Biden applauds UN vote to suspend Russia from Human Rights Council

US President Joe Biden applauded an "overwhelming vote” Thursday in the UN General Assembly to kick Russia off the UN Human Rights Council over the war in Ukraine.

"This is a meaningful step by the international community further demonstrating how (President Vladimir) Putin’s war has made Russia an international pariah," said Biden in a statement.

"The United States worked closely with our Allies and partners around the world to drive this vote because Russia is committing gross and systemic violations of human rights," he said, adding Moscow "has no place" in the council.

"After today’s historic vote, Russia will not be able to participate in the Council’s work or spread its disinformation there as the Council’s Commission of Inquiry investigates Russia’s violations and abuses of human rights in Ukraine.”