europa y las Américas Learn more »
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA... On Wednesday, March 21, 2001, The Carter Center issued a press release with an attached statement drafted by President Carter. President Carter had shared a draft of the statement with the two main political party presidential candidates on Wednesday morning before leaving Guyana. While neither presidential candidate signed the statement, both indicated verbally to President Carter that they supported the content of the document. Learn more »
ATLANTA, GA....The Carter Center's Guinea Worm Eradication Program is getting a huge boost this weekend, thanks to Johnson & Johnson and Home Depot. Johnson & Johnson is donating enough medical supplies to assemble 6,000 health kits to be used in the treatment of Guinea worm disease. Home Depot, a long-time Carter Center partner, is contributing storage facilities, shipping supplies, and volunteers to assemble the kits before they are shipped to Africa. Learn more »
Georgetown, Guyana....Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter drafted the attached statement and presented it to President Bharrat Jagdeo and to former President Desmond Hoyte. Both leaders and their associates approved the text and pledged to implement its provisions as expeditiously as possible. Learn more »
On March 20, 2001, the day after the March 19 elections in Guyana, The Carter Center issued a preliminary statement about the electoral process. The statement characterized the elections up through the balloting process in positive terms, saying that the process was generally peaceful and orderly and that there were no irregularities at the vast majority of the polling sites visited by Carter Center observers. However, the Center's statement noted that observers reported significant confusion surrounding the closing of polls, at least in the Georgetown area, due to conflicting information from the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), the media, and others regarding the possibility of extending voting beyond the scheduled 6:00pm closing time. In addition, while noting that the political parties had expressed concerns about the accuracy of the final voters list, the statement reported that it was difficult at that time to ascertain the magnitude of the problem. Finally, the statement echoed the sentiment of many Guyanese that the elections alone are not sufficient to solve the nation's problems. Learn more »
The Carter Center would like to commend the Guyanese people for their conduct and participation in yesterday's elections and present this preliminary statement on the electoral process. Learn more »
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA... I am pleased to return to Guyana to observe these important elections. As many of you know, The Carter Center observed the elections here in 1992 and has remained active in supporting political and economic development in Guyana ever since. Learn more »
March 9, 2001 Peru's interim government has established the necessary conditions for a free, transparent and legitimate election, according to a team of election observers from the National Democratic Institute and The Carter Center who visited Lima this week to assess the election process and offer recommendations. Learn more »
El gobierno interino del Perú ha establecido las condiciones necesarias para elecciones libres, transparentes y legítimas, según la delegación del Instituto Nacional Demócrata y del Centro Carter que estuvo en Lima esta semana para evaluar el proceso electoral. También informaron que los ex-presidentes Jimmy Carter de los Estados Unidos y Ramiro de León Carpio de Guatemala, junto con Peter McPherson, Presidente de Michigan State University y ex-Administrador de la Agencia de Estados Unidos para el Desarrollo Internacional (USAID), encabezarán una delegación de aproximadamente 30 observadores electorales para monitorear los comicios del 8 de abril. Learn more »
ATLANTA, GA....General Amadou Toumani Touré, the former president of Mali who helped topple a dictator and then stepped down in favor of an elected president, will give the keynote address at the Francophonie 2001: Global Challenges of Strengthening Democracy and Human Rights conference on April 2, 2001, at The Carter Center. Learn more »
ATLANTA, GA...A Carter Center delegation that visited Albania last week has urged the major political parties and new parties to cooperate to resolve outstanding disputes about preparations for the June 2001 parliamentary elections. Learn more »
Lima, Peru -- January 26, 2001: An international pre-election delegation organized jointly by the National Democratic Institute (NDI) and The Carter Center issued a 9-page statement at a press conference today in Lima. The six-member delegation included persons from five countries and was led by former President of Guatemala and present Vice President of the Congress of Guatemala, Ramiro de Leon Carpio. Learn more »
ATLANTA, GA...The Carter Center announced today it will observe Guyana's Parliamentary elections scheduled for March 19, 2001. A field office for the project will be opened soon to organize pre-election observation activities and prepare for deployment of a 30-person team on election day. Learn more »
