In a significant move that has sparked mixed reactions, President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to withdraw the United States from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). This decision has been characterized by the administration as a response to perceived biases within the council, particularly against Israel. President Trump stated, “The Human Rights Council has become a hill of shame, a place where the world’s worst violators gather to elude accountability.” Alongside this withdrawal, the Trump administration has also announced a ban on federal funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which provides assistance to Palestinian refugees. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo supported the move, calling the council “a cesspool of political bias” and insisting that changes must be made for the U.S. to consider rejoining in the future. The decision has drawn sharp criticism from various human rights advocates and Democratic lawmakers who argue it undermines U.S. global leadership in promoting human rights. They stated, “This is a dangerous retreat from a longstanding commitment to uphold human rights around the world.” The withdrawal is effective immediately, and it reflects a larger trend of the Trump administration prioritizing a more unilateral approach to international relations. Trump’s administration had previously expressed dissatisfaction with the council, emphasizing a need for reform regarding its membership and agenda, especially regarding issues relating to Israel and the treatment of women and LGBTQ+ individuals.
Trump Signs Executive Order to Withdraw the U.S. from the U.N. Human Rights Council
