Servet Gunerigok
05 April 2022•Update: 05 April 2022
WASHINGTON
US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield on Tuesday called for support from member states for Russia's suspension from UN Human Rights Council (HRC).
"Russia should not have a position of authority in a body whose purpose is to promote respect for human rights," Thomas-Greenfield told a UN Security Council meeting on the war in Ukraine.
"Not only is it the height of hypocrisy, it is dangerous," said the US envoy, adding that Moscow is using its membership in the rights council "as a platform for propaganda to suggest Russia has a legitimate concern for human rights."
She said 140 UN member states voted to condemn Russia for its war on Ukraine, a figure that is well over a two-thirds majority vote that is needed by the 193-member General Assembly to kick out Russia.
"Here is my message to all of you: now is the time to match those words with action. Suspending Russia from the Human Rights Council is something we, collectively, have the power to do in the General Assembly.
"Our votes can make real difference. Russia’s participation on the Human Rights Council hurts the Council’s credibility. It undermines the entire UN. And it is just plain wrong," she added.
Turning to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelesnkyy, who also addressed the Security Council, Thomas-Greenfield reiterated the US support for Ukraine.
"President Zelenskyy, I want you to know: we stand with you and the people of Ukraine as you face down this brutal attack on your sovereignty, your democracy, and your freedom," she said.
Russia’s war against Ukraine, which started Feb. 24, has met international outrage, with the EU, US, and UK, among others, implementing tough sanctions on Moscow.
At least 1,480 civilians have been killed in Ukraine and 2,195 injured, according to UN estimates, with the true figure feared to be far higher.
More than 4.21 million Ukrainians have also fled to other countries, with about 7 million more internally displaced, according to the UN refugee agency.
