State Department Releases Annual Country Reports on Human Rights

The U.S. State Department yesterday issued its 2008 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices evaluating strengths and weaknesses in each nation around the world. Concerns over restrictions on religious freedom and religious discrimination in various countries are among the broad range of human rights items covered. The press conference releasing the reports began with remarks by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, followed by a briefing from Acting Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Karen Stewart. [Thanks to Joel Katz of Relig. & State In Israel for the lead.]