In brief
The US delegation exited a UN Security Council emergency session on Monday when France’s ambassador spoke, protesting remarks that likened Washington’s human‑rights record to that of authoritarian states. The walkout followed a vote in which the US joined North Korea and Russia to deny the extension of Volker Turk as UN high commissioner for human rights. US ambassador Mike Waltz and senior official Dan Negrea criticized France’s stance and pledged further action unless the French ambassador renounced the “condescending rhetoric.” The incident underscores growing tensions between Washington and the UN amid the war in Ukraine.
The United States delegation abruptly left the United Nations Security Council chamber in New York after France’s ambassador made remarks the U.S. labelled as “comparing Washington’s human‑rights voting with that of authoritarian states.” The walk‑out occurred during an emergency session focusing on Russia’s war in Ukraine.
The row began on Friday after the U.S. joined North Korea and Russia in voting against extending Volker Turk’s term as UN high commissioner for human rights. In response, France’s UN Mission said, “The US used to be a beacon of human rights. Not anymore.”
US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz criticized France, accusing its mission of “co‑soothing up to the world’s worst oppressors.” The U.S. has since warned that the delegation would continue to take such stands until France “renounces their condescending and disrespectful rhetoric.”
Volker Turk, whose first term was marked by criticism of Russia’s actions in Ukraine and Israel’s conduct in Gaza, has his second term contested. The vote that denied the extension saw 144 states in favour, 10 against and 13 abstentions.
Senior US official Dan Negrea noted that the walk‑out would persist until the French ambassador’s remarks were overturned. The UN’s deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq declined to comment, reiterating that all member states should respect the decision.
“The United States will immediately reassess our engagement, participation, and funding.” – US Ambassador Jeff Bartos, Friday.
The incident signals deepening tensions between Washington and the UN as the US cuts funding for UN agencies and exits several UN entities. The diplomatic spat underscores a broader debate over the United States’ role in global governance and human‑rights advocacy.
