World

UN human rights chief 'watching Trump's US very closely'

President Donald Trump sitting next to US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley at a working lunch with ambassadors of countries on the United Nations Security Council and their spouses last week, in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington PICTURE: Susan Walsh/AP
President Donald Trump sitting next to US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley at a working lunch with ambassadors of countries on the United Nations Security Council and their spouses last week, in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington PICTU President Donald Trump sitting next to US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley at a working lunch with ambassadors of countries on the United Nations Security Council and their spouses last week, in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington PICTURE: Susan Walsh/AP

THE United Nations' human rights chief has said his office is "watching the United States very closely" under President Donald Trump.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein warned last year that Mr Trump's election could be dangerous for the world.

Speaking to reporters in Geneva yesterday, Mr Zeid said he had noticed a "change in some of the rhetoric" since Mr Trump assumed office, and expressed hope that the American leader's worrisome campaign trail rhetoric on issues such as torture would "dissipate".

Mr Zeid, a Jordanian prince, said his office is waiting to see the possible effects from the Trump administration's plan to cut funding for the US State Department and international organisations.

In October Mr Zeid said Mr Trump would be "dangerous from an international point of view" if elected.