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 »
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