United States Exits Several International Organizations

The current administration has announced its intention to withdraw from several international organizations, conventions, and treaties. The stated rationale is that these entities are deemed to be contrary to the interests of the United States. This action encompasses bodies within the United Nations system that focus on racial justice, reparations, climate justice, democracy, and gender equality.

Reactions to the Withdrawal

Desirée Cormier Smith, Co-President of The Alliance for Diplomacy & Justice and former U.S. Special Representative for Racial Equity & Justice, criticized the decision. She specifically noted the inclusion of the UN Permanent Forum on People of African Descent in the list of organizations targeted for withdrawal, characterizing it as a racially charged action. Smith pointed out that the U.S. had previously withdrawn from the UN Human Rights Council in 2025 and had not participated in the Permanent Forum since the beginning of the Trump administration, with no dedicated funding allocated to it. She further stated that Senator Marco Rubio’s justification, citing “DEI mandates,” was unfounded given the inherently diverse nature of the world. Smith expressed concern that the administration’s actions reflect a desire to impose a specific agenda on a global scale.

Call for Congressional Action

The Alliance for Diplomacy & Justice is urging Congress to reject the proposed withdrawal and to support continued U.S. engagement in international institutions that promote reparative justice, human rights, climate justice, gender equity, and democracy. The organization advocates for a foreign policy approach based on truth, repair, and collective responsibility, rather than isolation or denial.