Trump Orders US Withdrawal from UN Bodies: A Comprehensive Analysis
In a move that echoes his previous actions during his first term, US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order withdrawing the United States from several United Nations bodies, including the Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). The order also prompts a review of US funding for the United Nations, with Trump citing perceived anti-Washington bias within the organization.
This move is part of a broader pattern of withdrawal from international agreements and organizations during Trump‘s presidency. The decision has sparked widespread debate and criticism from the international community, with many questioning the implications of this move on global governance and human rights.
Background: US Relations with the UN
The United States has historically played a significant role in the United Nations, serving as one of the organization’s founding members and largest financial contributors. However, the relationship between the US and the UN has been complex and often contentious, with tensions arising over issues such as funding, reform, and perceived bias.
During his first term, Trump withdrew the US from several international agreements and organizations, including the Paris Climate Agreement, the Iran nuclear deal, and the Trans-Pacific Partnership. This move was seen as part of a broader effort to assert American sovereignty and reject multilateralism.
The Executive Order: Key Provisions
The executive order signed by Trump calls for the following:
1. Withdrawal from UNHRC: The US will withdraw from the UN’s human rights body, which has been a point of contention for Trump.
2. Review of US Funding: The order calls for a review of American financial contributions to the UN, highlighting disparities in funding levels between member countries.
3. Withdrawal from UNRWA: The US will also withdraw from the UN relief agency for Palestinians, which has been at the center of controversy.
4. Review of Involvement in UNESCO: The order calls for a review of US involvement in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Reactions to the Executive Order
The reaction to the executive order has been swift and widespread, with many in the international community expressing concern and criticism.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his commitment to continuing his productive relationship with President Trump and the US Government, despite the withdrawal. “The United Nations has a long history of working with the United States, and we value our partnership,” Guterres said.
White House staff secretary Will Scharf claimed that there was an “anti-American bias” at the UN agencies, justifying the US withdrawal. “The President has made it clear that the United States will not continue to participate in international organizations that do not serve American interests,” Scharf said.
Implications of the Withdrawal
The implications of the US withdrawal from the UN bodies are far-reaching and complex. Some of the potential consequences include:
1. Weakened Human Rights Mechanisms: The US withdrawal from the UNHRC may weaken the international human rights mechanisms, making it more challenging to hold countries accountable for human rights abuses.
2. Reduced US Influence: The withdrawal may reduce US influence within the UN, making it more difficult for the country to shape international policies and decisions.
3. Increased Burden on Other Countries: The US withdrawal may lead to an increased burden on other countries to fill the funding gap, potentially straining their resources and relationships with the UN.
4. Impact on Global Governance: The withdrawal may have broader implications for global governance, potentially undermining the effectiveness of international institutions and agreements.
Conclusion
The US withdrawal from the UN bodies marks a significant shift in American foreign policy, with far-reaching implications for global governance, human rights, and international relations. While the move may be seen as a assertion of American sovereignty, it also raises concerns about the potential consequences for the international community.
As the international community grapples with the implications of this move, it is essential to consider the potential consequences and work towards finding solutions that promote cooperation, diplomacy, and human rights.
Recommendations
1. Encourage Diplomatic Engagement: The international community should encourage diplomatic engagement between the US and the UN to find solutions that promote cooperation and human rights.
2. Strengthen Human Rights Mechanisms: The UN and other international organizations should work to strengthen human rights mechanisms, ensuring that countries are held accountable for human rights abuses.
3. Promote Multilateralism: The international community should promote multilateralism, encouraging countries to work together to address global challenges and promote human rights.
4. Support UN Reform: The international community should support UN reform efforts, working to strengthen the organization’s effectiveness and accountability.
Further Reading
1. The United Nations and Human Rights: A comprehensive overview of the UN’s human rights mechanisms and their role in promoting human rights globally.
2. US Foreign Policy and the UN: An analysis of the historical relationship between the US and the UN, including the complexities and challenges of US foreign policy
EXCERPT
Trump orders US withdrawal from UN bodies
John Silk with AFP, ReutersThe order also prompts a review of US funding for the United Nations. Trump made similar moves during his first term and has long railed against the United Nations over perceived anti-Washington bias.
President Donald Trump on Tuesday signed an executive order withdrawing the US from the United Nations’ Human Rights Council (UNHRC).
The order is also prompting a review of US funding for the United Nations.
What else do we know about the executive order?Trump also ordered a US withdrawal from the UN relief agency for Palestinians (UNRWA).
He said that Washington intends to review its involvement in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Trump pulled the US out of UNHRC in 2018 during his first term in office. Former President Joe Biden reinstated the US’ membership of the organization in 2021.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres “has worked tirelessly to implement many reforms … to increase efficiency and innovation,” his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in response to Trump’s announcement.
“US support for the United Nations has saved countless lives and advanced global security,” he said. “The Secretary-General looks forward to continuing his productive relationship with President Trump and the US Government to strengthen that relationship in today’s turbulent world.”
Advertisement
US says UN is biased against WashingtonWhite House staff secretary Will Scharf claimed there was an “anti-American bias” at the UN agencies.
“More generally, the executive order calls for review of American involvement and funding in the UN in light of the wild disparities and levels of funding among different countries,” said Scharf.
Meanwhile, Trump said the UN has “tremendous potential” but that it is “not being well run.”
“It should be funded by everybody, but we’re disproportionate, as we always seem to be,” he said.
UN has ‘got to get their act together,’ says TrumpThe intergovernmental organization has “got to get their act together,” Trump told reporters. “It’s not being well run, to be honest and they’re not doing the job.”
“A lot of these conflicts that we’re working on should be settled, or at least we should have some help in settling them. We never seem to get help. That should be the primary purpose of the United Nations,” Trump added.
Trump has vehemently campaigned against the United States’ funding of multilateral bodies, during both his first term and as he embarks on his second as president, calling for other nations to up their contributions, in particular in relation to the NATO military alliance.
The 47 members of the UN Human Rights Council are elected by the General Assembly to three-year terms, with the US ending its latest term on December 31.
Source: DW
