UN says the US has legal obligation' to fund agencies after Trump withdraws from several

"As we have consistently underscored, assessed contributions to the United Nations regular budget and peacekeeping budget, as approved by the General Assembly, are a legal obligation under the UN Charter for all Member States, including the United States," Stephane Dujarric, a spokesperson for Guterres, said in a statement. He added that despite the announcement, the U.N. entities targeted will keep doing their work: The United Nations has a responsibility to deliver for those who depend on us."

"The U.N. and several entities affected said they learned about the withdrawal through news reports and the White House social media post Wednesday. There has been no formal communication from the Trump administration outlining the announcement, Dujarric told reporters. Many U.N. officials refused to comment on the impact the move would have on their agencies because they had not been given details or official word from anyone in the U.S. government."

"Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he regretted President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw from 31 U.N.-related agencies, including the U.N.'s population agency and the U.N. treaty that establishes international climate negotiations. Following a yearlong review of participation in and funding for all international organizations, Trump signed an executive order suspending American support for 66 groups, agencies and commissions. Many of the targets are U.N.-related agencies, commissions and advisory panels that focus on climate, labor, migration and other issues the Trump administration has categorized as catering to"

The United States announced withdrawal of support from more than 30 U.N.-related initiatives and will depart dozens of other global organizations. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed regret over the decision, noting that assessed contributions to the U.N. regular and peacekeeping budgets remain legal obligations under the U.N. Charter. U.N. entities learned of the move through news reports and a White House social media post, with no formal U.S. communication or details provided. Many U.N. officials declined to comment on impacts without official word. The Trump administration suspended American support for 66 groups after a yearlong review.

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