Lagatar24 Desk
Washington DC: US President Donald Trump has halted US engagement with multiple United Nations (UN) agencies, including the Human Rights Council (UNHRC), citing “anti-American bias.” The White House also announced a continued freeze on funding for the Palestinian relief agency (UNRWA) and ordered a review of US financial contributions to UNESCO.
🔹 US Withdraws From UNHRC, Citing Bias
• The US was a member of the UN Human Rights Council, with its term set to expire on December 31.
• The Trump administration has ended all American engagement, including participation in country-specific human rights assessments and investigations into rights violations.
🔹 Trump: UN ‘Not Doing Its Job’
• Trump criticized the United Nations, stating that it is “not being well run” and needs major reforms.
• “It’s got great potential, but they need to get their act together,” he said, justifying the US withdrawal from UNHRC and UNRWA.
• He argued that the UN fails to help resolve global conflicts, despite its mandate.
🔹 UN Responds, Calls US a Key Partner
• The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres defended the organization’s role, stating that the UN has “worked tirelessly on reforms to increase efficiency.”
• The US is the largest contributor to the UN, funding 22% of the core budget and 27% of peacekeeping operations.
🔹 Israel vs. UNRWA
• Trump’s decision aligns with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s stance, who has long accused UNRWA of anti-Israel bias.
• Israel banned UNRWA from operating in its territory on January 30 over allegations of terrorist links.
• UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini claims the agency is a victim of a “disinformation campaign.”
🔹 UNRWA Funding Suspended After Hamas Allegations
• The US was UNRWA’s largest donor, contributing $300M-$400M annually.
• Funding was paused after Israel accused some UNRWA staff of involvement in the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack.
• The UN dismissed nine staff members linked to the allegations and pledged a full investigation.
Trump’s executive order signals a major shift in US-UN relations, raising questions about Washington’s future role in global diplomacy.
