In response to President Trump’s announcement to withdraw the United States from 66 cooperative global treaties and initiatives, Abby Maxman, Oxfam America President and CEO, said:
“This action withdrawing the United States from 66 international organizations, including the UN’s main global climate treaty, will fuel inequality and exacerbate human suffering with devastating repercussions for years to come. President Trump’s reckless decision undermines decades of international cooperation and essential, lifesaving work that supports families, addresses inequalities, and helps communities withstand climate impacts – putting millions of people at risk both at home and abroad.
“This is not just a retreat from multilateralism, but also an advance for oligarchy. It weakens global rules and efforts that curb corporate abuse and protect the environment, while shielding the wealthiest and leaving ordinary Americans and the world’s poorest more exposed. Instead of solving shared problems, this decision sidelines American leadership and makes global crises harder and more expensive to address.
“The time to act swiftly and boldly is long overdue. Oxfam urges state and local leaders in the U.S. to do all that they can to rapidly reduce emissions and advance policies such as ensuring the richest corporations and individuals pay their fair share in taxes. On its first day in office, the next U.S. administration should reinvest in lifesaving humanitarian and development aid and also rejoin these global treaties and initiatives, as well as other institutions that the current administration has left such as the World Health Organization and the Paris Agreement. Protecting people, reducing inequality, and confronting the climate crisis cannot be optional and is bigger than any one administration’s politically misguided priorities.”
Oxfam is a global organization that fights inequality to end poverty and injustice. We offer lifesaving support in times of crisis and advocate for economic justice, gender equality, and climate action. We demand equal rights and equal treatment so that everyone can thrive, not just survive. The future is equal. Join us at oxfamamerica.org.
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