US Delegation Walks Out Of UN Security Council Meeting After France Compares Washington’s Human Rights Vote To Russia And North Korea

Relations between the United States and France have come under fresh strain after the US delegation staged a walkout during a United Nations Security Council meeting in protest over remarks made by France comparing Washington’s recent human rights voting record to that of Russia and North Korea.

The diplomatic dispute centres on the reappointment of Volker Türk as the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. Last week, the UN General Assembly voted overwhelmingly to grant Türk a second term, with 144 countries voting in favour, 10 against and 13 abstaining. Among the countries opposing his reappointment were the United States, Russia and North Korea—a result that quickly drew international attention.

Following the vote, France sharply criticised the US position. In a statement posted on X, France’s UN mission said the United States had once been “a beacon of human rights” but argued that its decision to vote alongside Russia and North Korea reflected a significant shift in its global stance. The comparison triggered an immediate backlash from Washington.

The tensions escalated on Monday during an emergency UN Security Council meeting on Russia’s war in Ukraine. As France’s ambassador, Jérôme Bonnafont, began addressing the chamber, members of the US delegation walked out in protest.

US ambassador Dan Negrea later said the walkout was a direct response to what he described as France’s “condescending and disrespectful rhetoric.” He added that similar actions could continue unless France withdrew its comments.

The disagreement also reflects broader tensions between the Trump administration and the United Nations. Since returning to office, President Donald Trump has significantly reduced US funding to several UN agencies and withdrawn from a number of UN bodies, arguing that some institutions have become politicised and no longer serve American interests.

Washington has also been openly critical of Volker Türk’s leadership. US officials have accused the UN human rights chief of focusing criticism on democratic nations while failing to take a sufficiently tough stance against some of the world’s most repressive governments. Although the US has not publicly detailed every concern, officials have argued that the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has become increasingly selective in its approach.

Türk, who first assumed office in 2022, has frequently spoken out on major international conflicts, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Israel’s military operations in Gaza. His supporters argue that he has consistently defended international human rights standards regardless of the country involved.

France strongly defended Türk’s reappointment, with Ambassador Bonnafont describing him as “a voice of conscience” who had demonstrated impartiality and professionalism throughout his first term.

Meanwhile, UN deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq declined to comment directly on the US walkout, saying only that the United Nations expects all member states to respect decisions made through its established voting processes.