The U.N. human rights office is terminating several projects due to U.S. cuts, including vital assistance for torture victims in Iraq. This decision aligns with President Trump’s overhaul of foreign aid. Spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani urged for increased investment in human rights despite the reductions.
On Tuesday, the U.N. human rights office announced it received termination notices from the U.S. government for five of its programs, necessitating the closure of initiatives that assist torture victims in Iraq. These cuts come amidst President Donald Trump’s extensive revision of foreign aid spending.
Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the U.N. human rights office, indicated that the affected projects span Equatorial Guinea, Iraq, Ukraine, Colombia, and a fund supporting indigenous populations, all primarily funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department.
Shamdasani stated, “There are some countries where we will have to cut back on some of our work, including Colombia, including Iraq, and in other places we’re trying to redeploy funding.” The U.N. rights office plays a critical role in documenting abuses, assisting individuals in illegal detention, and protecting human rights defenders globally.
The Iraq program, which provided vital assistance to torture victims and families of the disappeared, is set to be completely discontinued. The United States has historically been the largest donor to the U.N. rights office, contributing nearly 14% of its budget last year.
Shamdasani emphasized the need for continued investment in human rights, stating, “This is a time for more investment in human rights, not less investment… Preventing conflicts and resolving crises are vital, and all states are called upon to enhance their support.”
The U.N. human rights office is facing significant reductions in funding from the United States, leading to the cessation of critical programs, including assistance for torture victims in Iraq. These cuts reflect broader changes in foreign aid strategy under President Trump, prompting calls for increased investment in human rights as essential for global stability and conflict prevention.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
