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4w ago

UN Agencies Announce Severe Cuts as US Foreign Aid Reductions Take Toll

Key UN humanitarian agencies are slashing budgets and staff, jeopardizing aid for millions as US funding withdrawals drive a global humanitarian funding crisis.

Then-German Chancellor Olaf Scholz speaks to empty rows of seats at the U.N. General Assembly, in New York, Sept. 19, 2023 (DPA photo by Michael Kappeler via AP Images).
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Overview

  • The World Food Program (WFP) plans to cut up to 30% of its staff and refocus resources on programs serving 343 million people facing hunger.
  • The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) will reduce headquarters and regional office costs by 30% and halve senior positions as it struggles to assist 43.7 million refugees.
  • UNICEF and OCHA are implementing 20% budget and staff reductions, with UNICEF warning of risks to children’s rights and survival gains worldwide.
  • The International Organization for Migration faces a 30% funding drop, forcing program closures affecting 6,000 personnel and a 20% reduction in headquarters staff.
  • UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern over the funding crisis, emphasizing its devastating impact on vulnerable populations reliant on critical aid services.