The U.N. human rights office is shutting down several projects due to U.S. funding cuts as part of President Trump’s foreign aid reductions. Key programs, including support for Iraqi torture victims, will be impacted. U.S. contributions accounted for a significant portion of the budget, leading officials to assert the necessity of increased investment in human rights.
The U.N. human rights office has announced that it will be compelled to cease certain projects, including assistance for torture victims in Iraq, due to termination notices received from the United States government. This decision is part of U.S. President Donald Trump’s broader foreign aid cuts, which involve significant budget reductions impacting various global initiatives.
Ravina Shamdasani, the spokesperson for the U.N. human rights office, revealed that project funding for areas such as Equatorial Guinea, Iraq, Ukraine, Colombia, and a fund for indigenous peoples—previously supported by the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department—will no longer proceed. The suspension of the Iraq program, in particular, will affect assistance to torture victims and families of the missing, with further details not disclosed.
The U.N. human rights office operates globally, focusing on documenting rights abuses and aiding those in detention, while also advocating for human rights defenders. Historically, the U.S. has been a significant contributor to the office, accounting for nearly 14% of its budget last year alongside obligatory U.N. fees. Shamdasani stressed the importance of increasing investment in human rights, noting that it plays a critical role in preventing and resolving conflicts.
In conclusion, the U.N. human rights office faces significant challenges as it must suspend critical programs due to funding cuts initiated by the U.S. government. The halt of initiatives aimed at aiding victims of torture in Iraq, along with others, highlights the ramifications of reduced foreign aid. Experts call for renewed investment in human rights, emphasizing its vital role in international peace and stability.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
