Mass walkout at UN signals global discontent with Russia
Dozens of delegates left the room during a speech by a Russian diplomat at the UN Human Rights Council forum. This action was intended as a gesture of solidarity with Ukraine in its ongoing conflict.
Reuters reported on the incident during Wednesday's session of the UN Human Rights Council. Delegates from many countries, including France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, exited the meeting room during the speech by the Russian delegate, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin. This was an expression of opposition to Russia's actions in Ukraine.
Despite being suspended from its rights as a UN Human Rights Council member in April 2022, Russia still participates in the debates. The decision to suspend was a reaction to the invasion of Ukraine. The presence of Russian diplomats at the UN forum continues to provoke controversy and opposition.
The UN General Assembly condemns Russia. Delegates exited
"Our support for Ukraine is unwavering," declared the United Kingdom's ambassador to the UN, Simon Manley, who, along with dozens of other delegates, exited the UN Human Rights Council session when the Russian representative began speaking. Although Moscow was suspended from its rights as a member of this body, it can still talk at sessions.
Speaking before the UN Human Rights Council, Sergey Vershinin accused Ukraine of committing serious violations of fundamental human rights. He also alleged the presence of Russophobia and discrimination against Russians in Ukraine. The Russian delegate emphasized that protecting human rights and freedoms cannot be aligned with the use of double standards.
Two days before the incident, the UN Security Council adopted an American draft resolution regarding the war in Ukraine. The document did not explicitly identify Russia as the aggressor but referred to the "Russian-Ukrainian war."
Ten of the 15 member states supported the resolution, while five European countries abstained from voting. On the same day, the UN General Assembly, consisting of 193 states, adopted a Ukrainian resolution condemning Russian aggression. The document calls for de-escalation of the conflict and the immediate withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine, emphasising Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
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