Washington: Describing freedom and dignity as "God's gift" to each man and woman in the world, US President George W Bush has said that his country was committed to promoting free and open societies everywhere.

"My Administration continues to encourage free and open societies around the world," Bush said in a proclamation marking Human Rights Day yesterday (Dec 10, 2004).

"In Burma, we have called on the ruling Junta to release Aung San Suu Kyi and engage in dialogue to bring democracy to that country. We are helping lead the international effort to end the suffering in Sudan," the President said.

Referring to North Korea, he said, "We seek to help the people who are struggling to survive under severe repression and difficult living conditions," adding that the US continued to stand with those striving for democracy in Belarus, Cuba, Iran, and Zimbabwe.

He said that the United States had advanced the fight against human trafficking and the abuse and exploitation of women and children, particularly of young girls in the sex trade.

"In addition, we have expanded our Nation's support for democracy promotion programmes globally and have increased the budget for the National Endowment for Democracy to strengthen support for free elections, free markets, free speech, and human rights advocacy around the world," Bush said.