The suspension of Russia from the United Nations Human Rights Council appears to be premature action, as “due process” has not been strictly followed, as pointed out by India in its “Explanation of Vote” speech on the resolution (Page 1, “Russia suspended from rights council”, April 8). When an independent international commission of inquiry has been already established by the HRC itself to investigate alleged violations and abuses of human rights by Russia in Ukraine, it is inexplicable as to how a precipitate action could be taken against Russia even before the commission has submitted its report. What has allegedly happened in Bucha is highly condemnable and demands strongest action, if the allegations are found to be true. But the commission of inquiry has neither completed its investigation nor submitted a report. Even an oral update by the commission is mandated to be submitted in the HRC’s 51st session only. Under these circumstances, the suspension of Russia from the HRC is illegal and premature. This will only lower the stature of the UN body. The U.S. in its eagerness to push Russia into a corner should not initiate hasty actions that could make the UN and its various bodies irrelevant in the long run.
Kosaraju Chandramouli,
Hyderabad
