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U.N. Human Rights Chief Volker Türk attends a press conference as member states debate his second term and broader human rights policies. |
US and France Clash at UN Over Human Rights Chief's New Term
UNITED NATIONS — July 27, 2026
The United States and France publicly clashed at the United Nations after disagreements over the reappointment of the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights led the U.S. delegation to walk out of a Security Council meeting.
The dispute followed a vote by the U.N. General Assembly on Friday to extend the term of Human Rights Chief Volker Türk for another four years. The proposal, put forward by U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres, was approved by a large majority of member states.
The resolution passed with 144 votes in favor, 10 against and 13 abstentions. The United States voted against the extension, joining several other countries, while France supported the measure.
Tensions escalated after French officials criticized Washington on social media for voting alongside countries including Russia and North Korea on the issue. The U.S. rejected the comparison, calling France's remarks misleading and inappropriate.
During a U.N. Security Council meeting focused on Russia's war in Ukraine, the U.S. delegation left the chamber while France was speaking. Alternate U.S. Representative Dan Negrea said the United States would continue walking out during French statements until France withdrew what he described as disrespectful comments.
Earlier, U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz accused the human rights office of focusing criticism on democratic countries such as the United States and Israel while failing to adequately confront authoritarian governments. He did not provide specific examples.
Volker Türk has frequently criticized Russia's military actions in Ukraine and Israel's conduct in Gaza. He has also called for investigations into deaths in U.S. immigration detention facilities. His positions have drawn criticism from several governments, including the United States, Russia and Israel.
The disagreement reflects broader tensions between the Trump administration and the United Nations. In recent months, Washington has reduced funding for several U.N. agencies and withdrawn from a number of U.N. bodies, while warning it could reassess its future engagement with the organization.
Deputy U.N. spokesperson Farhan Haq declined to comment on the U.S. walkout but said the United Nations expects member states to respect decisions adopted by the General Assembly.
The latest dispute highlights growing divisions among key allies over the future direction of international human rights institutions and the role of the United Nations in global affairs.
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