Trump signs order withdrawing US from several UN organizations
What's the story
United States President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to withdraw the US from a number of United Nations (UN) organizations. These include the Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).
The decision also launches a full review of US financial contributions to the UN, targeting perceived "anti-American bias" within these agencies, according to White House staff secretary Will Scharf.
UNHRC exit
US withdrawal from UNHRC and financial review
The US was one of the 47 members elected by the UN General Assembly to serve three-year terms on the UNHRC.
Its current term ended on December 31, maintaining observer status presently.
However, this executive order essentially ends American participation in council activities, including human rights assessments and probes into rights violations.
Funding disparity
Trump criticizes UN, calls for increased contributions
While Trump has criticized the UN for "not being well run," he also acknowledged its "great potential."
He expressed concern over the US paying a disproportionate amount in funding and called on other countries to increase their contributions.
To put this into perspective, the US accounts for 22% of the core UN budget and 27% of its peacekeeping budget.
UN reaction
UN responds to US withdrawal, highlights reform efforts
Reacting to the US's decision, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric emphasized Secretary-General Antonio Guterres's efforts to implement reforms to make the organization more efficient and innovative.
Dujarric said that "US support for the United Nations has saved countless lives and advanced global security."
The withdrawal comes at a time when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is visiting Washington.
UNRWA exit
US withdrawal from UNRWA amid Israeli criticism
The US's withdrawal from UNRWA also coincides with Netanyahu's criticism of the agency for alleged anti-Israel incitement.
He had claimed some staff members were involved in terrorist activities against Israel.
This resulted in an Israeli ban on January 30, barring UNRWA from operating on its territory.
Earlier, former President Joe Biden had suspended US funding to UNRWA in January 2024 after Israel accused 12 staff members of participating in a Hamas attack.