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Our Mission

The Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor champions American values, including the rule of law and individual rights, that promote strong, stable, prosperous, and sovereign states. We advance American security in the struggle against authoritarianism and terrorism when we stand for the freedoms of religion, speech, and the press, and the rights of people to assemble peaceably and to petition their government for a redress of grievances.

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Key Topics

Democracy and Human Rights

Supporting democracy and promoting respect for individual rights promotes fundamental American values and helps create a more secure, stable, and prosperous world.

Learn More About the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Democracy and Human Rights

Business and Human Rights

The activities of businesses impact the lives of millions of people worldwide. Even small enterprises have value chains that span continents. This means that all businesses can play an important role in respecting and promoting human and labor rights.

Learn More About Business and Human Rights Business and Human Rights

International Labor Affairs

Protecting worker rights—especially the freedoms of association and collective bargaining through a healthy industrial relations system—is essential to building durable democracies as well as achieving sustainable growth for prosperity and a level playing field for American workers.

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Programs and Grants

The Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor funds programs in every region of the world to promote human rights, democracy, and transparent and accountable governance.

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Fact Sheets and Releases

The Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor manages and implements a variety of policies and initiatives to support democracy and promote respect for individual rights around the world.

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U.S. Department of State

The Lessons of 1989: Freedom and Our Future