US Diplomats Walk Out of UN Meeting After France Criticizes Human Rights Record

U.S. diplomats exited a United Nations Security Council meeting Monday when French representatives were speaking, protesting comments made by the European ally regarding the United States' human rights record. The incident followed U.S. opposition to the reappointment of UN human rights chief Volker Türk to another four-year term.

The French Mission to the UN in Geneva had posted on social media Friday criticizing the U.S. vote against Türk's reappointment, which the General Assembly later overwhelmingly supported. The post stated, "The US used to be a beacon of human rights. Not anymore. Today, it stands alongside North Korea, Nicaragua, Mali & Russia, isolated. And the world no longer listens to it."

In response, Deputy U.S. Ambassador Dan Negrea accused France of feigning "moral outrage" and lecturing the world. He asserted that the United States has historically supported France in times of peril and tolerated its actions out of "camaraderie and mutual respect," but that this would no longer be the case.

Mike Waltz, the U.S. ambassador to the UN, also responded on X, alleging that France "coddles some of the worst human rights abusers" and votes in favor of individuals who "lecture" sovereign democracies while "cozying up to the world's worst oppressors."

Türk's role as the UN's human rights chief involves addressing rights violations globally. In the past, he has criticized Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Israel's actions in Gaza, and U.S. immigration policies.

During the meeting, Negrea stated that the U.S. would not listen to "politicized drivel" until France renounced its "condescending and disrespectful rhetoric" and behaved in a manner commensurate with its position on the council. France's UN Ambassador Jerome Bonnafont, when given the floor, did not directly address the walkout. Instead, he reiterated France's commitment to the UN's goals of international peace, security, and human rights, referencing France's historical support for the U.S. and participation in American independence anniversary celebrations.