The United States delegation walked out of a United Nations Security Council meeting on Friday during remarks made by France, in protest against comments that drew parallels between Washington's voting record on human rights and that of authoritarian states.
The diplomatic dispute originated after the U.S. joined North Korea and Russia in voting against the extension of Volker Turk's term as UN high commissioner for human rights. Following this vote, France's UN Mission in Geneva issued a statement asserting, "The US used to be a beacon of human rights. Not anymore."
Ambassador Mike Waltz, representing the U.S. at the UN, accused France of supporting an individual who had been "lecturing" democratic nations while "cozying up to the world's worst oppressors." Turk has previously criticized Russia's actions in Ukraine and Israel's conduct in Gaza.
The walkout occurred during an emergency Security Council meeting convened to address Russia's war in Ukraine, at the moment France was delivering its address. Senior U.S. official Dan Negrea stated that the U.S. delegation would persist with similar actions until France "renounces their condescending and disrespectful rhetoric."
The contention over Turk's second term, which ultimately passed with 144 member states in favor, 10 against, and 13 abstentions, underscores existing tensions between Washington and the United Nations. The U.S. has previously reduced funding for various UN agencies and withdrawn from numerous UN entities.
On Friday, U.S. Ambassador Jeff Bartos voiced criticism of Turk's reappointment, warning of "consequences" for an assembly that "tolerates procedural overreach, backroom deals, and the misuse of UN posts." Bartos also indicated that "The United States will immediately reassess our engagement, participation, and funding."
Conversely, French Ambassador Jerome Bonnafont defended Turk, describing him as "a voice of conscience" who demonstrated "rigor and impartiality" during his initial term. A deputy UN spokesperson, Farhan Haq, declined to comment on the U.S. walkout but noted that the UN expects all member states to respect its decisions.