US abandons UN Security Council chamber amid diplomatic row with France

The United States departed a United Nations Security Council meeting on Monday while France was addressing the body on Ukraine, escalating a public dispute between the two allies over human rights governance. The walkout followed a sharp clash regarding Washington’s vote against extending the mandate of UN human rights chief Volker Turk. During the session, France likened the US position to that of Russia, North Korea, and other authoritarian states, a comparison the US condemned as condescending and disrespectful rhetoric.

Dan Negrea, an alternate US representative to the UN, confirmed the delegation’s exit during France’s remarks. Negrea stated that the US would continue to leave the chamber until France renounced what he described as condescending and disrespectful rhetoric. He characterised France’s comments as politicised drivel and disingenuous grandstanding, highlighting the deepening diplomatic friction between the two permanent Security Council members.

The incident stems from a tense exchange over the General Assembly’s decision to extend Turk’s term for four years. The measure, proposed by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, passed on Friday with 144 states in favour, 10 against, and 13 abstentions. The extension was opposed by the US, Russia, Israel, and seven other countries. Turk is an outspoken critic of Russia’s war in Ukraine and Israel’s conduct in Gaza, and has previously called for investigations into deaths in US immigration custody.

US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz responded to the French criticism by accusing Paris of backing a human rights chief who criticises democratic nations such as the US and Israel while cozying up to the world’s worst oppressors. The dispute reflects broader strains between the Trump administration and the United Nations, with Washington having cut funding for various UN agencies and withdrawn from dozens of UN entities in recent months.

Deputy UN spokesperson Farhan Haq declined to comment specifically on the walkout but reiterated that the UN expected all member states to respect the General Assembly decision. Rights groups argue that the human rights post is critical as autocracies gain global influence, while Washington has previously threatened to reassess its funding and engagement with the organisation over the issue.