US Weighs UNHCR Withdrawal

In recent weeks, President Donald Trump's administration has been considering ending its cooperation with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). According to Reuters, the prospect has prompted diplomatic efforts to persuade the United States to continue supporting the agency.

According to eight diplomatic and humanitarian sources cited by Reuters, Washington is considering ending its cooperation with UNHCR, of which it has historically been the largest donor. A decision was expected last week but was ultimately postponed, which the sources attributed to intense diplomatic lobbying.

The debate was triggered by a dispute over the appointment of UNHCR's deputy high commissioner. UN Secretary-General António Guterres and High Commissioner Barham Salih supported US diplomat Tressa Rae Finerty over Washington's preferred candidate, Simon Hankinson.

A spokesperson for the US Department of State said nothing had changed regarding US cooperation with UNHCR. At the same time, he said Washington would continue to reassess its participation in international organizations.

In 2025, the United States was UNHCR's largest donor, providing $868m, or about one-quarter of the agency's total funding. Diplomats and humanitarian officials warned that any suspension of US funding would deepen UNHCR's financial crisis and weaken the international refugee protection system.

(Reuters, bak)