US Withdraws From UN Human Rights Body And UNRWA

President Donald Trump holds an executive order regarding withdrawing from the United Nationals Human Rights Council in the Oval Office of the White House, Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025, in Washington. (AP Ph

President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that the United States will be withdrawing from the United Nations Human Rights Council and will not resume funding for the U.N. agency assisting Palestinian refugees. This decision follows the U.S. leaving the Human Rights Council last year and halting funding for the agency after accusations from Israel regarding Hamas militants participating in attacks in southern Israel, which the agency denies.

During a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump highlighted longstanding Israeli concerns of bias and antisemitism within both the Human Rights Council and the agency aiding Palestinian refugees. Trump also issued executive orders for a review of American involvement in UNESCO and U.S. funding for the United Nations, citing disparities in funding levels among different countries.

The United States, as the largest contributor to the U.N.'s regular operating budget, pays 22% of the total amount, with China being the second-largest contributor. Trump expressed his belief in the U.N.'s potential but emphasized the need for the organization to be fair to all countries deserving of fairness.

Trump cites bias and antisemitism concerns within UN agencies.

U.S. withdraws from UN Human Rights Council and halts Palestinian refugee agency funding.

Review of American involvement in UNESCO and U.S. funding for the United Nations initiated.

U.S. pays 22% of U.N.'s regular operating budget, emphasizing fairness in funding distribution.

Before Trump's announcement, a U.N. spokesperson reiterated the importance of the Human Rights Council and the critical services provided by the agency to Palestinians. The U.S. had previously withdrawn from the Human Rights Council in 2018, citing bias against Israel.

UNRWA, established in 1949 to aid Palestinians displaced during the Arab-Israeli war, provides essential services to millions of Palestinians across various regions. The agency has faced accusations of anti-Israeli bias in its educational materials, which it denies.

Following the Hamas attacks in October, UNRWA faced scrutiny as some of its staff were alleged to have participated. While funding from 18 governments was temporarily frozen, most have since resumed support except the United States. Legislation passed under the Trump administration halted American funding to UNRWA until March 2025, a decision reaffirmed by Trump's recent action.