New York, Feb 5 (PTI) – In a bold move, President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to withdraw the United States from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and prohibit future funding for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). Additionally, the order initiates a review of US participation in the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
The executive order, issued on Tuesday, underscores the US’s stance on global institutions it believes have deviated from their original mission of promoting international peace and security. It asserts that some UN agencies have acted against the interests of the United States, targeting its allies and perpetuating anti-Semitic rhetoric.
“The United States helped found the United Nations (UN) after World War II to prevent future global conflicts and promote international peace and security. But some of the UN's agencies and bodies have drifted from this mission and instead act contrary to the interests of the United States while attacking our allies and propagating anti-Semitism," the order reads.
The executive order further elaborates on the US’s decision to withdraw support from UNRWA, which it claims has consistently exhibited anti-Semitic behavior and supported terrorism. The fact sheet issued by the White House states that UNRWA employees were involved in the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel and that the agency’s facilities have been used by terrorist organizations to store weapons and build tunnels.
"UNRWA has reportedly been infiltrated by members of groups long designated by the Secretary of State (Secretary) as foreign terrorist organizations," the document says. "UNRWA employees were involved in the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel."
Trump's executive order also highlights UNESCO's failure to reform itself and its consistent anti-Israel stance over the last decade.
The executive order also ensures that the US will not participate in UNHRC activities or seek election to that body. It further calls for the termination of positions related to the US Representative to the UNHRC, signaling a significant shift in how the US engages with the UN moving forward.
The US will also conduct a thorough review of its continued membership in UNESCO, with a focus on the presence of anti-Semitism and anti-Israel sentiment within the organization.
The White House’s fact sheet reinforces that the Trump administration will no longer support these agencies, citing their continued bias and failure to address critical concerns.
In conclusion, this executive order marks a significant step in the US's recalibration of its role in international institutions, particularly those it deems as biased or ineffective in promoting global peace and security.
The executive order, issued on Tuesday, underscores the US’s stance on global institutions it believes have deviated from their original mission of promoting international peace and security. It asserts that some UN agencies have acted against the interests of the United States, targeting its allies and perpetuating anti-Semitic rhetoric.
“The United States helped found the United Nations (UN) after World War II to prevent future global conflicts and promote international peace and security. But some of the UN's agencies and bodies have drifted from this mission and instead act contrary to the interests of the United States while attacking our allies and propagating anti-Semitism," the order reads.
UNHRC and UNESCO Under Scrutiny
The executive order specifically calls out the UNHRC, UNESCO, and UNRWA, all of which have been criticized for various reasons. Israel and the US have long accused the UNHRC of targeting Israel unfairly. The US withdrew from the body in 2018, citing the council’s bias. In the same year, Israel pulled out of UNESCO, accusing the agency of erasing Jewish history within its borders.The executive order further elaborates on the US’s decision to withdraw support from UNRWA, which it claims has consistently exhibited anti-Semitic behavior and supported terrorism. The fact sheet issued by the White House states that UNRWA employees were involved in the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel and that the agency’s facilities have been used by terrorist organizations to store weapons and build tunnels.
"UNRWA has reportedly been infiltrated by members of groups long designated by the Secretary of State (Secretary) as foreign terrorist organizations," the document says. "UNRWA employees were involved in the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel."
End of US Funding to UNRWA
The executive order also solidifies Trump’s decision, made during his first term, to halt US funding to UNRWA. While President Joe Biden had imposed a block on funds in January 2024, claiming the agency’s involvement in terrorist activities, the funds were never reinstated after Biden left office.Continued Concerns Over Anti-Israel Bias
The UNHRC and UNESCO are also under intense scrutiny for their treatment of Israel. The fact sheet points out that countries with egregious human rights records, like Iran, China, and Cuba, use the UNHRC to shield themselves from scrutiny. Additionally, the UNHRC passed more resolutions condemning Israel in 2018 than it did for Syria, Iran, and North Korea combined.Trump's executive order also highlights UNESCO's failure to reform itself and its consistent anti-Israel stance over the last decade.
A Global Shift?
The US’s withdrawal from these international bodies is part of a broader pattern that Trump has emphasized throughout his presidency. In 2017, Trump declared that “the UN must reform if it is to be an effective partner in confronting threats to sovereignty, security, and prosperity.”The executive order also ensures that the US will not participate in UNHRC activities or seek election to that body. It further calls for the termination of positions related to the US Representative to the UNHRC, signaling a significant shift in how the US engages with the UN moving forward.
The US will also conduct a thorough review of its continued membership in UNESCO, with a focus on the presence of anti-Semitism and anti-Israel sentiment within the organization.
Consequences for UN Agencies
Following the executive order, the US will notify UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, as well as the leadership of UNRWA and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, of its decision to halt funding and withhold payment of 2025 assessments or prior arrears to these organizations.The White House’s fact sheet reinforces that the Trump administration will no longer support these agencies, citing their continued bias and failure to address critical concerns.
In conclusion, this executive order marks a significant step in the US's recalibration of its role in international institutions, particularly those it deems as biased or ineffective in promoting global peace and security.
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