UN delegates stage walkout during Russian diplomat's speech

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, left 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 member of the UN Human Rights Council 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.

"Our support for Ukraine is unwavering," declared the United Kingdom's ambassador to the UN, Simon Manley, who, along with dozens of other delegates, left 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 speak at sessions.

Sergey Vershinin, speaking before the UN Human Rights Council, accused Ukraine of "gross violations of fundamental human rights." 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 an American draft resolution regarding the war in Ukraine. The document did not specifically identify Russia as an aggressor but referred to the "Russian-Ukrainian war."

Of the 15 member states, 10 supported the resolution. 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, emphasizing Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Source: PAP/TVN24