While the first lady spoke of a need to protect children and their access to education and technology in conflict, her husband’s administration has cut funding for a number of U.N. agencies and other international organizations that address these issues. Among them is the U.N. Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary General for Children in Armed Conflict, which provides detailed reporting on the impact that conflicts have on children around the world.
This information can help trigger action to prevent rape and violence against women and children. President Trump withdrew U.S. support in January. The U.S. has also dramatically cut funding for the U.N. children’s agency, UNICEF, and has withdrawn from the U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, UNESCO.
