Promoting human rights and the spread of democracy throughout the world is a cornerstone of US foreign policy, and the United States invested over $1 billion in 2004 to promote democracy and human rights, according to State Department fact sheet released Monday. "Across the globe, we will continue to stand in solidarity with the extraordinary men and women who take great personal risks to shed light on human rights abuses, strive to have freedom of the press and work to ensure democratic change," the fact sheet stated.
Following is a fact sheet describing US efforts to promote freedom and democracy world-wide, issued by the US Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labour: "It is the policy of the United States to seek and support the growth of democratic movements and institutions in every nation and culture, with the ultimate goal of ending tyranny in our world" -President George W. Bush, 2005 Inaugural Address.
Promoting freedom and democracy is the cornerstone of US foreign policy.
America's experience as a democracy affirms its conviction that all people can live and prosper in peace. Even in our worst moments, we have been guided by our commitment to freedom and self-government.
We are led to one conclusion: the survival of liberty in our land is dependent on liberty in other lands.
The belief in freedom, democracy and human rights are not solely American values. They are shared by people and democratic governments on every continent and by those who aspire to liberty around the world. A world free of tyranny: The past year has seen a dramatic shift in the world's landscape. Elections in Afghanistan, Palestinian Authority and Iraq, and the "Orange Revolution" in Ukraine have brought the dramatic firststeps of democracy to populations that have lived under tyranny and oppression for too long.
Today, more than fifty million people who lived under brutal regimes in Afghanistan and Ira, are on the road to democracy. Ira, has taken the first steps in becoming the first democratic nation in the Arab Middle East.
Afghan President Hamid Karzai, is leading his war-torn nation forward from over 23 years of conflict and political instability.
In the Palestinian Authority, voters replaced an antiquated leadership with one that seeks peace with its neighbours.
What these dramatic events graphically illustrate is that societies of free citizens must be founded on a commitment to the dignity of each individual. While citizens' desire for individual freedoms and rights can be repressed for a time by authoritarian and corrupt regimes, history shows us that transition is possible and encourages our support of the inalienable rights of freedom loving people everywhere.
The tools we use: These principles guide our decisions about international cooperation,the character of our foreign assistance and the allocation of resources, and they will guide our actions and our words in international bodies. The United States will stand beside any nation determined to build a better future by seeking the rewards of libertyfor its people.
In the last year the US Government invested over one billion dollars in democracy and human rights promotion throughout the world. We also provide, or withhold, economic, financial or technical assistance that can be crucial to helping a government meet its obligations to its citizens.
Our Commitment: We have pledged support for individuals who seek to secure their unalienable rights. Across the globe, we will continue to stand insolidarity with the extraordinary men and women who take great personal risks to shed light on human rights abuses, strive to havefreedom of the press and work to ensure democratic change.
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