GENEVA:The United Nations’ human rights chief expressed deep concern on Monday regarding a significant shift in the United States’ policies following Donald Trump’s return to office. He also criticized the growing influence of powerful tech leaders who remain unregulated.
Speaking before the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Volker Turk delivered one of the strongest critiques yet from the UN regarding recent changes in U.S. governance.
“For decades, we have seen bipartisan support from the United States on human rights,” Turk stated. “However, I am now seriously concerned about the fundamental shift taking place both domestically and internationally.”
While he did not directly name Trump, Turk pointed out that measures designed to prevent discrimination are now being labeled as discriminatory. He also warned of setbacks in gender equality and raised concerns over misinformation, intimidation, and threats—especially against journalists and public officials—which he said could weaken independent media and democratic institutions.
Turk highlighted the use of divisive rhetoric, which he claimed distorts facts, misleads the public, and fosters polarization. “This is creating fear and uncertainty among many,” he cautioned.
No U.S. representatives were present during Turk’s address, as Washington recently announced its withdrawal from engagement with the council. This decision was part of a series of executive orders signed by Trump since his return to the White House on January 20, affecting policies on foreign aid, transgender rights, and other key issues.
Humanitarian organizations have raised alarms about the global impact of Trump’s aid freeze, warning that millions could suffer as a result. There is also growing concern over his administration’s criticism of traditional democratic allies while showing favor toward authoritarian leaders.
Addressing global human rights challenges, Turk expressed alarm over conflicts in regions such as Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, warning that these crises pose a serious threat to international stability. “We must not allow the painstakingly built global consensus on human rights and institutions to collapse,” he said.
A particular area of concern, Turk noted, is the increasing control exerted by a small group of tech billionaires. “These individuals hold vast amounts of data about our lives—where we live, what we do, our health conditions, our thoughts, habits, and fears,” he warned. “They have the power to manipulate us.”
Without naming specific figures, Turk emphasized that any form of unchecked power—whether political or technological—can lead to oppression. “History has shown that unregulated power, left unchecked, can become a tool for subjugation and tyranny,” he stated, calling for urgent action from governments worldwide.
“States must take responsibility for protecting people from such unchecked influence and work together to address this challenge,” he urged.
In the United States, major tech leaders have largely aligned with Trump since his election victory in November. Elon Musk, owner of X (formerly Twitter) and the world’s wealthiest individual, has played an especially prominent role in the new administration. Jeff Bezos, owner of Amazon and The Washington Post, has also reportedly instructed his newspaper to avoid publishing viewpoints that challenge personal liberties and free-market ideals.
Meanwhile, Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta has discontinued fact-checking initiatives and eased content moderation policies on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned that such moves could lead to an increase in hate speech and misinformation, ultimately limiting free expression rather than promoting it.
Tech industry leaders have also increasingly supported Trump’s stance against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs—a shift that is being felt beyond the United States. Turk expressed concern over the resurgence of outdated gender stereotypes and efforts to undermine gender equality worldwide.
“From authoritarian regimes to democratic societies, women and girls are still being denied their fundamental rights in various ways,” he said.
