Official Reports

Reports on Trafficking in Persons 2020

The Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report is the U.S. Government’s principal diplomatic tool to engage foreign governments on human trafficking. The Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000, as amended (TVPA), requires the Secretary of State to submit an annual report to Congress. The goal of this report is to stimulate action and create partnerships around the world in the fight against trafficking in persons. The theme of this year’s TIP Report introduction is “Human Trafficking in the Context of a Global Pandemic.” It documents the impact of the pandemic on anti-trafficking efforts and the challenges that governments, civil society, and victims and survivors experienced in 2020. The introduction also highlights how the anti-trafficking community worked together to adapt to the adverse effects of the pandemic and provides emerging best practices and considerations on how the anti-trafficking community can build its resilience to face future crises.

“This year’s Trafficking in Persons Report sends a strong message to the world that global crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and enduring discriminatory policies and practices, have a disproportionate effect on individuals already oppressed by other injustices. These challenges further compound existing vulnerabilities to exploitation, including human trafficking. We must break this inhumane cycle of discrimination and injustices if we hope to one day eliminate human trafficking.” Secretary of State Anthony Blinken

Reports on International Religious Freedom 2020

The annual Report to Congress on International Religious Freedom – the International Religious Freedom Report – describes the status of religious freedom in every country. The report covers government policies violating religious belief and practices of groups, religious denominations and individuals, and U.S. policies to promote religious freedom around the world. The U.S. Department of State submits the reports in accordance with the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998.

This year marks the 23rd anniversary of the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 — the legislation that affirms the importance of defending and advancing religious freedom in U.S. foreign policy, and mandates the release of this annual report.

Upon its release Secretary of State Anthony Blinken confirmed, “Religious freedom, like every human right, is universal. All people, everywhere, are entitled to it no matter where they live, what they believe, or what they don’t believe. Religious freedom is co-equal with other human rights because human rights are indivisible. Religious freedom is not more or less important than the freedom to speak and assemble, to participate in the political life of one’s country, to live free from torture or slavery, or any other human right. Indeed, they’re all interdependent. Religious freedom can’t be fully realized unless other human rights are respected, and when governments violate their people’s right to believe and worship freely, it jeopardizes all the others. And religious freedom is a key element of an open and stable society. Without it, people aren’t able to make their fullest contribution to their country’s success. And whenever human rights are denied, it ignites tension, it breeds division.”

Reports on Human Rights 2020

The annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices – the Human Rights Reports – cover internationally recognised individual, civil, political, and worker rights, as set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international agreements. The U.S. Department of State submits reports on all countries receiving assistance and all United Nations member states to the U.S. Congress in accordance with the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and the Trade Act of 1974.

“Some have argued that it’s not worth it for the US to speak up forcefully for human rights – or that we should highlight abuse only in select countries, and only in a way that directly advances our national interests. But those people miss the point. Standing up for human rights everywhere is in America’s interests, and the Biden-Harris administration will stand against human rights abuses wherever they occur, regardless of whether the perpetrators are adversaries or partners.” Secretary Blinken

Reports on Human Trafficking 2019

The Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report is the U.S. Government’s principal diplomatic tool to engage foreign governments on human trafficking. It is also the world’s most comprehensive resource of governmental anti-trafficking efforts and reflects the U.S. Government’s commitment to global leadership on this key human rights and law enforcement issue.

Reports on Human Rights 2019

Reports on International Religious Freedom 2019

Reports on International Religious Freedom 2018

Reports on Human Rights Practices 2018

“The protection of human rights is central to U.S. foreign policy and to our American values. As we release the 43rd Human Rights Reports detailing the human rights practices of nearly 200 countries, we reaffirm our commitment to these fundamental freedoms.”
Secretary Pompeo

Reports on Trafficking in Persons 2018

This year’s report focuses on effective ways local communities can address human trafficking proactively and on how national governments can support and empower them. Local communities are the most affected by this abhorrent crime and are also the first line of defense against human trafficking.

Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2017

The 2017 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices (The Human Rights Reports) document the status of human rights and worker rights in nearly 200 countries and territories. These reports are required by U.S. law and are used by a variety of actors, including the U.S. Congress, the Executive branch, and the Judicial branch as a factual resource for decision making in matters ranging from assistance to asylum.

International Religious Freedom Report for 2017

Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2016

Promoting human rights and democratic governance is a core element of U.S. foreign policy. These values form an essential foundation of stable, secure, and functioning societies. Standing up for human rights and democracy is not just a moral imperative but is in the best interests of the United States in making the world more stable and secure. The 2016 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices (The Human Rights Reports) demonstrate the United States’ unwavering commitment to advancing liberty, human dignity, and global prosperity.

International Religious Freedom Report for 2016

More reports can be found here – select Year and Country in the right-hand column:

Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
Trafficking in Persons Report
Report on International Religious Freedom