Just a day after CARICOM Heads reaffirmed an obligation to co-ordinate foreign policy there was a deep division in the ranks at a crucial United Nations vote yesterday over suspending Russia from the Human Rights Council for gross excesses in Ukraine
The resolution to suspend Russia alleged “gross and systematic violations and abuses of human rights” by its invading army in Ukraine and was carried by a vote of 93 in favour, 24 against and 58 abstentions.
Guyana was among those CARICOM countries which abstained and questions were yesterday being asked about this decision given the discovery of mass killings in the Ukrainian town of Bucha after Russian troops withdrew.
Government sources yesterday said that the decision to abstain was a CARICOM one. There was however an even split between the 14 voting members – seven voted yes and an equal number abstained.
Those who voted yes for the resolution were Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Dominica, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica and St Lucia.
Joining Guyana in abstaining were Barbados, Belize, St Kitts-Nevis, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname.
On Wednesday in the midst of another embarrassing foreign policy row over the nomination of two candidates for the Secretary General of the Commonwealth, CARICOM Heads meeting virtually “reaffirmed the obligation of Member States to coordinate foreign policy as outlined in the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas”.
They agreed that a Sub-Committee of Heads of Government comprising of The Bahamas, Belize, Dominica, Guyana, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Jamaica will meet with the two candidates, Baroness Patricia Scotland, QC and Jamaican Foreign Minister, Senator Kamina Johnson-Smith.
Reuters yesterday reported that it was the third resolution adopted by the 193-member General Assembly since Russia invaded neighbouring Ukraine on Feb. 24. The two previous General Assembly resolutions denouncing Russia were adopted with 141 and 140 votes in favour.
The resolution adopted yesterday expresses “grave concern at the ongoing human rights and humanitarian crisis in Ukraine,” particularly at reports of rights abuses by Russia.
Russia says it is carrying out a “special military operation” that aims to destroy Ukraine’s military infrastructure and denies attacking civilians. Ukraine and allies say Moscow invaded without provocation.
Russia had warned countries that a yes vote or abstention will be viewed as an “unfriendly gesture” with consequences for bilateral ties, according to a note seen by Reuters.
