On 27 April 2022 members of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) at the First Extraordinary Session of the General Assembly, held in Madrid, decided to suspend Russia as one of its members due to the armed aggression against Ukraine.

“Russia has been suspended from UNWTO at its General Assembly’s first extraordinary session. Grateful to all members who backed this move. The only travel direction for Russian war criminals should be The Hague. Russia’s isolation will deepen with each day of its war on Ukraine”, - noted Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba.

This was the first time in the history of UNWTO to suspend country’s membership in this organization due to policy that is contrary to the fundamental aims of the Organization.

Russian aggression against Ukraine constitutes a direct violation of the fundamental aim of the UNWTO, which according to the Article 3.1. of the Organization’s Statutes, “shall be the promotion and development of tourism with a view to contributing to economic development, international understanding, peace, prosperity, and universal respect for, and observance of, human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language or religion.”

The decision will result in suspension of the rights of Russia to access UNWTO services, as well as will suspend its right to vote in the General Assembly, in the Executive Council and in any of their subsidiary organs.

Suspension of Russia's membership in the UNWTO was supported by overwhelming majority – 78.4% of the registered votes.

UNWTO has become the first specialized UN Agency to suspend membership of the Russian Federation.

International isolation of Russia will deepen as a result of its aggression against Ukraine.