Uproar as US quietly releases rights report

The US State Department released its annual report on human rights around the world on Friday but the release was overshadowed by criticism that Secretary of State Rex Tillerson gave the report little of the traditional attention or fanfare.

Tillerson declined to unveil the report in person, breaking with precedent established during both Democratic and Republican administrations. A senior US official answered reporters' questions by phone on condition of anonymity rather than appearing on camera, also a break with precedent.

"The report speaks for itself," the official said in response to a question about why Tillerson did not unveil it. "We're very, very proud of it. The facts should really be the story here."

The report, mandated by Congress, documents human rights conditions in nearly 200 countries and territories and is put together by staff in US embassies. This year's report was largely completed during former President Barack Obama's tenure.

Traditionally, the secretary of state unveils the report with public comments emphasizing the centrality of human rights in US foreign policy and highlighting specific findings.