Nairobi, Kenya….The following statement is issued by the delegation leaders, Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, minister in charge of the presidency, Uganda, and Ali Numeiri, minister of state in the Ministry of External Relations, Sudan. Learn more »
The Carter Center strongly condemns the Nov. 28 ransacking of the offices of a leading Liberian nongovernmental organization, the Center for Democratic Empowerment (CEDE) and the brutal beatings of its executive director, Conmany Wesseh, and chairman, former Interim President Dr. Amos Sawyer. Learn more »
Secretary General Dr. Gro Harlem Brundtland of the World Health Organization and U.S. Surgeon General Dr. David Satcher will give the keynote speeches at the "Inaugural World Conference for the Promotion of Mental Health and Prevention of Mental and Behavioral Disorders" Dec. 6-8, 2000, at The Carter Center. Learn more »
ATLANTA, GA.... The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has provided a $741,000 grant for the reactivation of the International Task Force for Disease Eradication (ITFDE). Based at The Carter Center in Atlanta, the ITFDE will evaluate the most likely disease candidates for eradication, with suggestions on research that could increase opportunities for eradicating and controlling selected diseases. Learn more »
The Carter Center has followed election processes in Nicaragua since 1989, including the January 2000 reform of the electoral law and subsequent reorganization of the Supreme Electoral Council (CSE). As in 1990 and 1996, The Center was invited by the CSE to monitor the municipal elections scheduled for November 5, 2000. In order to better understand the conditions for the municipal vote and developments pertaining to the presidential elections scheduled for 2001, the Center sent three election experts to Managua, Nicaragua from September 26 - October 1, 2000. Learn more »
El Centro Carter ha seguido de cerca el desarrollo de los procesos electorales en Nicaragua desde 1989, incluyendo la reforma de la ley electoral EN enero del 2000 y la subsiguiente reorganización del Consejo Supremo Electoral (CSE). El Centro ha sido invitado por el CSE, tal como en 1990 y 1996, a monitorear las elecciones municipales programadas para el 5 de noviembre del 2000. Con el objeto de comprender mejor las condiciones para el voto municipal y los procesos relacionados con las elecciones presidenciales del 2001, el Centro envió una delegación de tres expertos en elecciones a Managua, Nicaragua, del 26 de septiembre al 1o. de octubre del 2000. Learn more »
Countries should meet minimum standards for free elections as a criterion for participating in the Organization of American States' Summit of the Americas, high-level leaders at the "Challenges to Democracy in the Americas" conference at The Carter Center recommended today. Learn more »
ATLANTA, GA.... Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter today issued the following statement in conjunction with a luncheon speech at The Carter Center before lawyers, judges, and policymakers gathered for the American Bar Association (ABA) conference "Call To Action: A Moratorium on Executions." Learn more »
ATLANTA, GA.... Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter today issued the following statement in conjunction with a luncheon speech at The Carter Center before lawyers, judges, and policymakers gathered for the American Bar Association (ABA) conference "Call To Action: A Moratorium on Executions". Learn more »
ATLANTA, GA.... Colombia Foreign Minister Guillermo Fernandez de Soto, Belize Prime Minister Said Musa, U.S. Acting Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs Peter Romero, former Argentina President Raul Alfonsin, and former Dominican Republic President Leonel Fernandez are among the leaders who will join former U.S. President Jimmy Carter Oct. 16-18 at The Carter Center to address challenges to democracy in Latin America. Learn more »
ATLANTA, GA.... NAIROBI.....With a view to full implementation of the Nairobi Agreement of Dec. 8, 1999, between the Governments of Sudan and Uganda, a ministerial meeting was held in Nairobi Nov. 17-19, 2000, under the auspices of The Carter Center, with the participation of the Governments of Canada, Egypt, and Libya and representatives of UNICEF. Learn more »
Caracas, Venezuela…A 48-member international delegation observed the July 30 elections in 16 states and the Federal District. The Carter Center observers visited more than 270 mesas. Our observers were welcomed throughout the country by the Venezuelan authorities and citizens. Learn more »
Caracas, Venezuela…. Es un honor para Rosalynn y para mí estar aquí representando al Consejo de Presidentes y Primer Ministros de las Américas, acompañados por el ex-presidente de Costa Rica Rodrigo Carazo y el ex-presidente de Uruguay Luis Alberto Lacalle en un momento tan importante en la historia de Venezuela. Learn more »
At the invitation of the major political parties and the government of Mexico and with the welcome of the Federal Election Institute, the Latin American and the Caribbean Program (LACP) of the Carter Center, representing the Council of Presidents and Prime Ministers, dispatched an exploratory mission to Mexico on June 12-14, 2000 to assess the electoral process and propose a strategy to monitor the elections of July 2nd. Led by Dr. Robert Pastor, former Director of the LACP, and Dr. Shelley McConnell, Associate Director of the LACP, the four-member team met with senior party officials, members of the government, IFE, the Electoral Tribunal, and diplomats. Learn more »
