Joe Biden says Russia’s ouster from UN Human Rights Council 'meaningful step' by global community

The ‘Suspension of the rights of membership of the Russian Federation in the Human Rights Council’ resolution was adopted with 93 votes in favour, 24 against and 58 abstentions

U. S. President Joe Biden has lauded the suspension of Russia, a veto-wielding permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), from the world organisation's leading human rights body, saying this "meaningful step" by the international community has further demonstrated how President Vladimir Putin’s war has made his country an “international pariah”.

The 193-member United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on April 7 voted to adopt a draft resolution moved by the U. S. to suspend Russia from the Geneva-based United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) over allegations that Russian soldiers killed civilians while retreating from towns near the Ukrainian capital Kyiv.

The ‘Suspension of the rights of membership of the Russian Federation in the Human Rights Council’ resolution was adopted with 93 votes in favour, 24 against and 58 abstentions. India abstained from voting. Reacting to Russia’s suspension from the UNHRC, U.S. President Mr. Biden said: “this is a meaningful step by the international community further demonstrating how Vladimir Putin’s war has made Russia an international pariah”.

Mr. Biden said the U. S. worked closely with its allies and partners around the world to drive this vote because Russia is committing gross and systemic violations of human rights. “Russian forces are committing war crimes. Russia has no place on the Human Rights Council. After today’s historic vote, Russia will not be able to participate in the Council’s work or spread its disinformation there as the Council’s Commission of Inquiry investigates Russia’s violations and abuses of human rights in Ukraine,” he said.

No permanent member of the United Nations Security Council has ever had its membership revoked from any organ of the world body. The UNHRC is a United Nations body whose mission is to promote and protect human rights around the world.

Observing that the images coming out of Bucha and other areas of Ukraine as Russian troops withdraw are horrifying, he said the signs of people being raped, tortured, executed — in some cases having their bodies desecrated — are an outrage to our common humanity.

“Russia’s lies are no match for the undeniable evidence of what is happening in Ukraine. That’s why nations in every region condemn Russia’s unprovoked and brutal aggression against Ukraine and support the brave people of Ukraine in their fight for freedom.