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• Abortion and Family Planning-Related Provisions in U.S. Foreign Assistance Law and Policy [Updated July 15, 2022]

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  From the Summary: "This report details legislation and policies that restrict or place requirements on U.S. funding of abortion or family planning activities abroad. The level and extent of federal funding for these activities is an ongoing and controversial issue in U.S. foreign assistance and has continued to be a point of contention during the 117th Congress. These issues have been debated for over four decades in the context of broader domestic abortion controversies. Since the Supreme Court's 1973 ruling in 'Roe v. Wade', Congress has enacted foreign assistance legislation placing restrictions or requirements on the federal funding of abortions and on family planning activities abroad. Many of these provisions, often referred to by the name of the lawmakers that introduced them, have been included in foreign aid authorizations, appropriations, or both, and affect different types of foreign assistance."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Blanchfield, Luisa

  2022-07-15
• United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA): Background and U.S. Funding [Updated May 6, 2022]

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  From the Summary: "Established in 1969, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the primary U.N. entity addressing population issues. Its overall goal is to ensure reproductive rights for all, including access to sexual and reproductive health services such as voluntary family planning. Headquartered in New York City, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and supports more than 3,000 staff. It is funded by voluntary contributions from governments and other donors, with expenses totaling $1.29 billion in 2020. [...] The United States played a key role in the creation of UNFPA and was initially one of its largest financial donors. In the mid-1980s, President Reagan and some Members of Congress became concerned that UNFPA's country program in the People's Republic of China (PRC) engaged in or provided funding for abortion or coercive family planning programs. In response, Congress enacted what became known as the 'Kemp-Kasten' amendment as part of the FY1985 Supplemental Appropriations Act. The measure stated that no funds 'may be made available to any organization or program which, as determined by the President, supports or participates in the management of a program of coercive abortion or involuntary sterilization.' The amendment has continued to be included in annual appropriations laws, at times resulting in the withholding of U.S. funding from UNFPA."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Blanchfield, Luisa; Lum, Thomas G. (Thomas Gong), 1961-; Collins-Chase, Edward J.

  2022-05-06
• Global Women's Issues: Background and Selected U.S. Efforts [Updated May 5, 2022]

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  From the Document: "For several decades, Congress has considered or enacted legislation aimed at improving the rights and status of women and girls worldwide. These efforts, which may address a range of issues globally, including women's health, education, and security, are often grouped under the broad policy umbrella of 'global women's issues.' [...] U.S. efforts to address global women's issues have shifted over time, often reflecting world events, domestic political conditions, and the priorities of individual policymakers. During the past two decades, many Members of Congress and the executive branch have increasingly recognized a growing body of research linking gender equality to the overall stability, prosperity, and security of societies."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Margesson, Rhoda; Blanchfield, Luisa; Salaam-Blyther, Tiaji

  2022-05-02
• United Nations Issues: U.S. Funding of U.N. Peacekeeping [Updated April 20, 2022]

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  From the Document: "The United States is the single largest financial contributor to United Nations (U.N.) peacekeeping activities. Congress authorizes and appropriates U.S. contributions, and it has an ongoing interest in ensuring such funding is used as efficiently and effectively as possible. The United States, as a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council, plays a key role in establishing, renewing, and funding U.N. peacekeeping operations. For 2022, the United Nations assessed the U.S. share of U.N. peacekeeping at 26.94%; however, since 1994 Congress has capped the U.S. payment at 25% due to concerns that U.S. assessments are too high. Congress appropriated $1.5 billion to most U.N. peacekeeping activities for FY2022 (up to the 25% cap). Most recently, President Biden's FY2023 budget proposes full U.S. funding for U.N. peacekeeping, including the payment of U.S. peacekeeping arrears."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Blanchfield, Luisa

  2022-04-20
• United Nations Issues: U.S. Funding to the U.N. System [Updated April 5, 2022]

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  From the Document: "The United States is the single largest financial contributor to the United Nations (U.N.) system. Congress has long debated the appropriate level of U.S. funding to U.N. system activities and whether U.S. contributions are used efficiently and effectively. U.S. policymakers' perspectives on U.N. funding have varied over time. For example, the Trump Administration consistently proposed significant decreases in U.N. funding and withheld contributions to some U.N. bodies. At the same time, Congress funded most U.N. entities at higher levels than the Administration requested. The Biden Administration supports U.S. engagement with U.N. entities; the President's FY2023 budget request proposes fully funding assessed contributions to U.N. bodies and paying selected U.S. arrears."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Blanchfield, Luisa

