⚠️ The United States could lose its voting rights in the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) after missing its 2025 dues, a UN spokesperson warned last Thursday. Under Article 19 of the UN Charter, a member state that falls two years behind on payments risks a voting ban unless the General Assembly grants an exemption.
Earlier this week, President Donald Trump signed a memorandum ordering the US to withdraw from 66 international groups—35 non-UN bodies and 31 UN agencies—deeming them “no longer aligned with U.S. interests.” Since returning to the White House in 2025, his administration has pulled out of UNESCO, the World Health Organization and the UN Human Rights Council, and cut funding for UNRWA.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed regret, stressing that assessed contributions to the regular and peacekeeping budgets are legally binding. “We remain committed to delivering services to those who depend on our work,” he said.
European leaders have criticized the US stance, especially on climate bodies like the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. EU Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra called the move “regrettable,” while Dutch Green lawmaker Kathalijne Buitenweg warned that rejecting science as heatwaves and wildfires intensify is “reckless” and carries real costs 🌍💸.
As the deadline approaches, all eyes are on whether the US will settle its dues to keep its seat at the UNGA table. Stay tuned—this story is still unfolding!
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
