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Kerry delivers Human Rights Report, highlights Syria, LGBT issues

by Reuters

Secretary of State John Kerry delivers a list of rights issues not only troubling to the U.S., but that have made headlines around the word --

(SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE JOHN KERRY SAYING:

"It's no coincidence that the first use of a weapon of mass destruction anywhere in the last quarter century came from a dictatorship in Syria in trying to suppress a popular uprising, in trying to suppress the aspirations of young people who simply wanted jobs and education and opportunity."

The State Department's report also focused on LGBT issues in areas ranging from Russia to Uganda.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE JOHN KERRY SAYING:

"Indeed in some 80 countries the world over, LGBT communities face discriminatory laws and practices that attack their basic human dignity and undermine their safety. We are seeing new laws like the Anti-Homosexuality Bill enacted by Uganda and signed into law by President Museveni earlier this week, which not only makes criminals of people for who they are, but punishes those who defend the human rights that are our universal birthright."

In addition, the Secretary touched on anti-government protests in Venezuela, which have killed at least 13 since they began in early February.

The annual Human Rights Report was the second one to be delivered by Kerry.

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