Budget Battles at the UN: Major Powers Clash Over Human Rights Funding

A report outlines attempts by China and Russia to block U.N. funding for human rights initiatives, highlighting a five-year pattern of such efforts. Despite being unsuccessful, these moves raise concerns about potential influence shifts during a time of financial strain and decreased U.S. engagement.

A coalition led by China and Russia has repeatedly tried to obstruct funding for the United Nations' human rights efforts over the past five years, as reported by the International Service for Human Rights. Their moves reflect a recurring pattern of resistance to budget allocations, although they have yet to achieve success.

The report notes that these attempts to hinder financial support for U.N. human rights offices were conducted in closed meetings, aimed at reducing the budget significantly. With the U.N. facing a financial crisis and reduced U.S. involvement under President Trump, the authors express heightened concern over this scenario.

Angeli Datt, co-author of the 97-page report, emphasizes that proposals by China and Russia specifically target the Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights (OHCHR). The report, titled "Budget Battles at the UN," suggests that U.S. disengagement is opening space for China and Russia to enhance their influence in budgetary matters at a critical reform juncture.

(With inputs from agencies.)