Trump Withdraws from UN Human Rights Body, Ends Palestinian Aid UNRWA/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump announced the U.S. withdrawal from the UN Human Rights Council and the permanent halt of funding to the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which aids Palestinian refugees. The move aligns with Israel’s long-standing criticism of both organizations. The U.S. previously paused funding after allegations that some UNRWA employees were linked to Hamas.
Trump’s UN Withdrawal: Quick Looks
- UN Human Rights Council Exit: The U.S. formally withdraws, citing anti-Israel bias and unfair treatment.
- UNRWA Funding Halted: Trump permanently stops aid to the Palestinian refugee agency, reinforcing a prior freeze.
- Israeli Support: Netanyahu backs the decision, arguing both organizations are anti-Israel.
- Palestinian Impact: The aid cutoff threatens vital services for millions of refugees.
- International Reaction: Critics warn the move weakens U.S. diplomatic influence at the UN.
Trump Withdraws from UN Human Rights Body, Ends Palestinian Aid UNRWA
Deep Look
The move was widely expected, as Trump had previously paused U.S. contributions to UNRWA following accusations that some of its employees were linked to Hamas. His administration has consistently criticized both the UNHRC and UNRWA, claiming they hold anti-Israel biases.
A Political Win for Israel
Trump’s announcement came after meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a vocal opponent of both organizations. Netanyahu’s government has long accused the Human Rights Council of unfairly targeting Israel while overlooking human rights abuses elsewhere. Similarly, Israel has called UNRWA a barrier to peace, arguing that it perpetuates the Palestinian refugee crisis instead of resolving it.
“The U.N. needs to be fair to countries that deserve fairness,” Trump told reporters. He did not specify which nations he believed were being treated unfairly but reiterated his administration’s stance that UN agencies should not receive disproportionate U.S. funding.
What is UNRWA, and Why is the U.S. Cutting Funding?
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) was established in 1949 to assist Palestinian refugees displaced by the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. Today, it provides education, healthcare, and humanitarian aid to over 5 million Palestinian refugees in Gaza, the West Bank, East Jerusalem, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon.
The Trump administration first cut funding to UNRWA in 2018, but President Joe Biden restored it in 2021, making the U.S. the agency’s largest donor, contributing $422 million in 2023.
However, in January 2024, Israel accused 19 UNRWA employees of involvement in Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, prompting the U.S. and 18 other nations to suspend their contributions to the agency. While most countries resumed funding after a UN investigation, the U.S. did not.
Implications of the Funding Cut
The permanent U.S. aid cutoff puts millions of Palestinian refugees at risk, particularly in Gaza, where UNRWA schools, hospitals, and food aid programs are essential. Critics warn that without this funding, humanitarian conditions could worsen dramatically, potentially leading to further instability.
Sharon Parrott, president of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, warned:
“This decision has catastrophic implications for vulnerable Palestinian refugees and weakens U.S. influence on the global stage.”
Withdrawal from the UN Human Rights Council
Trump also reaffirmed the U.S. departure from the UN Human Rights Council, a 47-member body based in Geneva, Switzerland. The U.S. had already left the council in 2018, citing bias against Israel, but the Biden administration rejoined in 2021. Trump’s Tuesday announcement makes it clear the U.S. will not return under his leadership.
His executive order also mandates a review of U.S. contributions to UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) and the UN’s overall funding distribution. Currently, the U.S. provides 22% of the UN’s budget, making it the largest financial backer.
Pascal Sim, a spokesperson for the Human Rights Council, downplayed the impact, stating:
“The U.S. has not been a voting member, so this withdrawal is largely symbolic.”
International Reactions and Criticism
The announcement drew immediate reactions from global leaders, some supporting the move and others condemning it:
- Israel: Prime Minister Netanyahu welcomed the decision, saying it was long overdue.
- United Nations: UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric defended both agencies, calling their work essential.
- European Union: EU officials urged the U.S. to reconsider, arguing the withdrawal weakens diplomatic influence.
- Palestinian Authority: President Mahmoud Abbas called it an attack on Palestinian rights.
Meanwhile, human rights organizations condemned the move, arguing that it diminishes U.S. leadership in global human rights advocacy.
What Happens Next?
While the UN will continue operating without U.S. support, America’s withdrawal from these agencies signals a more isolationist foreign policy approach under Trump. The UN will now need to seek alternative funding sources to cover the shortfall left by the U.S. departure.
At the same time, legal challenges may arise, particularly regarding the handling of UNRWA funding, as aid groups push for congressional intervention.
With the Palestinian refugee crisis ongoing and tensions in the Middle East at a high point, the impact of these decisions will likely be felt for years to come.
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