US walks out of UN Security Council meeting during France's remarks
The row sparked after the US joined North Korea and Russia in voting against extending the term of the UN high commissioner for human rights.
The United States delegation exited a United Nations Security Council meeting in New York on Monday while France's UN Ambassador Jerome Bonnafont was delivering remarks. This walkout occurred during an emergency session concerning the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
The US delegation's departure was a protest against comments made by France that drew parallels between Washington's voting record on human rights and that of authoritarian nations. This diplomatic dispute originated on Friday after the US joined North Korea and Russia in voting against the extension of Volker Turk's tenure as UN high commissioner for human rights.
Following the vote, the French UN Mission in Geneva issued a statement declaring, "The US used to be a beacon of human rights. Not anymore."
In response, US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz accused France of backing an individual who had been "lecturing" democratic countries while simultaneously "cozying up to the world's worst oppressors." Turk has previously voiced criticism regarding Russia's war in Ukraine and Israel's actions in Gaza.
Senior US official Dan Negrea indicated that the US delegation would persist in taking similar actions until France "renounces their condescending and disrespectful rhetoric."
The contention surrounding Turk's second term, which ultimately passed with 144 states in favor, 10 against, and 13 abstentions, highlights existing tensions between Washington and the UN. The United States has reduced funding for various UN agencies and withdrawn from numerous UN entities.
On Friday, US Ambassador Jeff Bartos criticized Turk's reappointment, stating that "there will be consequences" for the assembly that "tolerates procedural overreach, backroom deals, and the misuse of UN posts." He added, "The United States will immediately reassess our engagement, participation, and funding."
Conversely, French Ambassador Jerome Bonnafont described Turk on Friday as "a voice of conscience" who demonstrated "rigor and impartiality" during his initial term.
Deputy UN spokesperson Farhan Haq declined to comment on the US walkout, noting that the UN expects all member states to respect the decision.