US to withdraw from United Nations Human Rights Council
Trump to Pull U.S. from U.N. Human Rights Council, Cut Gaza Aid
President Donald Trump is set to issue an executive order on Tuesday withdrawing the United States from the U.N. Human Rights Council and blocking future funding for the U.N. relief agency for Gaza, according to a document obtained by POLITICO.
Return to Trump-Era Policies
The move will reinstate policies from Trump's first term and coincides with his meeting in Washington with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The U.S. has long criticized the Human Rights Council for its alleged bias against Israel and its tolerance of governments with poor human rights records.
The executive order follows the Biden administration’s decision to pause funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) after reports that some agency staff were involved in Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel.
A White House official confirmed on Monday that the executive order would be signed on Tuesday.
Targeting U.S. Foreign Aid Programs
The decision also raises uncertainty over the future of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which promotes human rights abroad. The Trump administration is reviewing USAID’s role to ensure it aligns with the “America First” policy.
U.N. Aid to Gaza Under Scrutiny
UNRWA has been the primary aid provider for Gaza’s population amid the humanitarian crisis caused by Israel’s military response following the Hamas attack.
However, last summer, the U.N. fired multiple staffers after an internal investigation linked them to the Oct. 7 attack.
U.S. and the Human Rights Council: A Divided History
The U.N. Human Rights Council, established under President George W. Bush, has seen fluctuating U.S. engagement:
- Obama & Biden administrations: Rejoined and participated in the council.
- Bush & Trump administrations: Withdrew due to concerns over anti-Israel bias.
White House Justifies Withdrawal
A fact sheet obtained by POLITICO states that the council “has not fulfilled its purpose” and has become a shield for nations committing human rights violations. The White House also condemned its stance on Israel.
A U.N. spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.