Supporting Human Rights and Democracy: The U.S. Record 2003-2004 Report

Earlier this year, I had the chance to meet with Philip Kaplan and Ted Burkhalter. Now, there is no reason why these names would be familiar to any of you. These are not people of great fame or great fortune. They're diplomats serving overseas, still young in their careers.

But last year, they were stars at the Department of State. Both were singled out. Both were recognized for going beyond their job descriptions and distinguishing themselves on a daily basis. Phil serves our embassy in Ankara, where he not only reports on key political developments, he works with private organizations, the Turkish Government and groups from across civil society, to advance the cause of Turkey’s commitment to human rights. Until recently, Ted worked in Uzbekistan, where he analyzed developments in civil society, but he also saved lives by pushing for protections and justice for all detainees, and by supporting those who struggle to bring democracy and human dignity to that country.

But what you should know is that these two officers are not alone. The State Department is full of people just like them. You'll find a few of them mentioned in the pages of the report which we're releasing today. These individuals are not alone, in another sense. They also represent the best ideals and institutions of our entire nation and our long-term interests in peace and prosperity.

We have seen some of those ideals and institutions rocked in recent weeks by the shocking revelations of American human rights violations in Iraq. When President Bush expressed his deep disgust and regret, it wasn't just his personal reaction as a man of principle. It was also his reaction as the head of state of a country that holds itself to a higher standard, both at home and in our conduct in the world. We will indeed hold all who bear any responsibility for these shameful episodes fully accountable. But it is simply not enough to punish those who fall short of our high standards. We must do more than that. We must create a constructive legacy, one that promotes and protects human rights and democracy around the world. And you will see in this document the proof that we are doing just that.

The report we are to release today, Supporting Human Rights and Democracy, is an important record of our actions as a country. This companion piece to our three annual reports on human rights and the trafficking in human beings goes beyond documenting violations; it offers a catalogue of just how the U.S. Government follows through on those principles.

The 101 nations covered in this report are those with problematic human rights records. As I have already noted, you will find in these pages some of America's most valued allies, as well as some of our newest and most important partners in the war on terrorism. But you will also find countries with which we do not enjoy full diplomatic relations, such as Iran and such as North Korea. We hold them all, friend and foe alike, to the same high standards to which we hold ourselves.

In each of these countries, the United States engages in diplomacy, policy and hands-on projects to help fix what is wrong and to bring pressure to bear. We also work to address the structural flaws that can lead to such violations in the first place.

These efforts can pay off, as we saw in recent events in Georgia. The United States had always maintained strong relations with the previous government, as was appropriate; but at the same time, we made a point of reaching out across civil society. Indeed, President Saakashvili himself was once a participant in our International Visitors Program. The people of Georgia ultimately prevailed in their peaceful desire for democracy. And because of our solid diplomacy, they see America as a friend in that endeavor.

So I am pleased to have the opportunity to release this report today. At a time when so much world attention is focused on the conduct of American soldiers at Abu Ghraib -- and rightly so -- we must not forget how much is at stake here at home and around the world. I am proud of the men and women of the Department of State and all those who serve the public interest for all that they do every day to build a safer, more just and successful future for all Americans, as well as for millions of people in so many other nations.