UNA-USA Urgent Advocacy – what you can do!
Below are links and information for current advocacy efforts of our national organization: United Nations Association – USA. Could you help out with at least one item?
Please sign the electronic petitions below, call your Congressperson, and/or join the Milwaukee chapter on a lobby zoom. Capitol Hill Switchboard: 202-224-3121.
More info at the UNA-USA “New Administration – Advocacy Actions” page:
https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/Dfqc4GB78gVh3 and
https://betterworldcampaign.org/funding/what-we-know-about-the-pause-on-u-s-foreign-aid
#1. End The Freeze on U.S. Foreign Assistance
U.S. foreign assistance saves lives, provides essential services, and strengthens U.S. alliances. If
the funding freeze and Stop Work Order on U.S. Foreign Assistance remains, millions will suffer, and America's global standing will diminish.
On Jan. 20, 2025, President Trump issued an Executive Order (EO) pausing U.S. foreign development assistance for 90 days to foreign countries, NGOs, international organizations and contractors. The EO was followed by a global cable sent by the State Department on Jan. 25 that put an immediate pause on current and new foreign aid spending and programs. The administration and a court have modified the initial order, but confusion continues and a multitude of programs in the field are still stalled.
https://unausa.org/advocacy/the-impact-of-the-funding-freeze-stop-work-order-on-u-s-foreign-
#2. Fully Fund the United Nations
The UN serves as a global 911 for the world’s most vulnerable, providing critical support such as food, shelter, clean water, medical care, and education to those trapped in deadly conflicts or reeling from natural disasters.
In 2023, 20% of the world’s children lived in or fled conflict zones, over 250 million people faced acute hunger, and one in 73 people were displaced—a figure that has doubled in the past decade. Yet, through
the generosity of key donors like the U.S., the UN and its humanitarian partners delivered life-saving assistance to 128 million people last year.
https://unausa.org/advocacy/support-the-un/
#3. Support the World Health Organization (WHO)
Questions have been raised about America's partnership with the World Health Organization. As supporters, we know Americans rely on WHO to identify and stop diseases, respond to health emergencies and keep our country safe, healthy and prosperous. You can help protect this work by asking your members of Congress to strongly support WHO's initiatives in 194 countries worldwide, including the current response to 42 health emergencies, and alongside over 70 research institutions across our nation. Please fill out the petition at this link in support of WHO:
https://act.betterworldcampaign.org/a/support-who?ms=UNAUSA-supporter
#4. Lead on the Climate Crisis
Climate change is the fight of our lifetime, and the Paris Agreement is our global game plan to tackle it. With the U.S. stepping back, we risk losing leadership and a livable future. Tell your Members of Congress to step up, speak out, and show the world that Americans are ready to lead on bold climate action!
https://unausa.org/global-goals/paris-agreement-withdrawal/
#5. Restore UNRWA
After more than a year of war and a worsening humanitarian catastrophe, the United States must restore funding for the agency that serves as the backbone of humanitarian operations in Gaza - the UN Relief and Works Agency, or UNRWA. Every humanitarian operator in Gaza, including the World Food Program, Oxfam, and Save the Children, has repeatedly stressed that UNRWA is the backbone of aid delivery to millions of Palestinians who are facing a looming famine and polio epidemic.
UNRWA has shown a commitment to oversight and neutrality in response to Israeli allegations that 12 of their 30,000 employees in the region partook in Hamas’ horrific October 7 attacks. The agency immediately fired the employees named and implemented all UN recommendations for reform. In response, all 15 other countries and regional bodies that had suspended support to UNRWA, including the UK, EU, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, and Australia, have resumed funding. It’s time for the United States to join this group as Gaza urgently needs an influx of humanitarian assistance.
To stop famine in Gaza, urge your members of Congress to support the UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act when it is reintroduced in this Congress.
(WI Rep. Moore is a co-sponsor)
UNAMILWAUKEE.ORG (website) / unamilwaukeee@gmail.com (email)
