Before the decision, however, the country requested the departure of the UN body.
The majority of the members of the WTO (World Tourism Organization) approved this Wednesday (27.Apr.2022) the suspension of Russia from the UN body (United Nations), in response to the war in Ukraine.
Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said the decision “shows that Russia’s actions are indefensible and contrary to the very principles of the UNWTO and international governance”.
The process will take a year to complete, but the decision takes effect immediately. With the measure, Russia will not be able to count on the technical assistance of the WTO, nor participate in the meetings and events of the body. Nor will he be able to vote in elections or nominate any candidate for the position of secretary-general.
Second communiqué of the UNWTO, 99 countries attended the extraordinary session held in Madrid, Spain. This is the 1st time the organization has met to suspend a member.
Russia, however, expressed having the “intent to withdraw” of the body before the end of voting. In an interview with journalists, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the decision to leave would not affect Russian tourism.
“The tourism sector, especially the domestic one, will continue to develop. External directions for tourism are also open, depending on competition issues in terms of quality and price.”he said.
Also because of the war, Russia was suspended of the UN Human Rights Council on 7 April. The resolution presented by the US had 93 votes in favour, 24 against and 58 abstentions (including Brazil).
#World #Tourism #Organization #suspends #Russia