President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to withdraw the U.S. from the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and halt funding to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). The order also directs a review of U.S. participation in UNESCO. The White House claims these actions are in response to "anti-American bias" within these UN agencies.

 

According to the executive order, some UN agencies have strayed from their mission, acting against U.S. interests, attacking allies, and propagating anti-Semitism. The U.S. will reevaluate its commitment to these institutions, including the UNHRC, UNESCO, and UNRWA.

 

Both Israel and the U.S. have accused the Human Rights Council of unfairly targeting Israel. In 2019, both countries withdrew from UNESCO, with Israel stating that the agency was "erasing" Jewish history within Israel's borders. The executive order prohibits additional funding to UNRWA, citing evidence that staff members participated in the October 7 terrorist attacks against Israel.

 

Trump had previously halted funds to UNRWA during his first term. President Joe Biden also blocked U.S. funds for UNRWA in January 2024 following allegations of staff involvement in the October 7, 2023, attack against Israel.

 

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has worked to implement reforms to increase efficiency, and his spokesperson said that the UN looks forward to continuing its productive relationship with the U.S. government.