The World Has Had Enough! UNHRC Walkout Strikes A Devastating Blow To Russia!
Tensions rise at the UNHRC as global powers clash over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
A dramatic protest unfolded at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva as dozens of delegates staged a walkout during a speech by Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Sergey Vershinin. The action, spearheaded by members from France, Germany, Britain, and other allied states, was an expression of unity with Ukraine and a strong reaction against Russia’s ongoing actions following its all-out invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The Walkout: A Symbolic Protest
As Sergey Vershinin began to make his speech, representatives of various countries, including Britain’s UN and World Trade Organization Ambassador Simon Manley, stood and left the hall. They waited outside the conference room and showed their disappointment with Russia’s move.
“We remain committed to Ukraine. Ensuring international stability and respect for international law are critical; Manley stated, “We want to see a lasting and peaceful peace by the UN Charter.”
France’s ambassador to the UN, Jérôme Bonnafont, repeated this position, stating that not acting would be a bad precedent. “If we do not react to what has happened in Ukraine, we will be opening the door to a destabilization of fundamental principles on which the UN is based,” he told reporters.
Russia’s Response and Allegations
Despite the protest, Vershinin continued his speech, accusing Ukraine of committing human rights violations and engaging in Russophobia. “Securing human rights and freedoms is incompatible with double standards,” he claimed, attempting to shift blame onto Ukraine and its allies.
Russia has invariably justified its aggression as a tool for the defence of Russian-speaking communities in Ukraine’s east, a rationale for which the world has universally excoriated as baseless and an infringement upon Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Ukraine’s Rebuttal: Calls for Justice and Security Guarantees
Ukraine’s deputy foreign affairs minister, Mariana Betsa, retaliated furiously, calling for Russia to be held accountable for its actions. “The aggressor must be punished; aggression shouldn’t be rewarded,” she said.
After her speech, Betsa explained to Reuters that Ukraine is against any Russian Ukrainian bilateral negotiations without the major Western powers. “The EU should be there, and the U.S. Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine,” she emphasized, stressing the importance of international participation in any diplomatic solutions.
In addition, she emphasized the need for explicit security assurances for Ukraine to avoid further rising tensions. The Ukrainian government has long maintained that its security should be buttressed through alliances, economic sanctions against Russia, and Western-allied military aid.
The US and It’s Evolving Stance on Ukraine
Whereas the UNHRC saw universal revulsion of Russia, Washington has made some shifting positions regarding Ukraine under the reign of US President Donald Trump. The United States, which had retreated from the Human Rights Council in Trump’s first term, was not represented during the session.
Last week, a U.S.-backed resolution at the UN Security Council took a middle course on the war after Trump’s more conciliatory approach to Russia. His administration’s policies have been a break from President Joe Biden’s hawkish pro-Ukraine policies. The action has concerned European allies that the United States is making the signal that it will protect Ukraine.
Global Reactions and Implications
A sign of the profound global cleavage of the war in Ukraine is the boycott of the UNHRC. The West is solidly on the side of Kyiv, being politically, economically, and militarily supportive. Russia is firmly established and opposed to nations like China, Iran, and North Korea.
The conflict in Ukraine rebooted international geopolitics, expanding the chasm between Russia-allied authoritarian powers and Ukraine-allied democratic powers. It is doubtful if diplomatic pressure, weapons exports, and economic sanctions work.
Key Takeaways from the UNHRC Session:
- Diplomatic Walkout: The Western diplomats’ protest highlights the ongoing international condemnation of Russia’s invasion.
- Russia’s Defiance: Moscow is unshaken in its stance, accusing Ukraine of human rights violations and dismissing global outcry.
- Ukraine’s Plea for Support: Kyiv insists on security guarantees and warns against negotiations that exclude its key allies.
- Shifting USUS Policy: Washington’s recent impartiality in UN resolutions reflects Trump’s changing policy towards the war.
- Broader Geopolitical Implications: The conflict has intensified divisions worldwide, with democratic nations uniting in support of Ukraine and authoritarian nations rallying behind Russia.
UNHRC & The Conflict – What Lies Ahead?
As the war entered its third year, diplomatic tensions still prevailed. The UNHRC protest is one robust demonstration of collective solidarity with Ukraine but also a reflection of the growing complexities of international diplomacy. The Western allies are still behind Kyiv, as US policy realignment and Russian determination still leave the route to peace uncertain.
The international community needs to tread these issues cautiously so that global laws are respected, and wanton actions are not taken without consideration. The need for a sustainable, just resolution to the war remains critical, and Ukraine’s demand for security guarantees will continue to be a focal point in global discussions.
