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2015 Annual Report of the Government of the United States of America for the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights Initiative
"The U.S. government is a founding member of the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (VPs) Initiative. We joined the Steering Committee in March 2014 and are the Government Chair for the March 2015-March 2016 term. We also served on the Steering Committee from March 2009-March 2013, and as Government Chair from March 2010 to March 2011. We aspire to set the standard for excellence for government participation in the VPs Initiative, and remain committed to its mission -- to guide oil, gas, and mining companies on providing security for their operations in a manner that respects human rights; to strengthen implementation, accountability, and transparency within the Initiative; and to strengthen participation of VPs Initiative participants in all pillars. This year, we have made progress on all of these fronts -- strengthening implementation through cooperation with partners on the ground, seeking more opportunities to expand dialogue and shared learning among participants, and broadening the Initiative's participant base."
United States. Department of State. Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2016-03-25
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U.S. Department of State: International Religious Freedom Report for 2005
"This annual report, mandated by the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, is the product of a year-round effort by hundreds of Foreign Service and Civil Service officers in the Department of State and U.S. missions abroad. Our human rights officers overseas and the staff of the Office of International Religious Freedom, supported by their colleagues in the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor and in regional bureaus of the State Department, deserve particular credit for their dedication in bringing this report to fruition. The purpose of this report is to document the actions of governments those that repress religious expression, persecute innocent believers, or tolerate violence against religious minorities, as well as those that respect, protect, and promote religious freedom. For each country, the report details the legal situation, cultural context, and relevant policies, and describes efforts taken by the U.S. Government to oppose religious persecution and promote religious freedom. The sad truth which this report exposes is that many millions of religious believers continue to suffer for the belief or practice of their faith, and many governments refuse to recognize or protect this right. That so many endure beatings, torture, imprisonment, and even death is a testament to the resilience of faith. It is our hope that, by documenting their plight, this report will serve both as a testament to the courage of those who suffer, and as a challenge to those of us throughout the world who stand for democracy and freedom."
United States. Department of State. Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2005
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U.S. Department of State: International Religious Freedom Report for 2004
"In this summary of the status of religious freedom around the world, we examine barriers to religious freedom, note countries where religious freedom conditions have improved, and describe U.S. actions to promote international religious freedom. Millions of people around the world live under totalitarian or authoritarian regimes where religious belief and practice are tightly controlled. Some countries have discriminatory laws or policies that disadvantage certain religions; others are negligent in ensuring that religious minorities or adherents of 'unapproved' religions do not suffer discrimination or persecution. Others stigmatize certain religions by wrongfully associating them with dangerous 'cults' or 'sects.'"
United States. Department of State. Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2004-09-15
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U.S. Department of State: International Religious Freedom Report for 2008
"The purpose of this report is to record the status of respect for religious freedom in every country around the world during the most recent reporting period--July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2008. Our primary focus is to document the actions of governments--those that repress religious expression, persecute believers, and tolerate violence against religious minorities, as well as those that protect and promote religious freedom. We also address societal attitudes on religion and religious minorities and record positive and negative actions taken by nongovernmental actors. We strive to report fairly and accurately, with sensitivity to the complexity of religious freedom issues."
United States. Department of State. Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2008-09
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U.S. Department of State: International Religious Freedom Report for 2007
"The purpose of this report on religious freedom is to document the actions of governments those that repress religious expression, persecute innocent believers, or tolerate violence against religious minorities, as well as those that respect, protect, and promote religious freedom. We strive to report with fairness and accuracy on abuses against adherents of all religious traditions and beliefs. The governments we report on range from those that provided a high level of protection for religious freedom in the broadest sense (those that 'generally respected' religious freedom) to totalitarian regimes that sought to control religious thought and expression and regarded some or all religious groups as threats."
United States. Department of State. Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2007-09
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U.S. Department of State: International Religious Freedom Report for 2002
"The International Religious Freedom Report for 2002 is submitted to the Congress by the Department of State in compliance with Section 102(b) of the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA) of 1998. The law provides that the Secretary of State shall transmit to Congress by September 1 of each year, or the first day thereafter on which the appropriate House of Congress is in session,' an Annual Report on International Religious Freedom supplementing the most recent Human Rights Reports by providing additional detailed information with respect to matters involving international religious freedom.' This Annual Report includes 192 country chapters on the status of religious freedom worldwide."