  2022-04-05
• United Nations Security Council and General Assembly Responses to the Russian Invasion of Ukraine [March 7, 2022]

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  From the Document: "Responding to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the U.N. Security Council [hyperlink] and General Assembly [hyperlink] have met on several occasions to discuss possible action to address the conflict's threat to international peace and security. In the process, these organs have used procedures unused in the United Nations for 40 years. Congress may consider examining the effect of these actions on U.S. obligations and those of U.N. Member States."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Blanchfield, Luisa; Weed, Matthew C.

  2022-03-07
• United Nations Human Rights Council: Background and Policy Issues [Updated January 26, 2022]

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  From the Introduction: "The United Nations (U.N.) Human Rights Council (Council) is the primary intergovernmental body that addresses human rights worldwide. In June 2018, the Trump Administration announced that the United States would withdraw its membership, citing concerns with the Council's disproportionate focus on Israel, ineffectiveness in addressing human rights situations, impact on U.S. sovereignty, and lack of reform. Under the Biden Administration, the United States reengaged with the Council as an observer and ran for membership in the October 2021 election. The United States was elected to the Council on October 14, 2021, and began its three-year term on January 1, 2022. Previously, the Trump Administration withheld funding to the Council under a provision included in Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations acts. President Biden has fully funded the Council, and his FY2022 budget request includes funds to pay remaining U.S. Council arrears. [...] This report provides background on the Council, including its current mandate and structure, as well as Administration policy and congressional actions. It also highlights policy issues of possible interest to Congress, including the debate over U.S. membership, U.S. funding of the Council, alternatives to the Council in U.N. fora, the Council's focus on Israel, and the possible increased influence of other countries in Council activities."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Blanchfield, Luisa; Weber, Michael A.

  2022-01-26
• United Nations Issues: U.S. Funding to the U.N. System [Updated January 12, 2022]

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  From the Document: "The United States is the single largest financial contributor to the United Nations (U.N.) system. Congress has long debated the appropriate level of U.S. funding to U.N. system activities and whether U.S. contributions are used efficiently and effectively. U.S. policymakers' perspectives on U.N. funding have varied over time. The Trump Administration consistently proposed significant overall decreases in U.N. funding and withheld funding to several U.N. bodies. At the same time, Congress generally funded most U.N. entities at higher levels than the Administration requested. The Biden Administration supports reengaging with the United Nations; the President's FY2022 budget request proposed fully funding U.N. entities and paying selected U.S. arrears."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Blanchfield, Luisa

  2022-01-12
• Global Women's Issues: Background and Selected U.S. Efforts [Updated December 14, 2021]

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  From the Document: "For several decades, Congress has considered or enacted legislation aimed at improving the rights and status of women and girls worldwide. These efforts, which may address a range of issues, including women's health, education, and security, are often grouped under the broad policy umbrella of 'global women's issues.' [...] U.S. efforts to address global women's issues have shifted over time, often reflecting world events, domestic political conditions, and the priorities of individual policymakers. During the past two decades, many Members of Congress and the executive branch have increasingly recognized a growing body of research linking gender equality to the overall stability, prosperity, and security of societies. [...] In Congress, for example, the 'Percy Amendment,' enacted as part of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1973 (P.L. [Public Law] 93-189), requires that foreign assistance funds work to integrate women into the national economies of developing countries. More recently, since FY2014 State-Foreign Operations (SFOPS) Appropriations Acts have required that funds from such acts promote gender equality in diplomatic and development efforts. [...] In the executive branch, successive Presidents have supported different aspects of global women's issues, in some cases issuing executive orders or memoranda. Most recently, in March 2021 the Biden Administration issued an executive order creating the White House Gender Policy Council to address gender issues in domestic and foreign policy. In October 2021, the Administration published a 'National Strategy on Gender Equity and Equality,' which aims to elevate and promote gender issues in strategic planning and budgeting and policy development at both domestic and global levels."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Margesson, Rhoda; Blanchfield, Luisa; Salaam-Blyther, Tiaji

