United Nations Suspends Russia From Human Rights Council; India Abstains From Voting

Continuing its emergency special session on Thursday, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution that suspended the Russian Federation’s membership in the Human Rights Council.

The Assembly adopted the draft resolution by a recorded vote of 93 in favour to 24 against, with 58 abstentions.

India abstained in the vote for reasons of “both substance and process.”

Permanent Representative of India to United Nations TS Tirumurti reiterated India’s stand for peace, dialogue and diplomacy. He further said that no solution can be arrived at by shedding blood.

“Since the inception of the Ukrainian conflict, India has stood for peace, dialogue and diplomacy. We believe that no solution can be arrived at by shedding blood and at the cost of innocent lives. If India has chosen any side, it is the side of peace and it is for an immediate end to violence,” said Tirumurti.

Tirumurti then condemned the recent civilian killings in Buchaa and called for an independent investigation.

“Recent reports of civilian killings in Bucha are deeply disturbing. We have unequivocally condemned these killings and support the call for an independent investigation,” said Tirumurti

He added that it is in the global community’s collective interest to work constructively both inside the United Nations and outside towards an early resolution to the conflict.

“The impact of the crisis has also been felt beyond the region with increasing food and energy costs, especially for many developing countries. It is in our collective interest to work constructively, both inside the United Nations and outside, towards seeking an early resolution to the conflict,” Tirumurti said.

He stressed that all decisions should be taken with full respect for due process, adding that this principle also applies to international organizations such as the United Nations.

“India has been at the forefront of protecting human rights, right from the drafting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. We firmly believe that all decisions should be taken fully respecting due process, as all our democratic polity and structures enjoin us to do. This applies to international organisations as well, particularly the United Nations,” Tirumurti added.