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. In Geneva, the U.S. Mission’s Office of Human Rights Affairs works with democratic partners, international organizations including the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, non-governmental organizations, and engaged citizens to support those seeking freedom.
Freedom First in 2020
President Trump has proclaimed January as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month.
United States Takes Action Against Violators of Religious Freedom
Secretary Pompeo: "The protection of religious freedom is a top Trump Administration foreign policy priority. Persecution and discrimination on the basis of religion or belief…
Human Rights and the Iranian Regime
Secretary Pompeo: "Over 40 years in power, the regime in Iran has shown only disrespect for the Iranian people. This disrespect has destabilized Iran’s internal…
Statement on the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights’ Update on the Situation in Venezuela
Today in Geneva, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet provided an oral update on the human rights situation in Venezuela.
International Human Rights Day – Statement by Secretary Pompeo
"In 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) to identify common rights and freedoms for all people in…
Video: Human Rights Day Message from Ambassador Bremberg
"Let us stand firmly with those around the world who are fighting to defend their human rights."
U.S. Statement on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
Secretary Pompeo: "The United States recognizes the inherent dignity that every woman and girl possesses and is committed to defending the safety and security of…
U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of Bosnia and Herzegovina
We are deeply concerned by the government’s reported harsh treatment of and the potential excessive use of force against individuals peacefully expressing dissent.
U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of Egypt
While recognizing the terrorism threat Egypt faces, we call upon the government to better counter that threat by easing restrictions on freedoms of expression, peaceful…
U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of Slovenia
We commend Slovenia for launching a joint research project with the World Jewish Restitution Organization to compile a historical record of heirless, formerly Jewish-owned properties…
U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of Madagascar
The peaceful presidential election in 2019 was a seminal moment in Madagascar’s democratic history, and we urge the Government of Madagascar to seize on its…
U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of Iraq
The Iraqi government must uphold its obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law, including with respect to the protection of internally displaced…
U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of Kazakhstan
We urge the government to continue its increasingly productive engagement with civil society and encourage further measures to ensure and protect freedom of peaceful assembly…
U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of Angola
We are impressed with the notable steps Angola has taken to improve its human rights record, including tackling corruption, prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation,…
U.S. Statement on the Human Rights Situation in Iran
For decades, the Iranian regime has flagrantly violated its citizens’ human rights, targeting political and civil society activists as well as religious and ethnic minorities.
U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of Iran
We urge the government to allow the Special Rapporteur on Iran to visit the country and investigate existing practices.
U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of San Marino
The United States welcomes the delegation of San Marino to the UPR Working Group.
U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of Fiji
We commend Fiji on holding free and fair democratic elections in 2018; for taking seriously its obligations under the UN Convention Against Torture...
Harassment of the Family Members of Uighur Activists and Survivors in Xinjiang, China
The United States remains deeply troubled by multiple reports that the government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has harassed, imprisoned, or arbitrarily detained…
U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of Bolivia
We are deeply concerned by reported irregularities in Bolivia’s electoral process, including irregular vote counting, that undermine public confidence in the fairness of the most…
U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of The Gambia
We welcome The Gambia’s efforts to promote and defend human rights and congratulate the Gambian people on recent advances, especially holding free and fair elections…
U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of El Salvador
We commend El Salvador for holding free and fair presidential elections in February this year and for announcing a new international mechanism to combat impunity…
U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of Italy
We welcome the recent law to more effectively prosecute domestic violence cases and encourage further steps be taken.
International Religious Freedom Day
Freedom of religion is a cherished American value and a fundamental freedom.
Illegitimate Maduro Regime’s Election to the UN Human Rights Council
The United States strongly supports multilateral organizations that sincerely and effectively work to protect human rights.
