Trump Announces US Withdrawal from UN Human Rights Council and Funding Halts for Palestinian Refugee Aid

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On February 5, 2025, President Donald Trump declared the United States will withdraw from the United Nations Human Rights Council and cease funding for the UN agency aiding Palestinian refugees, known as UNRWA. This decision builds on the US's previous withdrawal from the council in 2018, following allegations by Israel that UNRWA sheltered Hamas militants, claims which the agency has denied.

During a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump criticized the UN's fairness towards various countries, asserting that it must "get its act together". Trump’s executive orders additionally call for reviews of American contributions to UNESCO and other UN entities, amidst concerns regarding funding disparities.

Despite the announcement, the US already lacked formal council membership, retaining only observer status. As of 2023, the US had contributed $422 million to UNRWA, which provides critical services to approximately 5.5 million Palestinians across several regions. UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric reaffirmed the importance of both the council and UNRWA's operations.

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