Following is an executive summary to an 11-page pre-electoral assessment report by The Carter Center on the July 2 elections in Mexico. You can access the entire report in English on the Center's website at: "www.cartercenter.org/doc976.htm". We apologize that a Spanish version of the report is not immediately available. Learn more »
Three former leaders of the Americas are calling on the Organization of American States to declare that Peru's elections did not meet democratic standards and to send a team to Peru to seek ways for the country to restore a democratic electoral process. Learn more »
Since last December, four successive observer missions, sponsored jointly by the National Democratic Institute (NDI) and the Carter Center, have pointed to fundamental flaws in Peru's electoral process. Learn more »
The Carter Center continues to observe the electoral process, postponed since May 25th. At that time, we applauded the decision to postpone the "Mega-elections" so that electoral authorities could have the opportunity to better prepare and inform the citizens of Venezuela about their election options and how to vote. The resignation and reselection of the Consejo Nacional Electoral was a step toward credibility. Learn more »
The International Observer Delegation sponsored by the National Democratic Institute (NDI) and The Carter Center offers this Preliminary Statement on the May 16, 2000 presidential elections in the Dominican Republic. Learn more »
This statement is offered by an international pre-election delegation to Peru, organized jointly by the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI) and The Carter Center. The delegation visited Peru from April 30 through May 5, 2000. This is the fourth in a series of NDI/Carter Center delegations that have observed Peru's election process thus far. In addition, the National Democratic Institute and The Carter Center organized an assessment team for the April 9 elections and have maintained a continuous monitoring presence in Peru since January, which will continue until after the second round of the presidential election. NDI and The Carter Center will organize an international assessment team for the presidential runoff election on May 28, and another joint delegation is likely to visit the country in the period immediately following the runoff, in order to more fully assess the entire electoral process. Learn more »
This statement is offered by an international pre-election delegation to Peru, organized jointly by the National Democratic Institute (NDI) and The Carter Center. The delegation visited Peru from March 17 through March 24, 2000. This is the third in a series of NDI/Carter Center delegations that have observed the pre-election period. In addition, The Carter Center and NDI have established a continuous presence in Peru from January until after the elections. Another NDI/Carter Center delegation is likely to visit the country in the period immediately following the April 9 elections, in order to more fully assess the entire electoral process. Learn more »
Representatives of the Sudanese and Ugandan governments issued the following statement today following three days of talks here on steps to implement the Nairobi Agreement, which is designed to normalize relations between the two countries and promote regional peace. Learn more »
Election observers from The Carter Center and the National Democratic Institute (NDI) visited Lima this week and found that Peru's election process does not yet meet international standards for democratic elections. Former Costa Rica President Rodrigo Carazo led the delegation, which is the second in a planned series of three NDI/Carter Center delegations that will observe the campaign conditions and administrative preparations for the presidential and legislative elections on April 9, 2000. Learn more »
This statement is offered by an international pre-election delegation to Peru, organized jointly by the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI) and The Carter Center. The delegation visited Peru from February 7 through February 11, 2000. This is the second in a planned series of three NDI/Carter Center delegations that will observe the pre-election period. In addition, The Carter Center and NDI have established a continuous presence in Peru from January until after the elections in April 2000, in order to more fully assess the entire electoral process. Learn more »
The following is a statement by Charles E. Costello, then director of the Carter Center's Democracy Program, to the Joint Hearing of the House and Senate on East Timor. Learn more »
Uganda President Yoweri Museveni and Sudan President Omaral-Bashir today agreed to take steps to re-establish diplomatic relationsand to promote peace in the region. Learn more »
Maputo, Mozambique…The Carter Center commends the Mozambican people for their enthusiastic participation in the Dec. 3-5 elections, and for their demonstration of faith in the democratic process. Learn more »
Maputo, Mozambique…The Carter Center's election observation delegation would like to commend the Mozambican people for their participation in the general elections of December 3-5, and to present this preliminary statement on the electoral process. Learn more »
