The UN’s World Food Programme (WFP) and refugee agency (UNHCR) are warning of drastic service reductions due to plummeting funding, particularly following cuts from the United States under President Trump.
An internal WFP email revealed plans to reduce staff by 25-30% due to decreased contributions.
UNHCR’s High Commissioner warned of a potential one-third reduction in activities amidst ongoing global conflicts.
The Trump administration has significantly reduced US contributions to UN agencies, previously a major funding source.
USAID, with a $42.8 billion budget accounting for 42% of global humanitarian aid, has seen 83% of its programs cut.
While other nations have also reduced funding, the US cuts are particularly impactful.
WFP, facing a potential loss of 6,000 jobs, is struggling to maintain vital food aid operations in crisis zones like Sudan.
UNHCR, traditionally receiving over 40% of its funds from the US, is facing a substantial deficit. The US has only provided $350 million of the requested $1.05 billion for 2025.
UNHCR’s High Commissioner, Filippo Grandi, emphasized the dire situation, stating, “We will do less with less.”
The US, while acknowledging the cuts, has urged other nations to increase their contributions, arguing that it has disproportionately shouldered the burden of humanitarian aid.
