The United States walked out of a United Nations Security Council meeting after France criticised Washington’s recent human rights vote and compared its position to Russia and North Korea, escalating tensions between two longstanding allies.
The diplomatic dispute stems from last week’s UN General Assembly vote on extending the mandate of Volker Türk. The US joined Russia and North Korea in voting against his reappointment, prompting sharp criticism from France.
US delegation stages protest at UN meeting
The American delegation left the Security Council chamber while French Ambassador Jérôme Bonnafont was addressing an emergency meeting on Russia’s war in Ukraine.
US Ambassador Dan Negrea said the walkout was a deliberate protest against what he described as France’s “condescending and disrespectful rhetoric”. He warned that similar demonstrations would continue unless France withdrew its remarks.
France criticised US human rights vote
The dispute began after France’s UN mission reacted to the General Assembly vote by posting on social media that the United States had abandoned its traditional role as a defender of human rights.
“The US used to be a beacon of human rights. Not anymore,” the French mission said after Washington voted alongside Russia and North Korea against extending Türk’s term.
Washington defends opposition to Volker Türk
US Ambassador Mike Waltz defended Washington’s position, arguing that Türk had focused criticism on democratic nations while being too lenient towards authoritarian governments.
Although Waltz did not provide specific examples, Türk has previously criticised Russia over its invasion of Ukraine and raised concerns about Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
Trump administration warns of UN funding review
The dispute reflects broader tensions between the Trump administration and the United Nations.
Following the vote, US Ambassador Jeff Bartos criticised the reappointment process, accusing the UN of procedural overreach and warning there would be consequences.
He said the United States would immediately reassess its engagement, participation and financial contributions to the organisation.
UN declines to comment on diplomatic dispute
French Ambassador Bonnafont defended Türk, describing him as “a voice of conscience” who had demonstrated impartiality during his first term.
UN deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq declined to comment directly on the US walkout, saying only that the organisation expected all member states to respect the General Assembly’s decision.
The diplomatic confrontation comes as the Trump administration continues to reduce funding for several UN agencies and withdraw from multiple UN bodies, further straining Washington’s relationship with the international organisation.