Note
The new so-called universal periodic review (UPR) mechanism of the UN's "reformed" Human Rights Council has been touted as issuing in a new era in which the human rights record of all countries will be taken seriously by the UN. Here's evidence that it is slated to become another means for abusers to avoid criticism. Saudi Arabia, speaking on behalf of the Asian group, tells the Human Rights Council that the UPR mechanism should not be "overly burdensome" or "adversarial" and there should be "equal treatment" for all states. Translation: rights-abusing states should be treated "equally" to rights-respecting democracies.