Key facts
- The U.S. delegation walked out of a UN Security Council meeting.
- France criticized the U.S. for voting against extending the UN rights chief's term.
- The U.S. joined Russia and North Korea in voting against the term extension.
- France's UN Mission stated the U.S. is no longer a beacon of human rights.
The United States delegation walked out of a UN Security Council meeting during remarks by France, protesting comments made by the French UN Mission that criticized the U.S. vote against extending the term of the UN high commissioner for human rights, Volker Turk. The U.S. had joined Russia and North Korea in voting against the extension, prompting France's mission to state that Washington was no longer a beacon of human rights. U.S. Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz accused France of supporting someone who lectured democratic countries while aligning with oppressive regimes. The walkout occurred during an emergency Security Council meeting on the Russia-Ukraine war. A senior U.S. official indicated that such actions would continue until France renounced its rhetoric. The dispute highlights broader tensions between Washington and the UN, with the U.S. having previously cut funding for UN agencies and withdrawn from several UN entities. Ambassador Jeff Bartos had previously criticized Turk's reappointment, warning of consequences and a reassessment of U.S. engagement and funding. Conversely, French Ambassador Jerome Bonnafont defended Turk, calling him a 'voice of conscience' who demonstrated 'rigor and impartiality'. The UN deputy spokesperson declined to comment on the walkout, stating the organization expected member states to respect its decisions.