The U.S. Government’s Continued Opposition to the Business & Human Rights Treaty Process
The United States once again will not participate in this week’s session of the Open-Ended Intergovernmental Working Group (OEIGWG) on the articulation of a business…
U.S. Department of State Imposes Visa Restrictions on Chinese Officials for Repression in Xinjiang
The United States calls on the People’s Republic of China to immediately end its campaign of repression in Xinjiang, release all those arbitrarily detained, and…
International Day of Democracy
On this International Day of Democracy, we reflect on our nation’s unwavering commitment to the unalienable rights that create the foundation of our democracy.
Condemning the Former Maduro and Iranian Regimes’ Propaganda at the UN Human Rights Council
The United States remains committed to supporting the people of Venezuela and Iran. Those in power can allow for a future of freedom and prosperity…
U.S. Continues to Push for Action Two Years after Rohingya Ethnic Cleansing
Two years ago, Burma’s security forces engaged in a brutal attack against hundreds of thousands of unarmed men, women, and children in a grossly disproportionate…
U.S. Deeply Concerned by Sentencing of Chinese online activist Huang Qi
Huang has been honored multiple times by Reporters Without Borders for his courage in exposing corruption and human rights violations in China through his website,…
Public Designation, Due to Gross Violations of Human Rights, of Burmese Military Officials
Today, the Department of State is publicly designating the following individuals and their immediate family members for the named individuals’ responsibility for gross human rights…
UN Human Rights Report Documents Maduro Regime’s Human Rights Abuses
The United States remains deeply concerned by the gross human rights abuses and violations detailed in the UN Human Rights report.
Remarks by Deputy Assistant Secretary Carstens at Event on Syrian Women Detainees
We must continue to shed light on these abuses, support the former detainees and survivors of torture, and work to hold those responsible accountable.
International Day in Support of Victims of Torture
Today is International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, marking the 32nd anniversary of the entry into force of the Convention against Torture and…
U.S. Statement Condemning Vice Governor of Xinjiang’s Human Rights Council Address
On Tuesday, June 25, the Vice Governor of China’s Xinjiang Province Aierken Tuniyazi addressed the UN Human Rights Council and attempted to justify the Chinese…
Restoring Fundamental Freedoms in Nicaragua
We stand by the Nicaraguan people in their calls for a restoration of democracy through early, free, and fair elections. Rather than amnesty for human…
Confronting Atrocities in China: The Global Response to the Uyghur Crisis
Remarks David J. Ranz, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau Of South And Central Asian Affairs Washington, DC, June 6, 2019 U.S. Capitol Visitors Center As…
U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review for Qatar
We commend Qatar’s accession to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights in May 2018 and the passage of the Law on the Regulation…
U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review for Nicaragua
We remain deeply concerned about the government’s continued human rights violations and abuses, and violent response to peaceful protests that began in April 2018.
U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of Equatorial Guinea
We remain deeply concerned by numerous reports of renditions, arbitrary detention, and violence by security forces, including alleged extrajudicial killings and the use of torture.…
U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review for Ethiopia
We applaud the many positive changes in Ethiopia’s human rights climate over the past year, including the decriminalization of opposition political movements and leaders, the…
U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of Costa Rica
The United States commends Costa Rica’s continued commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights both domestically and internationally, especially significant advances in reducing…
U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review for Brunei Darussalam
We are encouraged by the Sultan’s May 5 decision to immediately extend Brunei’s de facto moratorium on the death penalty to include stoning under the…
U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of North Korea
The United States urges North Korea to adhere to its international human rights obligations and commitments.
U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review for Dominica
We commend the Government of Dominica for providing for adequate prison conditions, protecting the independence of the press, and ensuring the independence and impartiality of…
U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of Bhutan
We welcome Bhutan’s achievements in democratization, including its third national election in 2018. We are concerned that enforcement of current legislation, if implemented, could pose…
U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of Portugal
We complement Portugal for its positive overall human rights record, and especially for its cooperation with the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees…
U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review for Côte d’Ivoire
The United States commends the Government of Cote d’Ivoire for its efforts to enact penal reform and combat trafficking in persons and the worst forms…
U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review for Democratic Republic of the Congo
The United States is encouraged by President Tshisekedi’s commitment to host a Human Rights Dialogue with the United States.
