US has not yet granted waiver to UN deputy high commissioner — Jerusalem Post
In the United States, President Donald Trump’s administration has not yet granted newly appointed UN Deputy High Commissioner for Refugees Tressie Ray Finerty a partial waiver that would allow her to perform some of her official duties. As reported by the Jerusalem Post, the American diplomat has taken leave as a result.
According to seven diplomatic sources, Finerty took up the post earlier this month. She cannot directly interact with US officials because of post-employment restrictions for former US government employees designed to prevent conflicts of interest. Violating these restrictions could theoretically result in imprisonment.
Request for a waiver
UNHCR told Reuters that at the end of last month, Finerty submitted a request to the US government for a partial waiver. It concerns, in particular, her participation in multilateral meetings attended by US State Department officials.
A State Department spokesperson said the department does not comment on legal matters under consideration. He added that the United States cooperates with UNHCR when this serves US foreign policy interests.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
Diplomats and UN staff described the absence of a waiver as unusual, as such waivers are usually granted to former US civil servants who move to work for international organizations. Several diplomats suggest this may be Washington’s response to UNHCR’s refusal to select the candidate preferred by the United States, Simon Hankinson.
UNHCR funding
The situation has emerged amid one of the worst financial crises in UNHCR’s history due to aid cuts by the Trump administration and other donors. The position of deputy high commissioner is traditionally important for communication with major donors, including the United States, so the restrictions could complicate fundraising.
According to UNHCR, Washington provided more than $800 million in 2025, or nearly a quarter of the agency’s total $3.6 billion in contributions. In 2026, the level of support fell to around $110 million, of which $89 million was direct government funding, while the rest was provided by US companies and private individuals. The agency forecasts that available funds this year may slightly exceed $3 billion — 15% less than last year and 43% less than in 2024.
