UN walkout: Global solidarity with Ukraine in human rights forum

Reuters reported the incident at Wednesday's session of the UN Human Rights Council. Delegates from several countries, including France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, exited the conference room during the address by Russian delegate, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin. This was a protest against Russia's actions in Ukraine.

Despite being suspended from the rights of a member of the UN Human Rights Council in April 2022, Russia continues to participate in debates. This suspension was in response to the invasion of Ukraine. The presence of Russian diplomats at the UN forum remains controversial and draws objections.

"Our support for Ukraine is unwavering," stated the UK's ambassador to the UN, Simon Manley, who, along with dozens of other delegates, left the UN Human Rights Council meeting when the Russian representative began to speak. Although Moscow has been suspended from the rights of a member of this body, it can still speak at sessions.

Sergey Vershinin accused Ukraine of "gross violations of basic human rights" before the UN Human Rights Council. He also spoke of alleged Russophobia and discrimination against Russians in Ukraine. "Ensuring human rights and freedoms cannot be reconciled with double standards," said the Russian delegate.

Two days before the incident, the UN Security Council adopted a U.S. draft resolution on the war in Ukraine. The document did not identify Russia as the aggressor but referred to the "Russian-Ukrainian war".

Out of 15 member states, 10 supported the resolution. Five European countries abstained from voting. On the same day, the UN General Assembly, which includes 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, emphasizing Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Source: PAP/TVN24