Diplomatic efforts seek to avert Trump split with UN refugee agency, sources say 

The Trump administration has in recent weeks weighed cutting ties with the U.N. refugee agency, prompting a campaign by diplomats and U.N. officials to persuade the United States to maintain support, sources familiar with the matter told Reuters. Eight sources, including diplomats, aid sources, and a congressional source, told Reuters that Washington - historically UNHCR's largest donor - has been considering disengaging from the agency. Several said a decision had been expected last week, but no announcement was made, suggesting that the lobbying effort may have helped delay or avert a move.

The U.S. deliberations over leaving UNHCR follow a disagreement over the appointment of the deputy high commissioner, five of the sources said. They said that the agency had informed supporters that it could be placed on a U.S. blacklist, ending funding, and that Washington could also withdraw from its governing Executive Committee. Any end to U.S. funding would seriously weaken the agency at a time of near-record levels of displacement around the world amid long-running conflicts like Ukraine and Sudan, diplomats and aid officials said. A source at an aid group involved in the talks told Reuters that "People have been alerted by UNHCR to call friends in the administration," and that many had done so.