During a press conference, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, made an urgent call regarding the devastating consequences that could arise from the cuts in humanitarian and development funding being implemented by the United States. Guterres acknowledged the historical and fundamental role of the United States in these efforts, highlighting that the generosity of the American people has not only saved lives and promoted peace, but has also ensured global stability and prosperity, on which American citizens themselves depend.
During his speech, Guterres warned that reducing the humanitarian participation of the United States will not only worsen the situation of the most vulnerable, but could also result in a setback in US strategic interests worldwide. In this sense, he called for a reconsideration of these decisions based on a more thorough analysis and offered to collaborate with UN agencies to provide all necessary information about ongoing humanitarian projects.
Cuts in international assistance directly impact a wide range of critical programs. For example, it is estimated that over nine million people in Afghanistan will be left without access to medical services due to the interruption of hundreds of mobile health teams. In northeast Syria, around 2.5 million people in urgent need of assistance will be compromised. Similarly, in Ukraine, the lack of cash aid that used to benefit a million people in 2024 will affect the most vulnerable regions. South Sudan is also in a critical situation, with significant reductions in support programs for displaced persons.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) will be forced to limit its actions, interrupting programs aimed at combating fentanyl and other drug-related challenges. In addition, these cuts will have harmful effects on essential initiatives combating diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and cholera.
Despite these serious challenges, Guterres emphasized that the UN continues to assist and protect over 100 million people annually, thanks to the generosity of donors, with the United States leading the way. In the current situation, humanitarian coordinators are urgently working to update strategies that ensure the continuity of vital assistance. The Inter-Agency Standing Committee has agreed on a plan that prioritizes efficiency and donor diversification, reaffirming the UN’s commitment to make humanitarian efforts as effective, responsible, and innovative as possible, while continuing to save lives.
Referrer: MiMub in Spanish
