Center “UN Suspends Russia from Human Rights Council: India Abstains in Historic Vote”

Russia has been suspended from the UN Human Rights Council following a resolution moved by the United States, alleging that Russian troops killed civilians while withdrawing from towns near Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital. The resolution, titled ‘Suspension of the rights of membership of the Russian Federation in the Human Rights Council,’ was adopted with 93 votes in favor, 24 against, and 58 abstentions, including from India.

This makes Russia the second country to have its membership rights revoked at the council since its establishment in 2006. Previously, in 2011, Libya faced a similar suspension due to the upheaval in the country led by Moammar Gadhafi.

Since January of this year, India has chosen to abstain on procedural votes and draft resolutions in the UN Security Council, the General Assembly, and the Human Rights Council that disapproved of Russian aggression.

During the 11th Emergency Special Session of the UN General Assembly, a resolution was passed to suspend the Russian Federation from the Human Rights Council. India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador T S Tirumurti, explained India’s decision to abstain from the resolution vote, citing reasons related to both substance and process.

Tirumurti emphasized India’s commitment to peace, dialogue, and diplomacy in resolving conflicts, condemning civilian killings in Bucha and advocating for an independent probe. India remains deeply concerned about the situation and calls for an immediate end to all hostilities, prioritizing diplomacy over violence.

The impact of the Russia-Ukraine crisis extends beyond the region, affecting food and energy costs globally, especially for developing countries. India stresses the importance of working constructively to seek a resolution to the conflict both within and outside the United Nations.

India has a strong history of protecting human rights and believes in making decisions that respect due process. The UNGA’s Emergency Special Session was resumed upon the request of several countries, including Ukraine, to address the ongoing human rights and humanitarian crisis in the region.

The draft resolution notes Russia’s violations of international humanitarian law during the conflict with Ukraine and expresses grave concern over the human rights and humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. The Human Rights Council, consisting of 47 Member States, has the authority to suspend the rights of membership for members who commit gross and systematic human rights violations.

Russia’s current membership on the Council is set to expire in December 2023.