Press Releases

2006 Human Rights Report released by the U.S. State Department

March 6, 2007

 

The United States Department of State today released the 2006 edition of the annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, commonly known as the Human Rights Report.  The report examines human rights issues in 196 countries during the year 2006, detailing each country's commitment to protecting and promoting the rights listed in the 1948 United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, including internationally recognized individual, civil, political, and worker rights. A related report, “Supporting Human Rights and Democracy: The U.S. Record,” will be released for 2006-2007 within the coming months. 

Since they were first mandated by Congress in 1976, the annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices have been a widely respected human rights reporting mechanism, and have become an essential tool to help determine foreign policy strategies that promote the development of democratic systems and principles, and remedy abuse and disregard for human rights. The United States vigorously promotes the cause of human rights as a core component of our foreign policy.  Chargé d'Affaires, Dr. Brent Hardt noted that "democracy is the best guarantor of human rights, as it is built upon an interrelated set of freedoms and responsibilities, including the rule of law, accountability, participation, thriving civil society, protection of minorities and women, and freedom of speech, the press, of assembly and worship, in addition to free and fair elections."  He added that the U.S. believes that "when we support human rights and those civil society individuals and organizations who are championing their cause, we are helping men and women around the world shape their own destinies."  At a time when NGOs and other human rights defenders are under siege in many countries across the globe, Secretary Rice has emphasized that we and other democratic governments must defend the defenders.

The 2006 country report on The Bahamas concluded that The Bahamas generally respected the human rights of its citizens.  In many areas of the report, The Bahamas had no allegations of abuse or issues of concern.  Commenting on the report, the Chargé d’Affairs observed:  “The Bahamas is one of the strongest advocates for human rights in this hemisphere.  It has a commendable human rights record of which all Bahamians can be proud.”   The Chargé also noted that Ambassador Rood in recent remarks to the Honorary Consular Corps had pointed out that The Bahamas had "stood out" at the 2006 Non-Aligned Meeting for its vocal support of democratic rule and human rights and that The Bahamas had "stood alone among its Caribbean peers in its support for key human rights resolutions in the UN in 2006.”

No country has a perfect record with regard to human rights, and the country reports seek to identify areas in all countries where concerns exist and should be addressed.  As in past years, The Bahamas’ report for 2006 raised concerns about continued harsh conditions and overcrowding at Fox Hill prison and the Carmichael Road detention center, including allegations of abuse against guards.  The report called attention to lengthy pre-trial delays for persons on remand, noting that some persons are held in prison for years without trial.  And, it highlighted concerns regarding the treatment of members of the Haitian community, including during immigration screenings.  The report noted limitations on press access to government information and other concerns about a lack of government transparency. 

Promoting freedom and democracy and protecting human rights are central to U.S. and Bahamian values.  Indeed, the open cooperation and assistance of The Bahamian government in gathering information for this report offers strong evidence of The Bahamian commitment to the protection of human rights.  The report also reflects cooperation from international and regional organizations, non-governmental organizations, and engaged citizens who are committed to supporting freedom, democracy and the rule of law.  Chargé Hardt noted that "the open existence and active participation of these groups in Bahamian society serves as further testament to The Bahamas’ strong democratic tradition and enduring commitment to human rights."

The full text of the 2006 report, and of last years report on the U.S. Record, is available online at www.state.gov.