NRC suspends operations in 20 countries due to US aid freeze

DDM News

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) has been forced to suspend its humanitarian operations in over 20 countries following a freeze on US aid.

The freeze, which was implemented under President Donald Trump’s administration, has impacted NRC’s ability to carry out essential work in regions devastated by conflict, natural disasters, and displacement.

The organization, one of the largest humanitarian bodies globally, made this announcement on Monday, stating that this action marks the first time in its history it has had to halt such urgent operations, Diaspora digital media (DDM) reports.

In a statement, NRC confirmed that the US’s cessation or delay of humanitarian funds has had severe consequences, forcing the organization to cease its ongoing support for vulnerable populations in various parts of the world.

The freeze has significantly affected countries like Ukraine, Afghanistan, Sudan, and Burkina Faso, where NRC had been providing critical emergency aid.

“For the first time in our history, we will have to suspend ongoing and urgent humanitarian work for hundreds of thousands of people in nearly 20 countries,” NRC said.

In 2024, the NRC assisted 1.6 million people through US-funded programmes.

The US contributed around 20% of the NRC’s funding last year, amounting to $150 million.

However, with the funding now suspended or delayed, the organization has been unable to carry out vital operations, including the distribution of emergency support to 57,000 people in Ukraine’s frontline communities.

This halt in financial aid has resulted in staff layoffs globally, including in Afghanistan, and threatened the survival of lifesaving programmes in Sudan’s Darfur region and Burkina Faso.

NRC has also reported millions of dollars in outstanding payments to the US government.

The lack of reimbursement for these payments means that “hundreds of thousands of people” could be left without essential assistance that was previously supported by US humanitarian funding, according to the statement.

As part of his broader policy shifts, President Trump has ordered the suspension of foreign aid, including the closure of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which has historically administered US humanitarian assistance.

This freeze has disrupted not only NRC’s ability to operate but also the vital relief efforts of many other humanitarian organizations dependent on US funding.

With the suspension of these crucial programs, NRC faces a difficult road ahead, as it continues to advocate for the reinstatement of US support for its international humanitarian missions.

The organization’s leadership has made it clear that without the US’s support, many lives will be at risk, and entire communities will be left vulnerable in the face of ongoing crises.

As the NRC works to navigate the financial challenges posed by the aid freeze, the humanitarian community is left grappling with the severe impact of these funding cuts on the world’s most vulnerable populations.

The organization has called for immediate action to ensure that its work can continue and that those in need are not left without support.

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