The U.S. State Department's revised human rights reports for 2024 exclude references to LGBTQ+ persecution and gender-based violence. Drafts reviewed by the Washington Post reveal these revisions have significantly shortened the reports and delayed their release, which typically occurs in March or April. Former officials express concern, particularly regarding Russia, where anti-LGBTQ+ crimes and legislation have persisted. The omission of critical information has drawn criticism toward Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who previously supported the integrity of human rights reporting.
"The drafts seen by the Post don't mention anti-LGBTQ+ or gender-based violence, which is a glaring omission, particularly for Russia where anti-LGBTQ+ laws have existed for over a decade."
"The reports, which cover 2024, are significantly shorter than they have usually been, and they have been long delayed, rewritten by the Trump administration after the Biden administration ended."
"Officials reported that drafts of reports reviewed by The Washington Post omit references to LGBTQ+ individuals or crimes against them and soften descriptions of government abuses."
"Secretary Rubio has repeatedly asserted that his State Department has not abandoned human rights, but it is evident through these actions that this administration's commitment is questionable."
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