U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of Albania
The United States welcomes Albania’s implementation of reforms to protect victims of trafficking in persons.
U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of Norway
We compliment Norway on its outstanding human rights record and its robust engagement in human rights promotion abroad.
U.S. Strongly Condemns the Iranian Regime’s Crackdown on Women Activists
The United States strongly condemns the Iranian regime’s growing crackdown on women advocating for their human rights. Yasmin Aryani, Monireh Arabshahi, and Mojgan Keshavarz have…
The United States and Partners Hold Event on Human Rights Violations and Abuses in Nicaragua
On April 4, the United States, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Georgia held an event in Geneva, Switzerland, to expose the ongoing violations and abuses of…
Secretary Pompeo’s Meeting With Uighur Muslims Impacted by Human Rights Crisis in Xinjiang
These individuals’ family members are among the more than one million Uighurs, ethnic Kazakhs, and members of other Muslim minority groups whom the Chinese government…
Remarks by Deputy Assistant Secretary Filipetti on the Human Rights Situation in Venezuela
Remarks by Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Carrie Filipetti at an event on Human Rights Violations and Abuses in Venezuela Geneva,…
U.S.-Hosted Event on Human Rights Abuses in Venezuela
On March 19, the United States co-sponsored an event with Albania, Argentina, Colombia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Georgia, Hungary, Israel, Romania, and the United Kingdom…
Remarks of Ambassador Kelley E. Currie on Protecting Fundamental Freedoms in Xinjiang
China’s mass internment of members of Muslim minority groups, Uighurs, ethnic Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, and others is raising alarm within the international community.
U.S.-Hosted Event on Protecting Fundamental Freedoms in Xinjiang, China
On March 13, the United States co-hosted an event with Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland…
Eight-year Anniversary of the Detention of 2009 Iranian Political Opponents
This week marks the eight-year anniversary of the detention of 2009 Iranian presidential election candidates Mehdi Karroubi and Mir Hossein Mousavi, as well as Mousavi’s…
U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of Dominican Republic
The United States is encouraged by the Dominican Republic’s agreement to create a working group with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights and civil society…
U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of Cambodia
We remain gravely concerned about the serious decline in the respect for civil and political rights in Cambodia.
U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of Cyprus
The United States recognizes the challenges the Republic of Cyprus faces related to migration and the political division of the island. Observers have noted recent…
U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of Slovakia
The United States welcomes Slovakia’s reforms to the process for selecting judges for general courts and the adoption of a judicial code of conduct. These…
U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of Eritrea
The United States applauds Eritrea’s efforts to pursue peace with its neighbors and its engagement with the international community. We highlight the importance of protecting…
U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of Comoros
The United States is concerned by President Azali’s attempt to proceed with elections in early 2019, despite Parliament’s assertions that he does not have the…
U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of Vanuatu
U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of Vanuatu 32ndSession Geneva, January 24, 2019 as delivered by Anna Palladino The United States welcomes the Vanuatu…
U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of Macedonia
The United States is encouraged by Macedonia’s progress in increasing transparency and accountability in judicial independence; however, we note that sustained efforts by the Government…
U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of Yemen
We commend the Government of Yemen’s ongoing support of UN Special Envoy Martin Griffiths as he brings parties together to forge a political agreement to…
U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of Uruguay
The United States commends Uruguay’s exemplary leadership of the Inter-American human rights system.
U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of Vietnam
We remain deeply concerned that the harsh crackdown on individuals peacefully expressing dissent against the government has intensified in 2018.
U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of Chile
We commend Chile’s progress with SENAME, including of the implementation of early warning systems, stricter requirements for foster families, and committing to close and replace…
U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of New Zealand
The United States commends New Zealand’s continued leadership and commitment to promoting human rights internationally. We highlight our shared history of democracy and rule of…
U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of Afghanistan
We applaud Afghanistan’s efforts to improve human rights. The 2018 penal code reflects international human rights law and best practices in criminal justice.
