UN rights chief worried by ‘fundamental shift’ in US direction under Trump

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The United Nations human rights chief has expressed deep concern about a “fundamental shift in direction” by the United States under President Donald Trump, warning that divisive rhetoric is being used to deceive and polarise people.

“We have enjoyed bipartisan support from the US on human rights over many decades. … I am now deeply worried by the fundamental shift in direction that is taking place domestically and internationally,” UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk told the UN Human Rights Council on Mar 3 in Geneva, Switzerland, during a speech that did not mention Trump by name.

“Policies intended to protect people from discrimination are now labelled as discriminatory. … Divisive rhetoric is being used to distort, deceive and polarise. This is generating fear and anxiety among many,” he added in his strongest remarks so far on the impact of the new US administration’s policies.

“Policies intended to protect people from discrimination are now labelled as discriminatory. … Divisive rhetoric is being used to distort, deceive and polarise. This is generating fear and anxiety among many,” he added in his strongest remarks so far on the impact of the new US administration’s policies.

Since taking office on January 20, Trump has issued a series of executive orders aimed at dismantling diversity, equity and inclusion programmes across the federal government. Many private US companies have followed suit.