These days, nothing triggers a standing ovation from United Nations diplomats like a U.S. diplomatic setback.
At least that was the case on Monday, when U.N. delegates at the opening of the annual Commission the Status of Women overcame intense United States opposition to adopt an outcome document — known as “agreed conclusions” — charting the path forward for women’s rights.
As the ballot by the commission’s 45 member states was tallied — the vote was 37 in favor, six abstentions and one, the U.S., against — the General Assembly erupted into shouts, applause, and even tears. It was one of several outpourings of glee as the U.S. lost one attempt after another to delay or derail action on the measure.