The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, recently highlighted the United States’ legal obligations to fund U.N. agencies following President Donald Trump’s announcement of withdrawing support from over 30 initiatives. This decision has raised significant concerns among U.N. representatives and member states.
US Withdrawal from U.N. Agencies
On a Thursday statement, Guterres expressed regret over Trump’s move to withdraw from 31 U.N.-related agencies, including key organizations such as the U.N.’s population agency and the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). This action is part of a larger strategy where the U.S. also plans to leave 66 international organizations.
Legal Obligations Under the UN Charter
According to Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for Guterres, the U.S., like all member states, has a legal obligation to contribute to the U.N.’s regular budget and peacekeeping efforts as mandated by the U.N. Charter. Despite the withdrawal announcement, Dujarric assured that the affected U.N. entities will continue their operations. He emphasized, “The United Nations has a responsibility to deliver for those who depend on us.”
The Fallout from Withdrawal
The announcement surprised high-level diplomats at the U.N., many of whom learned about it via social media rather than official communication from the Trump administration. U.N. officials have yet to assess the specific impact on their agencies due to the lack of formal details regarding the withdrawal.
Trump’s Executive Order and Funding Strategy
A year-long review of U.S. participation in international organizations triggered Trump’s executive order to suspend support for numerous groups, many of which are tied to U.N. initiatives. This includes previous cuts to organizations such as the World Health Organization and the U.N. Human Rights Council.
U.S. Contributions to the U.N. Budget
The U.N. budget is significantly bolstered by its 193 member nations, with the U.S. expected to contribute 22% based on its position as the world’s largest economy. The U.S. is also responsible for 25% of the budget dedicated to peacekeeping. Recent reports indicated that the U.S. failed to meet its annual contributions, endangering its voting rights in the General Assembly if arrears continue for two years.
- U.S. max contributions:
- 22% of the regular budget
- 25% of the peacekeeping budget
- Potential impact of withdrawal:
- Influence on international humanitarian aid
- Reevaluation of funding by other Western nations
Guterres reiterated that the U.N. Charter is non-negotiable and that the obligations therein are not optional. Regardless of the U.S. withdrawal, the need for ongoing humanitarian assistance and global cooperation remains critical.
