Singapore Abstains From Vote To Suspend Russia From Un Human Rights Council

SINGAPORE, April 8 (Bernama) -- Singapore has abstained from the United Nations (UN) General Assembly vote to suspend Russia from the UN Human Rights Council on April 7, 2022, according to the republic’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). The ministry’s spokesperson said the republic was awaiting the findings of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry investigating alleged violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in Ukraine. The spokesperson said the Commission was mandated by Human Rights Council Resolution 49/1 on the “Situation of human rights in Ukraine stemming from the Russian aggression”, which was adopted on March 4, 2022. “Singapore was a co-sponsor of this Human Rights Council resolution,” the spokesperson said in a response to media queries Friday. Singapore, MFA said, “is gravely concerned and distressed by the reports and images from Bucha and other Ukrainian towns of high civilian casualties and the destruction of civilian infrastructure”. “We strongly condemn any violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, and there must be accountability. “We hence urge all parties to cooperate with the Commission, and allow it full and unhindered access so that it can gather evidence and conduct its work,” said the spokesperson. The republic reiterated its full support for the sovereignty, political independence, and territorial integrity of Ukraine. “Singapore’s position on this has been clear and consistent from the beginning of this conflict. “Our abstention on this particular resolution is consistent with our longstanding and steadfast support for the rules-based multilateral system and the due application of its mechanisms,” said the spokesperson. The UN General Assembly voted Thursday to suspend Russia from the Human Rights Council after evidence emerged of apparent mass atrocities carried out by Moscow's forces. The 93-24 vote saw 58 members states abstain. -- BERNAMA