U.S. Ending funding To Certain United Nations (UN) Organizations

U.S. Ending funding To Certain United Nations (UN) Organizations 


The Presidential actions you provided focus on withdrawing the United States from certain United Nations (UN) organizations and ending U.S. funding to them. The actions are driven by concerns that some UN organizations have not aligned with the values and interests of the United States. Here is a simplified summary of the major points Purpose of the Actions The United States helped create the United Nations after World War II with the goal of promoting peace and preventing future conflicts. However, some of the UN’s agencies have strayed from this goal, acting in ways that go against U.S. interests. These actions include attacking U.S. allies and supporting anti-Semitic views. The United States is especially concerned with three UN organizations the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), the UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). UNRWA has been infiltrated by members of terrorist groups and its employees were reportedly involved in the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023. UNHRC has allowed human rights abusers to escape accountability by protecting them from scrutiny. UNESCO has shown continued anti-Israel sentiment and failed to reform or deal with financial issues. What the United States Will Do Withdraw from the UNHRC The United States will stop participating in the UNHRC and will not seek election to it. The position of the U.S. Representative to the UNHRC will be terminated. Review Membership in UNESCO The U.S. will conduct a review to determine whether its membership in UNESCO is beneficial, particularly with respect to any anti-Israel or anti-Semitic actions within the organization. End Funding The United States will stop funding the UNRWA and will withhold its share of the U.S. contribution to the UNHRC. The U.S. government will not pay for any future assessments or arrears from these organizations. 


Broader Review of International Organizations


The U.S. will also review all international organizations it belongs to, to determine if they align with U.S. interests. This review will look into whether the United States should remain in or withdraw from these organizations. Notification to International Bodies The U.S. will inform the UN Secretary General and leaders of UNRWA and the UNHRC about the decision to stop funding these organizations. Legal Provisions This order is designed to be carried out within the limits of U.S. law and available resources. It does not create legal rights or benefits that can be enforced by individuals or other parties. In summary, these actions are aimed at rethinking the U.S.'s involvement with international organizations that no longer support its interests or values, especially regarding issues like anti-Semitism and the protection of human rights. Presidential Actions Reassessing US Engagement with International Organizations

This executive order outlines the President's decisions regarding the United States' relationship with certain United Nations (UN) organizations and its broader approach to international bodies.  The order expresses concerns about several UN entities, particularly the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), the UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).  It mandates reviews and funding adjustments based on these concerns.

Concerns and Objectives

The order states that some UN agencies have deviated from their original mission of promoting peace and security, instead acting against US interests, attacking allies, and propagating anti-Semitism.  The President aims to re-evaluate US commitment to these institutions, similar to the 2018 withdrawal from the UNHRC.  Specific concerns are raised about

UNRWA  The order alleges that UNRWA has been infiltrated by members of designated foreign terrorist organizations and that its employees were involved in the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel.

UNHRC The UNHRC is accused of protecting human rights abusers and allowing them to evade scrutiny.

UNESCO UNESCO is criticized for failing to reform, consistently demonstrating anti-Israel bias over the past decade, and not addressing concerns about financial arrears.

Actions and Directives

The executive order directs several actions

UNHRC The US will cease participation in the UNHRC and will not seek re-election.  The office of the US Representative to the UNHRC will be terminated.

UNESCO A 90-day review of US membership in UNESCO will be conducted, led by the Secretary of State, in coordination with the US Ambassador to the UN.  This review will assess UNESCO's support for US interests, particularly examining any anti-Semitism or anti-Israel sentiment.

UNRWA  US funding for UNRWA will be discontinued.  The Secretary of State is directed to withdraw any previous funding determinations.  The US proportionate share of UN Regular Budget funding allocated to the UNHRC will also be withheld.

Review of International Organizations Within 180 days, the Secretary of State, in consultation with the UN Ambassador, will review all international intergovernmental organizations where the US is a member and provides funding, as well as all treaties and conventions to which the US is a party.  This review will determine if these organizations, conventions, and treaties are contrary to US interests and if they can be reformed.  The Secretary will then report findings and recommendations to the President regarding potential withdrawals.

Notification The UN Secretary General, UNRWA leadership, and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights will be formally notified of the US decisions regarding UNRWA and UNHRC funding and participation, including the non-payment of 2025 assessments and prior arrears.


General Provisions


The order includes standard provisions clarifying that it does not infringe on existing legal authorities of executive departments and agencies, or the functions of the Office of Management and Budget.  It stipulates that implementation is subject to applicable law and the availability of appropriations.  Finally, it states that the order does not create any legally enforceable rights or benefits against the US government or any other person.

Impact and Analysis

This executive order signals a significant shift in US engagement with certain UN bodies.  The withdrawal from the UNHRC and the cessation of UNRWA funding reflect a more confrontational approach to international organizations perceived as acting against US interests. The mandated reviews suggest a broader reassessment of US involvement in international institutions, potentially leading to further withdrawals or funding adjustments.  The focus on anti-Semitism and anti-Israel bias highlights the importance of these issues in the President's foreign policy.  The order's long-term impact will depend on the results of the reviews and the subsequent actions taken by the administration.