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Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor

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Date: 12/10/2009 Description: Cuba's government's supporters shout slogans in favor of Cuban leader Fidel Castro during a march organized by dissidents to commemorate the Human Rights Day in Havana, Thursday, Dec. 10, 2009. © AP Image Date: 11/12/2009 Description: This Nov. 12, 2009 photo shows a mother holding her two daughters in her village in Batticaloa, about 143 miles north east of Colombo, Sri Lanka. © AP Image Date: 12/08/2009 Description: A coalition of Guineans, human rights activists and supporters rally outside the Guinean Mission to the United Nations in New York, Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2009. © AP Image

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.

Release of 2017 Annual Report on International Religious Freedom

Secretary Pompeo (May 29, 2018): "This report is a testament to the United States' historic role in preserving and advocating for religious freedom around the world. ... Religious freedom was vital to America's beginning. Defending it is critical to our future. Religious freedom is not only ours. It is a right belonging to every individual on the globe." Full Text» Briefing» Report» Fact Sheet»

Release of 2017 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices

Acting Secretary Sullivan (Apr. 20, 2018): "The Human Rights Reports are the most comprehensive and factual accounting of the global state of human rights. They help our government and others formulate policies and encourage both friends and foes to respect the dignity of all individuals without discrimination." Full Text» Briefing» Report»