US transfers $725 million to UN, leaving billions in arrears
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The Trump administration has begun transferring $725 million to the United Nations to cover part of Washington's arrears. The payment goes to the UN's core budget, but the US still owes more than $4 billion according to UN estimates. The shortfall has forced Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to warn of spending cuts.
Key Facts
- The US State Department notified Congress of the planned $725 million payment on August 4.
- The UN estimates total US arrears at over $4 billion, including about $2 billion for the core budget and $2.2 billion for peacekeeping.
- Washington has withheld roughly $153 million for political reasons, including funds for the UN Human Rights Council and the UN agency for Palestinian refugees.
- As of August 18, 129 of the UN's 193 member states had paid their dues in full.
- Former UN official Eugene Chen said the US could lose its General Assembly voting rights as early as January if it fails to continue paying down arrears.
The Payment
The Trump administration has begun transferring $725 million to the United Nations to cover part of Washington's arrears. The funds are directed to the UN's core budget. The US State Department notified Congress of the planned payment on August 4. The payment addresses only a portion of the total US debt to the organization.
Outstanding Debt
The UN estimates total US arrears at more than $4 billion. The organization has previously stated that the US owes about $2 billion to the core budget, another $2.2 billion for peacekeeping operations, and $44 million for international tribunals. US authorities dispute the UN's figure, calling it too high and saying some payments have already been made. Washington has also withheld roughly $153 million for political reasons, including funds for the UN Human Rights Council and the UN agency for Palestinian refugees.
Financial Strain
The payment delays have caused a financial shortfall at the UN. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned of the need to cut spending due to the financial difficulties. Former UN official Eugene Chen said the $725 million transfer would only partially resolve the problem, allowing the organization to stay afloat for a while longer. Chen added that if the US does not continue paying down its arrears, it could lose its voting rights in the General Assembly as early as January. Under UN rules, a member state can lose its vote if its arrears equal or exceed the contributions due for the preceding two full years.
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US transfers $725 million to UN, leaving billions in arrears
