Press release: GENEVA, 6 March 2025
Six weeks after the U.S. administration issued a global ‘stop work’ order on lifesaving aid, the humanitarian consequences are unfolding at an alarming scale. A new report by ICVA, a global network of over 160 humanitarian NGOs, finds that the freeze is putting millions of lives at grave risk and threatening the future of humanitarian response.
“The U.S. government has historically been a key humanitarian donor, recognizing that global stability and prosperity is both a moral duty and in its national interest. This sudden termination of aid has created chaos, paralyzed response efforts, and put lives on the line,” said Dr. Jamie Munn, ICVA’s Executive Director.
Beyond the immediate human toll, the collapse of funding has triggered an existential crisis for humanitarian NGOs. Other major donors are now following suit, citing national interest as justification for aid cuts. “This is a shortsighted and dangerous strategy – humanitarian aid is an essential public good. It is in everyone’s self-interest to be able to get help from their civil society and their neighbours when struck by disaster. Governments are often overwhelmed during these times, and our members and partners are skilled at stepping up at scale when the worst happens,” said Dr. Munn.
ICVA’s report outlines the urgent need for public and donor action to prevent the collapse of aid delivery, at a time when global needs are at an all-time high. “Without a strong aid system, we are less prepared to respond to pandemics, conflict, and the impact of adverse weather events, and we know these are on the increase. The global community must act now to protect the integrity of humanitarian response and ensure that aid reaches those who need it most,” Dr Munn urged.
Read the full report here in English, French, Arabic or Spanish: https://www.icvanetwork.org/resource/lives-on-the-line-the-human-impact-of-us-foreign-aid-shifts/
ICVA continues to host a dedicated webpage on the US Funding Cuts here: https://www.icvanetwork.org/90-day-suspension-order-resources/
