US officials and rights defenders gathered at the United Nations in Geneva on Friday to voice concerns over human rights under President Donald Trump's administration, and denounce Washington's decision to snub a review of its record.

The US mission in Geneva confirmed this week that the country would skip its so-called Universal Periodic Review (UPR), after first announcing the decision in August, becoming only the second country to ever boycott the process.

All 193 United Nations member states are required to undergo the standard review of their rights situation every four to five years.

The decision "is deeply disappointing," Uzra Zeya, head of Human Rights First, said in an email.

"It sends the wrong message and weakens a process that has helped drive progress on human rights world

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