U.N. General Assembly votes to suspend Russia from U.N. Human Rights Council; India abstains
The Hindu
The only time a Member State was suspended from the Geneva-based Human Rights Council was Libya in 2011
India on Thursday abstained in the United Nations General Assembly on a vote moved by the United States to suspend Russia from the U.N. Human Rights Council over allegations that Russian soldiers killed civilians while retreating from towns near the Ukrainian capital Kyiv.
The 193-member General Assembly voted Thursday on the draft resolution titled ‘Suspension of the rights of membership of the Russian Federation in the Human Rights Council’.
Since January this year, India has abstained on eight occasions on procedural votes and draft resolutions in the U.N. Security Council, the General Assembly and the Human Rights Council that deplored Russian aggression against Ukraine.
New Delhi had on Tuesday unequivocally condemned the "deeply disturbing" reports of civilian killings in the Ukrainian city of Bucha and supported the call for an independent investigation, as it underlined that when innocent human lives are at stake, diplomacy must prevail as the only viable option.
"The situation in Ukraine has not shown any significant improvement since the Council last discussed the issue. The security situation has only deteriorated, as well as its humanitarian consequences," India’s Permanent Representative to the U.N. Ambassador T. S. Tirumurti told a meeting on Ukraine in the U.N. Security Council Tuesday that was addressed for the first time by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The General Assembly resumed its Emergency Special Session after a request from Antigua and Barbuda, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Georgia, Japan, Liberia, Republic of Moldova, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States and the Head of the Delegation of the European Union, on behalf of 27 members of the European Union.
The Human Rights Council consists of 47 Member States, elected directly and individually by secret ballot by the majority of the members of the General Assembly. The General Assembly, by a two-thirds majority of the members present and voting, “may suspend the rights of membership in the Council of a member of the Council that commits gross and systematic violations of human rights.” Abstentions do not count and the resolution required two-thirds of yes/no votes to be adopted.
Myanmar's pro-military party claims majority seats in junta-run elections, raising concerns over military dominance and legitimacy.
German Chancellor Merz claims Iran's leadership is nearing collapse amid widespread protests and urges an end to violence.
India denies suspending trade with Afghanistan, labeling claims as false and a product of Pakistani propaganda.
Ukraine claims it targeted a Russian drone factory, aiming to diminish drone production and protect civilian areas from attacks.
Protests escalate in Minnesota as federal agents clash with demonstrators following the fatal shooting of a woman by ICE.
Iranians regain some ability to call abroad as internet access remains blocked amid ongoing protests and government crackdowns.
Marine Le Pen's appeal trial could impact her 2027 presidential ambitions following a conviction for misusing EU funds.
France's emissions cuts are slowing, jeopardizing its climate goals and highlighting urgent challenges in transitioning to a low-carbon future.
G7 Finance Ministers meet to explore strategies for reducing reliance on China's rare earths and enhancing alternative supply chains.
Exxon Mobil plans a Venezuela visit despite Trump’s concerns, focusing on legal reforms and investment security in the oil sector.
U.S. lawmakers visit Denmark to reinforce ties amid Mr. Trump's controversial Greenland acquisition threats and rising geopolitical tensions.
The Taliban appoints its first envoy in India, signaling deeper diplomatic engagement despite India's non-recognition of the regime.
Australia's Ambassador to the U.S., Kevin Rudd, resigns after a contentious tenure marked by tensions with President Trump.