Blinken Addresses UN Human Rights Council

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said that the UN Human Rights Council must move to stop human rights abuses in Ukraine and Russia suggesting that Russia should be removed from the council.

• Blinken: ‘Steps must be taken to hold those responsible accountable and council members should stop using language implying that all sides are responsible.’
• 'We must press the Kremlin to respect the human rights of Russians.' That includes 'members of the armed forces and those protesting the war.'
• 'In Belarus the Lukashenko regime is brutally suppressing descent and facilitating the Russian invasion of Ukraine.'
• What to expect from US:
  • Blinken: 'we are committed to working with all counties, including those we don't agree with.'
  • 'We hear the call to help strengthen social, economic, and cultural rights.'
  • 'We will continue to counter anti-Israel bias.'
  • 'We will continue to support LGBTI, people with disabilities, and all marginalised groups around the world.'