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Trump Withdraws U.S. from U.N. Human Rights Council, Ends UNRWA Funding

President Donald Trump is set to withdraw the U.S. from the U.N. Human Rights Council and halt funding for UNRWA, the U.N. relief agency for Palestinian refugees. The move reinstates policies from his previous administration and comes just before a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The decision highlights ongoing tensions over U.S. foreign policy, particularly concerning Israel and the role of international organizations.

The actions, which reinstate policies in place during the last Trump administration, come one day before the president is set to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington. | Ben Curtis/AP

Reinstating Previous Trump-Era Policies

President Donald Trump is expected to sign an executive order withdrawing the United States from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and halting future funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). These actions mirror policies enacted during his first term and reinforce his administration’s stance against what it sees as anti-Israel bias within the U.N.

Tensions Over U.S. Policy on Israel and Palestine

The decision comes just before Trump’s scheduled meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington. The U.S. has long criticized the UNHRC for disproportionately targeting Israel while allegedly ignoring human rights violations by other countries. Trump’s move follows the Biden administration’s recent pause in UNRWA funding due to reports that some agency employees were involved in Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel.

Humanitarian Concerns Amid Gaza Conflict

UNRWA is the primary agency providing aid to Palestinians in Gaza, where the humanitarian situation has worsened since Israel’s military response to the October 7 attacks. While the agency has dismissed employees suspected of ties to Hamas, critics argue that the organization has failed to prevent infiltration by militant groups. Despite these concerns, human rights groups emphasize UNRWA’s critical role in supporting displaced Palestinians.

Review of International Organizations and Agreements

In addition to leaving the UNHRC, Trump’s executive order instructs Secretary of State Marco Rubio to review U.S. involvement in international organizations, treaties, and conventions that may “promote radical or anti-American sentiment.” This review will focus on UNESCO, which the U.S. left in 2019 over similar concerns about alleged bias against Israel.

Implications for U.S. Foreign Policy

The move signals a shift in U.S. foreign policy under Trump’s leadership, aligning with his “America First” approach and a more confrontational stance toward international bodies. The administration is also questioning the role of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which promotes human rights abroad. The decision could further strain relations with allies who favor diplomatic engagement through international organizations.

Stefanik’s Pending Confirmation as U.N. Ambassador

Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), Trump’s nominee for U.N. ambassador, is awaiting Senate confirmation. During her recent hearing, she emphasized the need to reform the U.N. system, ensuring U.S. funding supports programs aligned with American interests. She also echoed concerns about UNRWA’s alleged ties to Hamas.

What’s Next?

With Trump’s expected executive order, the U.S. is poised to distance itself further from global human rights institutions. The impact of these decisions will unfold in the coming months, particularly as tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate. Meanwhile, international reaction to the withdrawal from the UNHRC and the halt in UNRWA funding will shape the U.S.’s standing in global diplomatic circles.

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