The UN human rights chief says 2013-2014 was "a year of devastating impact on human rights" and he blames rising inequality and exclusion for much of the unrest that has swept across the world in recent years.
Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein told the UN General Assembly's human rights committee today that "a toxic tide of discrimination and xenophobia" is undermining the dignity, equality and rights of people in many countries.
He also said it is vital that human rights are protected in "two looming tragedies: Ebola and climate change."
Zeid was strongly critical of countries that attack human rights investigators and commissions of inquiry into rights violations instead of focusing on the findings and addressing abuses.
He also criticises the assembly for its lack of funding for human rights.
