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Safeguarding civil rights and civil liberties is elemental to all the work we do at DHS. The Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL) supports the Department's mission to secure the nation while preserving individual liberty, fairness, and equality under the law.
The Department of Homeland Security integrates civil rights and civil liberties protections into all department activities.
DHS has achieved significant results for civil rights and civil liberties by providing proactive support for integration of protection into all DHS activities and policies.
The Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties reviews and investigates civil rights and civil liberties complaints made by the public regarding DHS policies and activities.
CRCL has launched its FOIA Reading Room and has an ongoing initiative to promote transparency about its work by proactively sharing documents with the public.
Recipients of federal financial assistance from DHS are required to administer their programs and activities in accordance with Federal civil rights authorities and DHS implementing regulations prohibiting discrimination.
DHS is committed to strengthening and supporting full inclusion and equal opportunity for persons with disabilities in its programs and activities.
The DHS Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL) supports individual and community resilience to natural disasters, acts of terrorism, or other emergencies. Through guidance, planning and coordination, CRCL works to ensure that civil rights and civil liberties are integrated into disaster-related policies and procedures.
DHS recognizes the importance of being able to communicate effectively with individuals, including those with limited English proficiency (LEP), across our many missions and functions.
Read about the legal authorities of the Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties
To ensure that privacy considerations and protections are incorporated, system operated by the Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties have been evaluated by the DHS Privacy Office.
The United States Strategy on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS Strategy), responding to the Women, Peace, and Security Act of 2017, seeks to increase women’s meaningful leadership in political and civic life.
