News / Human Rights

UN human rights chief to make 1st US visit since 2007

Wednesday, 04 February 2015 3:05 AM [ Last Update: Wednesday, 04 February 2015 11:41 PM ]

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein

The United Nations' new human rights chief is set to meet with US authorities this week to mark the first official visit by the high commissioner since 2007.

The Geneva-based Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein will meet with National Security Adviser Susan Rice, senior Obama administration officials, and members of the US Congress, the commissioner’s office said on Tuesday.

He will discuss Washington’s human rights issues both inside the country and overseas.

Back in December 2014, the high commissioner slammed a US Senate report on the CIA's use of torture on the pretext of fighting terrorism.

He said at the time that it was "crystal clear" under international law that the United States should ensure accountability regarding the human rights violations mentioned in the report.

He also voiced concerns at the “disproportionate” number of young African Americans who die due to US police brutality and the high rate of blacks in prisons and on death row.

Navi Pillay, who formerly held the post, had been ignored for such a visit despite efforts she made.

Last November, a report by the UN Committee against Torture concluded that the US has failed to comply with international anti-torture treaties, citing police shootings of unarmed black youths, military interrogations, maximum security prisons, and extensive use of solitary confinement among areas of concern.

NT/NT

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