Release of Human Rights Report 2007

MR: Wed, Mar 12, 2008

The U.S. Department of State today announces the release of the Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2007.  The U.S. Congress mandates these reports every year on 194 countries around the world, including the five countries to which the Embassy is accredited:  Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga and Tuvalu.  The text of the reports can be found at the Department's website:  http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2007

Based on the fundamental and universal nature of human rights as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the United States seeks to:
• Hold governments accountable to their obligations under universal human rights norms and international human rights instruments;
• Promote greater respect for human rights, including freedom from torture, freedom of expression, press freedom, women's rights, children's rights, and the protection of minorities;
• Promote the rule of law, seek accountability, and change cultures of impunity;
• Assist efforts to reform and strengthen the institutional capacity of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and the UN Commission on Human Rights; and
• Coordinate human rights activities with important allies and regional organizations.

Although the main focus of these reports is calendar year 2007, it is Department of State policy to include references to events from up to three years ago.

Remarks by U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on the release of the 2007 report can be viewed at:  http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2007/12/96688.htm

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Note: Attribution is to the U.S. Department of State.