Key Reports

In Key Reports, we have gathered eleven of the most important reports released by the U.S. Government Administration. These reports cover issues which are not only important to U.S. citizens, but touch upon subjects which are in many cases of global or in some cases of bilateral interest.

The reports are in chronological order. Featured are only the latest versions of each report, accompanied by a small note which explains what exactly is covered by the report. For each item we provide a hyperlink to the full-text document.

Should you encounter problems when trying to access one of the items selected, please take contact with your webmaster via email. 

Trafficking in Persons Report. Released by the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, U.S. Department of State. June 5, 2006

"Human traffickers prey on the most vulnerable and turn a commercial profit at the expense of innocent lives. The State Department's efforts to end this evil trade exemplify transformational diplomacy. We work with international partners to secure the freedom of those who are exploited and call on governments to be effective and accountable in prosecuting those who exploit.

The movement to end trafficking in persons continues to gain momentum, thanks to Presidential leadership, Congressional commitment, and support from innumerable faithbased, community, human rights, and women's groups, as well as from individual citizens. Thank you for joining this abolitionist movement on behalf of the world's most vulnerable citizens." -- Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice

Supporting Human Rights and Democracy: The U.S. Record 2005 - 2006. Department of State. Released April 5, 2006.
Nederlands | Francais

The "Supporting Human Rights and Democracy: The U.S. Record 2005 - 2006" report is submitted to the Congress by the Department of State in compliance with Section 665 of P.L. 107-228, the FY 03 Foreign Relations Authorization Act, which requires the Department to report on actions taken by the U.S. Government to encourage respect for human rights. This fourth annual submission complements the longstanding Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2005, and takes the next step, moving from highlighting abuses to publicizing the actions and programs the United States has employed to end those abuses. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice

2005 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices. Chapter on Belgium, US Department of State, March 8, 2006.
Nederlands |   Francais

On March 8, 2006, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice delivered opening remarks on the release of the State Department's 2005 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices. Under Secretary Paula Dobriansky and Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Barry F. Lowenkron also gave remarks at the special press briefing and answered questions.

The report entitled "Country Reports on Human Rights Practices" is submitted to the Congress by the Department of State in compliance with sections 116(d) and 502B(b) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (FAA), as amended, and section 504 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended. The law provides that the Secretary of State shall transmit to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate, by February 25 "a full and complete report regarding the status of internationally recognized human rights, within the meaning of subsection (A) in countries that receive assistance under this part, and (B) in all other foreign countries which are members of the United Nations and which are not otherwise the subject of a human rights report under this Act."

2006 Economic Report of the President. White House. February 2006.

The expansion of the U.S. economy continued for the fourth consecutive year in 2005. The President has laid out an agenda to maintain the economy's momentum, foster job creation, and ensure that America remains a leader of the global economy. The President is advancing plans to make tax relief permanent; restrain government spending to reduce the budget deficit; strengthen retirement systems; make health care more affordable and accessible; create an economic environment that encourages innovation and entrepreneurship; enhance private incentives for research and development; boost math and science education and worker training; reform the immigration system and strengthen our borders; continue to open markets to American goods and services; and reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil by diversifying our energy supply. This Report reviews the state of the economy and the economic outlook, and discusses a number of economic policy issues of continuing importance. The Report highlights how economics can inform the design of better public policy and reviews Administration initiatives.

The 2005 International Religious Freedom Report | Chapter on Belgium. U.S. Department of State, October 2005.

At the beginning of the twenty-first century, citizens of the United States continue to cherish our religious liberty as much as we do our right to pursue economic well-being. President George W. Bush has urged us to be mindful of the deep roots of this basic right in our society. "Our Founding Fathers," he said, "knew the importance of freedom of religion to a stable and lasting Union. Our Constitution protects individuals’ rights to worship as they choose. Today, we continue to welcome the important contributions of people of faith in our society. We reject religious bigotry in every form, striving for a society that honors the life and faith of every person. As we maintain the vitality of a pluralistic society, we work to ensure equal treatment of faith-based organizations and people of faith."

