President Donald Trump has signed an Executive Order to withdraw the United States from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and end funding to certain UN organizations, marking a significant shift in America’s engagement with international bodies.
At a Glance
- Trump orders U.S. withdrawal from UN Human Rights Council and cessation of funding for UNRWA
- Decision based on perceived bias against Israel and concerns about organizational effectiveness
- Executive Order includes review of U.S. involvement in UNESCO and broader UN funding
- Move aligns with Trump’s previous actions during his first term
- Critics worry about impact on global human rights efforts and Palestinian aid
Trump’s Executive Order: A Return to Previous Policy
In a move reminiscent of his first term, President Donald Trump has signed an Executive Order to withdraw the United States from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and end funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). This decision marks a significant shift in America’s engagement with international organizations and reaffirms Trump’s skepticism towards certain UN bodies.
The Executive Order, which was confirmed by a White House official not authorized to speak publicly, cites concerns about the UNHRC’s perceived bias against Israel and questions about UNRWA’s effectiveness and neutrality. This action effectively reinstates policies from Trump’s previous administration, which had also withdrawn from the UNHRC in 2018 and suspended funding to UNRWA.
Reasons Behind the Decision
President Trump’s decision to disengage from these UN organizations stems from a belief that they act contrary to U.S. interests and, in some cases, propagate anti-Semitism. The administration has accused UNRWA of being infiltrated by terrorist organizations and alleged involvement in the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, though these claims have been denied by the agency.
“I’ve always felt that the U.N. has tremendous potential. It’s not living up to that potential right now. They’ve got to get their act together,” Donald Trump said.
The move aligns with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s criticisms of both the UNHRC and UNRWA, which he has accused of bias against Israel. Trump’s announcement coincided with a meeting with Netanyahu, underscoring the administration’s strong support for Israel’s position on these matters.
Broader Implications for U.S.-UN Relations
Beyond the specific withdrawals from the UNHRC and UNRWA, Trump’s Executive Order mandates a comprehensive review of all international organizations and treaties in which the United States is involved. This review aims to assess their alignment with U.S. interests and could potentially lead to further disengagements or funding cuts.
The United States has historically been the largest contributor to the UN’s regular budget, providing 22% of its funding. This substantial financial commitment has led Trump to call for more equitable burden-sharing among member nations, stating the need “to be fair to countries that deserve fairness.”
Reactions and Concerns
The decision has sparked concern among human rights advocates and supporters of Palestinian aid. UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric emphasized the importance of the Human Rights Council and UNRWA’s services to Palestinians, highlighting the potential humanitarian impact of the U.S. withdrawal.
Critics argue that the U.S. withdrawal from these organizations could weaken global efforts to protect human rights and provide essential services to Palestinian refugees. However, supporters of the move contend that it sends a strong message about the need for reform within the UN system and reaffirms America’s commitment to its allies, particularly Israel.
