Visiting Deputy Assistant Secretary Barks-Ruggles Supports Afghan Elections, Media Freedom
Erica Barks-Ruggles, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, expressed U.S. support for Afghan media freedom and free, fair, transparent and secure elections during her recent trip to Afghanistan. Speaking on October 15 to a group of leading Afghan television, radio, and print reporters, Barks-Ruggles also emphasized that regardless of which candidate wins the U.S. presidential elections, U.S. support for Afghanistan will continue. Barks-Ruggles met with Afghan officials at the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission, and other organizations during her visit.