The U.N. human rights office must terminate several projects due to U.S. budget cuts, impacting vital assistance for torture victims in Iraq. Spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani confirmed affected projects include those in Equatorial Guinea, Iraq, Ukraine, and Colombia. Historically, the U.S. has been a major donor to these initiatives, contributing nearly 14% of the office’s budget last year.
The U.N. human rights office announced the termination of five projects due to funding cuts from the United States government, compelling it to discontinue vital programs, including support for torture victims in Iraq. These reductions arise from President Donald Trump’s broader initiative to slash billions from foreign aid as part of a significant budget restructuring.
Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the U.N. human rights office, reported that the affected projects span Equatorial Guinea, Iraq, Ukraine, and Colombia, as well as a fund for indigenous peoples. The U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department financed these initiatives.
The U.N. rights office plays a crucial role globally, with teams working to document violations, aid detainees, and protect human rights defenders. Notably, the Iraq program, which provided assistance to torture survivors and families of missing individuals, will cease operations entirely.
Historically, the United States has been the largest contributor to the U.N. human rights office, accounting for nearly 14% of its budget last year, in addition to mandatory fees. High Commissioner Volker Turk emphasized the need for increased investment in human rights, arguing that such efforts are essential in preventing and resolving conflicts.
The recent cuts to U.N. human rights funding by the United States signal a significant reduction in support for crucial human rights initiatives globally. These funding cuts will notably impact programs assisting torture victims and human rights defenders, highlighting the urgent need for increased investment in human rights to ensure the protection and promotion of these essential values.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
