USAID Funding Freeze: A Global Catastrophe
Two months ago, Mang Hre Lian graced the stage in Washington, receiving accolades from then-U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken for his tireless efforts in promoting human rights and religious freedom in Myanmar. Now, as the 2024 recipient of the State Department’s Human Rights Defender Award, Lian finds himself navigating the corridors of American power, desperately trying to secure funding for his organization amidst President Donald Trump’s sweeping freeze on USAID spending.
USAID, the U.S. Agency for International Development, disburses billions of dollars in humanitarian aid and foreign assistance to countless countries worldwide. Some of its programs have garnered emergency waivers, while others have resorted to legal challenges. However, the freeze has created widespread disruption and raised alarm about the devastating consequences of defunding or dismantling USAID altogether.
Global Food Crises
According to the 2024 Global Report on Food Crises, an estimated 282 million people in 59 countries and territories faced extreme food shortages threatening their survival. USAID’s food purchases and deliveries were suspended until late Monday, putting over 475,000 metric tons of U.S. food commodities at risk of spoilage. This food, grown by American farmers, has the capacity to feed 36 million people.
As of Monday, over 29,000 metric tons of these commodities were stranded in USAID warehouses in Houston, awaiting shipment to destinations like Chad, Haiti, and Sudan. Food supplies were also left stranded at ports across the United States, jeopardizing the lives of millions.
HIV/AIDS Epidemic
The global response to HIV/AIDS is heavily dependent on USAID funding. PEPFAR (President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief), launched in 2003 under President George W. Bush, has saved over 26 million lives through its investment in prevention, treatment, and support programs in 55 countries.
Despite funding waivers granted amid the USAID pause, Christine Stegling of UNAIDS reported a significant "disruption of treatment services." Community health drop-in centers have been particularly affected, with over 5,000 health workers and 10,000 clerical staff in Ethiopia losing their jobs. Uganda has closed all its dedicated HIV/AIDS clinics.
Experts warn that if PEPFAR is not re-authorized from 2025 to 2029, there could be a 400% increase in AIDS-related deaths worldwide.
Prison Camps in Syria
A network of prisons in northeastern Syria has been holding former Islamic State group militants and their families since the organization’s defeat in 2019. Camp al-Hol, a tent city housing approximately 40,000 people, faces deteriorating conditions following the suspension of USAID funding.
Jihan Hanan, al-Hol’s director, warned that essential services like healthcare and food supplies have been impacted, leading to increased security risks and the possibility of mass prison breaks. She emphasized that the camp is a global concern, with citizens from various countries residing there.
Democracy and Human Rights
While USAID is renowned for its direct field assistance in disease prevention and refugee support, it also plays a crucial role in promoting democracy, human rights, and good governance. This involves working with governments and civic actors in both democratizing and aspiring democracies.
One USAID official highlighted the organization’s efforts in providing grants for human rights initiatives, media coverage, technical assistance for local leaders, and support for the families of political prisoners and victims of sexual violence.
Devastating Impact on Local Organizations
Mang Hre Lian’s organization, the Chin Human Rights Organization, has been severely impacted by the withdrawal of USAID funding. The group has been forced to lay off or reduce the salaries of a third of its staff. This has hindered their ability to document human rights abuses, operate a communications channel for residents, and provide essential services in remote communities.
Za Uk Ling, the organization’s deputy executive director, expressed the profound impact on local communities. He emphasized that the suspension of USAID funding threatens to unravel their efforts to prevent and document atrocities.
Criticisms and Controversy
The Trump administration has justified its decision to dismantle USAID by citing waste and abuse. A White House statement listed 12 alleged examples, which a Washington Post fact check found to be largely misleading, incorrect, or lacking context.
Critics of USAID have also raised concerns about the funding of extremist groups. However, the USAID Inspector General’s report warns that abolishing the agency would make it more difficult to prevent misuse of funds.
Expert Opinion
Former USAID Administrator Andrew Natsios believes that the administration should restructure the agency rather than dismantle it. He argues that simply slashing vital programs is a mistake, while a comprehensive review and restructuring is long overdue.
Conclusion
The Trump administration’s funding freeze on USAID has had a devastating impact worldwide. It has disrupted humanitarian aid, endangered food security, exacerbated the HIV/AIDS epidemic, and undermined efforts to promote democracy and human rights. The consequences of a permanent dismantling of USAID would be catastrophic for millions of people around the globe.
