US Delegation Walks Out of UN Security Council Meeting During French Sanctions
On Monday, the United States delegation left the United Nations Security Council in protest after France’s ambassador compared Washington’s human‑rights voting record to that of authoritarian states. The walkout followed a broader diplomatic dispute that began last week when the US, North Korea and Russia voted against extending the term of UN Human Rights Commissioner Volker Turk.
Following the vote, France’s UN mission posted on X that the US “used to be a beacon of human rights. Not anymore,” a statement that drew a sharp rebuttal from US ambassador Mike Waltz, who alleged France was voting for a human‑rights chief that was “cozying up to the world’s worst oppressors.”
Turk has previously criticised Russia’s war in Ukraine and Israel’s conduct in Gaza, heightening his profile as a controversial figure. The US walkout occurred while French ambassador Jerome Bonnafont was speaking as the council convened on an emergency meeting about the Russia‑Ukraine war.
US ambassador Dan Negrea said the delegation would continue similar protests until France “renounces their condescending and disrespectful rhetoric.” In contrast, Bonnafont defended Turk, calling him a voice of conscience who demonstrated “rigor and impartiality.” Deputy UN spokesperson Farhan Haq declined to comment, adding that the UN expected all members to respect each other’s positions.
The disagreement over Turk’s reappointment—passed with 144 votes for, 10 against and 13 abstentions—illustrates escalating strain between Washington and multilateral institutions. Under the Trump administration, the United Nations has faced cuts in U.S. funding and withdrawal from several agencies. US ambassador Jeff Bartos earlier criticised Turk’s reappointment, warning of consequences and indicating a reassessment of U.S. engagement.
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