United States. Department of State. Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2002-10-07
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U.S. Department of State: International Religious Freedom Report for 2006
"The purpose of this report is to document the actions of governments those that repress religious expression, persecute innocent believers, or tolerate violence against religious minorities, as well as those that respect, protect, and promote religious freedom. We strive to report equally on abuses against adherents of all religious traditions and beliefs. The governments we report on range from those that provided a high level of protection for religious freedom in the broadest sense (those that 'generally respected' religious freedom) to totalitarian regimes that sought to control religious thought and expression and regarded some or all religious groups as threats."
United States. Department of State. Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2006-09
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U.S. Department of State: International Religious Freedom Report for 2003
"The International Religious Freedom Report for 2003 is submitted to the Congress by the Department of State in compliance with Section 102(b) of the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA) of 1998. The law provides that the Secretary of State shall transmit to Congress each year 'an Annual Report on International Religious Freedom supplementing the most recent Human Rights Reports by providing additional detailed information with respect to matters involving international religious freedom.' This Annual Report includes individual country chapters on the status of religious freedom worldwide."
United States. Department of State. Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2003-12-18
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U.S. Department of State: International Religious Freedom Report for 2009
"The Annual Report on International Religious Freedom records the status of respect for religious freedom in all countries during the period from July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009. The Annual Report's primary focus is on the actions of governments, including those that contribute to religious repression or tolerate violence against religious minorities as well as those that protect and promote religious freedom. Each country report contains sections covering the country's religious demography; government respect for religious freedom (including the legal and policy framework, restrictions on religious freedom, abuses of religious freedom, and improvements and positive developments); societal respect for religious freedom; and U.S. Government policy and actions. We strive to report fairly and accurately, with sensitivity to the complexity of religious freedom in varied settings. [...]. The IRF Act [International Religious Freedom Act of 1998] also provides the mandate for this report and prescribes the principal topics for this Executive Summary: following an introductory overview of challenges to religious freedom, Part I outlines the religious freedom situations in selected countries, Part II addresses U.S. actions in designated countries of particular concern (CPCs), and Part III discusses improvements and positive developments, with a special section on efforts to promote interfaith dialogue and understanding."
United States. Department of State. Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009-10-26
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U.S. Department of State: International Religious Freedom Report for 2010
"The Annual Report on International Religious Freedom documents the status of religious freedom during the period from July 1, 2009, to June 30, 2010. The Report's primary focus is on the actions of governments, both official actions that contribute to religious repression or tolerate violence against religious communities, and actions that protect and promote religious freedom. Each country report contains sections covering the country's religious demography; government respect for religious freedom (including the legal and policy framework, restrictions on religious freedom, abuses of religious freedom, and improvements and positive developments); societal respect for religious freedom; and U.S. government policy and actions. [...]. The IRF Act also provides the mandate for this report and the principal topics for this Executive Summary: following an introductory overview of challenges to religious freedom, Part I outlines the religious freedom situations in selected countries, Part II addresses U.S. actions in countries that the Secretary of State designated countries of particular concern (CPCs) on January 16, 2009, and Part III highlights efforts to promote interfaith dialogue and understanding"
United States. Department of State. Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2010-11-17
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U.S. Department of State: International Religious Freedom Report for 2013
This interactive webpage details the International Religious Freedom Report for 2013. From the U.S. Department of State website: "The annual Report to Congress on International Religious Freedom -- the International Religious Freedom Report -- describes the status of religious freedom in every country. The report covers government policies violating religious belief and practices of groups, religious denominations and individuals, and U.S. policies to promote religious freedom around the world. The U.S. Department of State submits the reports in accordance with the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998." Users can access individual Country Reports and various Appendices to be downloaded separately. Links to the 2011 and 2012 reports are also provided.
United States. Department of State. Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2014?
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U.S. Department of State: International Religious Freedom Report [website]
This webpage contains all annual reports of the U.S. Department of State's International Religious Freedom project. From the U.S. Department of State website: "The annual Report to Congress on International Religious Freedom -- the International Religious Freedom Report -- describes the status of religious freedom in every country. The report covers government policies violating religious belief and practices of groups, religious denominations and individuals, and U.S. policies to promote religious freedom around the world. The U.S. Department of State submits the reports in accordance with the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998." Users can access individual Country Reports and various Appendices to be downloaded separately.
