On Monday, April 22, a North Korean foreign affairs minister criticized Russia’s suspension from the Human Rights Body as an “unreasonable act.” According to Reuters, the minister claimed that the suspension was motivated by the United States and the West’s efforts to maintain political domination. The North Korean minister stated, “What the U.S. is after… is to isolate the independent countries, and forces challenging them at the international arena, so as to maintain its illegal and inhumane U.S.-led hegemonic order.” He continues to say that international organizations should not be abused as a means of political pressure.

Though the suspension of Russia from the Human Rights Body may represent symbolic victory, no material change has resulted. Russia’s suspension from the Human Rights Council does not prevent airstrikes or bombings. Symbolic victories do not save peoples’ lives. While the North Korean Minister’s statement overlooks the egregious crimes of the Russian government, it invokes important questions. Why has the UN decided to suspend Russia from the Council and not the various other members responsible for mass atrocities and inhumane actions? What does the UN gain from being vocal about one atrocity and silent for hundreds of others? It appears that the United States and the West tend to be selectively active against human rights atrocities.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has resulted in the deaths of approximately 46,000 and the wounding of 12,000 (Reuters). The nation’s “gross and systematic violations and abuses of human rights” (UN) have led to worldwide outrage. On April 7, the UN held a general assembly where 93 members voted in support of the suspension of Russia, while 24 members were against it and 58 members abstained. Currently, Ukrainian soldiers are fighting to prevent Mariupol from falling to Russia. According to NBC News, the Ukrainian Prime Minister Shmyhal stated that Ukraine is willing to end the conflict diplomatically, but refuses to surrender to Russia.

The hypocrisy and double standards of the United Nations and the West must be addressed. Why are some lives valued more than others? Various countries in the UN have violated human rights and caused turmoil in the Middle East, taking the lives of black and brown people in the Global South. These discrepancies must be addressed before the concept of world peace can ever become a feasible end goal. We must vehemently stand against all forms of injustice. 

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”