Executive Order withdraws U.S. from UN Human Rights Council and halts funding to UNRWA

On Tuesday, February 4, the United States (U.S) President Donald Trump signed an executive order withdrawing the U.S. from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

In a White House signing ceremony, Trump stated, “I’ve always felt that the U.N. has tremendous potential. It’s not living up to that potential right now.”

This move reflects Trump’s long-standing criticism of the council, which, during the first term of the presidency, he was criticised by U.S. leaders from both major political parties for its perceived bias against Israel.

The U.S. has played a pivotal role in the formation of the United Nations and, by extension, in the establishment of the UNHRC, which serves an important global function.

The UNHRC is responsible for promoting and protecting human rights worldwide, addressing violations, and taking action where necessary to hold violators accountable.

The decision to withdraw from such an institution has significant ramifications for global human rights efforts, weakening the UN’s ability to uphold ideals that ensure peace, cooperation, and justice across nations.

The executive order also halts future funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which provides essential aid to Palestinians. While the Biden administration had paused funding to the agency during the Israel-Hamas conflict, following allegations of staff ties to Hamas, an independent review ultimately found no evidence to support these claims. UNRWA continues to be the main provider of humanitarian relief to Palestinians in Gaza.

This executive order came on the same day that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the White House, marking Trump’s first meeting with a foreign leader since the presidential inauguration.