In a passionate appeal, the United Nations rights chief decried on Tuesday the impact of racism and discrimination, and violence against women, LGBTQ people and other minorities around the world. Listing countries from Afghanistan and Iran to the United States and Russia, Volker Turk warned "discrimination and racism are virulent threats". "They weaponise contempt. They humiliate and violate human rights, fuelling grievances and despair, and obstructing development," he told the UN Human Rights Council. Delivering his first update on human rights around the world to the top UN rights body since taking office six months ago, Turk voiced alarm at "the scope and magnitude of discrimination against women and girls", describing it as "one of the most overwhelming human rights violations worldwide". He highlighted the situation in Afghanistan, where the Taliban have effectively squeezed women out of public life since sweeping back to power in August 2021. "The repression of women in Afghanistan is unparalleled," he said. "Such a tyranny must not escape accountability." 'Deeply dangerous' He also pointed to Iran, which was rocked by months of nationwide protests last year after Mahsa...
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