The map shows the result of the UN’s November 20th, 2025 vote on “the tri-annual resolution on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment was adopted by a vote of 169 votes in favour, 3 against (Argentina, Israel, the United States) and 4 abstentions (Burundi, Nicaragua, Papua New Guinea, and Russia).”
Here’s an Explanation of The United States Vote on UNGA80 Third Committee Resolution: “Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment”
Thank you, Mr. Chair,
The United States has made clear its intention to disengage from a majority of resolutions in the Third Committee this year. However, the United States would like to take this opportunity to reiterate our view that many of these resolutions recycle the same contentious or irrelevant issue year after year.
Third Committee resolutions should be short, actionable, and forward-looking. Instead, many resolutions continue to include problematic language that does nothing to advance the United Nations’ core mandate of maintaining international peace and security.
The UN can no longer afford to waste its resources where there is little or no impact. The number of reports, conferences, and negotiations has grown beyond the point of ineffectiveness and waste, to a level of dysfunction that makes it impossible to carry out vital work.
Accordingly, the United States requests a vote and will vote “no” on this resolution.
Mr. Chair, colleagues, we hope to work together in advance of next year’s session of the Third Committee to make it more efficient, relevant, and effective. We refer you to the long form Explanation of Position that will be posted on our Mission’s website for more information. Thank you.
And it lead me to think of this meme:
What do you think?
Elisha says
The meme is obviously incorrect as a generalization, but it’s not hard to see why the US and especially Israel would be reluctant to sign on to such an idea. Israel is singled out for condemnation in the United Nations to a far greater extent than any other country. The Arab and Muslim world (comprising over 50 countries) routinely votes against it as a bloc. Given how the UN is weaponized against Israel, it makes sense for that country not to subject itself to diplomatic warfare. As for the US, its position as world leader makes it a target for many of the countries in the UN; in short, it has many enemies. The absurdity of the vote itself is attested to by the fact that many countries that indisputably use torture on a regular basis – such as Iran, North Korea, and China – voted in favor. These countries engage in the performative act of saying they’re opposed to torture, while openly flouting all criticism of their actual use of torture. As for Argentina, I suppose its government is smart enough – and has enough integrity – not to play these diplomatic games.