US delegation walks out of UN Security Council meeting over human rights row
The United States has withdrawn from a UN Security Council session on the Russia-Ukraine war, citing disrespect from France’s ambassador, marking a significant escalation in tensions between Washington and the UN over human rights governance.
The US delegation walked out of a UN Security Council emergency meeting on the Russia-Ukraine war on Monday, in protest of comments made by France’s UN ambassador, Jerome Bonnafont. The diplomatic row began after the US joined North Korea and Russia in voting against extending Volker Turk's term as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. France's UN mission had criticised the US vote, stating the country was no longer a "beacon of human rights."
US officials accused France of disrespect and vowed to continue protests until France renounced its rhetoric. The walkout occurred while Bonnafont was speaking, underscoring the severity of the diplomatic friction. US Ambassador Dan Negrea stated the delegation would continue such protests until France renounced its "condescending and disrespectful rhetoric."
The conflict over Turk’s reappointment, which passed with 144 states in favour, 10 against, and 13 abstentions, reflects broader tensions between Washington and the United Nations. US Ambassador Jeff Bartos warned of "consequences" for the UN, citing procedural overreach and backroom deals, and announced an immediate reassessment of US engagement, participation, and funding.
Turk, who has previously criticised Russia’s war in Ukraine and Israel’s military conduct in Gaza, was described by Bonnafont as a "voice of conscience" who demonstrated "rigor and impartiality" during his first term. In response to France’s criticism, US Ambassador Mike Waltz accused the French mission of allowing a human rights chief to "lecture" democratic countries while being "cozy" with oppressors, though he did not elaborate on these claims.
Deputy UN spokesperson Farhan Haq declined to comment on the walkout but stated the UN expects all member states to respect its decisions. The incident follows a pattern of the Trump administration cutting funding for UN agencies and withdrawing from dozens of UN entities, further straining international institutional relations.
