Democracy and Human Rights

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. The United States is committed to working with democratic partners, including Austria and the EU, as well as regional organizations, non-governmental organizations, and engaged citizens to support those seeking freedom.
(Source: Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor/U.S. Department of State)

Documents and Speeches

• Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2012, U.S. Department of State, April 19, 2013 (Chapter on Austria)

• International Religious Freedom Report for 2011, U.S. Department of State, July 30, 2012 | Chapter on Austria | Remarks by Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton
• Key U.S. Outcomes at the UN Human Rights Council 20th Session, Fact Sheet, U.S. Department of State, July 12, 2012
• Trafficking in Persons: International Dimensions and Foreign Policy Issues for Congress (pdf/496kb), CRS Report for Congress, Congressional Research Service/Library of Congress, July 6, 2012
• Trafficking in Persons Report 2012, U.S. Department of State, June 19, 2012
• Presidential Proclamation - Religious Freedom Day, 2012, The White House, January 13, 2012
• Human Rights Day and Human Rights Week, 2011, Proclamation by the President of the United States of America, December 9, 2011
• Remarks in Recognition of International Human Rights Day, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Secretary of State, Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland, December 6, 2011 (video)
• The Department of State's Accomplishments Promoting the Human Rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender People, Fact Sheet, U.S. Department of State, December 6, 2011
• Advancing Freedom and Democracy Report 2010, U.S. Department of State, Washington, D.C., May 2011