United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has issued a stark warning regarding the severe humanitarian and development funding cuts by the United States, stressing that the decision could have catastrophic consequences for millions of vulnerable people worldwide.
Speaking at the UN Headquarters in New York, Guterres emphasized that these funding reductions would severely undermine critical programs aimed at maintaining global stability, health, and security. He urged the U.S. government to reconsider its position, warning that the cuts would not only impact those in desperate need but also weaken international efforts to combat crises.
“Going through with these cuts will make the world less healthy, less safe, and less prosperous. The consequences will be especially devastating for vulnerable people around the world,” Guterres stated.
He reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to engaging with the U.S. government, ensuring transparency in humanitarian operations, and providing justification for ongoing projects.
Humanitarian Crises at Risk
The funding cuts are expected to disrupt essential humanitarian and development programs, including health services, refugee support, and crisis response efforts in multiple regions:
- Afghanistan: Over 9 million people may lose access to critical health and protection services due to the suspension of mobile health teams and other essential programs.
- Northeast Syria: 2.5 million people relying on humanitarian assistance face severe disruptions as U.S. funding ceases.
- Ukraine: Cash-based aid, which supported one million people in 2024, has already been suspended.
- South Sudan: The withdrawal of financial support has crippled refugee aid programs, worsening overcrowding and unsanitary conditions at border areas.
Beyond direct humanitarian relief, the cuts also pose a major threat to global health security and counterterrorism initiatives.
Threat to Global Health and Security
Guterres highlighted that the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) would be forced to scale back or halt key counter-narcotics operations, including efforts to combat the fentanyl crisis and human trafficking networks. Additionally, funding for crucial disease prevention programs, including those targeting HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and cholera, has been abruptly halted, putting millions at risk.
Call for Renewed U.S. Leadership
The UN Secretary-General acknowledged the historic role of the U.S. in global humanitarian efforts, emphasizing that American support has saved lives, fostered peace, and contributed to global stability.
“The generosity and compassion of the American people have not only saved lives, built peace, and improved the state of the world—they have contributed to the stability and prosperity that Americans depend on,” he stated.
Despite the funding challenges, Guterres assured that the UN remains committed to delivering lifesaving aid and exploring alternative funding sources to sustain critical humanitarian efforts.
As the world faces escalating crises, the international community continues to call for sustained investment in humanitarian and security initiatives to prevent further global instability.
