Russia's Controversial Bid to Rejoin UN Human Rights Council Amidst Ukraine Conflict

Russia has officially applied to rejoin the United Nations Human Rights Council, almost a year and a half after it was temporarily removed from the organization due to its invasion of Ukraine. The UN website currently includes Russia as a potential candidate for council membership for the 2024-2026 period, with the voting scheduled for October 10.

Any attempt to readmit Russia into international bodies would provoke strong opposition from the West. Several prominent NATO countries have consistently argued that Russia's unlawful invasion of a neighboring state should disqualify it from membership. Throughout its involvement in the conflict in Ukraine, Russia has faced numerous allegations of human rights violations. Additionally, the International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for President Vladimir Putin, alleging his involvement in a plot to forcibly relocate Ukrainian children to Russia.

Russia's position paper, obtained by CNN, highlights the significance of the Human Rights Council within the United Nations system. As part of their efforts to garner support, Russia is circulating this paper among UN members and expressing their belief that it is crucial to prevent the council from being manipulated to serve the political agendas of specific countries. This includes punishing non-compliant governments for their independent domestic and foreign policies.

Russia was expelled from the organization in April 2022, following its significant invasion of Ukraine. The council's membership is determined by fair geographical representation, and currently, there are two open seats in the regional group for Eastern European States. Russia, along with Albania and Bulgaria, have announced their candidacy for the same region. In its position paper, Russia asserted that it would prioritize collaboration, constructive dialogue, and mutual respect if it were to be re-elected to the organization.

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

David Dee Delgado/Getty Images

Russian foreign minister attacks West as 'empire of lies'

Western countries are anticipated to vigorously oppose its implementation prior to the October vote. A commission of the Human Rights Council declared on Monday that substantial evidence persists indicating that Russian forces are engaging in war crimes in Ukraine. These allegations encompass unlawful utilization of explosive weapons, attacks resulting in harm to civilians, instances of torture, sexual and gender-based violence, as well as assaults on energy infrastructure.

During the April 2022 UN General Assembly, a vote took place to suspend Russia from the council. Out of the 193 countries in the UN, 93 supported the decision to remove Moscow, 24 voted against, and 58 abstained. China, Cuba, North Korea, Iran, Syria, Vietnam, and Russia itself were among the countries opposing the move. On the other hand, Brazil, South Africa, Mexico, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia were among those who chose to abstain.

Russia was elected to serve a three-year term on the council in January 2021, joining 14 other countries. However, it became the first country to be removed from the council since 2011 when Libya faced a similar fate due to the suppression of political protesters led by its former leader Muammar Gaddafi.

Russia continues to hold its position as one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, and there are currently no established legal mechanisms for its removal from this post. In April, Moscow last assumed the presidency of the council, a position that is rotated monthly among the 15 council members.

CNNs Sharon Braithwaite and Stephanie Halasz contributed reporting