  2021-12-14
• United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA): Background and U.S. Funding [November 10, 2021]

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  From the Background: "Established in 1969, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the primary U.N. entity addressing population issues. Its overall goal is to ensure reproductive rights for all, including access to sexual and reproductive health services such as voluntary family planning. Headquartered in New York City, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and supports more than 3,000 staff. It is funded by voluntary contributions from governments and other donors, with expenses totaling $1.29 billion in 2020."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Blanchfield, Luisa; Collins-Chase, Edward J.; Lum, Thomas G. (Thomas Gong), 1961-

  2021-11-10
• Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW):budget and U.S. Contributions [August 25, 2021]

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  From the Document: "The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), located in The Hague, Netherlands, is the international organization responsible for overseeing implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC, or Convention). The parties to the CWC have agreed to destroy and prevent the development and use of chemical weapons, as well as to restrict the use of dual-use chemicals while promoting technical cooperation. Assessed use of chemical weapons by Syria, North Korea, and Russia since 2013 has drawn renewed U.S. and international attention to chemical weapons issues and placed additional demands on the OPCW."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Kerr, Paul K.; Nikitin, Mary Beth Dunham; Blanchfield, Luisa

  2021-08-25
• United Nations Issues: U.S. Funding to the U.N. System [Updated July 8, 2021]

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  From the Document: "The United States is the single largest financial contributor to the United Nations (U.N.) system. Congress has long debated the appropriate level of U.S. funding to U.N. system activities and whether U.S. contributions are used efficiently and effectively. U.S. policymakers' perspectives on U.N. funding have varied over time. Most recently, the Trump Administration consistently proposed significant overall decreases in U.N. funding; however, Congress generally funded most U.N. entities at higher levels than the Administration requested. At the same time, the Trump Administration also withheld or halted funding to several U.N. bodies. The Biden Administration has supported reengaging with the United Nations; the President's FY2022 budget request proposes fully funding U.N. entities and paying selected U.S. arrears."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Blanchfield, Luisa

  2021-07-08
• United Nations Issues: Overview of the United Nations System [Updated July 8, 2021]

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  From the Document: "The United Nations (U.N.)system comprises interconnected entities including the United Nations, specialized agencies, U.N. peacekeeping operations, funds and programs, and other related bodies. Congress has generally supported the U.N. system and mission, and often uses U.N. mechanisms to further U.S. foreign policy objectives. At the same time, some policymakers have been critical of the U.N. system, arguing that U.N. actions or decisions do not align with U.S. policy priorities, or that it is not operating as effectively as possible."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Blanchfield, Luisa

  2021-07-08
• Global Women's Issues: Background and Selected U.S. Efforts [April 5, 2021]

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  From the Document: "For several decades, Congress has considered or enacted legislation aimed at improving the rights and status of women and girls worldwide. These efforts, which may address a range of issues, including women's health, education, and security, are often grouped under the broad policy umbrella of 'global women's issues.'"

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Margesson, Rhoda; Blanchfield, Luisa; Salaam-Blyther, Tiaji

  2021-04-05
• IAEA Budget and U.S. Contributions: In Brief [Updated April 2, 2021]

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  From the Introduction and Background: "The United States has been a member of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) since the agency's 1957 founding. The IAEA Statute was approved on October 23, 1956, by the Conference on the Statute of the International Atomic Energy Agency, which was held at United Nations (U.N.) headquarters. Article II of the Statute, which came into force on July 29, 1957, describes the agency's purpose: The Agency shall seek to accelerate and enlarge the contribution of atomic energy to peace, health and prosperity throughout the world. It shall ensure, so far as it is able, that assistance provided by it or at its request or under its supervision or control is not used in such a way as to further any military purpose. The IAEA, an autonomous intergovernmental organization that has a relationship agreement with the U.N., has 172 member states, including the United States. The agency's missions include promoting nuclear power, nuclear safety, nuclear security, and nuclear technology for medical and agricultural purposes, as well as implementing safeguards agreements in more than 180 countries. Countries that are not members of the IAEA may still be subject to agency inspections or receive IAEA technical assistance."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Kerr, Paul K.; Nikitin, Mary Beth Dunham; Blanchfield, Luisa

