Brazil abstained in a vote by the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday (7) that suspended Russia from the UN Human Rights Council over reports of “gross and systematic violations and abuses of human rights” in Ukraine.
The initiative, led by the US, obtained 93 votes in favor, 24 countries against and 58 abstentions. A two-thirds majority of voting members — abstentions do not count — was needed to suspend Russia.
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This is the second time a country has been suspended from the 47-member council. Libya was the first, in 2011, due to the violent repression of protesters by forces loyal to then-leader Muammar Gaddafi.
The resolution adopted by the draft 193-member General Assembly expresses “grave concern about the current humanitarian and human rights crisis in Ukraine”, with reports of rights abuses by Russia.
The Kremlin warned other countries that a yes vote or an abstention would be seen as a “hostile gesture” with consequences for bilateral ties, according to a note seen by Reuters.
Russia was in its second year of a three-year term on the Geneva-based council, whose decisions are not legally binding but send important political messages and can authorize investigations.
Moscow is one of the most vocal members of the council and the suspension prevents the Kremlin from speaking and voting, officials say, although its diplomats can still participate in debates.
Last month, the council opened an investigation into allegations of rights violations, including possible war crimes, in Ukraine since the invasion by Russian troops.
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began on February 24, the General Assembly has adopted two resolutions denouncing the country, with 141 and 140 votes in favour. Moscow says it is carrying out a “special operation” to demilitarize Ukraine.
The United States announced that it would ask for Russia’s suspension after Ukraine accused Russian troops of killing hundreds of civilians in the town of Butcha, outside Kiev.
Russia denies it, and the country’s ambassador to the UN, Vassili Nebenzia, said on Tuesday that while Butcha was under Russian control, “no civilians suffered any kind of violence”.
