The U.N.'s top human rights body took Denmark to task Thursday over its treatment of asylum seekers, with diplomats voicing alarm over rising xenophobia and a plan to seize valuables from migrants.

U.S. representative Keith Harper was among those who voiced alarm over a bill expected to pass through the Danish parliament allowing the confiscation of migrants' valuables, among other measures.

Danish Foreign Minister Kristian Jensen insisted the international outcry over the bill was due to "gross misunderstandings".

In Geneva, diplomats also raised concerns about other aspects of the bill, including measures making it harder for some asylum seekers to obtain family reunification and residency permits.

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