The Council of Europe has suspended Russia from the continent’s human rights organization because of its invasion of Ukraine.
The 47-nation council announced on Friday that Russia was suspended with “immediate effect” from the organization’s Committee of Ministers and parliamentary assembly on Friday “as a result of the Russian Federation’s armed attack on Ukraine.”
The Strasbourg-based organization, which was founded in 1949, said Russia remained a member and continued to be bound by relevant human rights conventions.
In Ukraine, thousands crossed into neighbouring countries to the west in search of safety. Cars were backed up for several kilometers at some border crossings as authorities in Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Moldova mobilised to receive them, providing shelter, food and legal help.
At border crossings in Poland, Ukrainians arrived on foot and by car and train — some with their pets — and were greeted by authorities and volunteers offering them food and hot drinks.
COMMents
SHARE