U.S. Exits UN Human Rights Council and Freeze UNRWA Funding
Feb 4, 2025 Photo: EFE
February 4, 2025 Hour: 6:40 pm
The timing of the executive order, coinciding with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to the White House, highlights the close alignment between the Trump administration and the Israeli government.
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In a move that further exacerbates the plight of Palestinians, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Tuesday formalizing the United States’ withdrawal from the United Nations Human Rights Council and confirming the suspension of funds to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).
This decision underscores the Trump administration’s unwavering support for Israeli policies at the expense of Palestinian rights and humanitarian needs.
The timing of the executive order, coinciding with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to the White House, highlights the close alignment between the Trump administration and the Israeli government.
“I have always felt that the UN has enormous potential, but it is not living up to it at this time. For a long time, it was ineffective. There are great hopes for it, but, to be honest, it is not well managed,” Trump told the press at the White House.
The withdrawal from the Human Rights Council is not a new development in Trump’s foreign policy. During his mandate (2017-2021) the administration announced its departure from the UNRWA, as a pressure mechanism for possible negotiations between Palestine and Israel.
“I have always felt that the UN has enormous potential, but it is not fulfilling it at the moment. For a long time, it has been ineffective. There are great hopes for it, but, to be honest, it is not well managed,” Trump stated to the press at the White House.
The suspension of funds to UNRWA is particularly devastating. The agency, which provides education, healthcare, and emergency aid to over 5 million Palestinian refugees, relies heavily on international contributions.
By withdrawing from the Human Rights Council and defunding UNRWA, the U.S. is not only abandoning its role in promoting human rights but also deepening the suffering of the Palestinian people.
The Trump administration’s actions serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for global solidarity with the Palestinian cause and a renewed commitment to holding all parties accountable for violations of international law.
Autor: MLM
Fuente: EFE
