The top United Nations human rights official has voiced concern at efforts by governments, including China and Russia, to silence critics.
Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein criticized China's detention and interrogation of more than 100 lawyers in recent months and the "stigmatization" of foreign-funded activist groups under a new Russian law.
In a speech opening the UN Human Rights Council on September 14, Zeid welcomed Iran's deal with major powers to curb its nuclear program, adding: "I urge Iran to make commensurate progress in human rights."
Zeid told the 47-member state forum in Geneva that Europe needed to build on a surge of sympathy for refugees by setting up comprehensive policies to expand migration channels.
He called for a halt to detention and "ill-treatment" of asylum seekers, especially children, who are fleeing war and persecution in countries including Syria.
