"If the review of #socialmedia results uncovers potential derogatory information relating to security issues, then a SAO must be submitted," the cable said, referring to a #security advisory opinion, which is an interagency investigation to determine if a #visa applicant poses a #NationalSecurity risk to the #UnitedStates.

#Trump’s order to conduct a #socialmedia vetting for all #immigrant & non-immigrant #visas should include #NGO workers as well as individuals who have been in the #Palestinian enclave for any length of time in an official or diplomatic capacity, the cable said.

The reports on #Hungary & #ElSalvador are among 20 countries whose reports, the memo directs, must be flagged for special review by a "Senior Advisor" in the #State dept — a political appointee. The other countries flagged include #Argentina, #Egypt, #SouthAfrica, #Russia, #Ukraine, #Serbia, #Italy, the #Philippines, #Canada, #Mexico & the #UnitedKingdom.

The reports will still include #HumanRights matters that are specifically required by #law, including #WarCrimes & #genocide, #antisemitism, worker rights & child marriage. Attacks on #freedom of the #press have to be reported, although not those on freedom of expression for *regular* citizens.

As secretary of #state, #Rubio is now responsible for the reports. He's the person who, traditionally, would promote their release to the public. But under his stewardship, those violations he cited — #SexualExploitation of #women & #children & the denial of #PoliticalRights to minorities — are being deleted from the reports.

In 2013, then-Sen. #MarcoRubio underscored the importance of these audits, saying they shed light on "foreign governments' failure to respect" citizens' fundamental rights … from the #SexualExploitation of #women & #children to the denial of #PoliticalRights to *#minorities*."

He said the reports show that "the #UnitedStates will stand with #freedom-seeking people around the world."

Pompeo formed a Commission on Unalienable Rights that focused on Revolution-era & post-WWII notions of rights, de-emphasizing issues like #discrimination & #ReproductiveRights, putting more focus on religious freedom & the right to private property.

The memo reviewed by NPR outlines changes that are far more sweeping.

"You also can't overstate the damage it will do to that credibility if the #Trump administration's edits are seen to diminish — not just the scope of what are defined as #HumanRights, but also if those edits are seen to play favorites."

Fmr Secy of #State #MikePompeo complained during the first Trump admin about what he called "a proliferation of human rights," & he moved to pare them back.

People who specialize in #HumanRights work told NPR they worry about the effect the cuts will have on the documents' influence within the #international community.

"You can't overstate the value in the real world of the annual #State Dept human rights reports being credible & impartial," said Christopher Le Mon, until Jan a dpty asst secy in State Dept's Bureau of #Democracy, Human Rights & Labor.

András Lederer from #Hungary's oldest & largest #HumanRights group, the Hungarian Helsinki Cmte, told NPR that the #State Dept's new policy weakens the position of human rights defenders in countries that have a problematic track record on these issues.

"You're removing pressure, & it definitely sends the message to the perpetrators that this is not important for [the US] anymore," Lederer said.