How does the US plan to remove Russia from the UNHRC?

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US Senators Urge Biden Administration to Initiate Resolution for Russia's Removal from UN Human Rights Council

A group of twelve United States senators, comprising eight Democrats and four Republicans from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, have formally requested that the Biden administration pursue the removal of Russia from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). This call to action stems from the widespread casualties and destruction of civilian infrastructure, including residential buildings, hospitals, and schools, resulting from Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The senators have specifically asked the US Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, to introduce a resolution aimed at expelling Russia from the council.
Senators' Call for Resolution and Rationale

The senators, in a letter dated March 28, articulated their demand for immediate action to demonstrate that the United States and its allies will not tolerate unprovoked attacks on civilians and democratic nations. They specifically cited the extensive damage and loss of life in Ukraine as the primary justification for Russia's removal. The letter, spearheaded by Senator Jim Risch, the committee's ranking Republican, and Senator Bob Menendez, its Democratic chairman, emphasized that the current situation necessitates Russia relinquishing its seat on the Council.
Mechanism for Removal

The senators' letter outlined the established procedure for removing a state from the UNHRC, referencing the provision that allows for the expulsion of states found to be engaging in a pattern of gross and systemic human rights abuses. Such a removal requires a two-thirds majority vote within the U.N. General Assembly. This procedural understanding underpins the senators' imploration to Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield to formally initiate the process by introducing a resolution.
Bipartisan Support for Action

The push for Russia's removal from the UNHRC reflects a rare area of bipartisan consensus within the deeply divided US Congress. Support for Ukraine has consistently garnered cross-party backing, evidenced by the significant financial aid packages approved by Congress for the Ukrainian government. This unified stance among senators from both major parties underscores the seriousness with which they view Russia's actions and their desire for a strong international response.

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How does the US plan to remove Russia from the UNHRC?

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