The United States Department of State has released the 2017 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, marking the 42nd annual publication of these reports. The announcement was made by Acting Secretary of State John J. Sullivan and Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert during a press briefing in Washington, D.C.
Heather Nauert began the briefing by emphasizing the importance of promoting freedom and defending human rights as central to U.S. values. "Promoting freedom – promoting and defending human rights and fundamental freedoms are central to who we are as a country," she stated.
Acting Secretary Sullivan described the reports as an extension of American values rooted in unalienable rights, fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law. He noted that promoting human rights is integral to U.S. foreign policy and national security. "Promoting human rights and the idea that every person has inherent dignity is a core element of this administration’s foreign policy," he said.
Sullivan highlighted specific countries with significant human rights concerns, including Syria, Burma (Myanmar), North Korea, China, Iran, Turkey, Venezuela, and Russia. He detailed various abuses occurring in these nations while underscoring efforts to address them through international collaboration.
He also mentioned positive developments in some countries such as Uzbekistan's strategic reform agenda leading to improved human rights conditions; Liberia's peaceful presidential transition; and Mexico's establishment of criminal penalties for forced disappearances.
The Acting Secretary concluded by affirming America's leadership role in promoting global human rights: "America leads the way globally to promote human rights." He acknowledged the efforts involved in creating these comprehensive reports and thanked colleagues within the State Department for their contributions.
Ambassador Michael Kozak from the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor was present at the briefing to answer questions following Sullivan's remarks.