United States. Department of State. Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
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U.S. Department of State: International Religious Freedom Report for 2014
This compilation details the International Religious Freedom Report for 2014. From the U.S. Department of State website: "The annual Report to Congress on International Religious Freedom -- the International Religious Freedom Report -- describes the status of religious freedom in every country. The report covers government policies violating religious belief and practices of groups, religious denominations and individuals, and U.S. policies to promote religious freedom around the world. The U.S. Department of State submits the reports in accordance with the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998."
United States. Department of State. Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2015-10?
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U.S. Department of State: International Religious Freedom Report for July-December 2010
"The Department of State submits this report to the Congress in compliance with section 102(b) of the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA) of 1998. The law provides that the Secretary of State, with the assistance of the Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom, shall transmit to Congress 'an Annual Report on International Religious Freedom supplementing the most recent Human Rights Reports by providing additional detailed information with respect to matters involving international religious freedom.' The Annual Report has historically covered a reporting period from July 1of one year through June 30 of the following year. The current Report, however, covers a six-month period from July 1, 2010, through December 31, 2010, because the Department of State is shifting to a calendar year reporting period." From the Introduction: "This International Religious Freedom Report documents major developments with respect to religious freedom in 198 countries and territories from July-December 2010. The report reflects a broad understanding of universal religious freedom, one that includes the rights to hold private beliefs, including agnosticism or atheism, as well as the right to communal religious expression and education. The International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 (IRF Act) defines five types of violations of religious freedom: arbitrary prohibitions on, restrictions of, or punishment for (i) assembling for peaceful religious activities, such as worship, preaching, and prayer, including arbitrary registration requirements; (ii) speaking freely about one's religious beliefs; (iii) changing one's religious beliefs and affiliation; (iv) possession and distribution of religious literature, including Bibles and other sacred texts; and (v) raising one's children in the religious teachings and practices of one's choice."
United States. Department of State. Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2011-09-13
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U.S. Department of State: International Religious Freedom Report for 2016
This interactive webpage details the International Religious Freedom Report for 2016. From the overview of the report: "The Department of State submits this report to the Congress in compliance with section 102(b) of the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA) of 1998. U.S. embassies prepare the initial drafts of the reports based on information from government officials, religious leaders, nongovernmental organizations, journalists, human rights monitors, religious groups, academics, and others. U.S. foreign service officers go to great lengths, often under difficult circumstances, to collect the information on which the reports are based. The Office of International Religious Freedom collaborates in collecting and analyzing information for the country reports, drawing on its own consultations with foreign government officials, religious leaders, nongovernmental and faith-based organizations, representatives from the UN and other international and regional organizations and institutions, journalists, academic experts, community leaders, and Department of State offices. The Department's guiding principle is to ensure that all relevant information is assessed as objectively, thoroughly, and fairly as possible." Users can access individual Country Reports and various Appendices to be downloaded separately. Links to previous reports are also provided.
United States. Department of State. Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2017-08-15
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U.S. Department of State: International Religious Freedom Report for 2017
From the Press Release: "This report is a testament to the United States' historic role in preserving and advocating for religious freedom around the world. [...] This report demonstrates the hard work of American diplomats to protect American and universal values. I'm proud of my team in completing this report. The release of the 2017 International Religious Freedom Report is critical to our mission to defend religious liberty. It brings to light the state of religious freedom all over the world. It documents, across 200 countries and territories, reports of violations and abuses committed by governments, terrorist groups, and individuals so that we may work together to solve them."
United States. Department of State. Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2018-05-29
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U.S. Department of State: International Religious Freedom Report for 2001
"The International Religious Freedom Report for 2001 is submitted to the Congress by the Department of State in compliance with Section 102(b) of the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA) of 1998. The law provides that the Secretary of State shall transmit to Congress by September 1 of each year, or the first day thereafter on which the appropriate House of Congress is in session, 'an Annual Report on International Religious Freedom supplementing the most recent Human Rights Reports by providing additional detailed information with respect to matters involving international religious freedom.' This Annual Report includes 195 reports on economies worldwide."
