Aust to receive UN rap over asylum seekers (AAP)

AAP The UN high commissioner will censure Australia's treatment of asylum seekers in a speech in Geneva.

The United Nations' incoming top human rights official will use his first speech to challenge Australia's policies on asylum seeker boat arrivals and and border protection.

Incoming US High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein will make the speech in Geneva about 1.20am AEST on Tuesday.

He will say offshore processing of asylum seekers and the policy to turn back boats is leading "to a chain of human rights violations", including arbitrary detention and possible torture when detainees return to their home countries.

He will also censure plans to resettle people in countries "that are not adequately equipped" - a possible reference to Australian government negotiations with Cambodia.

The speech will cover a range of other issues including Syria and Iraq, according to an advanced copy available online.

Mr Al Hussein, who is from Jordan, replaces South African Navi Pillay in the role as commissioner.

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