US Walks Out of UN Meeting Over France's Remarks

The United States delegation departed from a United Nations Security Council session on Monday. This action was a protest against statements made by France, which equated the voting record of the US on human rights matters with that of authoritarian nations. The meeting itself was convened to discuss Russia's ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Disagreement Over Human Rights Commissioner

The diplomatic friction was initially triggered last week when the US, alongside North Korea and Russia, voted against the extension of Volker Turk's tenure as the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. Following this vote, France's UN mission issued criticism of the US, posting on the social media platform X that "The US used to be a beacon of human rights. Not anymore."

Read Next in Barnet Press2 min read

Arsenal Pursue Bruno Guimaraes Amid Newcastle Rejections

Newcastle United has rejected multiple offers from Arsenal for midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, who is reportedly open to a move.

In response to France's comments, US ambassador Mike Waltz stated that France had supported a human rights chief who had been "lecturing" democratic countries while "cozying up to the world's worst oppressors." Mr. Waltz did not provide further details on his assertion. Mr. Turk has previously made statements criticising Russia's war in Ukraine and Israel's military actions in Gaza.

The walkout by the US team occurred while France's ambassador, Jerome Bonnafont, was addressing the emergency Security Council meeting. US ambassador Dan Negrea indicated that the delegation would persist with similar protests until France "renounces their condescending and disrespectful rhetoric."

The contention over Mr. Turk's second term, which was ultimately approved with 144 states in favour, 10 against, and 13 abstentions, highlights existing tensions between Washington and the United Nations. The previous Trump administration had previously reduced funding for UN agencies and withdrawn from several UN entities.

Related Borough Coverage3 min read

Burnham launches £31bn submarine programme phase

New contracts worth £8.4bn to support 18,000 extra jobs in nuclear defence by 2030.

On Friday, US ambassador Jeff Bartos had voiced criticism regarding Mr. Turk's reappointment, stating that there would be "consequences" for the assembly that "tolerates procedural overreach, backroom deals, and the misuse of UN posts." He added that "The United States will immediately reassess our engagement, participation, and funding."

Conversely, French ambassador Bonnafont described Mr. Turk as "a voice of conscience" who had demonstrated "rigor and impartiality" during his initial term. The Deputy UN spokesperson, Farhan Haq, declined to comment on the US walkout, stating that the UN expected all member states to respect its decisions.