Synopsis
On Feb 5, President Donald Trump initiated a review of the US's relations with the UN, confirming the withdrawal from the UN Human Rights Council and cutting contributions to UNRWA. He condemned the UN's actions as contrary to US interests, alleging anti-Semitism and lack of support for allies.Key Takeaways
- Trump has ordered a review of US funding to the UN.
- US will not participate in the UNHRC or fund UNRWA.
- Trump accused the UN of bias against the US and allies.
- Potential changes could significantly impact the UN's operations.
- Concerns over UN's credibility due to human rights violators.
United Nations, Feb 5 (NationPress) US President Donald Trump has mandated an examination of the nation's involvement with the United Nations and its financial contributions, reiterating that the US will not engage with the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) or provide support to the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which assists Palestinians.
In an Executive Order he signed on Tuesday, Trump criticized the UN for acting in a manner that is "against the interests of the United States", alleging it attacks allies and promotes anti-Semitism.
A significant alteration in the US's contribution or role could lead to profound implications for the UN, given that the US is a permanent Security Council member and contributes 22 percent of the UN's budget, which Trump has labeled an unjust burden.
During Trump’s predecessor, Joe Biden, the US had already distanced itself from the Human Rights Council and ceased funding the UNRWA, which provides aid to Palestinians.
Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, stated in a briefing prior to Trump's signing, "The US will make its decisions. This doesn't change our position on the significance of the Human Rights Council within the UN's overall human rights framework".
While signing the orders, Trump remarked that UNRWA "funneled money to Hamas, which was a profound disloyalty to humanity".
Biden had halted funding to UNRWA amid allegations of some staff members being affiliated with Hamas and claims that the group utilized its facilities.
On UNRWA, Dujarric commented, "I’m not sure that’s something that is very new", adding that it does not diminish their commitment to supporting UNRWA's mission.
During his first term, Trump withdrew the US from the Human Rights Council. Biden re-engaged the US with the Council and was elected, but last year, Washington opted not to pursue another term.
The US raised concerns about the Council's legitimacy, pointing out that "gross human rights violators", like China, are elected by the General Assembly.
In Trump's first term, the US also exited UNESCO, the UN's cultural, educational, and scientific agency, but rejoined it during Biden's administration.
The White House indicated that Trump has established an "accelerated timeline" for reviewing UNESCO due to its historical "anti-Israel bias".
One of Trump's initial actions as President was to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO), accusing it of "mismanaging" the Covid crisis and supporting China.
