The US delegation walked out of a UN Security Council meeting on Monday as France’s ambassador spoke, after comments that compared Washington’s voting record on human-rights matters with that of authoritarian states.

The dispute stems from a disagreement over the reappointment of Volker Turk as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. Last week, the US joined North Korea and Russia in voting against extending Turk’s term.

Vote over Turk term fuels tensions

After the vote on Friday, France’s UN mission criticised the US and drew a parallel with North Korea and Russia, posting on X: “The US used to be a beacon of human rights. Not anymore.”

In response, US ambassador Mike Waltz accused France of supporting a human-rights chief who had been “lecturing” democratic countries while “cozying up to the world’s worst oppressors”, without giving further details.

Turk has criticised Russia’s war in Ukraine and Israel’s military conduct in Gaza.

The Security Council fight over Turk’s second term reflected wider strains between Washington and the UN. The reappointment was approved by 144 states in favour, with 10 against and 13 abstentions.

Walkout during emergency Ukraine meeting

The US walkout happened during an emergency Security Council meeting on Russia’s war in Ukraine, when France’s ambassador, Jérôme Bonnafont, was speaking.

US ambassador Dan Negrea said the US delegation would keep making similar protests until France “renounces their condescending and disrespectful rhetoric”.

A UN deputy spokesperson, Farhan Haq, declined to comment on the walkout, saying the UN expected all member states to respect the decision.

US warns of “consequences” for UN process

The tensions have also been tied to the Trump administration’s broader stance toward the UN system. The administration has cut funding for UN agencies and withdrew from dozens of UN entities.

On Friday, US ambassador Jeff Bartos criticised Turk’s reappointment and said “there will be consequences” for the assembly, adding that it “tolerates procedural overreach, backroom deals, and the misuse of UN posts”.

“The United States will immediately reassess our engagement, participation, and funding,” Bartos said.

In contrast, Bonnafont defended Turk during the Security Council meeting, describing him as “a voice of conscience” who had shown “rigor and impartiality” during his first term.

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28 July 2026

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Pathetic, again showing the US feels it's beyond criticism.

Those detestable frogs showing no respect compared to Trump!

The US voted with North Korea and Russia--that says a lot.

The US govt can't figure out a way human rights don't cost them money.

4 hours ago, AdolfZ said:

Interesting. France is one of the few western countries that hasn't been infiltrated by the j**s. France has always been wary of the "fifth column". I suspect this has more to do with the Israel lobby then any anti French sentiments.

Your name fits.

Vive la France I propose seeing as the US has diverged so much from the ideals we once held sacred that we should build a wall in the middle of the Atlantic and make Trump pay for it.

Only another 2 days and I will be in France sitting down to a massive seafood platter bread and a bottle of Chablis.

10 hours ago, Bannoi said:

Vive la France I propose seeing as the US has diverged so much from the ideals we once held sacred that we should build a wall in the middle of the Atlantic and make Trump pay for it.

Only another 2 days and I will be in France sitting down to a massive seafood platter bread and a bottle of Chablis.

Excellent idea.

Left France yesterday btw, enjoy.