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UNHCR: US decision on refugee agency exit not yet made
🇵🇾 Paraguay /Disasters & Emergencies

UNHCR: US decision on refugee agency exit not yet made

From ABC Color · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) remains in contact with US authorities amid rumors of a potential US withdrawal.
  • A UNHCR official stated that the issue of a US exit from the agency or the Refugee Convention is not decided.
  • The US is UNHCR's main donor, and a withdrawal would be significant given past US departures from other UN bodies.

Amid swirling rumors of a potential US withdrawal, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has stated that the matter is not yet decided. Elizabeth Tan, the agency's director of international protection, assured that UNHCR remains in contact with US authorities, who she said are still concerned with refugee protection.

"I do not believe this issue is decided," Tan said at a press conference, responding to speculation about a possible US exit from UNHCR or the 1951 Refugee Convention. She added that the agency would "regret" any state deciding to withdraw from the Convention, which UNHCR is set to commemorate for its 75th anniversary.

I do not believe this issue is decided.

— Elizabeth TanDirector of International Protection at UNHCR, responding to rumors of a potential US withdrawal.

The United States is UNHCR's largest donor. Speculation about a potential withdrawal has intensified recently, particularly after the appointment of US diplomat Tressa Rae Finerty as the organization's deputy high commissioner last month. The White House had reportedly favored another candidate, Simon Hankinson, who has been critical of UNHCR's work.

This potential move follows a pattern of US withdrawals from UN-affiliated bodies during the Trump administration, including the World Health Organization and the Human Rights Council. UNHCR continues to engage with US officials on the matter.

We would regret it if any state decided to withdraw from the Convention.

— Elizabeth TanUNHCR's Director of International Protection, commenting on the possibility of a US exit from the Refugee Convention.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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