France apologises for human rights criticism that sparked US walkout

On July 25, 2026, France's mission to the United Nations in Geneva apologized for a social media post that criticized the United States for voting alongside Russia and North Korea against extending the term of UN human rights chief Volker Turk. The comment angered Washington, leading to the US walking out of a UN Security Council meeting during France's speech.

The US is also considering blocking France's choice for its next ambassador in Washington. The French Permanent Mission to the UN in Geneva expressed regret over the July 25 message, stating that it questioned the US commitment to human rights. However, the statement clarified that the disagreement concerned one vote, not the defense of human rights.

France's foreign affairs ministry did not provide further comment, while the US State Department has not yet responded to a request for comment. This apology could pave the way for France's nominee as the next ambassador to the US, Aurelien Lechevallier, to be accepted by Washington. Lechevallier, a former aide to the Elysee Palace, is currently the chief of staff to Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot. Paris had planned for Lechevallier to take up the post by September, according to a source.