UN cannot be made subject to Trump financial threats – may be time to reconsider location

Labour Party Leader and spokesperson on foreign affairs Brendan Howlin has said today that the United Nations cannot be made subject to the financial threats by the current US administration, or any other country. His comments come as the United States threatens a $285m reduction in the UN Budget.

Deputy Howlin said: 

“Already we’ve see the US President threaten states who do not bow to its will at the UN.  Now it seems the US, a founder member and instigator of the UN and its charter, effectively seek to use its financial muscle in an attempt to subordinate other member states.  This is not acceptable. 

“The sum  of money involved is very significant for the UN and therefore Ireland should move immediately with its EU partners to remove this financial threat to the UN.

“If the UN is to be truly independent then it cannot be seen to be financially dependent on one country, particular one which seeks to leverage financial support solely in support of its own agenda.

“Ultimately, given the US’s behaviour on this issue, one would have to question the long term location of the UN in New York.  It is perhaps time to consider some functions in Geneva and possibly seek an alternative location in the global south.”