State Department condemns Synagogue arson attack in Greece. Full Statement
Persecution of Religious Minorities in Iran
The United States strongly condemns the Iranian government’s decision to commence the espionage trial against seven leaders of the Iranian Baha’i community. Full Statement
Human Rights Situation in North Korea
Ambassador King (Jan 11): "It’s one of the worst places in terms of lack of human rights. The situation is appalling. The State Department’s Country Reports on Human Rights annually reports on human rights conditions and the status of human rights of North Korea is considered poor" Full Text
International Human Rights Day
Secretary Clinton (Dec. 10): "As people across the globe mark International Human Rights Day, let me reaffirm the deep commitment of the United States to the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights." Media Note
Universal Periodic Review (UPR)
Here, you can find all you need to know about the United States’ efforts to prepare for our review at the 2010 United Nations Human Rights Council. In addition, you can help us by providing feedback on human rights issues you feel are important for the United States to address in your community. More
Release of the International Religious Freedom Report
2009 Report on International Religious Freedom | Remarks by Secretary Clinton | Briefing by Assistant Secretary Posner | Briefing at Foreign Press Center
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"In democracies, respecting rights isn’t a choice leaders make day-by-day, it is the reason they govern." — Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton
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 headed by Assistant Secretary Michael H. Posner, leads the U.S. efforts to promote democracy, protect human rights and international religious freedom, and advance labor rights globally.
