Sep 17, 2026
US diplomats walked out of a UN Security Council meeting on Monday after France publicly criticized America's human rights record under President Donald Trump. The dramatic protest followed tensions over Washington's vote against extending the mandate of UN human rights chief Volker Turk.
In a historic defeat, Germany failed to secure a temporary seat on the UN Security Council after losing to Austria and Portugal in a contested election. The UN General Assembly elected Austria, Kyrgyzstan, Portugal, Trinidad and Tobago, and Zimbabwe to two-year terms beginning January 1, 2027.