TheJakartaPost

Please Update your browser

Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.

Jakarta Post

UN human rights chief: Trump would be 'dangerous' if elected 

  (Associated Press)
Geneva
Wed, October 12, 2016 Published on Oct. 12, 2016 Published on 2016-10-12T16:45:08+07:00

Change text size

Gift Premium Articles
to Anyone

Share the best of The Jakarta Post with friends, family, or colleagues. As a subscriber, you can gift 3 to 5 articles each month that anyone can read—no subscription needed!
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein speaks in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Feb. 9, 2016. United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein speaks in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Feb. 9, 2016. (AP/Eranga Jayawardena)

U

S presidential candidate Donald Trump would be "dangerous from an international point of view" if he is elected, the UN human rights chief said Wednesday.

Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein says some comments by the Republican nominee are "deeply unsettling and disturbing," particularly on torture and about "vulnerable people."

Zeid, a Jordanian prince, also told reporters he doesn't plan to tone down his recent remarks decrying dangers posed by "populists and demagogues."

Russia's ambassador to the United Nations has said Zeid shouldn't criticize foreign heads of state and government.

On the US election, Zeid said: "If Donald Trump is elected, on the basis of what he has said already and unless that changes, I think it's without any doubt that he would be dangerous from an international point of view."

"Clearly I am not keen or intent on interfering in any political campaign within any particular country, but where the comments point to a potential — depending on the results of the election — for an increase in, for instance, the use of torture, which is prohibited under the Convention against Torture, or the focus on vulnerable people in a way that suggests that they may well be deprived of their rights, their human rights, then I think it is incumbent to say so," Zeid said.

"Many of Mr. Trump's comments are in that direction are deeply unsettling and disturbing to me" and in the human rights office, Zeid said.

Your Opinion Matters

Share your experiences, suggestions, and any issues you've encountered on The Jakarta Post. We're here to listen.

Enter at least 30 characters
0 / 30

Thank You

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. We appreciate your feedback.

Share options

Quickly share this news with your network—keep everyone informed with just a single click!

Change text size options

Customize your reading experience by adjusting the text size to small, medium, or large—find what’s most comfortable for you.

Gift Premium Articles
to Anyone

Share the best of The Jakarta Post with friends, family, or colleagues. As a subscriber, you can gift 3 to 5 articles each month that anyone can read—no subscription needed!

Continue in the app

Get the best experience—faster access, exclusive features, and a seamless way to stay updated.