Atlanta, GA...The Carter Center announced today that it has received the largest project-specific cash grants in its history - totaling nearly $30 million over the next ten years – from the Lions Clubs International Foundation and the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. Learn more »
Atlanta, GA…Former U. S. President Jimmy Carter today expressed concern over the plight of East Timorese refugees in Indonesia. Hundreds of thousands of refugees remain in camps in western Timor, Alor, Flores, and Sulawesi, and thousands more are scattered throughout other parts of Indonesia. The Atlanta-based Carter Center has had an observation mission in East Timor since early July. Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter will travel on behalf of The Carter Center to Mali, Africa Oct. 14-16. They will attend a conference sponsored by Sasakawa-Global 2000 (SG 2000) to consider solutions to the many challenges affecting food distribution in Africa, from rural farms to the continent's burgeoning urban areas. Learn more »
The carefully planned campaign of violence and terror carried out by the Indonesian security forces and their militia surrogates in East Timor and in West Timor over the past several weeks has spread throughout Indonesia. Carter Center observers have gathered first-hand evidence of systematic efforts by the Indonesian military, police, local government officials, members of Timorese pro-autonomy groups, and armed militias to harass and terrorize refugees from East Timor who have taken refuge in Bali and several cities on the island of Java, including the Indonesian capital of Jakarta. Learn more »
The Carter Center is encouraged by the decision of the Indonesian government to allow the deployment of an international peacekeeping force in East Timor. However, the Indonesian military and police, with the assistance of their militia surrogates, continue to murder and terrorize the people of East Timor, destroying buildings and infrastructure and forcibly expelling tens of thousands of unarmed civilians from the territory. Learn more »
The Carter Center has been forced by militia attacks in East Timor to evacuate its remaining three international staff members from the territory. Their reports from Jakarta of the events they witnessed just prior to leaving the East Timor capital of Dili conclusively show complicity of Indonesian forces, both police and military, with the armed gangs terrorizing and displacing the local East Timorese populace. This includes militias' efforts to drive international observers, journalists, and U.N. staff out of East Timor. Learn more »
The popular consultation on the future of East Timor, held Aug. 30, 1999, was marred by numerous instances of intimidation and violence prior to the vote. Nevertheless, on balloting day eligible voters turned out in impressively large numbers - more than 95 percent according to preliminary reports - to express their opinion in a well-administered and largely peaceful exercise. At the same time, however, violence or the threat of violence overhangs a process of which the consultation was only an early part. Learn more »
(Background: Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and The Carter Center are closely monitoring the popular consultation process on autonomy in East Timor. Ten Carter Center observers have been traveling throughout East Timor since July 4 to assess preparations for the vote, the security environment, and the fairness of the campaign, while remaining strictly neutral and nonpartisan. The following is the sixth in a series of weekly reports to be issued by The Carter Center observer mission before and after the consultation.) Learn more »
Maputo, Mozambique…..A Carter Center delegation in Mozambique to observe the voter registration process found high rates of turnout, especially among women, and reported that both major political parties appear to be satisfied with the process to date. The 13-member delegation, which spent 10 days in Mozambique to assess the registration process, issued a short report summarizing their findings. Learn more »
(Background: Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and The Carter Center are closely monitoring the popular consultation process on autonomy in East Timor. Ten Carter Center observers have been traveling throughout East Timor since July 4 to assess preparations for the vote, the security environment, and the fairness of the campaign, while remaining strictly neutral and nonpartisan. The following is the fifth in a series of weekly reports to be issued by The Carter Center observer mission before and after the consultation.) Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and The Carter Center are closely monitoring the public consultation process on autonomy in East Timor through neutral, nonpartisan observers assessing preparations for the vote, the security environment, and the fairness of the campaign. Following is the second in a series of weekly reports to be issued by The Carter Center observer mission before and after the consultation Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and The Carter Center are closely monitoring the public consultation process on autonomy in East Timor. The Carter Center opened an office in Dili on July 4. An additional eight observers have now joined the team and have begun traveling throughout East Timor to assess preparations for the vote, the security environment, and the fairness of the campaign, while remaining strictly neutral and nonpartisan. The following is the third in a series of weekly reports to be issued by The Carter Center observer mission before and after the consultation.) Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and The Carter Center are closely monitoring the public consultation process on autonomy in East Timor through neutral, nonpartisan observers assessing preparations for the vote, the security environment, and the fairness of the campaign. Following is the second in a series of weekly reports to be issued by The Carter Center observer mission before and after the consultation. Learn more »
The Carter Center accepted the invitation of The Cherokee Nation Election Commission in Oklahoma to observe the Cherokee Nation elections in May 1999, and at the invitation of the Commission agreed to return to observe the July 24 run-off elections for the Principal Chief, Deputy Chief and two of the 15 seats of the tribal council. Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and The Carter Centerare closely monitoring the public consultation process on autonomy in EastTimor. The Center opened an office with two observers in Dili on July 4.They will be joined next week by eight long-term observers, who will travelthroughout East Timor to assess preparations for the vote, the securityenvironment, and the fairness of the campaign, while remaining strictlyneutral and nonpartisan. The following is the first of a series of weeklyreports to be issued by The Carter Center observer mission before andafter the consultation Learn more »
Jakarta...The following statement on Indonesia's legislative elections of June 7, 1999, is offered by the international election observation delegation organized jointly by the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI) and The Carter Center. The 100-member delegation was led by former United States President Jimmy Carter. Members of the delegation observed in 26 of Indonesia's 27 provinces. Learn more »
ATLANTA, GA....Before going into details, we would once again like to congratulate you on your dedication to well-run tribal elections and to the professionalism and unflappability of your staff. If you accomplished nothing else in this election, your voters can feel confident they have a truly secret ballot which should go a long way toward building their trust in the elections process of the Cherokee Nation. Learn more »
Atlanta, GA... Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter has called for an end to the destruction of civilian life in the Balkans caused by the bombing of nonmilitary targets and the use of cluster bombs. Learn more »
Tahlequah, OK...Earlier this month, The Carter Center accepted the invitation of the Cherokee Nation Election Commission to visit Oklahoma and observe the May 22, 1999 elections for Principal Chief, Deputy Chief and 15 Tribal Council members. After studying Cherokee electoral law and making logistical preparations, we brought a 10-person assessment team to Tahlequah last week, spending several days discussing the electoral system with Election Commission officials, candidates, and community leaders. Learn more »
Today, journalists play an increasingly important role in shaping public understanding and debate about health care issues. Does the media unfairly influence the public perception of the mentally ill? How can we erase the stigma attached to mental illness? Rosalynn Carter and The Carter Center will host a panel of experts to address these issues on Thursday, May 13, from 7:30-9 p.m. Learn more »
Corruption is one of the principal threats to democracy, growth and equity in the hemisphere. It distorts public services, deters investment, discriminates against the poor, and destroys public confidence in democratic governments. Learn more »
The Carter Center and the National Democratic Institute (NDI) offer this statement on the February 27 presidential election in Nigeria, to supplement the preliminary statement of February 28. Learn more »
The Carter Center and the National Democratic Institute (NDI) offer this preliminary statement on the February 27 presidential election in Nigeria. A more detailed report will be made available at a 10 AM press conference tomorrow following further releases of election results, a more detailed analysis of the observations of our delegation, and of the information collected from the thousands of Nigerian election observers. Our 66-member delegation visited polling stations and collation centers in 20 states and the Federal Capital Territory of Abuja. Learn more »
The Carter Center and the National Democratic Institute (NDI) were pleased to observe the peaceful conduct of the February 20 elections for the Senate and House of Representatives, and we reaffirm our strong support for the transition process in Nigeria. Voting in many places adhered to electoral regulations, but our observers noted low voter turnout throughout the country and witnessed serious irregularities in several areas. Learn more »
