US Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security to visit India and Nepal

NEW DELHI: The US Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights, Sarah Sewall, will travel to India and Nepal this week.

While in India, Sewall will meet with senior government officials to discuss ways to advance common global interests -- including improved citizen engagement and governance -- through shared democratic values.

Her visit to the two countries will be between Nov. 9 to 16.

"She will meet Kailash Satyarthi, the co-winner of the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize and a 2007 TIP Report Hero for his efforts to end child labour and trafficking, and also discuss combating extremism with inter-faith leaders," according to an official release today.

Sewall will also deliver a policy speech, 'Human Rights, Challenges and Opportunities in the 21st Century', at the American Center in New Delhi.

In Nepal, the under secretary will meet with that country's Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and other senior government officials to discuss bilateral coordination on key issues, including Nepal's progress towards adopting a constitution and completing its democratic transition.

She will also meet with civil society leaders, including Judge Tek Narayan Kunwar, who was recognised as a 2014 TIP Report Hero for efforts within the criminal justice system aimed at fighting human trafficking.

She will also visit Tibetan refugee settlements in Kathmandu and Pokhara.