Russia's Bid for a UN Human Rights Council Seat Gains Momentum: All You Need to Know!

Russia is seeking a reinstatement in the United Nations Human Rights Council, despite being suspended in the previous year due to its invasion of Ukraine. On Tuesday, the global community will vote to determine its fate. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine persists, with numerous UN human rights investigations pointing out Moscow's involvement in human rights violations. In fact, the International Criminal Court has gone as far as issuing an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin for the expulsion of Ukrainian children.

Nonetheless, the Kremlin is optimistic that numerous countries worldwide are prepared to move forward, for various reasons. With diminishing backing for Ukraine in certain factions of US politics, the voting outcome of the Human Rights Council will provide a novel perspective on global sentiments towards Russia, and the extent to which countries are willing to disregard its actions in Ukraine.

The vote is expected to begin on Tuesday morning inside the UN General Assembly in New York, where delegates from all 193 member states sit and do business.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov holds a press conference at the United Nations headquarters on September 23, 2023 in New York City.

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The UN provides shelter for controversial nations, such as North Korea, who actively participate in running a UN disarmament committee. Despite a recent coup in Gabon, the country still holds a position on the distinguished Security Council.

Composed of 47 member states, the Human Rights Council is comprised of representatives from various regions, elected by their fellow nations. This Tuesday, three countries from the Eastern European bloc, namely Russia, Albania, and Bulgaria, will compete for two available seats.

Voting in theory considers the human rights records and commitments of candidates, but the secrecy of the ballot allows nations to convey their own messages. Certain countries may approve Russia as a way to signal disapproval of the United States’ exercise of power, while others may rely on the Kremlin's provision of food and grain. In January 2021, Russia became a member of the Human Rights Council; however, in April 2022, it was ousted from the council, becoming the first country to be removed since Libya in 2011. The removal received support from 93 nations, while 24 voted against it, and 58 abstained.

Opposing the move were China, Cuba, North Korea, Iran, Syria, Vietnam, and Russia. Abstaining from the vote were Brazil, South Africa, Mexico, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia.

Louis Charbonneau, the UN director of Human Rights Watch, pointed out that Russia and China continually engage in widespread abuses, emphasizing their unsuitability as members of the UN Human Rights Council.

"No state is without flaws," he admits, yet he underscores the "dismal" human rights records of Russia, Burundi, China, and Cuba - all competing for a three-year seat on the council or seeking reelection.

Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Amor Mottley addresses the 78th Session of the U.N. General Assembly in New York City, U.S., September 22, 2023.

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Recently, the Russian Mission to the United Nations hosted a reception in New York as part of their bid for a council position. During his speech, Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia expressed Russia's commitment to promoting human rights through unity and cooperation among nations, rather than through conflict, coercion, or control.

US representatives are consistently reminding countries of the human rights abuses that have occurred as a result of Moscow's unprovoked invasion. Despite Russia's claim to not target civilians, Ukrainian officials reported the death of a sleeping child in a recent Russian missile strike in Kharkiv. Additionally, numerous children lost their lives when Russian missiles struck a grocery store and café in the village of Hroza.

"We expect UN members to firmly reject its absurd nomination, just as they did last year," stated Jason Evans, a spokesperson for the US delegation to the United Nations, in an interview with CNN.

While the outcome of the vote will be revealed shortly, it is anticipated that countries will employ the secret ballot procedure to shield their choices.

CNNs Caitlin Hu contributed to this story from New York.