Russia is facing the likelihood of being suspended from the United Nations Human Rights Council on Thursday when voting takes place. On Wednesday Russia issued a threat to countries who like South Africa would probably abstain from the vote, saying those countries will be supporting the Unites States and allies.
The warning – which was expressed in a letter directed to a selected few members who Russia expects to get support from in the UN vote. Russia has threatened retaliation as it would be perceived that they side with the US and its allies.
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The threat comes as the US and its European allies are preparing for Thursday’s vote at the General Assembly to have Russia removed from the United Nations. The letter from Russia was sent to African, Asian, Latin American and Caribbean nations who would probably abstain in the UN vote. Russia has threatened with severe consequences for choosing to side with the US and its allies.
Under the terms of the March 2006 resolution, the United Nations General Assembly is allowed to expel or suspend a member of the Human Rights Council if the member is found to be committing gross and systematic violation of human rights.
Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the US Ambassador to the UN, called for Russia to be removed from the Human Rights Council. The call comes after videos and pictures were shared of civilians brutally killed by Russian forces. If the vote passes, Russia will be removed from the United Nations.
Source: News24, Reuters, ABC News, The Economic Times, FP News, image from Reuters
