UN Expresses Concern Over Impact of USAID Shutdown on Humanitarian Efforts
The United Nations has raised concerns over the immediate impact of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) shutdown, a key partner in global humanitarian and development efforts. Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, emphasized the vital role that USAID plays, stating that its closure would have an immediate effect on lifesaving activities worldwide.
“USAID is a critical partner, and the US has been a generous supporter of the UN’s humanitarian and development work,” Dujarric said. “This is having an immediate impact on lifesaving activities.”
The shutdown decision follows an announcement by US President Donald Trump’s adviser and head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Elon Musk, confirming that Trump had agreed to cease operations of the agency, which is the primary body for US foreign assistance.
Dujarric further highlighted the significant contributions of the US to global humanitarian programs, noting that the US contributed nearly 47% of the global humanitarian appeal, which equates to approximately $14 billion. USAID has been a crucial funder for various UN agencies, with the World Food Programme (WFP) being the main beneficiary, receiving $16.8 billion over five years from 2019 to 2024. The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) was allocated $2.7 billion during the same period.
The shutdown of USAID has raised concerns about the future of these critical humanitarian missions, particularly as the UN assesses the consequences of the loss of this funding. The US has also announced its withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO), which traditionally received $868 million in funding from the country.
The UN is currently in discussions with various agencies to evaluate the impact of USAID’s closure and to seek clarity in an uncertain environment.
