Donald Trump 'de-emphasised human rights' in Saudi Arabia speech

Criticism comes from Republican and Democrat sides after President's major address in Riyadh

Donald Trump has been accused of "de-emphasising" the importance of human rights during his visit to Saudi Arabia.

In a speech the US President told his hosts "we are not here to lecture" and that "we must seek partners, not perfection" in the campaign to defeat Islamist terrorism.

Democratic Congressman Adam Schiff said the tactic could represent "a terrible abdication of our global leadership when it comes to advocating for people who are the subject of persecution".

He told CNN's State of the Union programme: "I think this is a broader element of the administration’s policy that they’re going to de-emphasise issues of human rights.

"That what countries do within their own boundaries, we’re essentially going to look the other way, that’s not a high priority of ours any more. The promotion of democracy, the promotion of human rights is going to take a back seat."

Republican senator John McCain said: "We have to stand up for what we believe in."

Urging Muslim countries to work more closely together to combat terror, Mr Trump said on Sunday: "We are not here to lecture, we are not here to tell other people how to live, what to do, who to be, or how to worship.

"Instead, we are here to offer partnership, based on shared interests and values, to pursue a better future for us all."

He added: "Our friends will never question our support, and our enemies will never doubt our determination. Our partnerships will advance security through stability, not through radical disruption.

"We will make decisions based on real-world outcomes, not inflexible ideology. We will be guided by the lessons of experience, not the confines of rigid thinking. And, wherever possible, we will seek gradual reforms, not sudden intervention.

"We must seek partners, not perfection, and to make allies of all who share our goals."

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson told Fox News Sunday Mr Trump's primary focus had been the fight against terrorism.

He added: "The way you address those human rights issues and women's rights issues is to improve the conditions in the region.

"There are efforts under way to, I think, improve the rights of women, the participation of women in society throughout the region."

Ivanka Trump called Saudi Arabia's progress on women's rights "encouraging" during the visit, though conceded there was "still a lot of work to be done".

The deeply conservative kingdom is one of the most gender-segregated countries in the world, where women live under the supervision of a male guardian, cannot drive, and must wear head-to-toe black garments in public.

However, earlier this month King Salman announced a plan to give women more control over their lives through study, work and hospital treatment.

He issued an order allowing women to benefit from government services such as education and healthcare without getting the consent of a guardian.

There was outrage in April when Saudi Arabia was elected to the UN's women's commission, whose role is to shape "global standards on gender equality and the empowerment of women".

The UK Foreign Office refused to deny Britain had voted for its ascension to the body, but Belgium's prime minister said he "regretted" his ambassador's vote in favour.