By Abiola Olawale
United States President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to withdraw the US from several United Nations bodies, including the Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), respectively.
This has expectedly triggered massive concerns in many quarters as some find it difficult to describe or rationalize. Some believe it is totally inappropriate and diplomatically wrong to move in that direction. A said the action might be reviewed given its grave implications for the United States.
Trump’s executive order also includes a review of US involvement in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
The latest development comes after the US had initially ended its participation in the UN Human Rights Council during Trump’s first term.
Trump cited allegations of “anti-American bias” within the council as the reason for the exit.
Under the latest executive order, Trump has also stopped funding to UNRWA, the main UN relief agency for Palestinians.
“I always felt the UN has always had tremendous potential, but it’s not living up to its potential,” Trump said.
The New Diplomat reports that Trump’s order to withdraw the US from the UN agency coincides with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Washington.
Trump, during the visit, said Palestinians have no alternative but to leave Gaza.
The US President stated: “I just support cleaning it up and doing something with it.”