ATLANTA, GA....Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter will visit Nigeria Jan. 19-22 for meetings with Nigerian Head of State General Abulsalami Abubakar, election officials, party leaders, and others as part of a joint election assessment mission by The Carter Center and the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI). Learn more »
BEIJING, CHINA…At the invitation of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Standing Committee of the National Peoples' Congress (NPC) of the People's Republic of China, an eight-person delegation from The Carter Center observed direct elections for township people's congress (TPC) representatives and indirect elections for township government officials in Chongqing municipality in southwest China between January 8-13, 1999. This mission was the first-ever international observation of elections for government officials in China. The Center greatly appreciates this opportunity to learn about the procedures that China uses to elect its local government officials. We also welcome the invitation to share our observations widely and to offer comments on what we have seen. Learn more »
ATLANTA, GA....Americans may or may not agree that the bombing of Iraq is justified. However, the allegations by some members of Congress that the President of the United States and his security advisers would launch an attack on Iraq for political purposes are both unjust and ill-advised. Learn more »
ATLANTA, GA....We congratulate the Venezuelan people for their enthusiastic participation in yesterday's election, and for their demonstration of faith in the democratic process. They voted calmly and peacefully, but definitively for change. We congratulate Venezuela's National Electoral Council and all of those who worked to ensure a smooth and efficient electoral process. The automated vote count system -- the first national electronic system in the hemisphere – brought a new level of transparency and confidence to the process. Learn more »
ATLANTA, GA....Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, former U.S. Treasury Secretary Nicholas Brady, former Chile President Patricio Aylwin, and former Bolivia President Gonzalo Sánchez de Lozada will lead a Carter Center team of more than 40 delegates to observe the Venezuelan presidential election Dec. 6.. Learn more »
New Carter Center staff have arrived in Liberia to launchinitiatives on human rights and the media in support of Liberia'sefforts to build strong democratic institutions. Learn more »
The Carter Center has worked in Sudan since 1986, when its SG 2000 Agriculture program began working with farm families to increase the yield and quality of their crops. Led by Nobel Peace Prize winner Norman Borlaug, SG 2000 helped Sudanese farmers increase wheat production by 500 percent in five years, growing from 157,000 tons in 1986-87 to 831,000 tons in 1991-92. Learn more »
High-ranking officials responsible for the conduct of elections in some 930,000 villages in China will be in Atlanta Aug. 9-13 to watch citizens vote in the runoff elections and to learn more about U.S. election procedures. Their visit includes a public forum from 4-6 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 12, at The Carter Center, at which delegation leaders will discuss China village elections. Learn more »
Former heads of state from the Western Hemisphere and regional experts on Latin America will meet at The Carter Center on March 25 for the conference "Securing Democracies in the Americas: Preparing for the Santiago Summit." Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, former Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Colin Powell, and three former presidents and prime ministers from Latin America and the Caribbean will lead a 55-person Carter Center delegation to observe Dec. 18 parliamentary elections in Jamaica. Learn more »
The Carter Center's Council of Freely Elected Heads of Government will send a third pre-election mission to Jamaica Dec. 9-10. The Rev. Dr. Joseph E. Lowery, president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), and a long-time associate of the late Martin Luther King, Jr., will lead that team, which includes Dr. Robert Pastor, director of the Center's Latin American and Caribbean Program, and Mr. Jason Carter, grandson of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter. Learn more »
The Carter Center today announced the establishment of the Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism. Part of a national effort to reduce stigma and discrimination against people with mental illness, the one-year, annual fellowships, which begin in September, will provide $10,000 grants to five fellows so that each may study or complete a project on a selected topic relative to mental health. Learn more »
The "Not Even One" Program (NEO) of The Carter Center announced today it will expand its efforts to prevent gun-related deaths and injuries of children by establishing a demonstration site in Atlanta effective April 1. Hughes Spalding Children's Hospital of Grady Health System (HSCH), in conjunction with the Morehouse School of Medicine, will manage the site. In collaboration with the Emory University School of Public Health, HSCH will help NEO develop within the next few years, a model public health approach that communities nationwide can use to prevent firearm-related deaths and injuries of youth. Learn more »
