The US delegation walked out of a UN Security Council meeting as France spoke, protesting comments that likened Washington's voting on human rights to that of authoritarian states. The diplomatic dispute began on Friday after the US joined North Korea and Russia in voting against extending Volker Turk's term as UN high commissioner for human rights.
Following the vote, France's UN Mission in Geneva commented, "The US used to be a beacon of human rights. Not anymore." US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz accused France of supporting someone who had been "lecturing" democratic countries while "cozying up to the world's worst oppressors."
The US walkout occurred during an emergency Security Council meeting on Russia's war in Ukraine. Senior US official Dan Negrea stated the US delegation would continue similar stands until France "renounces their condescending and disrespectful rhetoric."
The dispute over Turk's second term, which was passed with 144 states in favour, 10 against, and 13 abstentions, reflects tensions between Washington and the UN. US Ambassador Jeff Bartos criticised Turk's reappointment on Friday, stating "there will be consequences" for the assembly and that "The United States will immediately reassess our engagement, participation, and funding."