  2021-04-02
• United Nations Issues: Cabinet Rank of the U.S. Permanent Representative [Updated March 23, 2021]

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  From the Document: "The U.S. Permanent Representative is the chief representative of the United States to the United Nations. The President appoints the Permanent Representative with the advice and consent of the Senate. Of the 31 individuals who have served since 1946, about two-thirds have been accorded Cabinet rank by Presidents. Some Members of Congress have demonstrated an ongoing interest in the Cabinet rank of the Permanent Representative in the context of the Senate confirmation process and broader U.S. policy toward the United Nations. On November 24, 2020, President-elect Biden announced his intent to nominate Linda Thomas-Greenfield to be Permanent Representative, with Cabinet rank. Biden stated that he will accord Cabinet status to Greenfield 'because I want to hear her voice on all the major foreign policy discussions we have.' Thomas-Greenfield was confirmed by the Senate on February 23, 2021."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Blanchfield, Luisa; Hogue, Henry B.; Chesser, Susan G.

  2021-03-23
• United Nations Issues: U.S. Funding to the U.N. System [Updated March 5, 2021]

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  From the Document: "The United States is the single largest financial contributor to the United Nations (U.N.) system. Congress has long debated the appropriate level of U.S. contributions to U.N. system activities and whether U.S. funds are used efficiently and effectively. From FY2017 to FY2021, the Trump Administration consistently proposed significant overall decreases in U.N. funding; however, Congress generally funded most U.N. entities at higher levels than the Administration requested. President Trump also withheld or halted funding to several U.N. entities. President Biden has voiced support for U.S. participation in the U.N. system and taken steps to resume U.S. funding to some U.N. bodies."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Blanchfield, Luisa

  2021-03-05
• Selected Trump Administration Foreign Aid Priorities: A Wrap-Up [Updated January 21, 2021]

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  From the Summary: "Congressional interest in and support for U.S. foreign aid has remained consistent throughout numerous Administrations. The Trump Administration pursued changes to foreign aid funding and policy priorities consistent with its 'America First' foreign policy orientation, a stated desire to reduce federal spending, and with goals identified in its December 2017 National Security Strategy, including ending the need for foreign assistance. Some initiatives built on the work of previous Administrations, while others conflicted with, and in some instances sought to dismantle, long-standing U.S. programs and policies. The Trump Administration pursued some policies that would have substantially reshaped the vast majority of foreign aid programs. These included proposals to reduce or rescind foreign aid funding; to consolidate appropriations accounts; and to reorganize, consolidate, or eliminate selected foreign aid agencies."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Morgenstern, Emily M.; Brown, Nick M.; Blanchfield, Luisa . . .

  2021-01-21
• United Nations Issues: Cabinet Rank of the U.S. Permanent Representative [Updated December 22, 2020]

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  From the Document: "The U.S. Permanent Representative is the chief representative of the United States to the United Nations. The President appoints the Permanent Representative with the advice and consent of the Senate. Of the 30 individuals who have served since 1946, approximately two-thirds have been accorded Cabinet rank by Presidents. Some Members of Congress have demonstrated an ongoing interest in the Cabinet rank of the Permanent Representative in the context of the Senate confirmation process and broader U.S. policy toward the United Nations. On November 24, 2020, President-elect Biden announced his intent to nominate Linda Thomas-Greenfield to be Permanent Representative, with Cabinet rank. Biden stated that he will accord Cabinet status to Greenfield 'because I want to hear her voice on all the major foreign policy discussions we have.'"

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Blanchfield, Luisa; Hogue, Henry B.; Chesser, Susan G.

