U.S. Policy & Issues

Human Rights

• Lithuania Country Report on Human Rights Practices: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008

Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2007

• Lithuania Report on Human Rights Practices - 2007 English Lithuanian

The Latest Human Rights News from Washington

Citizens Police Academies Offer Realistic View of Police Work

Too often relationships between police and citizens can be strained and distrustful, but citizens police academies show civilians the challenges and limits of police work and can help improve citizen-police understanding. America.gov looks at how these programs are building trust.

More...

U.S. Joins Call to End Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation

The United States joins 66 other U.N. member states in condemning persecution of individuals based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. “The United States is an outspoken defender of human rights and critic of human rights abuses around the world,” says a U.S. State Department spokesman.

More...

U.S. Award Honors, Supports Women Who Fight for Social Justice

For the third consecutive year, the United States honors women who fight to protect human rights. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and first lady Michelle Obama congratulate the 2009 winners of the International Women of Courage awards at a State Department ceremony in Washington.

More...

Neighborhood Watch Programs Help Build Citizen-Police Trust

Fighting crime and ensuring public safety are much easier if citizens and police trust each other and communicate effectively. In the United States, an innovative program called “Neighborhood Watch” is helping to build that trust and open the channels of communication.

More...

Woman Brings Comfort to Families of Russian Soldiers

Many peacetime deaths of Russian soldiers are never adequately explained. Veronika Marchenko’s Mother’s Right Foundation offers moral and legal support to families and fights abuse in the armed forces.

More...