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 human rights team 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.
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…
