Washington, D.C. – In a significant move that underscores the Trump administration's continued skepticism toward multilateral institutions, President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to withdraw the United States from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), the White House press pool reported today.
The brief statement from the White House confirmed that the president signed "an EO [executive order] withdrawing the U.S. from UNRWA and the UN Human Rights Council." The decision marks a dramatic shift in U.S. foreign policy and further distances the country from key international organizations.
The UNHRC, established in 2006, is tasked with promoting and protecting human rights worldwide. However, the Trump administration has long criticized the council for what it perceives as a bias against Israel and the inclusion of member states with poor human rights records. The U.S. previously withdrew from the council in 2018 under Trump's leadership but rejoined in 2021 during the Biden administration.
UNRWA, founded in 1949, provides critical aid and services to Palestinian refugees across the Middle East. The agency has been a frequent target of criticism from the Trump administration, which has accused it of perpetuating the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and mismanaging funds. The U.S. was once the largest donor to UNRWA but significantly reduced its contributions during Trump's presidency.
The executive order is expected to draw sharp reactions from U.S. allies and human rights advocates, who argue that the withdrawal undermines global efforts to address human rights violations and humanitarian crises. Critics also warn that the move could further isolate the U.S. on the international stage.
Supporters of the decision, however, applaud the administration's stance, viewing it as a necessary step to hold international organizations accountable and prioritize U.S. interests. The Trump administration has consistently emphasized a "America First" approach to foreign policy, often challenging the role of multilateral institutions.
The practical implications of the withdrawal remain unclear, including how it will affect U.S. engagement on human rights issues and humanitarian aid in the region. The Biden administration had sought to re-engage with both organizations, making this decision a notable reversal of that approach.
As the news reverberates across the globe, questions arise about the future of U.S. leadership in international human rights and humanitarian efforts. The executive order is likely to fuel further debate about America's role in the world and its commitment to multilateralism.