The Passing of Human Rights Defender Ludmilla Mikhailovna Alexeeva
Today, on International Human Rights Day, we mark with deep sorrow the passing in Russia of one of the world’s great defenders of human rights,…
Secretary of State Pompeo: Statement on Human Rights Day
Seventy years ago, the UN General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of Malta
The United States encourages Malta to more aggressively address terrorist financing, money laundering, and corruption in banking supervision.
U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of the Republic of the Congo
We welcome Republic of the Congo’s progress towards peace, but remain deeply concerned by reports of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment of individuals who are…
U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of Belize
We remain seriously concerned by the human trafficking situation in Belize; particularly official complicity in human trafficking-related offenses.
U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of Chad
The United States remains concerned by reports of human rights violations and abuses by government agents, including those involving the use of torture, arbitrary arrests,…
U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of Monaco
The United States acknowledges that Monaco’s size affects its capacity to accept refugees and commends Monaco’s support for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. However,…
U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of the Central African Republic
We welcome the progress the Government of the Central African Republic has made to strengthen justice, accountability, and the rule of law. The United States…
U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of Malaysia
We commend Malaysia for its peaceful democratic transition following this year’s general election.
U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of Jordan
We remain concerned by a variety of laws that restrict fundamental freedoms and have led to arrests and detentions of journalists, civil society activists, and…
U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of Mauritius
The United States is encouraged by the progress made by Mauritius in addressing abuses committed by security forces and implementing recommendations from the last UPR.
U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of Mexico
We appreciate the priority Mexico assigns to the promotion of democracy abroad but encourages stronger efforts to end gross human rights violations and abuses at…
U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of Nigeria
The United States is encouraged by Nigeria’s progress in addressing the Civilian Joint Task Force’s recruitment and use of child soldiers, but stress the importance…
U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of China
We are alarmed by the Government of China’s worsening crackdown on Uighurs, Kazakhs, and other Muslims in the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region.
U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of Senegal
The United States welcomes Senegal’s efforts to promote and defend human rights, especially in advancements it has made concerning the rights of women and children.
U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of Saudi Arabia
We commend the Kingdom’s initiatives to broaden societal and economic participation for Saudi Arabian women. We remain, however, concerned about guardianship laws and credible reports…
U.S. Participation in the Geneva International Discussions on the conflict in Georgia
Press Statement by the U.S. Delegation to the Geneva International Discussions on the Conflict in Georgia (GID)
Statement by Ambassador Haley on the Nomination of Michelle Bachelet to be UN High Commissioner for
Statement by Ambassador Haley on the Nomination of Michelle Bachelet to be UN High Commissioner for Human Rights August 8, 2018 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Press…
United States Assisting Venezuelans in Need
Media Note Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC June 26, 2018 Vice President Mike Pence announced today in Brazil nearly $10 million in additional humanitarian…
Remarks on the UN Human Rights Council
Remarks by Mike Pompeo, Secretary of State and Nikki Haley, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations Treaty Room Washington, DC June 19, 2018 SECRETARY POMPEO: Good…
LGBTI Pride Month
The United States joins people around the world in celebrating Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex (LGBTI) Pride Month, and reaffirms its commitment to protecting…
U.S. Statement on the Referendum in Burundi
Press Statement by Heather Nauert, Department Spokesperson Washington, DC May 21, 2018 The United States notes that the May 17, referendum process in Burundi was marred…
An Unfair, Unfree Vote in Venezuela
The United States condemns the fraudulent election that took place in Venezuela on May 20. This so-called “election” is an attack on constitutional order and…
U.S. Participation in the Geneva International Discussions on the conflict in Georgia
At the forty-third round of the Geneva International Discussions on the conflict in Georgia, March 27-28, the United States condemned the tragic death of Georgian citizen Archil…
