The status of the Tonga government's Human Rights Practices during 2004, according to the US Department of State was Poor.

The report released by the US Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labour on February 25, 2005, outlined the areas where Tonga failed and therefore earned the "Poor" rating.

1. Because Tongan citizens do not have the right to change their government. Tonga is a constitutional monarchy and its political life is dominated by the King, the nobility, and a few prominent commoners.

2. Because government at times infringed on Freedom of Speech and Freedom of the Press.

3. Because women suffered domestic violence, discrimination and limited employment and economic opportunities.

4. Because the right to form a Labour Union was restricted by the lack of implementing regulations.

The report also pointed out an infringement of Freedom of Religion by the Tonga Broadcasting Commission with its strict guidelines that religious programs for radio and television must be "within the limits of the mainstream Christian tradition." The report stated that the TBC did not allow members of the Baha...’I Faith to discuss the tenets of their religion, or to refer to the founder, Baha...’ullah by name. TBC also did not allow the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to discuss its founder, Joseph Smith or the Book of Mormon by name.