Trump Signs Executive Order Halting U.S. Participation in U.N. Human Rights Council, Prohibits Funding for Gaza Relief Agency
On Tuesday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order halting U.S. participation in the U.N. Human Rights Council and cutting off funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), in a move signaling strong criticism of the U.N. and its handling of humanitarian efforts in Gaza.
Trump, preparing for a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, expressed concerns over the U.N.’s management and performance. “The U.N. has significant potential, but it has been poorly managed. They need to get their act together,” Trump stated during the signing. The order also mandates a review of U.S. funding to the organization.
U.S. Concerns Over Human Rights Council
The U.S. has long criticized the U.N. Human Rights Council, accusing it of bias against Israel and its failure to address human rights abuses in other countries. While the U.S. is currently not a member of the council, it retains observer status. The council comprises 47 member states, many of which have controversial human rights records, including Cuba, Russia, and China.
Biden Administration Previously Suspended UNRWA Funding
In recent developments, the Biden administration suspended U.S. funding to UNRWA after allegations surfaced that some of its staff members were involved in Hamas’ October 7, 2023, terror attacks on Israel. Following these reports, European lawmakers from 14 countries urged U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres to remove UNRWA as a U.N. agency, citing testimonies from former hostages held in UNRWA facilities.
Emily Damari, a British-Israeli woman, testified that she was held by Hamas in a UNRWA facility and denied medical care after being shot. UNRWA officials have called for independent investigations into such allegations, acknowledging the seriousness of the claims.
Meanwhile, Arab diplomats from key U.S. allies, including Qatar, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, have expressed strong support for UNRWA, stressing the agency’s crucial role in providing aid to Palestinians. They have rejected any efforts to undermine or bypass the agency’s function, calling it “indispensable” for the region’s stability.
This move marks a significant shift in U.S. policy regarding the U.N. and the situation in Gaza, further intensifying the ongoing debate about the role of international organizations in addressing humanitarian crises in conflict zones.