  2020-12-22
• United Nations Human Rights Council: Background and Policy Issues [Updated November 25, 2020]

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  From the Introduction: "The United Nations (U.N.) Human Rights Council (Council) is the primary intergovernmental body that addresses human rights worldwide. The United States is not currently a member; in June 2018, the Trump Administration announced that the United States would withdraw its membership. Administration officials cited concerns with the Council's disproportionate focus on Israel, ineffectiveness in addressing human rights situations, impact on U.S. sovereignty, and lack of reform. Presumptive President-elect Joseph Biden stated in December 2019 that the United States would rejoin the Council under his Administration. The United States is currently withholding funding to the Council under a provision in the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, FY2020 (Division G of P.L. 116-94). [...] This report provides background information on the Council, including the role of the previous U.N. Commission on Human Rights. It discusses the Council's current mandate and structure, as well as Administration policy and congressional actions. Finally, it highlights policy aspects of possible interest to Congress, including the debate over U.S. membership, U.S. funding of the Council, alternatives to the Council in U.N. fora, the Council's focus on Israel, and the possible increased influence of other countries in Council activities."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Blanchfield, Luisa; Weber, Michael A.

  2020-11-25
• United Nations Issues: U.S. Funding of U.N. Peacekeeping [Updated November 2, 2020]

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  From the Document: "The United States is the single largest financial contributor to United Nations (U.N.) peacekeeping activities. Congress authorizes and appropriates U.S. contributions, and it has an ongoing interest in ensuring such funding is used as efficiently and effectively as possible. The United States, as a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council, plays a key role in establishing, renewing, and funding U.N. peacekeeping operations. For 2020, the United Nations assessed the U.S. share of U.N. peacekeeping budgets at 27.89%; however, since 1994 Congress has capped the U.S. payment at 25% due to concerns that U.S. assessments are too high. For FY2021, the Trump Administration proposed $1.07 billion for U.N. peacekeeping, a 29% decrease from the enacted FY2020 level of $1.52 billion."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Blanchfield, Luisa

  2020-11-02
• U.S. Withdrawal from the World Health Organization: Process and Implications [October 21, 2020]

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  From the Document: "The World Health Organization (WHO) is a U.N.-specialized agency that directs and coordinates health efforts within the United Nations (U.N.) system. In April 2020, President Trump announced that the United States would halt funding to WHO, and in May 2020 he declared that the United States would 'terminate' its relationship with the organization. The Administration maintained that WHO mismanaged its response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and expressed strong concern regarding WHO's 'alarming lack of independence' from China. In July 2020, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo notified the U.N. Secretary-General of the U.S. decision to withdraw from the organization, which under the terms of a joint resolution adopted by Congress in 1948 (P.L. 80-643; 62 Stat. 441), would take effect on July 6, 2021."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Salaam-Blyther, Tiaji; Weed, Matthew C.; Blanchfield, Luisa . . .

  2020-10-21
• United Nations Issues: Congressional Representatives to the U.n. General Assembly [Updated September 4, 2020]

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  From the Document: "The annual session of the United Nations (U.N.) General Assembly is held at U.N. Headquarters in New York City. The President generally appoints one Democrat and one Republican to serve as U.S. representatives to the session, alternating each year between the House and Senate. At the 74th session, which opened in September 2019, two members of the House of Representatives, Barbara Lee and Cathy McMorris Rodgers, served as congressional representatives. Two members of the Senate will likely serve as representatives to the 75th session, which is scheduled to open on September 15, 2020. In July 2020, U.N. members decided that the Assembly session would be conducted virtually due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). It is unclear how, if at all, the activities of congressional representatives may be affected by this decision."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Blanchfield, Luisa; Weed, Matthew C.

  2020-09-04
• Abortion and Family Planning-Related Provisions in U.S. Foreign Assistance Law and Policy [Updated August 21, 2020]

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  From the Summary: "This report details legislation and policies that restrict or place requirements on U.S. funding of abortion or family planning activities abroad. The level and extent of federal funding for these activities is an ongoing and controversial issue in U.S. foreign assistance and has continued to be a point of contention during the 116th Congress and beyond."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Blanchfield, Luisa

  2020-08-21
• United Nations Issues: Cabinet Rank of the U.S. Permanent Representative [August 12, 2020]

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  From the Document: "The U.S. Permanent Representative is the chief representative of the United States to the United Nations. The President appoints the Permanent Representative with the advice and consent of the Senate. Of the 30 individuals who have served since 1946, approximately two-thirds have been accorded Cabinet rank by Presidents. Some Members of Congress have demonstrated an ongoing interest in the Cabinet rank of the Permanent Representative in the context of the Senate confirmation process and broader U.S. policy toward the United Nations."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Blanchfield, Luisa; Hogue, Henry B.; Chesser, Susan G.

