Press Release
Published on April 22, 2025
Washington, DC – In response to today’s proposed reorganization of the U.S. Department of State, Human Rights First President and CEO Uzra Zeya issued the following statement:
“We are deeply concerned about Secretary Rubio’s proposal to radically reduce and marginalize U.S. human rights and humanitarian leadership at the Department of State, at a moment when global authoritarian overreach and forced displacement are at record levels. Secretary Rubio’s vilification of hard-working, non-partisan public servants in the State Department’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor and Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration defies their decades of life-saving wins for the American people and deep-rooted bipartisan support. From securing freedom for thousands of political prisoners globally and shining a light on PRC repression and forced labor, to helping allies and front-line states that continue to host the vast majority of the world’s refugees, to supporting the safe and successful domestic resettlement of refugees, these dedicated diplomats have saved lives, bolstered U.S. economic growth, and advanced U.S. national interests and values in tandem.
Secretary Rubio’s proposal to eliminate the Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights and additional bureaus and offices it encompasses will further diminish U.S. capacity to address the manifold democratic, human rights, and humanitarian challenges around the world. For instance, the proposal appears to do away with the vital work of advancing labor rights globally, which is crucial to preserving a level playing field for America’s workers. And the elimination of the Office of Global Criminal Justice and Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations will hobble U.S. efforts to hold accountable the perpetrators of atrocities and prevent them from recurring.
These cuts do not put America first. They undermine our government’s ability to operate strategically and effectively in the world and detract from our own security, stability, and prosperity. As the United States retreats from global human rights and humanitarian leadership, authoritarian adversaries will rush to fill the void. Those other powers can be counted upon to put Americans last.
There are numerous ways the State Department could be reformed and improved to better deliver for the American people, in consultation with longtime, bipartisan human rights champions in the U.S. Congress. Congress should act immediately to assert its proper authority and prevent a take-down of U.S. human rights and humanitarian leadership at this pivotal moment.”
To speak with Zeya, please contact press@HumanRightsFirst.
