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Over the past quarter-century, a profound democratic revolution, grounded in the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, has reshaped the world political order and helped secure global economic prosperity. Democracy, human rights, religious freedom, and worker rights rank high among the fundamental American values that have helped to create this freer, more stable, and prosperous global arena. But democracy and human rights are not just uniquely American concepts. They are truly universal values whose powerful message has transformed the planet. As we promote democracy and human rights, we build a stronger, more prosperous, and ultimately freer world. If we act wisely, future historians looking back at this millennium will identify the growth and consolidation of democracy and human rights as both our greatest achievement and our most important legacy.
The Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) is the lead U.S. Government agency responsible for turning this vision into reality. The bureau is headed by Assistant Secretary Harold Hongju Koh, under the direction of the Under Secretary for Global Affairs Frank E. Loy. We welcome you to our web page, and encourage you to learn more about our programs, our reports, and our public outreach.
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Photo: Harold Hongju Koh, Assistant Secretary of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor