On Monday, July 28th, 2026, the United States delegation walked out of a United Nations Security Council meeting in protest against comments made by France. France's ambassador Jerome Bonnafont had compared Washington's voting record on human rights to that of authoritarian states such as North Korea and Russia.

The dispute originated last week when the US joined North Korea and Russia in voting against extending Volker Turk's term as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. Turk has been critical of Russia's war in Ukraine and Israel's military actions in Gaza. Despite opposition from the US and a few others, Turk's second term was approved by 144 states in favor, 10 against, and 13 abstentions.

Following the vote on Friday, France's UN mission criticized the US and likened its stance to that of North Korea and Russia. In response, US ambassador Mike Waltz accused France of supporting a human rights chief who had been "lecturing" democratic countries while "cozying up to the world's worst oppressors," though he did not elaborate further.

During the Security Council meeting on Russia's war in Ukraine, the US delegation exited while France's ambassador was speaking. US ambassador Dan Negrea stated that the US would continue such protests until France "renounces their condescending and disrespectful rhetoric."

On Friday, US ambassador Jeff Bartos criticized Turk's reappointment, warning of consequences for the assembly which "tolerates procedural overreach, backroom deals, and the misuse of UN posts." He added, "The United States will immediately reassess our engagement, participation, and funding."

This episode highlights ongoing tensions between Washington and the United Nations regarding human rights leadership and governance.

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