US Withdrawal from UNHRC, WHO, and Other International Forums

Syllabus: GS2/Important International Institutions

Context:

• The United States has recently announced its withdrawal from several key international organizations, including the UNHRC, the WHO, and other international forums.

Key Instances of U.S. Withdrawal from International Forums

• United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC): US cited the UNHRC’s ‘chronic bias against Israel’ and its failure to address genuine human rights concerns.
  • It was part of a broader pattern of the Trump administration stepping back from international agreements and organizations under its ’America First’ policy. 
  • It accused the UNHRC of ‘obsessively demonizing the one democracy in the Middle East’ and propagating antisemitism. 
  • The US prohibits any future funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which provides aid to millions of Palestinians.
  • It is important to note that the UNHRC has passed over 100 condemnatory resolutions against Israel, which amounts to more than 20% of all resolutions passed by the council.
• World Health Organization (WHO): Reasons behind withdrawal are WHO’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and its perceived bias towards China. 
  • The US, being the largest financial contributor to the WHO, argued that the organization needed to be reformed to better serve its member states.
  • It could cost WHO $130 million in annual funds and hinder global public health response.

Other International Forums

• The US has reviewed its involvement in other international organizations, such as UNESCO and the Paris Climate Accord, citing ‘wild disparities’ in financial contributions among member countries.
  • Earlier, US left UNESCO in 2017, citing an alleged anti-Israel bias within the organization. It echoed a similar withdrawal in 1984 under President Ronald Reagan, which was reversed in 2003.
• The US withdrew from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) in 2017, citing the need to protect American jobs and industries.
  • The remaining countries proceeded with a revised version called the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

Implications of U.S. Withdrawal from International Forums

• Weakening of Global Multilateralism: The repeated exits from key international organizations have raised concerns about the effectiveness of multilateralism. U.S. disengagement often leads to leadership vacuums that other nations, particularly China, have sought to fill.
• Geopolitical Power Shifts: China and Russia have leveraged U.S. withdrawals to strengthen their influence in global governance.
  • For instance, China has expanded its role within WHO, UNHRC, and trade agreements following US exits.
• Damage to Global Trust and Alliances: Frequent policy reversals, such as the U.S. leaving and then rejoining international agreements (e.g., Paris Climate Accord, WHO, and UNESCO), create uncertainty among allies and undermine trust in American commitments.
• Impact on Global Trade and Climate Policies: Withdrawal from agreements like the TPP and the Paris Climate Accord has had economic and environmental consequences.
  • The U.S. lost trade opportunities while other nations advanced regional agreements without it.
• Impact on UNRWA: UNRWA provides health, education, and aid services to millions of Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank, Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan.
  • The US had been the largest donor to UNRWA, contributing between $300 million and $400 million annually.

Reforms Needed in International Forums Amid US Withdrawal

• Strengthening Multilateralism: Organizations like WHO, WTO, and UN bodies suffer from funding shortfalls when major contributors (like the US) withdraw.
  • Reforming financial structures—such as mandatory contributions from all members—can reduce dependency on a few nations.
• Expanding Representation in Global Decision-Making: Calls for expanding permanent UNSC membership (that remain dominated by post-WWII power structures) to include emerging powers like India, Brazil, and South Africa.
• Revitalizing Climate Agreements: Strengthening compliance mechanisms and creating penalties for withdrawal could ensure sustained participation.

Conclusion

• As the US withdraws from key international forums, it is imperative to implement reforms that address transparency, representation, efficiency, and financial sustainability. 
• These reforms will help ensure that international organizations remain effective in promoting global cooperation and addressing the world’s most pressing challenges.

Source: DD News