The U.N. Security Council defeated a Russian resolution promoting women at peace tables

The U.N. Security Council defeated a Russian resolution Friday to commemorate the 20th anniversary of a U.N. measure demanding equal participation for women in activities promoting global peace, with opponents objecting to its failure to adequately address human rights and the key role of civil society in pushing for gender equality.

The email vote on the resolution was 5-0, with 10 countries abstaining, far less than the minimum nine “yes” votes required for adoption.

The Russian draft was supported by Russia, China, Vietnam, Indonesia and South Africa. The countries that abstained were the United States, United Kingdom, France, Belgium, Dominican Republic, Germany, Estonia, Niger, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Tunisia.

Opponents said the Russian draft weakened the initial U.N. resolution adopted in 2000 and nine follow-up resolutions -- which Russia strongly denied.

Click here to read the full article published by AP News on 30 October 2020.