The United States staged a rare walkout during a United Nations Security Council meeting after France criticized Washington’s recent stance on human rights, drawing comparisons between the US and authoritarian governments.
The protest came during a session focused on the war in Ukraine, when France’s ambassador addressed the council. In response, Dan Negrea, an alternate representative to the UN General Assembly and senior US delegation official, accused France of engaging in what he described as political grandstanding.
Negrea said France often portrays itself as morally superior while criticizing other nations on issues ranging from global conflicts to human rights. He explained that the US delegation chose to leave the chamber during France’s remarks as a sign of protest.
Walkouts during Security Council meetings are highly unusual, especially involving two permanent members of the council that both hold veto power.
The diplomatic tension follows a vote in the UN General Assembly on Friday, where the United States joined nine other countries in opposing the extension of Volker Turk’s term as the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. The US voted alongside countries including North Korea, Russia, and Nicaragua.
Following the vote, France’s mission to the United Nations in Geneva criticized the United States, saying it had lost its position as a global champion of human rights and was now aligned with countries often accused of violating those same principles.
Responding to the criticism, Negrea defended the United States, insisting it remains a symbol of freedom and liberty around the world. He added that the US would not give attention to what he described as politically motivated remarks from France.
French Ambassador Jerome Bonnafont later addressed the US walkout, highlighting the long-standing relationship between France and the United States as America marks its 250th anniversary. He said France remains committed to protecting the independence of the United Nations and supporting its mission to promote human rights, peace, and the principles of the UN Charter.
