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 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.
Assistant Secretary Posner (Nov. 19): "The Report’s [International Religious Freedom] Introduction articulates this Administration’s approach to international religious freedom. We seek a principled engagement with other nations on this issue—in a spirit of mutual interest and mutual respect. Religion is a global phenomenon and all nations, including the United States, wrestle with how best to accommodate their religious diversity. We are convinced that the freedom to profess, practice, and promote one’s religion is a basic human right, a social good, a source of stability, and a key component of international security." Full Text | View Video
Release of the International Religious Freedom Report 
Secretary Clinton (Oct. 26): "[W]e are convinced that the best antidote to intolerance is a combination of robust legal protections against discrimination and hate crimes, proactive government outreach to minority religious groups, and the vigorous defense of both freedom of religion and expression. So it is our hope that the International Religious Freedom Report will encourage existing religious freedom movements around the world and promote dialogue among governments and within societies on how best to accommodate religious communities and protect each individual’s right to believe or not believe, as that individual sees fit." Full Text | 2009 Report on International Religious Freedom | Briefing by Assistant Secretary Posner | Briefing at Foreign Press Center
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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