Foreign Relations of the United States, 1977–1980, Volume II, Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs

44. Memorandum Prepared in the Central Intelligence Agency¹

Washington, undated

SUBJECT

• PERSPECTIVES—Human Rights Worldwide (Approved by Department of State, 17 May 1977)

1. In recent months there has been considerable commentary on the global nature of human rights violations, with emphasis that these abuses have not been confined to any one geographic area or political philosophy. The character of violations has varied from country to country as has the degree of sensitivity vis-à-vis U.S. policy interests. U.S. and Western European leaders have registered increasing concern over human rights abuses and have argued for a general campaign to counter this phenomenon throughout the world. President Carter’s position on human rights has received world-wide attention, and U.S. human rights policy is being advanced by various levels of the U.S. Government in its relations with other countries.

2. Stations are encouraged to apply their regional expertise and feel for the local scene to promote human rights locally and internationally. [12 lines not declassified]

3. [1 line not declassified] it is suggested that you draw upon the following concepts, which have been approved by the State Department.

A. Mention legal and international commitments to honor human rights. Most of the offending governments are parties to such United Nations resolutions as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (approved in 1948), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (adopted in 1966) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (adopted in 1966). Discuss the guarantees which these documents provide.

B. Remind contacts of the essentially apolitical nature of the concern for human rights. Offending regimes often try to smear human rights activists at home and abroad as subversives seeking the downfall of the ruling government or ruling political philosophy.

C. Observe that the abuse of human rights and the failure to honor pertinent laws and international agreements may create obstacles to the achievement of the foreign policy objectives. Third World leaders may be particularly susceptible to damage to their country’s self-image which would amount to losing face before the international community.

D. Indicate that abuse of human rights will negatively affect the character of relations between the U.S. and foreign governments in all areas.

1. Source: Central Intelligence Agency, Office of Congressional Affairs, Job 81M00980R: Subject Committee Files, Box 27, Folder 13: Covert Actions. Secret; Sensitive. No drafting information appears on the memorandum.