UNWTO to vote on suspension of Russia

The United Nations’ tourism body said it would vote in the coming days

The first ever extraordinary general assembly of the UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organisation) will be held to address the suspension of the Russian Federation following the invasion of Ukraine.

The emergency meeting will be convened in the coming days to consider suspending Russia from the organisation.

The UNWTO executive council met in Madrid amid ongoing global concern and condemnation for the unilateral actions by Russia.

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UNWTO secretary-general Zurab Pololikashvili said: “War is never a solution. Not now, and not ever. But it is evident that not everybody is committed to this ideal.

“For this reason, UNWTO – and me as the voice of the organisation – must be loud and clear. If you are a member, then you commit to our rules. And you must embrace our values. So, when members go against our goals, there must be consequences.”

The United Nations General Assembly last week voted overwhelmingly in favour of a resolution demanding that Russia “immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all of its military forces from the territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders”.

The UN Human Rights Council also condemned the actions of the Russian Federation “in the strongest possible terms”.

Members voted in favour of establishing a special commission to investigate alleged human rights violations, including possible war crimes in Ukraine.