Inequality 'undermining human rights'
THE UN human rights chief has warned of the threat posed by growing global inequality over income, wealth and access to resources and justice.
"In recent months we have seen people across the world take to the streets to protest," said Michelle Bachelet.
Addressing the UN Human Rights Council, Ms Bachelet referred specifically to a recent wave of protests in Sudan, as well as protests in Haiti and France.
She also warned of the "existential threat" of hate speech and xenophobia.
Ms Bachelet expressed concern that the demands of citizens protesting against inequality were being met by "violent and excessive use of force, arbitrary detentions, torture and even alleged summary or extrajudicial killings".
"In Sudan, for the past several months, people protesting harsh economic conditions and bad governance have been violently dispersed by security forces, sometimes using live ammunition," she said.
Ms Bachelet singled out Venezuela as an example of how “violations of civil and political rights” can accentuate inequality and worsening economic conditions.
She also criticised Israel over its blockade of Gaza, and said she regretted Israel’s “immediate dismissal” of a report by a UN Human Rights Council commission of inquiry, “without addressing any of the very serious issues raised”. -