United States. Department of State. Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2001-10-26
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U.S. Department of State: International Religious Freedom Report for 2012
"Our beliefs help define who we are and serve as a foundation for what we contribute to our societies. However, as the 2011 International Religious Freedom Report documents, too many people live under governments that abuse or restrict freedom of religion. People awaken, work, suffer, celebrate, raise children, and mourn unable to follow the dictates of their faith or conscience. Yet, under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, governments have committed to respect freedom of religion. As President Barack Obama said, they ought to 'bear witness and speak out' when violations of religious freedom occur. With these reports, we bear witness and speak out. We speak against authoritarian governments that repressed forms of expression, including religious freedom. Governments restricted religious freedom in a variety of ways, including registration laws that favored state-sanctioned groups, blasphemy laws, and treatment of religious groups as security threats. The report focuses special attention on key trends such as the impact of political and demographic transitions on religious minorities, who tended to suffer the most in 2011; the effects of conflict on religious freedom; and the rising tide of anti-Semitism. Impacted groups, to name just a few, included Baha'is and Sufis in Iran; Christians in Egypt; Ahmadis in Indonesia and Pakistan; Muslims in a range of countries, including in Europe; Tibetan Buddhists, Christians, and Uighur Muslims in China; and Jews in many parts of the world."
United States. Department of State. Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2012-07-30?
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U.S. Department of State: International Religious Freedom Report for 2011
"Our beliefs help define who we are and serve as a foundation for what we contribute to our societies. However, as the 2011 International Religious Freedom Report documents, too many people live under governments that abuse or restrict freedom of religion. People awaken, work, suffer, celebrate, raise children, and mourn unable to follow the dictates of their faith or conscience. Yet, under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, governments have committed to respect freedom of religion. As President Barack Obama said, they ought to 'bear witness and speak out' when violations of religious freedom occur. With these reports, we bear witness and speak out. We speak against authoritarian governments that repressed forms of expression, including religious freedom. Governments restricted religious freedom in a variety of ways, including registration laws that favored state-sanctioned groups, blasphemy laws, and treatment of religious groups as security threats. The report focuses special attention on key trends such as the impact of political and demographic transitions on religious minorities, who tended to suffer the most in 2011; the effects of conflict on religious freedom; and the rising tide of anti-Semitism. Impacted groups, to name just a few, included Baha'is and Sufis in Iran; Christians in Egypt; Ahmadis in Indonesia and Pakistan; Muslims in a range of countries, including in Europe; Tibetan Buddhists, Christians, and Uighur Muslims in China; and Jews in many parts of the world."
United States. Department of State. Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2012-07-30?
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Advancing Democracy through the UN: The Challenges on the Ground, Erica Barks-Ruggles, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, Speech at University of California Washington Center's UNDP Roundtable, Washington, DC, October 2, 2008
In this speech delivered at the University of California Washington Center's UNDP [United Nations Development Program] Roundtable, Erica Barks-Ruggles discusses the efforts of the UN to promote democracy and the gains of democracy in the past twenty years. She then discusses the limitations of national programs and the need for the involvement of international community in programs to be successful. Barks-Ruggles singles out the UN Human Rights Council for criticism, saying that the council has not lived up to the ideals for which it was created, but stresses that the Unite States continues to work with other UN organizations in spite of that disappointment. The statement closes with a discussion of the UN Democracy Fund.
United States. Department of State. Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
Barks-Ruggles, Erica
2008-10-02
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Report on Global Anti-Semitism
This report represents a renewed vigor in the international community to focus on anti-Semitism as the world sees increased frequency and severity of anti-Semitic incidents. The report identifies four main sources of global anti-Semitism, then looks at incidents of harassment, vandalism, and physical violence in different regions of the world, which constitutes the bulk of the report. Additionally, these sections include summaries of actions by individual governments and multilateral actions to combat anti-Semitism. The report also briefly looks at whether proliferation of media outlets and freedom of expression safeguards has increased the ability of anti-Semites to spread their material freely.
United States. Department of State. Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2005-01-05
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Iraq: A Population Silenced
In this publication, the US Department of State looks Saddam Hussein's rise to power and his regime's systematic repression of the Iraqi people through executions, torture, imprisonment, rape, and terrorism. The publication includes the following sections: "Al-Shaikh Yahya Muhsin Ja'far al-Zeini"; "'Traitors' Are Silenced"; "Silence by Murder"; "Silence Through Torture"; "The Missing Are Silent"; "Chemical Weapons Silence Iraqi Citizens"; "Women Silenced: Saddam Hussein Acknowledges Crimes Against Women"; "Government Betrays Children's Welfare"; "The Silent Voice of Iraqi Voters"; "Independent Thought or Beliefs Are Silenced"; and "International Community Speaks Out Against Saddam Hussein".
