US President Donald Trump is expected to sign an executive order to officially withdraw the United States from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and stop future funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). This decision is anticipated to be finalized on Tuesday, as confirmed by a White House official.
The UNHRC is an intergovernmental body within the United Nations system, tasked with promoting and protecting human rights worldwide. However, the White House has criticized the council for not fulfilling its purpose and for being used to protect countries that commit severe human rights violations. The council has been accused of showing bias against Israel, with more resolutions condemning Israel than other countries like Syria, Iran, and North Korea combined in 2018.
In October 2024, the Israeli parliament, known as the Knesset, passed laws to end UNRWA's operations in its territory and prohibited Israeli authorities from contacting the agency. Israel ordered UNRWA to vacate premises in East Jerusalem by January 30, 2025. Despite this, UNRWA remains committed to supporting millions in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, continuing its operations in the West Bank and Gaza.
UNRWA has stated that its clinics in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, remain open, and humanitarian operations in Gaza continue.
Donald Trump was the President of the United States from 2017 to 2021. He is a businessman and television personality who became a politician.
The UN Human Rights Council is a group within the United Nations that works to protect and promote human rights around the world. It is made up of countries that discuss and address human rights issues.
UNRWA stands for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees. It provides support and services to Palestinian refugees, such as education and healthcare.
An executive order is a directive issued by the President of the United States that manages operations of the federal government. It is like a rule or command that the President can give to make certain things happen.
Bias against Israel means that the UN Human Rights Council is being accused of unfairly favoring one side over Israel in its decisions and actions. This means they might be seen as treating Israel unfairly compared to other countries.
The Occupied Palestinian Territory refers to areas like the West Bank and Gaza Strip, where many Palestinians live. These areas are under Israeli control, but Palestinians seek to establish their own state there.
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