In a recent announcement, Trump Announces Withdrawal from UN Human Rights Council and the continuation of the halt in funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).
The United States has once again taken a decisive stance on international organizations under the leadership of former President Donald Trump.
These moves reflect longstanding US and Israeli concerns over the perceived biases of these international institutions and mark a significant shift in US foreign policy.
Trump Announces Withdrawal from UN Human Rights Council
The Trump administration’s decision to withdraw from the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) follows a similar move made in 2018 during his first term.
At the time, US Ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, cited the council’s alleged “chronic bias against Israel” and criticized its inclusion of nations with poor human rights records. The US rejoined the council under President Joe Biden in 2021 but did not seek a second term in late 2023, indicating continued skepticism about the body’s effectiveness.
Trump’s renewed withdrawal aligns with his administration’s broader skepticism toward multilateral organizations. He has frequently criticized the UN for failing to meet its potential and has called for reforms that would distribute financial contributions more evenly among member states.
Currently, the US funds 22% of the UN’s regular budget, making it the largest contributor, with China being the second-largest donor.
The UNHRC, headquartered in Geneva, is responsible for promoting and protecting human rights worldwide. It has been a forum for investigating human rights violations in various countries, including Israel’s treatment of Palestinians.
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However, Israel and the US have long accused the council of unfairly singling out Israel for criticism while failing to hold other nations accountable for their human rights abuses.
By withdrawing, Trump aims to distance the US from what he views as an ineffective and biased institution. However, critics argue that the decision weakens US influence on global human rights issues and cedes power to countries with questionable human rights records.
UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric defended the council’s role, emphasizing its importance in upholding human rights standards globally.
Halt to Funding for Palestinian Refugees
Trump also reaffirmed the halt in US funding for UNRWA, the UN agency that provides essential services to Palestinian refugees. The US had been the agency’s largest donor, contributing $343 million in 2022 and increasing to $422 million in 2023 under Biden’s administration.
However, funding was suspended last year after Israel accused UNRWA of harboring Hamas militants involved in the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel. UNRWA has denied these allegations, but the accusations significantly impacted international support for the agency.
UNRWA was established in 1949 to provide aid, education, and healthcare to Palestinian refugees displaced by the 1948 Arab-Israeli war and their descendants.
Today, it serves around 5.5 million Palestinian refugees in the West Bank, Gaza, East Jerusalem, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. Before the recent war, the agency operated schools for 650,000 Palestinian children and provided medical and humanitarian aid.
The suspension of US funding severely affects UNRWA’s ability to continue its operations, especially in Gaza, where the humanitarian crisis has worsened due to ongoing conflict. The agency remains a crucial lifeline for Palestinians, particularly as the war disrupts access to basic services.
Trump’s decision to maintain the funding cut aligns with his administration’s pro-Israel stance and follows a broader effort to pressure the Palestinian leadership to negotiate under different terms.
Critics argue that cutting UNRWA funding disproportionately harms civilians, particularly children who rely on its schools and healthcare services.
Others see it as part of Trump’s broader strategy to reshape the US approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, potentially sidelining the traditional framework of international mediation. The UN and humanitarian organizations have warned that defunding UNRWA could further destabilize the region and exacerbate the suffering of Palestinian refugees.
Trump’s Policy on the UN and US Global Influence
Trump’s foreign policy has consistently emphasized reducing US involvement in multilateral organizations while prioritizing American interests. His administration previously withdrew from UNESCO and the World Health Organization and renegotiated US contributions to NATO.
The latest move to reevaluate American funding for the UN as a whole suggests a broader strategy of reducing financial support for institutions that do not align with his administration’s policies.
The executive orders signed by Trump call for a reassessment of US involvement in UNESCO, citing similar concerns over bias and mismanagement.
The US has had a complex history with UNESCO, having withdrawn in 2017 under Trump due to allegations of anti-Israel bias. Biden moved to rejoin in 2023, recognizing the agency’s role in cultural preservation and education. Trump’s new order signals a potential reversal of that decision.
Trump’s policies have sparked debate over the long-term impact of US disengagement from global institutions. Supporters argue that his administration is taking a strong stance against perceived UN inefficiencies and ensuring that US taxpayer money is spent wisely. They believe that cutting funding to organizations like UNRWA puts pressure on the UN to address bias issues and reform its structure.
On the other hand, critics warn that US withdrawal from international bodies weakens its global leadership and influence. By stepping back, the US may allow rival powers like China and Russia to expand their role in shaping international norms and policies.
This could have long-term implications for US diplomacy, particularly in regions where UN agencies play a critical role in conflict resolution and humanitarian aid.
Trump’s meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shortly before the announcement further highlights the close alignment between his administration and Israel.
Netanyahu has long been a vocal critic of both the UNHRC and UNRWA, arguing that they promote an anti-Israel agenda. The meeting underscored a shared vision of reducing Palestinian influence within international institutions and reinforcing Israel’s position on the global stage.
As Trump continues to reshape US foreign policy, his actions regarding the UN and Palestinian aid signal a return to his first-term approach. Whether these moves will achieve their intended goals or lead to greater instability remains a subject of intense debate.
The decisions to withdraw from the UNHRC and halt funding for UNRWA reflect his administration’s broader vision for America’s role in international affairs—one that prioritizes national interests over multilateral commitments.
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