United States. Department of State. Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2002-12
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U.S. Department of State: Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2015 [2009-2017 U.S. Department of State Archive]
This webpage is part of the 2009-2017 U.S. Department of State Archive. This page allows access to U.S. Department of State reports regarding human rights conditions in almost 200 countries. The data and analyses can be seen sorted by country, by issue, or by year. From Secretary of State John Kerry's opening remarks: "The 2015 edition of the Country Reports on Human Rights Practices points to a global governance crisis. In every part of the world, we see an accelerating trend by both state and non-state actors to close the space for civil society, to stifle media and Internet freedom, to marginalize opposition voices, and in the most extreme cases, to kill people or drive them from their homes. Some look at these events and fear democracy is in retreat. In fact, they are a reaction to the advance of democratic ideals -- to rising demands of people from every culture and region for governments that answer to them. […] We also note the troubling trend among some elected leaders who undermined existing democratic institutions, such as by taking steps to stifle opposition, circumvent the electoral process, and weaken judiciaries, often in an attempt to perpetuate their continued rule. […] The contents of this report renew our commitment to promoting and protecting universal human rights, to supporting and defending civil society in its peaceful efforts to hold governments accountable, and to working with our partners to advance peace, development, human rights, and democracy."
United States. Department of State. Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2016
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U.S. Department of State: Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2014
This webpage allows access to U.S. Department of State reports regarding human rights conditions in almost 200 countries. The data and analyses can be seen sorted by country, by issue, or by year. From Secretary of State John Kerry's opening remarks: "As I travel the world in my capacity as Secretary of State, I regularly meet with brave individuals who risk their lives each and every day to advance human rights. They do so in spite of the threat of violence, and in the face of government attempts to silence their voices. We at the Department of State will continue to press governments to uphold fundamental freedoms. We remain committed to advocating on behalf of civil society and speaking out for the protection of human rights for all individuals. Now in their 39th year, these annual Congressionally-mandated reports provide a picture of how the promise of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is being fulfilled. They help promote awareness regarding the reality of human rights in many of the dark corners of the world and the glimpses of light that brave and committed human rights defenders provide. They are used by the Department of State and other government agencies needs to guide American foreign policy, and by Congress in its determination and allocation of foreign aid and security sector assistance. They also signal to the human rights defenders and activists under siege that the U.S. government recognizes their struggle and stands with civil society in its unending effort to preserve human rights."
United States. Department of State. Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2015?
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U.S. Department of State: Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2009
This webpage provides a thorough list of country reports on human rights practices for the year 2009. "The Country Reports on Human Rights Practices are submitted annually by the U.S. Department of State to the U.S. Congress in compliance with sections 116(d) and 502B(b) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (FAA), as amended, and section 504 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended. The law provides that the Secretary of State shall transmit to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate, 'a full and complete report regarding the status of internationally recognized human rights, within the meaning of subsection (A) in countries that receive assistance under this part, and (B) in all other foreign countries which are members of the United Nations and which are not otherwise the subject of a human rights report under this Act.' Reports on several countries are included that do not fall into the categories established by these statutes and that thus are not covered by the congressional requirement."
United States. Department of State. Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2010-03-11
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U.S. Department of State Human Rights Reports
This webpage contains a list of human rights reports issued by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor beginning in the year 1999. The list is updated annually. "The Country Reports on Human Rights Practices are submitted annually by the U.S. Department of State to the U.S. Congress in compliance with sections 116(d) and 502B(b) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (FAA), as amended, and section 504 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended. The law provides that the Secretary of State shall transmit to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate, 'a full and complete report regarding the status of internationally recognized human rights, within the meaning of subsection (A) in countries that receive assistance under this part, and (B) in all other foreign countries which are members of the United Nations and which are not otherwise the subject of a human rights report under this Act.' Reports on several countries are included that do not fall into the categories established by these statutes and that thus are not covered by the congressional requirement."
