2004 Press Releases

Letter to the Editor From Deputy Secretary Richard Armitage Regarding the Rollout of Supporting Human Rights and Democracy Report, 17 May 2004

June 2, 2004

Last week, I unveiled to the press corps this year's Supporting Human Rights and Democracy Report, which outlines U.S. government actions around the globe to help improve the lives of people whose governments do not always respect and protect their citizens' fundamental rights.

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 released, "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 our principles.

The 101 nations covered in this report are those with problematic human rights records. As I've 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. You will also find countries with which we do not enjoy full diplomatic relations - such as Iran and 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 the recent events in Georgia. The United States always maintained strong relations with the previous government, as is 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 Visitor 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.

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 and for millions of people in so many other nations.

Richard Armitage
Deputy Secretary
U.S. Department of State

(For a copy of the full report and additional information please see http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2003)