Russia in U.N. protest: Peace and security not linked to human rights

U.N. human rights chief Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein has been blocked from addressing the Security Council about atrocities being committed in Syria following a Russia-led protest backed by China. He will instead give an informal briefing.

• The dispute: Per the AP, Russia "had argued that human rights have nothing to do with the council's mandate of ensuring international peace and security." Western diplomats countered that they're closely linked.
• The backdrop: Russia has played an active role in the slaughter of civilians in Syria in its efforts to prop up the Assad regime. Hundreds have been killed in an ongoing offensive on the rebel-held suburb of Eastern Ghouta.