U.S. Has “Legal Obligation” to Fund UN Agencies Despite Trump Withdrawal

The United States has a “legal obligation” to continue paying its dues to United Nations agencies despite President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw support from dozens of initiatives, a top UN official said, Farnoush Amiri reported for the Associated Press (AP).

The U.S. will also exit dozens of other global organizations not formally affiliated with the UN. (Photo: Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken / Wikimedia Commons)

Secretary-General António Guterres said he regretted the decision to withdraw from 31 UN-related agencies, including the UN Population Fund and the climate treaty that underpins international climate negotiations.

The U.S. will also exit dozens of other global organizations not formally affiliated with the UN.

“As we have consistently underscored, assessed contributions to the UN regular budget and peacekeeping budget, as approved by the General Assembly, are a legal obligation under the UN Charter for all member states, including the U.S.,” Guterres spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said.

He added that the affected agencies would continue their work. “The UN has a responsibility to deliver for those who depend on us,” Dujarric said.