The administration of US President Donald Trump has stopped payments to the UN pending reform of the organization, said Mike Walz, the US permanent representative to the UN.
“The president is withholding US funding until we see reform“, he said in an interview with Breitbart News.
According to Walz, under pressure from the US, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has agreed to cut the UN budget by 15%, resulting in an 18% reduction in staff and a 25% reduction in peacekeepers. “I believe that in many ways we will save the UN from itself and move forward with reforms”, the diplomat added.
The UN is facing a budget deficit due to non-payment of contributions by several countries, including the United States, which is behind by approximately $3 billion. The situation is forcing the organization to cut spending, freeze hiring and reduce humanitarian programs, including aid for children and refugees.