UN Says US Still Must Pay Funding Obligations
The United Nations has said that the United States continues to have a legal obligation to pay its assessed contributions to the UN budget and peacekeeping operations, even after Washington announced withdrawals from several international organisations and UN-linked bodies.
UN Secretary-General’s Statement
UN officials, speaking on behalf of Secretary-General António Guterres, said assessed contributions approved by the UN General Assembly remain mandatory under the UN Charter, and that member states, including the United States, must fulfil these obligations regardless of broader decisions to exit or cut support to specific entities.
The decision by the US administration to withdraw from dozens of organisations comes from a review of US participation in global institutions, where the White House determined that a number of agencies and treaties no longer align with national policy priorities. The list includes multiple UN entities and other international forums.
Continued UN Work
The United Nations stated that the targeted agencies will continue their work, delivering on mandates set by member states. Officials emphasised that funding shortfalls in one area should not hinder the overall operations of the UN system, which covers peacekeeping, humanitarian aid, development and other global initiatives.
Background on US Withdrawals
Recent US actions involve ceasing participation and financial support for a series of international organisations, including environmental and social bodies affiliated with the UN. These moves are part of a wider shift in US foreign policy under the current administration, which has also included exits from major climate agreements and other multilateral commitments.
Reaction and Global Implications
UN leadership expressed regret over the announcement but reiterated that legal obligations to fund the core UN budget and peace operations must be honoured. Member states and international observers are closely watching how the US’s changing engagement will affect global cooperation on security, development and humanitarian issues.
