Photo: A completed resolution vote tally to affirm the suspension of the Russian Federation from the United Nations Human Rights Council is displayed during a meeting of the United Nations General Assembly, Thursday, April 7, 2022, at United Nations headquarters. UN General Assembly approved a resolution suspending Russia from the world body's leading human rights organization. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
Russia is suspended from the leading human rights body following a UN general assembly vote that took place on Thursday. The decision was made after allegations that Russian soldiers in Ukraine engaged in rights violations which are regarded as 'war crimes' by the United States and Ukraine.
Rebuking against one of the five veto-wielding members of the UN Security Council is rare.
Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the US Ambassador called the vote 'a historic moment', telling the assembly:
"We have collectively sent a strong message that the suffering of victims and survivors will not be ignored" and that Russia must be held accountable "for this unprovoked, unjust, unconscionable war."
The campaign to suspend Russia from the UN Human Rights Council was launched by Thomas-Greenfield after footage showing streets in the town of Bucha strewn with bodies of civilians following the retreat of Russian soldiers.
The massacre has sparked shock and disgust around the world and has caused a rise in calls for stricter sanctions against Russia, which refuses to accept responsibility.
US President, Joe Biden, stated that the vote is a demonstration of how Vladimir Putin's war against Ukraine 'has made Russia an international pariah.'
He also pledged to continue cooperating with other countries in gathering evidence to hold Russia accountable. The aim is to increase pressure on Russia's economy and isolate it on the international stage.
[Based on reporting by: Associated Press]
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