By Michael Damilola
The President of the United States, Donald Trump, has signed an executive order withdrawing the United States from the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council.
As part of the order signed by Trump on Tuesday, the United States will also withdraw from the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
The U.S. was UNRWA’s largest donor, contributing nearly $500 million annually.
Additionally, the president has directed a review of American involvement in the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
“I have always believed that the UN has tremendous potential, but it is not living up to it. The UN needs to be fair to countries that deserve fairness,” Trump stated.
Upon taking office on January 20, Trump signed several executive orders, including the withdrawal of the U.S. from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Paris Climate Agreement.
According to New Daily Prime, the WHO expressed regret over the U.S. decision to withdraw from the global health body, urging the nation to reconsider.
“We hope the United States will reconsider and look forward to engaging in constructive dialogue to maintain this partnership for the benefit of the health and well-being of millions of people around the world,” the WHO said.
In January 2024, former President Joe Biden suspended funding to UNRWA after Israel accused nearly 12 UNRWA staff members of participating in the Hamas attack that triggered the war in Gaza.
As a result, Congress formally halted contributions to the agency until at least March 2025.
