The United States announced last Thursday that it is withdrawing from the United Nations Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), citing financial considerations, the need for reform and the organisation’s “continuing anti-Israel bias”.
In a statement, State Department spokesman Heather Nauert said Washington would establish an “observer mission” to replace its representation at the Paris-based agency.
The withdrawal will take effect on December 31, 2018. Shortly after, Israel announced it will also be joining the US in departing from UNESCO.
The UN body has drawn criticism for passing resolutions that deny Jewish ties to Jerusalem. In May 2017, the UK voted against a UNESCO resolution that indicated a rejection of Israel’s sovereignty in any part of Jerusalem.
The vote followed a UK announcement in March that the Government is putting the UN Human Rights Council “on notice” and will vote against every motion on the conflict unless the body ends its “disproportion and bias” against the Jewish State.