America's resolve to champion the cause of religious freedom around the world is fueled by our history, but it is founded on that "inherent right" which Oscar Straus so valued. Today, we find this fundamental freedom enshrined in various international covenants, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Article 18 of that foundational United Nations document states, "Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religious or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance." In President Bush’s words, religious freedom "is the first freedom of the human soul -- the right to speak the words that God places in our mouths. We must stand for that freedom in our country. We must speak for that freedom in the world." The Annual Report on International Religious Freedom is intended to do just that.

Read also: The 2004 International Religious Freedom Report | Chapter on Belgium . U.S. Department of State, September 2004.
Nederlands |   Francais

The International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR), among the world’s most detailed reference sources on the illicit drug trade, was unveiled at the U.S. Department of State March 4.

On February 28, 2005, Under Secretary for Global Affairs Paula Dobriansky held an On-the-Record briefing to announce the release of the 2004 Human Rights Reports. Assistant Secretary of State for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Robert B. Charles also gave remarks and answered questions.

2005 Trade Policy Agenda and 2004 Annual Report of the President of the United States on the Trade Agreements Program. U.S. Trade Representative, March 2005.

"In 2005, the United States is seeking to expand on this record of accomplishment, with an active and comprehensive trade liberalizing agenda. While working to further open markets, the Administration will continue to focus on monitoring and enforcing existing U.S. trade agreements and trade laws, building the capacity of developing countries to participate in the global economy, and making the case for free trade to the American public. national treatment, and transparency. USTR is seeking new ways to work together with the European Union to further the Doha negotiations. We are also working to resolve ongoing trade disputes and to explore further opportunities to enhance our important transatlantic trade and investment relationship." This report makes the balance of the 2004 free trade efforts of the U.S. government and introduces its 2005 agenda.

Country Background Notes on Belgium. U.S. Department of State, February 2005.

Background Notes are factual publications that include facts about the land, people, history, government, political conditions, economy, and foreign relations of independent states, some dependencies, and areas of special sovereignty. The Notes are updated/revised by the Office of Electronic Information and Publications of the Bureau of Public Affairs as they are received from the Department's regional bureaus and are added to the database of the Department of State website you are now using.

In each Background Note is a link under "OFFICIAL NAME" that goes to the respective "country page" containing additional information.

2004-2005 Statistical Abstract of the United States. U.S. Census Bureau, February 2005.

The National Data Book contains a collection of statistics on social and economic conditions in the United States. Selected international data are also included. The Abstract is also your Guide to Sources of other data from the Census Bureau, other Federal agencies, and private organizations. Issued annually, this reference work is the government's most important statistical factbook on the social, political and economic aspects of American life.

Report on Global Anti-Semitism. U.S. Department of State, January 2005.

A report released by the U.S. Department of State January 5 examines acts of anti-Semitism -- defined as “hatred toward Jews, individually and as a group, attributed to the Jewish religion and/or ethnicity” -- committed from July 1, 2003, to December 15, 2004, in 62 countries worldwide.

The “Report on Global Anti-Semitism” also details the efforts of governments and other groups to counter anti-Semitism.

The one-time report was mandated by the Global Anti-Semitism Review Act of 2004 (Public Law 108-332), in response to the increase of anti-Semitic incidents since the start of the 21st century. When signing the law in October 2004, President Bush noted that “defending freedom also means disrupting the evil of anti-Semitism."

The 9-11 Commission Report. The National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (also known as the 9-11 Commission), July 2004.

The National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (also known as the 9-11 Commission), an independent, bipartisan commission created by congressional legislation and the signature of President George W. Bush in late 2002, was chartered to prepare a full and complete account of the circumstances surrounding the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, including preparedness for and the immediate response to the attacks. The Commission was also mandated to provide recommendations designed to guard against future attacks. On July 22, 2004 the Commission released its public report, featured here.