Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
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Promoting freedom and democracy and protecting human rights around the world are central to U.S. foreign policy. The values captured in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and in other global and regional commitments are consistent with the values upon which the United States was founded centuries ago. The United States supports those persons who long to live in freedom and under democratic governments that protect universally accepted human rights. The United States uses a wide range of tools to advance a freedom agenda, including bilateral diplomacy, multilateral engagement, foreign assistance, reporting and public outreach, and economic sanctions. The United States is committed to working with democratic partners, international and regional organizations, non-governmental organizations, and engaged citizens to support those seeking freedom.
The Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor leads the U.S. efforts to promote democracy, protect human rights and international religious freedom, and advance labor rights globally.
World Humanitarian Day
Secretary Clinton: Today, [August 19] the United States is honored to join the international community in commemorating the first World Humanitarian Day. Full Statement
New Era of Engagement
Secretary Clinton delivers a major foreign policy address at the Council on Foreign Relations. Video | Q&A
Advancing Freedom and Democracy Reports
Pursuant to the Advancing Democratic Values Act of 2007, the Department of State has prepared this report on U.S. efforts to promote democracy and human rights in nondemocratic countries and countries undergoing democratic transitions worldwide.
Advancing Freedom and Democracy Reports, May 2009
Supporting Freedom of Religion and Religious Expression 
Secretary Clinton (June 8): "It's a delight to see some whom I have known for a long time and others who I'm meeting for the first time, and have this chance to talk through some of the issues that are of particular concern to you and to us on behalf of religious freedom and religious expression. We care deeply about it. ... It's a core human right and it's also a core American value. " Full Text | Video
State Department Releases Human Rights Reports
Remarks by Secretary Clinton | Reports | Video | Briefing by Acting Assistant Secretary Stewart
Reports
2008 Report on International Religious Freedom
2007 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
Supporting Human Rights and Democracy: The U.S. Record 2006
2008 Country Reports on Advancing Freedom and Democracy
Ambassadorial Roundtable Series
Read about this program which fosters partnerships between newly-confirmed U.S. Ambassadors and human rights and democracy NGOs.
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