Russia voted off United Nations human rights council

Russia has been kicked out of the United Nations human rights council after failing to win re-election.

Rights groups believe the vote reflects international disapproval of Moscow's involvement in the war in Syria.

Instead, Hungary and Croatia were elected to represent eastern Europe in the 47-nation council - monitoring and investigating rights violations worldwide.

Since the group was set up in 2006, Russia has been a member for all bar one year.

Asked about the defeat, Russian ambassador Vitaly Churkin quipped: "We need a break".

He added: "Croatia and Hungary fortunately, because of their size, they are not as exposed to the winds of international diplomacy. Russia is quite exposed.

"We have been there a number of years. I am sure next time we are going to get it".

More than 80 human rights and aid organisations had urged UN member-states to vote Russia off the council following its support of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad.

Russia has been accused by Western powers and rights groups of indiscriminate bombings in the Syrian government operation to seize rebel-held eastern Aleppo.

"It clearly will be a wakeup call to Moscow," said John Fisher, Human Rights Watch's Geneva director.

"We sincerely hope that the message they will take from today's vote is the need to make sure their engagement in Syria corresponds with international human rights and humanitarian law".