United States. Department of State. Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
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U.S. Department of State: Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2012
"This report assesses human rights conditions around the globe in 2012. Two years after protests in Tunisia and Egypt sparked the beginning of the Arab Awakening, countries in that region and elsewhere remain in the throes of unsettling and unpredictable change. The internal political and social dynamics of each country are different, but the quest for dignity, greater economic opportunity, and a stake in their country's political future remain powerful driving forces for men and women across the region. Throughout last year, we saw encouraging examples of democratic change driven by the idealism and courage of leaders and citizens. Tunisia's President and Libya's Minister of Justice were veteran human rights advocates. Georgia held parliamentary elections that resulted in a peaceful transfer of power, a rare achievement among post-Soviet republics. And 2012 saw dramatic progress as Burma's government began to turn the page on decades of authoritarian rule. The hope of the early days of the Arab Awakening has run up against the harsh realities of incomplete and contested transitions: Bashar Al-Asad's brutality against his own people in Syria; inter-communal tensions and political violence in Yemen, Bahrain, and Iraq; and serious hurdles to sustainable democracy in Egypt and Libya. The world faces new challenges as popular demands for democratic change surge against outmoded economic and political structures in many of these countries. The publication of this annual report, now in its 36th year, reflects America's interest in, and support for, the advancement of human rights around the world. Our own strength and prosperity are more secure in a peaceful world where governments protect the rights and freedoms that are the birthright of all individuals."
United States. Department of State. Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2013
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U.S. Department of State: Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2010
"This report provides encyclopedic detail on human rights conditions in over 190 countries for 2010. Because we are publishing this report three months into the new year, however, our perspectives on many issues are now framed by the dramatic changes sweeping across countries in the Middle East in 2011. At this moment we cannot predict the outcome of these changes, and we will not know the lasting impacts for years to come. The internal dynamics in each of these countries are different, so sweeping analysis of the entire region is not appropriate. In places like Tunisia and Egypt, we are witnessing popular demands for meaningful political participation, fundamental freedoms, and greater economic opportunity. These demands are profound, they are homegrown, and they are being driven by new activists, many of them young people. These citizens seek to build sustainable democracies in their countries with governments that respect the universal human rights of their own people. If they succeed, the Middle East region, and with it the whole world, will be improved."
United States. Department of State. Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2011-04-08
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U.S. Department of State: Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2008
"The year just ended was characterized by three trends: a growing worldwide demand for greater personal and political freedom, governmental efforts to push back on those freedoms, and further confirmation that human rights flourish best in participatory democracies with vibrant civil societies. These congressionally mandated reports describe the performance in 2008 of governments across the globe in putting into practice their international commitments on human rights. We hope that they will help focus attention on human rights abuses and bring action to end them. At the same time, we hope that the hard-won advances for human freedom chronicled in the reports will hearten those still pressing for their rights, often against daunting odds. These reports will inform U.S. government policymaking and serve as a reference for other governments, intergovernmental institutions, and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), human rights defenders, and journalists. United States foreign policy revolves not only around effective defense, but also robust diplomacy and vigorous support for political and economic development. A vigorous human rights policy reaffirms American values and advances our national interests. As President Obama stated in his inaugural address: 'America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity...', but to 'those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history, but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.'"
United States. Department of State. Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009-02-25
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U.S. Department of State: Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2007
"Respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms reflected in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, is, as President Bush has said, 'the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world.' Today, on every continent, men and women are working, often against great odds and at great risk, to secure the basic rights to live in dignity, to follow their conscience and speak their minds without fear, to choose those who would govern them and hold their leaders accountable, and to obtain equal justice under the law. Increasingly, democracy is seen as the form of government capable of securing those rights and fundamental freedoms. No form of government is without flaws. Democracy is a system of government of, by, and for the people, based on the principle that human beings have the inherent right to shape their own future, but that they are flawed creatures and that therefore there must be built-in correctives. Our citizens claim a proud history of striving in every generation since our nation's founding to bring our democratic practices closer to our cherished principles, even as we are seeking to confront the injustices and challenges of each new age. As we publish these reports, the Department of State remains mindful of both international and domestic criticism of the United States' human rights record. The U.S. government will continue to hear and reply forthrightly to concerns about our own practices, including the actions we have taken to defend our nation from the global threat of terrorism. Our laws, policies, and practices have evolved considerably in recent years, and we continue to strive to protect innocent civilians from attack while honoring our longstanding commitment to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms. As part of this effort, the United States submits reports to international bodies in accordance with its obligations under various human rights treaties to which it is a party."
United States. Department of State. Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2008-03-11
