US President Donald Trump is imposing a “fundamental change” in the direction of the United States that “deeply worries” UN human rights chief Volker Turk, who on Monday fiercely criticized the new administration.
In a traditional speech held before the Human Rights Council, in which he presented a detailed analysis of the situation in the world, Türk condemned the “control and influence” of the “unelected technological oligarchs”.
In the United States, he noted, “for decades we have enjoyed bipartisan support when it comes to human rights, but now I am deeply concerned about the fundamental change in direction that is taking place at the national and international levels.”
Without naming the American president, Turk pointed out that “paradoxically, policies whose purpose is to protect people from discrimination are now being called discriminatory”, while “progress, when it comes to gender equality, is slowing down more and more”, all as part of an attack on “DEI” policies.
At the same time, “disinformation, intimidation and threats, especially those directed at journalists and civil servants, are a danger to the work of independent media and the functioning of institutions,” and speeches that sow “divisiveness” are used “to deceive and polarize” society and incite “fear and anxiety,” Turk pointed out.
The United States did not participate in the discussion because Donald Trump signed a decree on withdrawing from the Human Rights Council, a body in which the country is now an observer.
In his attack on “technological oligarchs,” the UN human rights chief did not mention specific names, not even the directors of Tesla and SpaceX or the owner of the social network X, Elon Musk, a wealthy man who has become a very close advisor to the US president. Musk’s mission to reform the federal apparatus continues to shake Washington.
“A small number of unelected technological oligarchs have our data – they know where we live, what we do, they know everything about our genes and health, about our thoughts, habits, desires and fears. They know us better than we know ourselves and they know how they can manipulate us,” said Turk.
Pointing out that the absence of appropriate regulations “can result in oppression, subjugation, even tyranny”, Türk called on states and governments to “quickly adapt” to the new situation and to cooperate in order to “fulfill their duty, which is to protect citizens from power that is not under control”.
