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Diplomatic efforts seek to avert Trump split with UN refugee agency, sources say

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • The Trump administration has reportedly considered cutting ties with the UN refugee agency (UNHCR), a move that would end its status as the agency's largest donor.
  • Diplomatic efforts are underway by various officials and diplomats to persuade the U.S. to maintain its support for UNHCR.
  • A decision on the U.S. disengagement was expected but has been delayed, suggesting lobbying efforts may be having an impact.

The Trump administration has been contemplating a significant break with the UN refugee agency (UNHCR), a move that could end decades of U.S. support and drastically weaken the organization. Sources familiar with the matter revealed that Washington, historically UNHCR's most substantial donor, has been exploring disengagement from the agency.

People have been alerted by UNHCR to call friends in the administration. They are at least thinking about it.

— Source at an aid groupDescribing the efforts to influence the U.S. administration's decision regarding UNHCR.

This potential withdrawal has triggered a concerted campaign by diplomats and UN officials aiming to persuade the United States to maintain its crucial funding and engagement. Eight sources, including diplomats, aid officials, and a congressional source, confirmed the U.S. deliberations. While a decision was anticipated last week, no announcement has been made, indicating that the intensive lobbying efforts might be succeeding in delaying or averting the move.

We have no comment on this issue because we have no information on it.

— UN spokesperson Stephane DujarricResponding to inquiries about potential U.S. disengagement from UNHCR.

The U.S. considerations reportedly stem from a disagreement over the appointment of the deputy high commissioner. UNHCR has informed its supporters that it could face being placed on a U.S. blacklist, which would halt funding, and that Washington might also withdraw from the agency's governing Executive Committee. Such actions would severely impact UNHCR's operations at a time when global displacement is at near-record levels due to ongoing conflicts in regions like Ukraine and Sudan.

As with many other international organizations, we work with and through UNHCR when doing so is useful to advance US foreign policy interests or save lives.

— State Department spokespersonClarifying the U.S. current engagement with UNHCR.

Aid groups and diplomats have been actively alerting contacts within the administration and urging supporters to leverage all available diplomatic channels to advocate for continued U.S. support. A spokesperson for the State Department stated that there have been no changes to Washington's engagement with UNHCR, adding that the U.S. works with the agency when it serves U.S. foreign policy interests or saves lives. The spokesperson also referenced an Executive Order from February 2025 for a review of U.S. participation and funding in international organizations.

We will continue to evaluate the United States’ role in international organizations...

— State Department spokespersonReferring to a review of U.S. participation and funding in international organizations.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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