PRESS RELEASE

February 26, 2009

United States Releases 2009 Annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices

Hanoi, February 26 – Secretary of State Hillary Clinton released the 2009 Annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices in Washington, DC yesterday.  This annual publication strives to monitor and promote human rights in countries around the world.  The country reports describe the performance of governments in adhering to their international commitments on human rights reflected in the UN Declaration of Human Rights. 

The Department of State publishes these reports in accordance with a congressional mandate, and they have become an essential element of the U.S. effort to promote respect for human rights worldwide.  The reports enjoy a global readership and are often cited by multilateral institutions and other governments.  In addition, the U.S. Congress often refers to these reports when deciding whether to grant debt relief and foreign assistance. 

The Country Report for Vietnam notes that, while there has been progress in some areas, there remains much room for improvement across the spectrum of human rights. 

The Country Report for Vietnam is available at: http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2008/eap/119063.htm

The full Annual Report is available at:  http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2008/