Particle.news
Download on the App Store
4 ARTICLES
·
last wk.

U.N. Agencies Announce Deep Workforce Cuts as U.S. Aid Reductions Take Effect

Major U.N. humanitarian bodies, including WFP and UNHCR, face unprecedented staff and program downsizing, threatening critical global aid services.

Image
Image

Overview

  • The World Food Program (WFP) plans to cut up to 30% of its staff, its largest reduction in 25 years, due to funding shortfalls driven by U.S. aid cuts.
  • The U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) will downsize headquarters and regional offices by 30% and reduce senior positions by 50%.
  • UNICEF and OCHA are implementing approximately 20% staff and budget cuts, while the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is ending programs affecting 6,000 personnel.
  • The U.S., historically the largest donor to U.N. humanitarian efforts, provided 46% of WFP's 2024 budget but has now significantly reduced contributions.
  • Essential services like clean water access for 500,000 displaced Sudanese are being scaled back, raising risks of cholera outbreaks and other health crises.