US pledges $2 billion for UN humanitarian programmes with strict conditions
The United States has pledged $2 billion to fund UN humanitarian programmes, an announcement made in Geneva by Jeremy Lewin, the US Under Secretary for Foreign Assistance, alongside UN emergency relief chief Tom Fletcher.
This pledge comes amidst significant cuts to US humanitarian funding, with the 2022 US contribution to UN humanitarian work being approximately $17 billion. However, the funding carries conditions prioritising 17 countries, including Haiti, Syria, and Sudan, while excluding Afghanistan and Yemen.
The US cites evidence that UN funds in Afghanistan were diverted to the Taliban, emphasizing that President Trump will not tolerate any US money going to terrorist groups. These restrictions risk hindering aid efforts in non-listed countries, leading to consequences such as the closure of mother-and-baby clinics in Afghanistan and reduced food rations for displaced people in Sudan. Globally, these changes are expected to result in a rise in child mortality.
Climate-change projects have been excluded from funding as Lewin states such projects are not life-saving and do not align with US interests. He warns the UN to "adapt or die" and asserts the US funding will not support organisations wanting to return to the old system. The funds must be focused, efficient, and free of duplication, a position supported by Tom Fletcher and the UN system.
While some questions have arisen regarding the politicisation of these conditions and their potential challenge to humanitarian principles of neutrality and impartiality, particularly regarding banned countries and the exclusion of climate crises, the UN has welcomed the funding. This comes as other donors, including the UK and Germany, are expected to implement further cuts.
