Riley Barnes to Serve Concurrently as Special Tibet Coordinator, DRL Assistant Secretary: US State Department
DHARAMSALA, 10 Feb: The US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, has “designated Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) Riley M. Barnes to serve concurrently as the US Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues,” a spokesperson from the State Department said in response to a query requesting clarification on the appointment of the US Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues.
Following multiple online reports declaring Assistant Secretary of State for DRL Riley M. Barnes’ appointment as US Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues, with no official announcement from either the US State Department or the Central Tibetan Administration, and the reports lacking specific details, the publication contacted the US Embassy in New Delhi on 5 Feburary for verification on whether the State Department appointed DRL Assistant Secretary Riley Barnes as the US Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues.
“Assistant Secretary Barnes holds the position of Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL). The Secretary of State has not yet named a Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues,” Christopher Elms, a spokesperson at the US Embassy in New Delhi, said.
Amidst the conflicting information, the publication reached out to the State Department for clarification on 6 February, which would help resolve the confusion and ensure accurate reporting on this important position.
The publication asked the State Department to confirm or deny whether Assistant Secretary Riley M. Barnes has been appointed as US Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues, and if so, when was this appointment made and announced. If not, who currently serves in this role (permanent or acting capacity)?
The State Department responded today, confirming that “Secretary Rubio has designated DRL Assistant Secretary Riley Barnes to serve concurrently as the US Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues,” though no appointment date was provided.
The State Department further stated that “the US is committed to advancing the human rights of Tibetans, including supporting efforts to preserve Tibetans’ distinct linguistic, cultural, and religious heritage, and their ability to freely choose and venerate religious leaders without interference.”
This appointment, however, marks a departure from tradition, as the Special Coordinator role has historically been held at the Under Secretary level. Barnes will now hold both positions simultaneously—his primary role as Assistant Secretary for DRL and the Tibet Coordinator post concurrently.
Assistant Secretary of DRL, Riley M. Barnes, is the eighth US Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues.
Uzra Zeya (2021-2025) was the last US Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues, preceded by Robert Destro(2020 – 2021), Sara Sewall (2014-2017), Maria Otero (2009-2013), Paula Dobriansky (2001-2009), the late Julia Taft (1999-2001) and Gregory Craig (1997-1999).
