President Donald Trump has issued an Executive Order directing increased scrutiny of three United Nations entities: the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), the UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
The order formally confirms the United States’ withdrawal from the UNHRC and suspends all future financial contributions to UNRWA. Additionally, it calls for an expedited review of UNESCO to examine whether the organization has demonstrated “anti-Israel bias.”
Under the directive, Secretary of State Marco Rubio must also assess and report on “international organizations, conventions, or treaties” that may foster radical ideologies or sentiments deemed “anti-American.”
Raising concerns about UNRWA’s alleged affiliations with terrorist activities, the order claims the agency has engaged in “anti-Semitic and anti-Israel” actions. It refers to reports that certain UNRWA personnel were involved in the October 7th attacks against Israel and highlights the use of the agency’s facilities by Hamas and other militant groups for stockpiling weapons and constructing tunnels.
“UNRWA has reportedly been infiltrated by members of groups long designated by the Secretary of State (Secretary) as foreign terrorist organizations, and UNRWA employees were involved in the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel,” the order states. It further criticizes the UNHRC for providing cover to human rights violators and accuses UNESCO of displaying a persistent anti-Israel stance over the past decade.
The order instructs the Secretary of State to formally inform the UN Secretary-General, as well as the leadership of UNRWA and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, that the U.S. will no longer contribute funds to UNRWA or the UNHRC. Additionally, it declares that the United States will not “satisfy any claims to pay 2025 assessments or prior arrears by these organizations.”
Furthermore, the directive specifies that the U.S. will not take part in the UNHRC’s activities or seek a seat on the Council. The Secretary of State has been tasked with shutting down the Office of the U.S. Representative to the UNHRC and eliminating all associated positions.
Regarding UNESCO, the order mandates a comprehensive review of U.S. membership, which must be completed within 90 days. This assessment will be led by the Secretary of State in coordination with the U.S. Ambassador to the UN.