Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Un Funding Us Rescission topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
U.N. says U.S. rescission list targets voluntary funding; assessed contributions remain obligations under U.N. Charter
Summary
The U.N. spokesperson told reporters voluntary contributions are a member state's choice but recalled that assessed contributions are obligations under the U.N. Charter and warned potential nonpayment could carry consequences, citing the charter's Article 19.
The United Nations spokesperson said the rescission list circulating in the U.S. White House proposes cuts to U.S. funding for U.N. programs, but emphasized that voluntary contributions to the U.N. system are voluntary and that assessed contributions are legally obligatory under the U.N. Charter.
"Voluntary contributions to the U.N. system are just that, voluntary," the spokesperson said. She added that assessed contributions "are an obligation, clearly laid out in the charter," and when asked about consequences said nonpayment "could result in loss of a vote," referring to Article 19 of the U.N. Charter.
Why it matters: U.S. funding represents a significant share of both voluntary and assessed contributions to the U.N. system. Cuts to voluntary funds affect programs that rely on earmarked or discretionary donor support; cuts to assessed contributions would raise legal and operational questions and could trigger formal consequences under the charter.
Details: reporters asked about proposed cuts to agencies including WHO and UNICEF. The spokesperson said news reports had been seen by the U.N. and reiterated that decisions on voluntary funding are for member states to make. She said the organization is monitoring proposals and noted that any rescission must pass through the U.S. Congress.
The briefing also touched on internal U.N. measures to address a liquidity shortfall, including reductions of posts and lease adjustments for some office space; the spokesperson said heads of units have been asked to review proposals for cuts and efficiency measures.
