Russia suspended from UN Human Rights Council
Press release | Date: 07/04/2022 | Last updated: 08/04/2022 | Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Today, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution calling for Russia to be suspended from the Human Rights Council. A total of 93 countries voted for the resolution, 24 voted against, and 58 countries abstained. Norway was one of the co-sponsors of the resolution and voted in favour of Russia’s suspension from the Council.
‘Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the atrocities being carried out by Russian forces are in violation of international law and are causing immense suffering to the people of Ukraine. Gross violations of human rights have been committed. The images we have seen from Bucha show horrific abuses and attacks on civilians. These acts of brutality are not compatible with the work being carried out in the UN Human Rights Council to protect and promote human rights. That is why Norway voted in favour of Russia being suspended from the Human Rights Council,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Anniken Huitfeldt.
The UN Human Rights Council is the UN’s primary intergovernmental body for protecting and promoting human rights. The Council’s 47 member states are elected for a period of three years at a time. The right to vote is reserved for the Council’s member states, and Russia will lose its voting rights in the Council as a result of its suspension. Russia will, however, still be able to participate in debates and negotiations as an observer, just as Norway is currently doing.