US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield told reporters at the station in Bucharest, after announcing that Washington would try to stop Russia from the UN Human Rights Council, in Bucharest, Romania, April 4, 2022. REUTERS / Michelle Nichols / File Photo
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UNITED NATIONS, April 7 (Reuters) – The United Nations General Assembly will vote Thursday on a US call for Russia’s removal from the UN Human Rights Council over reports of “gross and systematic human rights violations and abuses.” by invading Russian troops in Ukraine.
A two-thirds majority of the members with the right to vote – abstentions are not counted – may remove a party from the 47-member council. Libya was shut down in 2011 for violence against protesters loyal to then-leader Muammar Gaddafi.
Western diplomats are confident they have enough support among the 193-member General Assembly to pass a resolution suspending Moscow’s work. The draft text expresses “serious concern about the ongoing human rights crisis and the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine”, especially regarding reports of human rights violations by Russia.
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Explaining the move, announced Monday, US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield told Reuters: “It is important to say (to Russia)” we will not allow you to continue to act so unpunished and pretend to respect rights. of man. “
Russia has warned countries that voting “for” or “abstaining” would be seen as a “hostile gesture” with consequences for bilateral relations, according to a note seen by Reuters. Read more
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began on February 24, the Assembly has adopted two resolutions condemning Russia with 141 and 140 votes in favor. Moscow says it is conducting a “special operation” to demilitarize Ukraine.
The United States has said it will demand a halt to Russia after Ukraine accused Russian troops of killing hundreds of civilians in the city of Bucha. Read more
Russia denies attacking civilians in Ukraine. UN Ambassador Vasily Nebenzya said on Tuesday that while Bucha was under Russian control, “no civilians have suffered from any kind of violence.” Read more
Russia is in its second year of a three-year term on the Geneva-based council, which cannot make legally binding decisions. However, its decisions send important political messages and can allow investigations.
Moscow is one of the council’s most vocal members, and stopping it would prevent it from speaking and voting, officials said, although its diplomats could still attend the debate. “They will probably still try to influence the Council through proxies,” said a diplomat from Geneva.
Last month, the council launched an investigation into allegations of human rights abuses, including possible war crimes, in Ukraine following Russia’s attack.
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Additional reports by Emma Farge in Geneva; Edited by Mary Millikon, Grant McCool and Paul Simao
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