| | Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and LaborOver the past quarter-century, a profound democratic revolution, grounded in the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, has reshaped the world political order and helped secure global economic prosperity. Democracy, human rights, religious freedom, and worker rights rank high among the fundamental American values that have helped to create this freer, more stable, and prosperous global arena. But democracy and human rights are not just uniquely American concepts. They are truly universal values whose powerful message has transformed the planet. As we promote democracy and human rights, we build a stronger, more prosperous, and ultimately freer world. If we act wisely, future historians looking back at this millennium will identify the growth and consolidation of democracy and human rights as both our greatest achievement and our most important legacy.
The Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor is headed by Acting Assistant Secretary Michael G. Kozak. | | | Highlights | Human Rights Day 2004
Human Rights Day was Friday, December 10, 2004. Visit the Human Rights Day page to read about the importance of this day.
Secretary Powell's Statement on Human Rights Week 2004: "The United States values the sanctity of the individual and is committed to preventing human rights abuses. Our country is one in which all citizens regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, religious faith or other characteristics, are entitled to enjoy equal opportunities and mutual peace." [full text]
The 2004 International Religious Freedom report was released on September 15, 2004. This annual report includes individual country chapters on the status of religious freedom worldwide. Remarks by Secretary Powell. Briefing by Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom John Hanford.
Documenting Atrocities in Darfur, released by the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor and the Bureau of Intelligence and Research.
Partnership to Eliminate Sweatshops Program addresses unacceptable working conditions in manufacturing facilities overseas that produce goods for the U.S. market.
Supporting Human Rights and Democracy: The U.S. Record 2003-2004 highlights U.S. efforts to promote human rights and democracy in the 101 countries and entities with the worst human rights records.
Iran: Voices Struggling To Be Heard
The courageous voices of the Iranian people are being stifled as they call for their rights, beliefs, and needs to be respected. In response, the non-elected elements of the Iranian Government hierarchy are rebuffing these calls and attempting to extinguish the voices. Fact Sheet; Fact Sheet in pdf format (384k  ) |
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