UNITED NATIONS (Times Of Ocean)- The United Nations General Assembly suspended Russia from the UN Human Rights Council on Thursday over reports of “gross and systematic violations and abuses of human rights” by Russian troops invading Ukraine.
The US-led push received 93 votes in favor, while 24 countries voted no, and 58 countries abstained. The 193-member General Assembly in New York – abstentions aren’t counted – needed a two-thirds majority for Russia to be suspended from the 47-member Human Rights Council based in Geneva.
Suspensions are extremely rare. A suspension was placed on Libya in 2011 due to violence against protesters by forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi.
The 193-member General Assembly adopted the resolution for the third time since Russia invaded neighboring Ukraine on Feb. 24. Two previous General Assembly resolutions denouncing Russia were adopted with 141 and 140 votes respectively.
On Thursday, a resolution was passed that expressed “grave concern about the ongoing human rights and humanitarian crisis in Ukraine,” specifically about reports of human rights abuses by Russia.
Russia says it is carrying out a “special military operation” aimed at destroying Ukraine’s military infrastructure. It denies attacking civilians. Kyiv and its allies say Moscow invaded without provocation.
In a note seen by Reuters, Russia warned countries that a yes vote or abstention would be viewed as an “unfriendly gesture” with implications for bilateral relations.
UN suspends Russia from HR body over Ukraine