  2020-08-12
• United Nations Issues: U.S. Funding of U.N. Peacekeeping [Updated August 5, 2020]

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  From the Document: "The United States is the single largest financial contributor to United Nations (U.N.) peacekeeping activities. Congress authorizes and appropriates U.S. contributions, and it has an ongoing interest in ensuring such funding is used as efficiently and effectively as possible. The United States, as a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council, plays a key role in establishing, renewing, and funding U.N. peacekeeping operations. For 2020, the United Nations assessed the U.S. share of U.N. peacekeeping budgets at 27.89%; however, since 1994 Congress has capped the U.S. payment at 25% due to concerns that U.S. assessments are too high. For FY2021, the Trump Administration proposed $1.07 billion for U.N. peacekeeping, a 29% decrease from the enacted FY2020 level of $1.52 billion."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Blanchfield, Luisa

  2020-08-05
• United Nations Issues: Congressional Representatives to the U.N. General Assembly [Updated May 22, 2020]

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  From the Document: "The annual session of the United Nations (U.N.) General Assembly is held at U.N. Headquarters in New York City. The President generally appoints one Democrat and one Republican to serve as U.S. representatives to the session, alternating each year between the House and Senate. At the 74th session, which opened in September 2019, two members of the House of Representatives, Barbara Lee and Cathy McMorris Rodgers, served as congressional representatives. Two members of the Senate will likely serve as representatives to the 75th session, which is scheduled to open on September 15, 2020. It is unclear how, if at all, the upcoming Assembly session may be affected by Novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). Current General Assembly activities are being conducted remotely."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Blanchfield, Luisa; Weed, Matthew C.

  2020-05-22
• U.S. Funding to the World Health Organization (WHO) [April 30, 2020]

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  From the Document: "On April 14, 2020, President Donald Trump announced that the United States would suspend funding to the World Health Organization (WHO), pending a 60- to 90-day review, because of WHO's 'role in severely mismanaging and covering up the spread of the coronavirus.' The United States, the largest government contributor to WHO, is currently assessed 22% of the organization's core budget (an estimated $112.6 million for FY2020). The United States also provides voluntary funding to WHO, with amounts varying per year depending on U.S. priorities and global health needs. U.S. voluntary contributions from FY2012 to FY2018 averaged $254 million per year. Congressional views on the Administration decision to suspend funding are mixed. Some Members share the President's concerns regarding WHO and support the decision, while others oppose the action and have urged the Administration to fully fund WHO and its ongoing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) efforts."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Blanchfield, Luisa; Salaam-Blyther, Tiaji

  2020-04-30
• United Nations Human Rights Council: Background and Policy Issues [Updated April 20, 2020]

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  From the Summary: "Over the years, many Members of Congress have demonstrated an ongoing interest in the role and effectiveness of the United Nations (U.N.) Human Rights Council (the Council). The Council is the primary intergovernmental body mandated with addressing human rights on a global level. The United States was a member of the Council for two three-year terms during the Obama Administration, and a third term during the first part of the Trump Administration. In June 2018, the Trump Administration withdrew from the Council, noting concerns with the Council's focus on Israel, overall ineffectiveness in addressing human rights issues, and lack of reform. Some of the Council's activities are suspended or being implemented remotely due to concerns about COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019]."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Blanchfield, Luisa; Weber, Michael A.

  2020-04-20
• United Nations Issues: U.S. Funding of U.N. Peacekeeping [Updated March 23, 2020]

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  From the Document: "The United States is the single largest financial contributor to United Nations (U.N.) peacekeeping activities. Congress authorizes and appropriates U.S. contributions, and it has an ongoing interest in ensuring such funding is used as efficiently and effectively as possible. The United States, as a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council, plays a key role in establishing, renewing, and funding U.N. peacekeeping operations. For 2020, the United Nations assessed the U.S. share of U.N. peacekeeping budgets at 27.89%; however, since 1994 Congress has capped the U.S. payment at 25% due to concerns that U.S. assessments are too high. For FY2021, the Trump Administration proposed $1.07 billion for U.N. peacekeeping, a 29% decrease from the enacted FY2020 level of $1.52 billion."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Blanchfield, Luisa

  2020-03-23