The UN is blocking the appointment of a senior US official because of Washington's unpaid bills.

The International Labour Organization has suspended the appointment of a senior US official as deputy director-general due to delays in US contributions, according to a statement sent to Reuters on Monday. This decision highlights the growing financial difficulties facing the UN agency.

The organization indicated that Sheng Li, the American candidate designated to take office in July, will ultimately not be able to assume the position as planned. Although she was selected in April after several months of delays in the nomination process, her appointment was contingent upon the settlement of Washington's outstanding financial obligations.

In its statement, the ILO clarifies that this decision is not final. The agency emphasizes that the United States could regain its position as the largest contributor to mandatory contributions and allow the validation of this appointment if it settles its outstanding debts.

The U.S. Department of Labor did not immediately respond to the announcement. This situation arises amid increasing budgetary pressures on relations between some international institutions and their major donors.

The ILO is currently going through a difficult financial period. Faced with declining resources, the organization has already implemented several cost-saving measures, including a freeze on recruitment and the suspension of non-essential travel for its staff.

The agency is also considering more extensive reforms aimed at transferring some of its staff to countries with lower operating costs. However, officials have not yet specified what the long-term consequences of these measures might be for its international activities and programs.

This unusual decision underlines the importance of member states' contributions to the functioning of United Nations institutions and highlights the growing financial pressure on several international organizations.