The U.S. Department of State published its 2019 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices on March 11, 2020. In an accompanying statement by Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, Robert A. Destro, remarked that the reports "look beyond law, policy, or statements of intent and examine what a government actually did to protect human rights during the year and to promote accountability for violence - violations and abuse." Specifically, the reports are comprised of seven sections:

1. Respect for the Integrity of the Person
2. Respect for Civil Liberties
3. Freedom to Participate in the Political Process
4. Corruption and Lack of Transparency in Government
5. Governmental Attitude Regarding International and Nongovernmental Investigation of Alleged Abuses of Human Rights
6. Discrimination, Societal Abuses, and Trafficking in Persons
7. Worker Rights

The 2019 reports cover 199 countries and territories and focus on "internationally recognized human rights," such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Department of State is required by law to produce these reports annually.