President Donald Trump is expected to issue an executive order withdrawing the U.S. from the U.N. Human Rights Council and stopping future funding for the U.N. relief agency for Gaza, according to a document obtained by POLITICO.
This move, reinstating policies from the previous Trump administration, comes ahead of a meeting between the president and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington. The U.S. has criticized the council for bias against Israel and for supporting governments with human rights violations. This decision follows the Biden administration's pause in funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) after reports of staff involvement in the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas on Israel.
Challenges with International Aid
The decision also raises questions about the future of the United States Agency for International Development, which promotes human rights abroad. Concerns have been raised about its alignment with the president's 'America First' policy and the transparency of its expenditures.
UNRWA plays a crucial role in providing assistance to Gaza's population following the humanitarian crisis caused by Israel's military actions after the Oct. 7 attack. However, the U.N. dismissed several staff members last summer after an internal investigation linked them to the incident.
History of US Involvement
This move reflects the complex relationship between the U.S. and the U.N. Human Rights Council, established during the George W. Bush administration. While the Obama and Biden administrations engaged with the council, the Bush and Trump administrations did not.
A spokesperson for the United Nations has yet to comment on the decision. However, a White House fact sheet obtained by POLITICO criticized the council for failing to address human rights violations effectively and for its anti-Israel bias.
Human rights advocates and some lawmakers argue that the council, despite its flaws, plays a vital role in monitoring global human rights abuses. Meanwhile, UNRWA was created to support displaced Palestinians and has been instrumental in providing aid during ongoing conflicts in Gaza.
Future Actions and Reviews
The executive order will task Secretary of State Marco Rubio with reviewing international organizations, conventions, or treaties that promote extremist or anti-American views, focusing on UNESCO. The U.S. withdrew from UNESCO in 2019 due to similar concerns about bias against Israel.
These decisions coincide with Rep. Elise Stefanik's nomination as ambassador to the United Nations. During her confirmation hearing, Stefanik pledged to reform the U.N. system and ensure that U.S. funding supports effective programs based on the rule of law, transparency, and national security interests.
Stefanik specifically criticized UNRWA for overlooking connections between local employees and Hamas.