During the special General Assembly, 99 member countries were represented

Members of the UN World Tourism Organisation have voted to suspend the Russian Federation after debating the issue. As a result of this suspension, the country has lost with immediate effect the rights and privileges that came as part of the UN specialised agency.  

The debate was carried out at an emergency General Assembly in accordance with the decision taken by the UNWTO Executive Council’s emergency meeting conducted last month. Before the debate, the delegation from Russia did not stand up to defend its position and announced its withdrawal from UNWTO. 

The motion of suspension of the Russian Federation was passed after it received far more than the required two-third majority. The decision is effective immediately, while voluntary withdrawal is only effective one year after a member submits an official communication through the appropriate channels. 

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said, “UNWTO’s Members have sent a clear message: Tourism is a pillar of peace and international friendship and Members of UNWTO must uphold these values or face consequences, with no exceptions. This emergency General Assembly shows that Russia’s actions are indefensible and contrary to the very principles of UNWTO and of international governance.” 

During the session, 99 countries were represented.