The United Nations General Assembly on Thursday suspended Russia from the U.N. as a result of reports of “serious and systematic violations and human rights abuses” in Ukraine, prompting Moscow to announce its withdrawal from the council, with one voice, while 24 countries voted no and 58 countries did not vote. A two-thirds majority voting for the 193-member New York National Council – to name a few – was needed to include Russia in the Geneva-based Human Rights Council.
Speaking after the vote, Russia’s deputy ambassador to the United Nations, Gennady Kuzmin, described the move as “an illegal and politically motivated move” and announced that Russia had decided to completely abolish the Human Rights Council. Ukrainian Ambassador to the U.N. Sergiy Kyslytsya told reporters.
Russia Quit the Council
Russia was in its second year of three years. Under a resolution on Thursday, the National Assembly may approve the suspension. But that will not happen as Russia has already left the council as the United States did in 2018 in what it called an enduring Israeli bias and lack of reform. The United States was re-elected last year. Suspensions are rare. Libya was suspended in 2011 due to violence against protesters by soldiers loyal to then-leader Muammar Gaddafi.
The US ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, said the United Nations had “sent a clear message that the suffering of victims and survivors will not be ignored.” UN human rights leadership, “he said in a statement sent to the General Assembly later Thursday.
Investigations and Allegations
The Human Rights Council cannot make binding decisions. Its decisions send important political messages, however, and may authorize an investigation. Last month the council launched an investigation into allegations of human rights abuses, including possible crimes in Ukraine. Thursday’s decision was the third to be approved by the 193-member National Council since Russia invaded neighboring Ukraine on February 24. The convention resolutions criticizing Russia were adopted with 141 and 140 votes in favor.
After abstaining from the last two votes in the General Assembly, Russia’s counterpart China opposes the decision on Thursday. “is like adding fuel to a fire” said by UN Ambassador to China Zhang Jun ahead of the vote.
A statement issued by the General Assembly on Thursday expressed deep concern over the ongoing human rights and humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, particularly on reports of human rights abuses by Russia. Russia says it has launched a “special military campaign” aimed at destroying Ukraine’s military infrastructure. and denies attacking civilians. Russia had warned countries that the yes or no vote would be considered “unfriendly” and the result of bilateral relations. Ukraine and its allies claim that Moscow attacked without attack.
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