White House to Withdraw from Such Programs

The White House has advised to halt funding for nearly two dozen programs designed for investigating military crimes and holding perpetrators accountable worldwide, Reuters reports, citing its sources.

According to the source, this proposal was put forward by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, but it does not yet constitute a final decision to terminate the programs, as the U.S. State Department may contest it.

Nonetheless, the proposal could create tension between the Office of Management and Budget and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his aides. The latter must present their proposals clarifying which programs are worthy of continuation, the media reports.

The programs include investigations and documentation of military crimes in Iraq, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Colombia, Belarus, Sudan, South Sudan, Afghanistan, and Gambia.

The U.S. State Department has declined to comment, and the Office of Management and Budget has not responded to requests for comments.