UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein [official profile] addressed [text] the 33rd session of the Human Rights Council [website] Tuesday and condemned the trend of countries attempting to refuse human rights scrutiny under the UN. Many countries try to evade investigation by labeling the attention as “interference in the affairs of sovereign nations.” Zeid observed that often times the reports issued by his office are misused or refuted as being “misleading.” The high commissioner urged the council to continue to work together and maintain its credibility. He stressed human rights advocacy and endurance as the foundation of society created out of the “sharpest and most profound necessity.” The high commissioner praised nations which cooperate with the council, naming the Republic of Congo. He then denounced several nations who wither refuse to work with the UN, or refuse to acknowledge the UN and allow access.

In September 2016 alone the UN has been busy monitoring potential human rights abuses. Last week UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria urged parties in the Syrian conflict to return to the “negotiation table” [JURIST report] after a report highlighted an increase of violence suffered by civilians. Earlier this month a spokesperson from OHCHR expressed concern regarding the intimidation of opposition politicians and peaceful protesters [JURIST report] in Cambodia. Also this month UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein unleashed a scathing criticism of Western “demagogues,” [JURIST report] accusing them of spreading populist xenophobia and racism. In early September UN rights experts called for the creation of inclusive education programming to include those living with disabilities as a central and crucial step in order to create peaceful and inclusive societies [JURIST report].