War in Ukraine: How the UN Assembly votes on Russia

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Five days after the release of the first images of Ukrainian civilians killed in Butcha, the UN General Assembly decided to withdraw Russia from the UN Human Rights Council for “serious and systematic violations and abuses”.

The resolution was approved by 93 votes in favor and 24 against. Another 58 countries, out of a total of 193 that make up the summit, abstained — including Brazil.

It is the second time in history that a country has been suspended from the council, known by the acronym CDH. In March 2011, the Assembly approved by consensus the suspension of Libya.

  • At the time, the regime of Muammar Gaddafi, in power since 1969, was accused of killing more than a thousand civilians in a month of anti-government protests;

  • After months on the run, the dictator was killed in October of that year.

The UN Human Rights Council is a consultative and investigative body. Its decisions are not binding — that is, members are not obligated to follow them.

On March 4, the council decided to create a Commission of Inquiry to investigate allegations of abuses committed by Russia in the war.

  • Who coordinates: Erik Mose, a Norwegian who presided over the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda in 1994. He will work with two other judges;

  • Duration: 1 year;

  • Occupation: investigate allegations of abuse and violations, identify responsible individuals and entities, and make recommendations to prevent impunity.

The CDH is made up of 47 members, who serve a three-year term. The one in Russia started in January of last year and would end in January 2024.

And now? With the suspension of the body, the Kremlin loses the right to speak and vote, although its diplomats can still participate in debates.

This is the third time that the United Nations General Assembly has met to vote on resolutions related to the six-week-old Ukraine war.

Allied with Russia, but trying to maintain an image of neutrality in relation to the conflict, China took an important pro-Moscow step and voted against the punishment. In previous votes, Beijing abstained.

Brazil, which had voted in favor of the measures in the first two assemblies, abstained this time.

Justification: in a note, the Itamaraty declared that it understands that the withdrawal of Russia “will imply polarization and politicization of the discussions of the HRC” and will “hamper the dialogue for peace”. Brazil avoids direct criticism of the country, fearing possible economic impacts.

Opinion: Reporter Flávia Mantovani writes that Brazil could do more to welcome refugees from Ukraine, who number more than 4 million, and from other nations. The country has been granting humanitarian visas to Ukrainians.

“However, there is a need to expand post-arrival assistance policies, which must be done not only out of altruism, but for one’s own benefit”, he defends in this article.

Do not get lost

We recall how the votes in the UN General Assembly related to the war in Ukraine have been so far:

Conviction to Invasion

  • When: 2.mar
  • What did you decide: demanded that Russia immediately stop its military operations in Ukraine
  • Scoreboard: 141 in favour, 5 against and 35 abstentions
  • Who voted against: Russia, Belarus, Syria, North Korea and Eritrea
  • How Brazil voted: in favor

humanitarian reinforcement

  • When: 24.mar
  • What did you decide: demanded full protection for civilians, humanitarian teams, health facilities and essential services.
  • Scoreboard: 140 in favour, 5 against and 38 abstentions
  • Who voted against: Russia, Belarus, Syria, North Korea and Eritrea
  • How Brazil voted: in favor

Human rights

  • When: apr 7
  • What did you decide: Russia’s Suspension of the UN Human Rights Council
  • Scoreboard: 93 in favour, 24 against and 58 abstentions
  • Who voted against: China, Bolivia, Cuba, Iran and 20 other countries
  • How Brazil voted: abstained.

What happened this Thursday (7)

picture of the day

What to see and hear to stay informed

The fear in eastern Ukraine, a priority target for Russian troops, and the despair of relatives who bury Butcha’s dead in two videos by TV Folha.

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