Diplomatic efforts are underway to avert a potential U.S. break with the UN refugee agency UNHCR, multiple sources report. The discussions come amid reported U.S. deliberations about whether to disengage from UNHCR, an agency created after World War II. One reported driver of the strain is a disagreement tied to the appointment of the deputy high commissioner.
Sources also say UNHCR has warned supporters that it could face placement on a U.S. blacklist, which would end U.S. funding. They further report that Washington could withdraw from UNHCR’s governing Executive Committee. According to one outlet, the U.S. has not made an announcement about leaving, suggesting that lobbying and diplomatic engagement may have contributed to delaying or avoiding a move.
Overall, the accounts describe an ongoing negotiation process in Washington and with UNHCR stakeholders, focused on resolving leadership and governance disputes and reducing the risk of U.S. funding or participation being curtailed.
