The United States delegation abruptly left a United Nations Security Council meeting while France was delivering remarks, protesting comments that likened Washington’s voting behavior on human rights issues to that of authoritarian regimes.
The dispute unfolded after the US, alongside North Korea and Russia, opposed the extension of Volker Turk’s tenure as the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. Turk has been vocal in condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Following the vote, France’s UN Mission in Geneva stated, “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 official who had been “lecturing” democratic nations while aligning with some of the world’s worst oppressors.
The walkout took place during an emergency Security Council session focused on the conflict in Ukraine. Senior US official Dan Negrea indicated the US delegation would maintain similar protests until France withdrew its “condescending and disrespectful rhetoric.”
The vote to renew Turk’s term passed with 144 in favor, 10 against, and 13 abstentions, highlighting growing friction between Washington and the UN. The US has previously reduced funding to UN agencies and pulled out of numerous UN bodies.
US Ambassador Jeff Bartos warned that Turk’s reappointment would have repercussions, stating the US would “immediately reassess our engagement, participation, and funding” due to what he called “procedural overreach, backroom deals, and the misuse of UN posts.”
Conversely, French Ambassador Jerome Bonnafont praised Turk as “a voice of conscience” who showed “rigor and impartiality” during his first term.
Deputy UN spokesperson Farhan Haq declined to comment on the US walkout but emphasized that the UN expects all member states to respect Security Council decisions.
