The United States delegation abruptly left a United Nations Security Council meeting on Monday during remarks by France, protesting comments that likened Washington's voting record on human rights to that of authoritarian regimes.
The diplomatic tension originated last week when the US joined Russia and North Korea in opposing the extension of Volker Turk's term as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. Following the vote, France's UN mission sharply criticized the US, comparing its stance to that of repressive states and stating that the US "used to be a beacon of human rights. Not anymore."
In response, US Ambassador Mike Waltz accused France of supporting a human rights chief who had been "lecturing" democratic nations while aligning with some of the world's worst oppressors, though he did not provide further details.
The US delegation's walkout occurred while France's ambassador, Jerome Bonnafont, was addressing an emergency Security Council meeting focused on Russia's war in Ukraine. US Ambassador Dan Negrea affirmed that the US would continue such protests until France retracted its "condescending and disrespectful rhetoric."
Background to the Dispute
- Volker Turk's second term was approved with 144 votes in favor, 10 against, and 13 abstentions.
- The US opposition reflects ongoing tensions with the UN, including significant funding cuts and withdrawal from multiple UN bodies under the Trump administration.
- US Ambassador Jeff Bartos warned of "consequences" for the UN assembly that tolerates procedural abuses and misuse of posts, announcing a reassessment of US engagement and funding.
- Conversely, France praised Turk as "a voice of conscience" who acted with "rigor and impartiality" during his first term.
UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq declined to comment on the US walkout but emphasized that all member states are expected to respect Security Council decisions.
