Legal Definitions - Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor

The Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) is a department within the U.S. Department of State. Its main responsibility is to create policies that promote human rights and freedoms. The DRL also prepares the annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices.

For example, the DRL might investigate a country where there are reports of human rights violations. They would gather information and create a report that details the situation. This report would then be used to inform U.S. policy towards that country.

The DRL's work is important because it helps to ensure that the U.S. government is promoting human rights and freedoms around the world. By shining a light on human rights abuses, the DRL can help to bring about positive change.