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State Department’s Streamlined 2024 Human Rights Report Softens Allies, Expands Criticism

Legal challenges, congressional scrutiny follow the report release after warnings the overhaul could erode U.S. asylum, diplomatic leverage

A general view of a U.S. State Department sign outside the U.S. State Department building in Washington, D.C., U.S., July 11, 2025. REUTERS/Annabelle Gordon
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Damaged buildings and ruins are seen in northern Gaza on July 7.
A general view of the U.S. State Department building in Washington, D.C., U.S., July 11, 2025. REUTERS/Annabelle Gordon/File photo

Overview

  • The Trump administration condensed and restructured the congressionally mandated Country Reports, removing sections on LGBTQI issues, gender-based violence and corruption to align with its “America First” priorities.
  • Tough findings persist on traditional adversaries, reaffirming genocide conclusions against Uyghurs in China and detailing abuses in Russia, North Korea and other targeted states.
  • Reports on Trump-aligned partners such as El Salvador and Israel were significantly shortened or stripped of previous condemnations, with El Salvador flagged for no credible significant abuses in 2024.
  • Heightened criticism focuses on Western Europe’s internet regulations, Brazil’s suppression of former president Jair Bolsonaro’s supporters and South Africa’s alleged land expropriations against Afrikaners.
  • Human rights groups and some lawmakers have denounced the revisions as politicized whitewashing and launched lawsuits and oversight inquiries over potential impacts on asylum rulings and U.S. human rights credibility.