The UN General Assembly decided to suspend Russia’s membership in the Human Rights Council over its military aggression against Ukraine and the “gross and systematic violations of human rights” committed by Russian troops.
The resolution tabled against Russia was approved by 93 member states, with 24 voting against and 58 abstaining.
The document expresses deep concern “in connection with the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine,” condemning Russia’s actions against the neighbouring country.
Russia is the second country to have its membership suspended in the 47-member council; earlier, in 2011, Libya was also removed from the body in response to the crimes committed under Muammar Gaddafi.
Armenia did not participate in the vote. Among the former Soviet Union countries, Belarus, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan voted in favour of Russia’s position, as did China, Iran, Syria, North Korea, Vietnam, Cuba and a number of African countries.
Before the vote, Russia warned UN members that a vote in favour of the resolution or an abstention would be regarded as “an unfriendly step that will have consequences for future bilateral relations.”
