New UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet condemns attacks on minorities in Myanmar and China in first address
Bachelet did not mention the US absence in her address, but in her written speech she did criticise the country for its harsh anti-migration policies
The new UN rights chief decried on Monday crackdowns on minorities in countries like Myanmar and China and urged Western countries to respect migrant rights, warning that erecting walls only caused chaos and suffering.
In her first address, Michelle Bachelet opened the UN Human Rights Council’s 39th session stressing her “commitment to bridging the differences between communities and promoting respect, well-being and freedom.”
Diplomats and activists from around the world gathered in Geneva to hear her maiden speech, seeking clues as to whether she will mimic the abrasive style of predecessor Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein.
Bachelet, a former Chilean president, hailed Zeid but seemed to stake out a softer approach, only briefly mentioning a few concrete rights situations and refraining from full-blown criticism.
“I am convinced that this council must strive for consensus,” she said.
Bachelet did however voice particular concern about the situation in Myanmar, where UN investigators say there is enough evidence to prosecute the country’s army chief and five other top military commanders for crimes against humanity and genocide against the Rohingya minority.