UN Agencies to Cut Humanitarian Programs After U.S. Halts Funding

SEAToday.com, Jakarta - Several United Nations (UN) aid agencies have started scaling back their humanitarian programs following the review and suspension of U.S. foreign aid, according to a report by The Guardian on Wednesday (1/29).

UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, instructed all employees of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) to immediately control expenditures, including halting new supply orders unless in emergency situations.

Additionally, UNHCR has been asked to freeze recruitment, delay contract signings, and suspend international air travel.

It was reported that the U.S. had previously been one of the largest contributors to UNHCR, with a contribution of $2.49 billion (around IDR 40.49 trillion), or about 20 percent of the agency’s total budget.

The 90-day suspension of U.S. foreign aid has impacted various global humanitarian organizations, forcing them to slow down their operations and reduce staffing due to the limited funding from Washington.

Previously, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order temporarily halting all new foreign development aid for 90 days. This step was taken to review the aid policies to ensure they align with his administration's foreign policy vision.