President Donald Trump signed an executive order to withdraw the United States from a United Nations (UN) agency and to review funding for the organization.
Reuters reported on February 5 that President Trump criticized the UN for "failing to fulfill its duties", while withdrawing the US from the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and continuing to suspend funding for the UN's main relief agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA). Mr. Trump also requested a review of the US's participation in the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
US President Donald Trump speaks to the media after signing an executive order withdrawing the US from a United Nations agency on February 4, 2025.
With the new order, the US appears to be stopping its participation in UNHRC activities, including reviewing countries' human rights records and specific allegations of human rights violations.
Explaining the decision, President Trump praised the UN's "tremendous potential" but expressed concern that the organization is "not well run at the moment." The US leader also complained that Washington is paying a disproportionate amount. According to Reuters, Washington is the largest contributor to the UN. For UNRWA alone, the US is the largest donor, providing $300-400 million a year.
"There are many conflicts that need to be resolved, or at least help to resolve them. We never seem to get help. That should be the main purpose of the UN," Trump said.
A session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva (Switzerland) in February 2020
Responding to Mr Trump's move, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said: "UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has worked tirelessly to implement many reforms to increase efficiency and innovation."
"US support for the UN has saved countless lives and promoted global security. The Secretary-General looks forward to continuing his productive relationship with President Trump and the US government to strengthen that bond in today's uncertain world," Dujarric said.
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During his first presidential term (2017-2021), Mr. Trump withdrew the US from the UNHRC. Then, under former US President Joe Biden, Washington rejoined the body for the 2022-2024 term.
Also in his first term, Mr. Trump cut funding to UNRWA and questioned its value, insisting that the Palestinians agree to resume peace talks with Israel. Mr. Trump also called for reforms to UNRWA but did not offer specific proposals.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/ong-trump-rut-my-khoi-co-quan-truc-thuoc-lien-hiep-quoc-185250205154005722.htm
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