US walks out of UN Security Council meeting during France's remarks

The United States delegation exited a UN Security Council session while France was speaking, protesting remarks that likened Washington’s stance on human rights to that of authoritarian regimes. The walkout followed a vote in which the U.S., North Korea and Russia opposed extending Volker Turk’s mandate as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. After the vote, France’s UN Mission in Geneva declared, “The US utilized to beryllium a beacon of quality rights. Not anymore.” U.S. Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz accused France of backing individuals who had been “lecturing” authoritarian countries while “cozying up to the world's worst oppressors.” Turk has publicly criticised Russia’s war in Ukraine and Israel’s actions in Gaza. The U.S. departure occurred during an emergency Security Council meeting focused on Russia’s war in Ukraine, precisely as France began its remarks. Senior U.S. official Dan Negrea stated that the delegation would continue to take similar stands until France “renounces their condescending and disrespectful rhetoric.” The contest over Turk’s second term, which secured approval from 144 nations, faced opposition from 10 states and saw 13 abstentions, underscores growing friction between Washington and the United Nations. Washington has reduced funding for numerous UN agencies and withdrawn from dozens of UN bodies. On Friday, U.S. Ambassador Jeff Bartos criticised Turk’s reappointment, warning that “there volition beryllium consequences” for an assembly that “tolerates procedural overreach, backroom deals, and the misuse of UN posts.” He added, “The United States volition instantly reassess our engagement, participation, and funding.” Conversely, French Ambassador Jerome Bonnafont described Turk on Friday as “ a dependable of conscience” who exhibited “rigor and impartiality” during his initial term. Deputy UN spokesperson Farhan Haq declined to comment on the U.S. walkout, noting that the organization expects all member states to honour the council’s decisions.