United Nations Human Rights Chief Volker Türk has expressed deep concern over the United States' "fundamental shift" in direction since the last election and has condemned the "unchecked power" of "unelected tech oligarchs."
"We have enjoyed bipartisan support from the United States of America on human rights over many decades," he said, before adding, "I am now deeply worried by the fundamental shift in direction that is taking place domestically and internationally."
Addressing the United Nations Human Rights Council, Turk voiced his strongest rebuke to date of the dramatic about-face seen in the United States in recent weeks.
Without naming Trump, he decried that "policies intended to protect people from discrimination are now labelled as discriminatory".
'Fear and anxiety'
Since returning to the White House on 20 January, President Donald Trump has signed 79 executive orders touching on issues from foreign policy to transgender rights.
With his Republican Party only holding narrow majorities in Congress, and seeking to move quickly to remake the US government, Trump has brandished his pen as a weapon targeting trade, civil rights and federal bureaucracy.
"This is generating fear and anxiety among many," Turk warned. "On these issues and more, my office will continue building on our long history of constructive engagement."
"Progress is being rolled back on gender equality. Disinformation, intimidation and threats, notably against journalists and public officials, risk undermining the work of independent media and the functioning of institutions, Turk also lamented adding that "divisive rhetoric is being used to distort, deceive and polarise".
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'Oligarchs'
Without mentioning anyone by name, Turk expressed concern over the growing influence wielded by "a handful of unelected tech oligarchs", who have people's data.
The US President has also made X and Tesla owner Elon Musk his cost-cutter-in-chief, as head of the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
In comments not limited to the situation in the United States, Turk warned that such tech oligarchs "know where we live, what we do, our genes and our health conditions, our thoughts, our habits, our desires and our fears".
"They know us better than we know ourselves. And they know how to manipulate us."
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Turk stressed that "any form of unregulated power can lead to oppression, subjugation, and even tyranny: the playbook of the autocrat".
He called on countries everywhere to "adapt -- fast".
"States must fulfil their duty to protect people from unchecked power, and work together to achieve this," he said.
(With newswires)
