The recent decision by President Donald Trump to freeze U.S. foreign aid for 90 days as part of a review process is raising alarm among humanitarian organizations, who warn this move could jeopardize lives around the world. The order, issued last Friday, has resulted in the suspension of funds by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, impacting aid to various sectors, including health and human rights initiatives.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) voiced concerns on January 27, calling upon the U.S. government to resume humanitarian assistance immediately. They emphasized, "lives are at risk" due to this abrupt funding halt. The organization has been vocal about the need for the continued support of projects focused on human rights and democracy, which are now under threat as the funding freeze takes effect.
According to reports, the Department of State's directives do include exemptions but have not clearly outlined any process for organizations to apply for aid during this review period. This ambiguity has led to confusion and hesitance among agencies, both domestic and international, who typically rely on U.S. assistance.
The ramifications of this freeze are particularly stark for Afghanistan, where the suspension has already halted the operations of 45 humanitarian organizations across 28 provinces, affecting healthcare and humanitarian aid sectors amid the continuing crisis following the Taliban's return to power. An official from Afghanistan's administration remarked, "The activities have been suspended for three months, and our fate hinges on the restoration of U.S. aid."
Beyond Afghanistan, the suspension of assistance is expected to have dire consequences for various programs throughout Latin America. Notably, aid aimed at addressing health issues, education, and the war on drugs are all under threat. Elmer Shialer, Peru's Foreign Minister, confirmed the impact of the freeze on projects managed by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which included plans for developmental support valued at around $630 million until 2030.
Shialer acknowledged the need for U.S. aid, stating, "Although we expected to receive significant assistance, the issuance of this order has halted funds until the review is complete." The minister stressed the likelihood of impacts on health, education, environment, and security cooperation, as key programs relied heavily on American support. He clarified, "Every dollar we receive plays a pivotal role, especially on the security front, which remains strategic for U.S. interests."
Critics of the freeze, including international organizations, have expressed their alarm at how swiftly the U.S. has moved to implement this broad policy shift, which they contend will only exacerbate existing crises, particularly among vulnerable demographics lacking food security and medical support.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has similarly called for the U.S. to allow exemptions to its newly imposed restrictions, asserting the need for continued humanitarian assistance to communities reliant on foreign aid. Reportedly, Guterres conveyed his deep concern, urging, "We must work together to develop strategic solutions to aid populations facing the greatest challenges within developing nations."
Despite the freeze on humanitarian and development assistance, military aid to Israel and Egypt remains unaffected, indicating the U.S. administration's commitment to its allies even amid funding review processes. This distinction emphasizes the complexity of U.S. foreign aid policy, which often involves significant political calculus and alignment of national interests.
The debate on the future of U.S. foreign aid is expected to evolve as the new administration navigates through the consequences of these recent actions. Observers are keeping a close eye on whether systemic reforms will emerge from the review process, recommitting to long-term development goals or resulting instead in more stringent conditions and reevaluations of global partnerships.
All eyes will be on future discussions between the U.S. government and humanitarian organizations around ensuring aid continuity, which remains pivotal for millions of lives around the world. The hope is for urgent insights and remedies to flow from these interactions to safeguard against potential crises triggered by the funding suspension.