GENEVA (AP) — The U.N. human rights chief called on Monday for an “urgent reversal” of military takeovers and return to civilian rule in countries in Africa where coups have driven out elected leaders in recent years as he assailed a multitude of crises across the globe. Volker Türk's comments set the early tone for the U.N.'s top human rights body as he opened its fall session against the backdrop of conflicts and crises — including the plights of migrants from Myanmar to Mali and Mexico. “The unconstitutional changes in government that we have seen in the Sahel are not the solution,” Türk said. Türk also expressed his concern about a proposed bill in Iran that would impose severe penalties for violations of the country's strictly enforced law on women's mandatory headscarf, or hijab. His remarks came just days before the first anniversary of the Sept. 16 death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who was detained by Iran's morality police allegedly over violating the dress code, and the nationwide protests that were sparked by her death.

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Persons: Volker Türk's, ” Türk, ”, Türk, —, Alexei Navalny, Vladimir Kara, Murza, Amini Organizations: GENEVA, Human Rights, Kremlin Locations: Africa, Myanmar, Mali, Mexico, Sahel, North Africa, Burkina Faso, Niger, Haiti, Beirut, U.S, China, Xinjiang, Iran