Russia announced on Wednesday that it has decided to withdraw from the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) ahead of the scheduled vote on their suspension.
The organization approved the suspension at a special meeting in Madrid on Wednesday, where the organization has its headquarters. The Assembly voted in favor of suspension, far exceeding the two-thirds majority required. 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 made the announcement on his official Twitter account as well. He said it was the first U.N. body to address Russia's membership.
"The message is clear: Actions will always have consequences. Peace is a fundamental human right. Guaranteed to all. Without exception," UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili tweeted after the ballot.
Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov made it clear that the decision by UNWTO will have no impact on the country’s tourism.
"The tourism sector, especially that for domestic tourism, will continue its development. The external directions for tourism are also open, hinging on questions of competition in terms of quality and price," he said.
Russia has already been removed from the United Nations Human Rights Council amid reports of the army committing a number of human rights violations in Ukraine.
The organization approved the suspension at a special meeting in Madrid on Wednesday, where the organization has its headquarters. The Assembly voted in favor of suspension, far exceeding the two-thirds majority required. 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 made the announcement on his official Twitter account as well. He said it was the first U.N. body to address Russia's membership.
"The message is clear: Actions will always have consequences. Peace is a fundamental human right. Guaranteed to all. Without exception," UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili tweeted after the ballot.
Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov made it clear that the decision by UNWTO will have no impact on the country’s tourism.
"The tourism sector, especially that for domestic tourism, will continue its development. The external directions for tourism are also open, hinging on questions of competition in terms of quality and price," he said.
Russia has already been removed from the United Nations Human Rights Council amid reports of the army committing a number of human rights violations in Ukraine.
