The Impact of US Foreign Aid Freeze on Vulnerable Refugees
The recent decision by the United States government to freeze foreign aid has had a devastating impact on humanitarian organizations, especially the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS), which provides critical support to displaced people worldwide.
By Linda Bordoni
Br. Michael Schöpf, the International Director of JRS, expressed deep concern over the abrupt cessation of US government foreign aid funding, highlighting the shift away from multilateral cooperation and the erosion of a value-based world order.
Projects in nine countries, including Chad, Ethiopia, Iraq, and South Sudan, were immediately affected, leaving over 100,000 refugees without vital services such as education, mental health support, and emergency assistance.
Br. Schöpf shared that the suspension of funding came without warning, leaving JRS unable to prepare or transition, greatly impacting the vulnerable populations they serve.
One of the hardest-hit programs is the education initiative in eastern Chad, where over 10,000 students and 450 teachers are at risk of losing access to schooling due to lack of funds.
The funding freeze not only jeopardizes education but also mental health support and community-based income-generating activities, creating a rise in vulnerability among refugees.
A Wider Humanitarian Crisis Looming
Beyond JRS, the freeze on US funding threatens the broader humanitarian aid network, impacting organizations like UNHCR that rely on US contributions. The ramifications of this decision extend far beyond JRS, affecting global development aid.
Br. Schöpf warned that a second wave of disruptions will follow as other organizations decide how to respond to the funding freeze, leading to a crisis in the entire humanitarian network.
The consequences of these cuts are dire, with refugee children losing access to education, safety, stability, and even meals provided at school, making it an immediate “life-saving” humanitarian crisis.
The End of Multilateralism?
The decision to halt aid represents a departure from multilateral cooperation, which has been the cornerstone of global humanitarian efforts. Br. Schöpf emphasized that this shift signals a deeper transformation in the global order, prioritizing transactional relationships over human dignity.
He highlighted Pope Francis’s warnings against such shifts, stressing the importance of advocating for the preservation of human dignity in global policies.
A Call for Action
JRS has launched an emergency appeal to bridge the immediate funding gap, aiming to raise $1.5 to $2 million. However, Br. Schöpf acknowledged that this is a temporary solution and cannot replace the structural support once provided by multilateral cooperation.
For those looking to help, direct donations to JRS through their website or supporting other affected charities are encouraged. Beyond financial contributions, advocating for the preservation of human dignity in global policies is crucial.
Br. Schöpf urged individuals to speak to political leaders and remind them that withdrawing dignity from one group today can have repercussions for all tomorrow.
Pope Francis’ Leadership
Br. Schöpf highlighted the importance of Pope Francis’s unwavering support for the most vulnerable, emphasizing the need for faith in action. He noted that Pope Francis’s advocacy for human dignity aligns with JRS’s mission of walking with refugees and standing in solidarity with those forced to flee.
