On February 4, President Donald Trump executed a striking move by signing an executive order that withdraws the United States from various United Nations entities, notably the Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). This order not only disassociates the U.S. from these bodies but also initiates a comprehensive evaluation of America’s financial commitments to the UN system, spurred by claims of “anti-American bias,” as stated by White House staff secretary Will Scharf.
The UN Human Rights Council, comprised of 47 elected members serving three-year terms, now sees the U.S. retreating from its activities, which include assessments of various nations’ human rights records. The latest executive action effectively eliminates U.S. participation in key council functions, leading to a potential recalibration of international human rights dialogues. Shifting responsibilities away from the U.N., Trump emphasized the disparity in funding contributions among countries, pressing for a more equitable distribution of financial support.
Echoing his dissatisfaction with the UN’s management, Trump remarked on its “tremendous potential” while condemning its operational inefficiencies. He believed that while the U.S. contributes significantly, other nations are not holding up their fair share. This argument aligns with his previous critiques regarding U.S. funding of organizations like NATO, urging for broader financial commitments from allies.
The significance of UNRWA is profound, providing vital aid to around 1.9 million displaced Palestinians, particularly in the aftermath of the Gaza conflict. Trump and his administration endorsed Israel’s push to limit UNRWA’s activities, reflecting a hesitation to support agencies facilitating Palestinian aid following accusations of bias and complicity in regional tensions. This led to a suspension of UNRWA funding under President Biden, amidst heightened scrutiny of the agency’s operations.
This withdrawal from multiple UN commitments mirrors Trump’s previous tenure, where he exited notable agreements like the Paris Climate Accord and initiated a withdrawal from the World Health Organization. Each action marks a significant pivot in U.S. foreign policy, reflecting a trend toward isolationism and reduced engagement with international cooperative frameworks, challenging the traditional role of the U.S. on the global stage.
President Trump signed an executive order withdrawing the U.S. from the UN Human Rights Council and UNRWA, citing anti-American bias and unequal funding contributions. This order halts U.S. participation in critical human rights assessments and signals a broader reevaluation of American funding in the UN. The decision resonates with previous withdrawals during Trump’s first term, reflecting a consistent trend towards reduced U.S. engagement in international organizations.
In summary, Trump’s recent executive order to withdraw the U.S. from major UN bodies signals a stark shift in U.S. foreign policy, emphasizing national interests over international collaboration. This decision, driven by claims of anti-American bias and funding disparities, showcases a continuation of his administration’s trend towards disengagement from multilateral entities, impacting humanitarian efforts and international diplomacy. Unconventionally, these moves reiterate the tension between American priorities and global responsibilities.
Original Source: www.lemonde.fr