The Carter Center's Interfaith Health Program (IHP) will convene 100 leaders of religious foundations, faith groups, and the healthcare field from 25 states nationwide on March 9 and 10. The purpose of the meeting, "Realigning Religious Health Assets," is to explore how foundations, created through the selling of religious hospitals, can build healthier communities by emphasizing prevention and promoting a community-based approach to healthcare. Learn more »
The Carter Center's Mental Health Program, chaired by former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, recently received the President's Award from the Mental Health Association of Georgia. The award was given in recognition of the program's leadership and advocacy in the mental health field. Learn more »
Marshaling international resources to help countries build lasting, peaceful civil societies from the ashes of war will be the focus of a workshop convened by the World Bank and The Carter Center Feb. 19-21. Learn more »
ATLANTA, GA.... The Carter Center's electoral observation mission to Nicaragua wishes to express its admiration for the peaceful and civic way in which the people and political parties of Nicaragua have participated in all phases of the vote count process since the Oct. 20 national elections. After an exhaustive review and correction of the polling station (JRV) results in each of the 17 departmental headquarters, the Supreme Electoral Council announced provisional election results on Nov. 8. Although the outcome of the presidential election is unlikely to be affected, the official winners of all six elections will be declared only at the end of the appeals and resolutions phase of the process, expected to be completed by Nov. 20. Learn more »
ATLANTA, GA.... An international observer delegation sponsored by the Council of Freely Elected Heads of Government, based at the Carter Center, and the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI) will arrive in Santo Domingo on Thursday, June 27, to observe the June 30 second round presidential election. The delegation will include election experts, and political, business and civic leaders from 12 countries in the Americas and Asia. Learn more »
ATLANTA, GA.... An international election observer delegation organized by the Council of Freely Elected Heads of Government, based at The Carter Center, and the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI) will arrive in Santo Domingo on Sunday, May 12, to begin preparations for observing the May 16 presidential election. The delegation will include election experts, political and civic leaders, and democratic development experts from 11 countries throughout Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Former Colombian President Belisario Betancur and former Guatemalan President Ramiro de Leon Carpio will lead the delegation. Learn more »
ATLANTA, GA.... Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter; Academy-award winning actor Rod Steiger; and author Kathy Cronkite, daughter of Walter Cronkite, will participate in an open forum at The Carter Center on Wednesday, April 17, at 7:30 p.m.. Mrs. Carter will lead a frank discussion on the stigma of mental illness and how such negative perceptions may be countered. Audience participation is welcome. Learn more »
ATLANTA, GA.... This second post-election statement to the public on behalf of the National Democratic Institutes for International Affairs (NDI) and The Carter Center is based on the continuing joint effort by the two organizations to monitor the tabulation of results and disposition of complaints that have arisen. In our preliminary post-election statement, presented by former President Jimmy Carter on January 21, we concluded that "The Palestinian people had an historic opportunity to choose their leaders yesterday, and they did so with enthusiasm and a high degree of professionalism." Learn more »
ATLANTA, GA.... I commend the Sudanese People's Liberation Army (SPLA) and the South Sudan Independence Movement (SSIM) for their decisions to extend the cease-fire in Sudan for another two months. During the past two months, the cease-fire has permitted the leaders and citizens of Sudan, working with The Carter Center and others, to carry out a major effort to eradicate Guinea worm disease, prevent river blindness, and immunize children against polio and other diseases. The cease-fire extension, agreed to by the SPLA, SSIM, and the government of Sudan, will enable the expansion of these efforts to further alleviate the suffering of Sudanese and will provide an opportunity to advance the peace process. Learn more »
The "Conversations at The Carter Center" lecture series continues its 1994-95 run on January 10. Former President Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter kicked off the program last September with a town hall meeting just two days after President Carter's return from his mission to Haiti with Sen. Sam Nunn (D-Ga.) and retired Gen. Colin Powell. President Carter also attended the second program, "Interfaith Groups and Health." Learn more »
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has awarded a $3.5 million grant to The Carter Center for its global effort to end Guinea worm disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) has set a target date of December 1995 to make Guinea worm the second disease to be eradicated after smallpox. Learn more »
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