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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.