Oxfam America has issued a statement criticizing President Donald Trump ahead of his address at the 81st United Nations General Assembly. The organization accused the Trump administration of exerting extreme pressure on the UN through acts of aggression, funding cuts, and attacks on its critical work. Oxfam America President and CEO Abby Maxman stated that the administration's sweeping cuts to humanitarian and development aid have forced UN agencies to make difficult choices about which communities to provide lifesaving aid to.
Maxman also accused President Trump of defending indefensible actions at the UNGA debate, including illegal and deadly operations abroad. She cited examples such as attacks on Venezuela and Iran, and extrajudicial killings in Latin America, which have caused catastrophic global ripple effects and undermined international law and order. Furthermore, Maxman criticized the administration for rolling back climate and gender policies and protections.
The Trump administration's approach to international relations has relied on the unlawful use of force, making outlandish claims on others' sovereign territory, and prioritizing the capture of natural resources over sustainable peace. Maxman stated that despite Trump's claims of being a "peace president" and "dealmaker," his foreign policy has had undeniable and painful impacts on people around the world.
The situation in Gaza was also addressed in the statement, with Oxfam noting that the Trump administration's announcement of a massive sale of bombs to Israel comes as nations announce restrictive measures targeting illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. The administration is still supposed to be shepherding the Gaza ceasefire, which has failed to deliver real peace, with nearly 1,400 Palestinians killed in Gaza since the ceasefire was announced.
Oxfam America called on the United States to recommit to the United Nations by paying its fair share and acting as a true partner to address global challenges such as inequality, poverty, and insecurity. Maxman stated that with the election of a new Secretary-General on the horizon, now is the time for the US to recommit to the UN.
The 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly is convening against a backdrop of stalled progress on the Sustainable Development Goals, escalating conflicts, and accelerating climate impacts. The session is expected to be a pivotal moment in shaping discussions around UN reform and the selection of the next Secretary-General.
Oxfam leaders, experts, and partners are joining the 81st General Assembly and Climate Action Week in New York, hosting and attending events focused on UN reform, gender, climate justice, humanitarian action, and economic justice. The organization will urge global leaders to make bold decisions and take action on pressing global issues.
Key points
- Oxfam America criticizes Trump administration's acts of aggression and funding cuts to UN agencies.
- Trump administration's approach to international relations has had painful impacts on people around the world.
- Oxfam calls on US to recommit to UN by paying its fair share and addressing global challenges.
