The United States has announced $2 billion to support UN humanitarian programs. This funding comes with strong warnings about how the UN must change its approach.
Jeremy Lewin, President Trump’s Under Secretary for Foreign Assistance, shared the news in Geneva along with Tom Fletcher, the UN’s emergency relief chief. Although Fletcher welcomed the funding, he noted it’s a small piece of the traditional $17 billion the U.S. contributed to UN humanitarian efforts in 2022.
This funding focuses on 17 countries, including Haiti, Syria, and Sudan, while excluding others like Afghanistan and Yemen. Lewin explained that U.S. funds were previously misused in Afghanistan, where aid may have gone to the Taliban, a scenario the U.S. refuses to support. This strict guideline complicates things for aid workers in affected regions.
Cuts in funding have already caused serious consequences. Clinics for mothers and babies in Afghanistan have closed, and food supplies have decreased in Sudan. Over the years, child mortality rates were declining but are now predicted to rise again.
Interestingly, the new funds cannot be used for projects addressing climate change—deemed not “life-saving” and not in the U.S. interest. This stance raises questions about the future of international aid, especially since climate-related issues increasingly impact humanitarian needs.
Lewin’s remarks about the UN needing to “adapt or die” suggest a shift in how aid is delivered. The U.S. wants to avoid funding practices it views as ineffective, insisting on a focused and efficient distribution that avoids waste.
Despite the limited funding and strict conditions, it is vital to consider the core principles of humanitarian aid: neutrality, impartiality, and the need to respond to crises based solely on need. Many within the UN may feel relieved to receive some funding, even if it comes with challenging conditions. However, the future of international aid hangs on balancing these needs with political realities.
As of 2023, global humanitarian aid is increasingly scrutinized. According to a recent report by the UN, nearly 300 million people worldwide will require humanitarian assistance in the coming year. The stakes are high—ensuring aid reaches those who need it most is crucial, especially amid rising global crises.
For more details on humanitarian funding and international responses, you can check a reputable source like the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
