The United States has introduced new rules that classify certain diversity, equity and inclusion policies, as well as other social measures implemented by foreign governments, as potential human rights violations. According to the State Department, these instructions will guide all US embassies and consulates in their contributions to the annual human rights report, marking a significant shift in how Washington interprets global human rights standards. The changes reflect the Trump administration’s broader domestic agenda and are intended, officials say, to counter what they describe as “destructive ideologies”.
Under the new approach, countries that enforce race- or gender-based DEI policies, subsidise abortion, allow gender-transition surgeries for minors or facilitate mass migration may be labelled as infringing on human rights. A senior State Department official said these rules are meant to influence the behaviour of foreign governments, emphasising that human rights are endowed by a creator, not granted by governments. The administration also considers restrictions on certain types of speech—such as European laws targeting online hate speech—as violations of free expression.
Rights advocates have strongly condemned the changes, arguing that the administration is redefining human rights to fit partisan objectives. Critics say the new framework ignores established protections for women, LGBTQI+ people, religious and ethnic minorities, and others who have long been recognised under international law. They warn that the shift represents a politicisation of human rights policy and introduces open hostility toward LGBTQI+ communities.
The new guidance accompanies broader changes already visible in the State Department’s latest human rights report, which was heavily revised and narrowed. The updated report reduced criticism of some US allies, increased scrutiny of perceived adversaries and removed entire sections addressing issues such as corruption and the persecution of LGBTQ+ individuals. It also claimed that human rights conditions had deteriorated in some European democracies due to laws fighting online hate speech—language that echoed arguments made by tech industry figures opposed to online safety legislation.
