US Delegation Walks Out of UN Meeting After Sharp French Criticism
Diplomatic tensions erupted at the United Nations headquarters after the US delegation staged a walkout while the French representative was speaking in a Security Council meeting. The action was a sharp protest against French comments comparing Washington’s voting patterns to those of authoritarian states.
The dispute began on Friday after the US joined North Korea and Russia in voting against extending the mandate of Volker Turk as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. The US decision to align with those countries drew a scathing response from its Western ally. The French mission in Geneva issued a statement saying, “The US was once a beacon of human rights. It is no longer.”
US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz hit back, accusing France of supporting an official who consistently lectures democratic nations while cosying up to the world’s worst oppressors. During his tenure, Turk has been a vocal critic of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Israel’s military actions in Gaza, which is believed to have fuelled Washington’s opposition to his leadership.
Senior US official Dan Negrea stated the American delegation would continue such actions until France retracts its statement. “We will continue to take similar stances until France drops its degrading and disrespectful rhetoric,” Negrea said.
Despite US opposition, Turk’s second term was approved with the support of 144 countries, while 10 voted against and 13 abstained. The result underscored the deepening rift between Washington and the international body. US Ambassador Jeff Bartos criticised the reappointment, warning of serious consequences and accusing the assembly of tolerating procedural overreach, secret deals, and abuse of office. “The United States will immediately re-evaluate our engagement, participation, and funding,” Bartos said, referencing previous US cuts to UN agency budgets.
French Ambassador Jerome Bonnafont defended Turk, calling him a voice of conscience who demonstrated firmness and impartiality during his first term. A UN spokesperson declined to comment on the walkout, stating only that the organisation expects all member states to respect the decisions taken.