Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
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.
The Latest
Remarks on the Release of the 2018 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
"Now, every year since 1977, the State Department has through this report put the world on notice that we’ll expose violation of human rights wherever they occur. We have told those who disgrace the concept of human dignity they will pay a price, that their abuses will be meticulously documented and then publicized."
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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 world.
Learn More About the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Democracy and Human RightsReligious Freedom
Religious freedom is essential to peace and stability: protecting the free exercise of religion contributes directly to political freedom, economic development, and the rule of law.
Learn More About the Office of International Religious Freedom Religious FreedomInternational 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.
Learn More About International Labor Affairs International Labor AffairsPrograms 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.
Learn More About Programs and Grants Programs and Grants