GENEVA: According to internal documents provided to staff, the UN agencies for food and refugees are planning drastic cuts as a result of a historic decline in financing, especially from the US, a former leading donor. This raises concerns about how to continue providing famine assistance.
Major contributors, such as the United States under President Donald Trump and other Western nations, have slashed funding to the humanitarian sector as they prioritise defence spending due to rising concerns about China and Russia.
Last month, the Rome-based United Nations agency, the World Food Programme, issued a warning that 58 million people might face famine or severe hunger unless immediate money for food assistance is provided. The WFP warned on Friday that the severe food shortages in Sudan could affect millions of people.
With the 2025 donor estimate at $6.4 billion, a 40 percent decrease from the previous year, WFP director Stephen Omollo said in an internal document issued to staff on Thursday and obtained by Reuters that the changes were required because of the “unprecedented funding environment.” He did not point the finger at any nations. He said that the anticipated cuts might not be enough and that more downsizing was necessary, saying, “We remain concerned that the situation shows no sign of improving.
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