US Walks Out of UN Meeting Over France's Remarks
American delegation protested comments comparing Washington's human rights votes to authoritarian states.
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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."
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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 The previous Trump administration had previously reduced funding for UN agencies and withdrawn from several UN entities.
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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.
Questions this report answers
+Why did the US delegation leave the UN meeting?
The US delegation walked out to protest remarks by France that compared America’s human rights voting record to that of authoritarian states. The protest occurred during a Security Council session on Russia’s war in Ukraine.
+What caused the disagreement over the UN Human Rights Commissioner?
The dispute began when the US, alongside North Korea and Russia, voted against extending Volker Turk’s term as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. France criticised the US for this vote, prompting further tensions.
+What did the US ambassador say about France’s comments?
US ambassador Mike Waltz stated that France had supported a human rights chief who lectured democratic countries while ignoring oppressive regimes. He accused France of condescending rhetoric and said the US would continue protests until it stopped.
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