By Michelle Nichols

UNITED NATIONS – Thursday’s vote at the United Nations General Assembly is on a U.S. request to expel Russia from its U.N. Human Rights Council. This follows reports that Russia invaded Ukraine and committed “gross, systematic violations and abuses” of human rights.

The 47-member council can suspend any country with a two-thirds majority vote – abstentions are not considered. Libya was temporarily suspended due to violence committed by Muammar Gadafi’s loyal forces against protesters in 2011.

Western diplomats believe they can win enough support in the General Assembly, which is made up of 193 members. Draft text expresses concern over the “continuing human rights crisis and humanitarian crisis” in Ukraine, particularly regarding reports about rights violations by Russia.

U.S. explained the Monday announcement. Linda Thomas Greenfield, the Ambassador to United Nations told Reuters: “It’s important to say to Russia ‘we won’t allow you to continue a act with such impunity pretending that you respect Human Rights’.”

According to Reuters, Russia warned nations that a “unfriendly gesture” will result in bilateral ties being viewed negatively if there is a yes or no vote.

With 141 and 140 support votes, the Assembly adopted two resolutions denoncing Russia since Russia’s February 24 invasion of Ukraine. Moscow declares that it has launched a “special operation” to demilitarize Ukraine.

Following allegations by Ukraine that Russian troops had killed hundreds of civilians, the United States said it would sue Russia for suspension.

Russia has denied attacking Ukrainian civilians. U.N. U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia stated Tuesday that Bucha had been under Russian control and “not one civilian was subject to any form of violence.”

Russia has completed its second year in a three-year-long term as a member of the Geneva-based Human Rights Council. This council cannot take legally binding decisions. Although its decisions are important for political purposes, it is also able to authorize investigations.

Last month, the council began an investigation into allegations that rights violations were occurring in Ukraine following Russia’s invasion.