History of Torture in the United States, Torture in the "War on Terror":   Following the attacks of September 11, 2001, the United States abandoned its policy of opposing torture for the first time in history.  Devised by health care professionals, justified by lawyers, and authorized at the highest levels in government, a program of cruel psychological and physical abuse was applied to detainees in U.S. custody at Guantánamo Bay and other sites beyond U.S. borders.

Read the story of the migration of torture in the USA

US Government website devoted to human rights related issues, news, publications, and resources, both domestic and international.  See it here

The United States Government releases numerous periodic reports on human rights issues. Additional reports can be found here.  See more here

The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) was established by the UN General Assembly in 2006 as a process through which the human rights records of the United Nations’ 192 Member States could be reviewed and assessed. This review, conducted through the UN Human Rights Council (HRC), is based upon human rights obligations and commitments expressed in the UN Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, human rights instruments to which the State is party, etc. The United States is a strong supporter of the UPR process, which provides a unique avenue for the global community to discuss human rights around the world.

Individual countries are slated for review every four years, with the United States scheduled for its review in 2010-2011. UPR sessions take place at the HRC in Geneva, and are framed by reports submitted by national governments.The United States submitted its report to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on August 20. The report, which reflects input collected during an extensive program of consultations with the American public, can be found here.  See more here