The United States is one of three countries to have voted against a UN resolution condemning the glorification of Nazism, citing freedom of speech issues and concerns Russia is using it to carry out political attacks against its neighbours.
The resolution was approved by the UN's human rights committee on Friday with 131 in favour, three against with 48 abstentions. Ukraine and Palau were the other no votes.
"We condemn without reservation all forms of religious and ethnic intolerance or hatred at home and around the world," said Deputy US Representative to the Economic and Social Council Stefanie Amadeo, explaining the US vote.
"However, due to this resolution's overly narrow scope and politicised nature, and because it calls for unacceptable limits on the fundamental freedom of expression, the United States cannot support it," Amadeo said.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
She said the US also disagrees with the resolution's willing to curb freedom of expression even while sharing its concerns about the rise of hate speech around the world.
"This resolution's recommendations to limit freedom of expression, freedom of association, and the right to peaceful assembly contravene the principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and must be opposed," Amadeo said.
Unlike resolutions in the Security Council, resolutions in General Assembly committees are not considered legally binding.
