Prepared by: U.S. Department of State and other U.S. Government Agencies
Submitted in compliance with: United Nations Treaty Obligations
Background
On behalf of the Government of the United States, the Department of State submits periodic reports to the Human Rights Committee on the implementation of the rights and obligations enshrined in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The reporting system is an essential tool for a State to assess what it has achieved and what more it needs to do to promote and protect human rights in the country. The United States is a strong supporter of the reporting process.
Each country periodically submits a report to the Human Rights Committee every few years, subject to instructions received from the Committee. Following a report, the Committee identifies specific recommendations in its concluding observations that require immediate attention and can be implemented within a year. The United States is undergoing review of its fifth periodic report in fall 2023. Previous periodic reports submitted by the United States Government reflect significant interagency input, as well as consideration of information collected via consultations with civil society and the American public.
Upcoming Session Links
ICCPR Session 139 Page (Oct – Nov 2023)
Department of State Hosted 2023 Civil Society Consultations Schedule
| Date | Topics |
| February 23, 2023 | • Treaty/Overarching Issues • Use of lethal force in military contexts (Arts. 2, 6, 7, 9, 10 and 14) • Sexual Violence, Sexual Assault in the Military • Prohibition of Torture • Guantanamo Bay |
| April 19, 2023 | • Right to be Free from Arbitrary or Unlawful Interference with Privacy (Art. 17) • Freedom of expression (Art. 19), Hate crimes • Freedom of assembly and association (Arts. 21 and 22) • Freedom of Religion or Belief • Non-discrimination/Equality before the law (including as it relates to LGBTQI+ persons and women) • LGBTQI+ Persons |
| June 7, 2023 | • Criminal Justice and Access to Justice, Death penalty • Detentions • Gun Violence and the Use of Force • Rights to participate in public affairs and voting (Arts. 25 and 26) • Undue Influence in Elections |
| July 12, 2023 | • U.S. territories and self-determination • Rights of Indigenous Peoples • Human Trafficking and Forced Labor, Child and Forced Labor • Treatment of foreign nationals, including refugees and asylum seekers • Sexual and Reproductive Health/Maternal Health Issues |
To RSVP for a session, please contact ICCPR2023@state.gov.
Most Recent Past Review
ICCPR Session 110 Page (Mar 2014)
Additional Resources
Guidelines for initial and periodic reports
Reporting under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights: Training Guide