(RNS) — As the Trump administration announces a 90-day halt on foreign aid to probe potential misuse, leaders of Catholic humanitarian organizations are sounding the alarm over the potentially devastating consequences.
They warn that any interruption in assistance will likely result in loss of life, particularly for the most vulnerable communities.
Those affected include people in famine-stricken Sudan, unaccompanied minors fleeing turmoil in Ethiopia, and religious minorities like Yazidis and Christians in Iraq.
Critical Impact of U.S. Aid Freeze
Alistair Dutton, Secretary General of Caritas Internationalis—a global federation of 162 Catholic charities—made it clear that halting aid could lead to millions of deaths and cause immense suffering for countless others.
In 2024, nearly 40% of humanitarian assistance documented by the United Nations was sourced from U.S. funding, with Catholic organizations being instrumental in enabling many of these programs.
Catholic Relief Services (CRS), the U.S. branch of Caritas Internationalis, has been particularly impacted, as a substantial portion of its funding comes from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
In 2023, this government support accounted for more than half of CRS’s total revenue.
However, recent actions by the administration—especially from Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency—have led to significant funding reductions.
Direct Consequences for Refugees
Dutton underscored the critical function of the U.S. government in financing United Nations humanitarian agencies, which provide materials like food and funds to nonprofit networks linked to Caritas.
To mitigate the effects of the funding freeze, Caritas is now affecting its services using financial reserves, but this is not a sustainable solution.
Kelly Ryan, president of Jesuit Refugee Service/USA, reported that the suspension of funds has directly impacted over 100,000 refugees and displaced individuals.
Approximately 400,000 more are also feeling the repercussions.
This aid contributes about 60% to the organization’s total budget, and losing it jeopardizes essential services such as medical care, nutritional programs, and support for orphans and unaccompanied minors in refugee settings.
Despite ongoing efforts to seek compensatory support from European governments, Dutton noted a prevailing hesitation among these nations.
There’s a palpable risk that if one government pulls back, it could trigger a chain reaction of decreased support from others.
Call to Action for Support
Ryan explained that JRS/USA has been actively pursuing alternative funding strategies to continue their programs, highlighting their unwavering commitment to their mission and the urgent need to assist those in distress.
She pointed out the historical bipartisan support that has bolstered their work, reinforcing U.S. interests in global stability and security.
She remains hopeful that this tradition will endure, even as funding faces challenges.
On January 28, Senator Marco Rubio announced that “lifesaving” humanitarian assistance—such as crucial medical supplies and food—would be exempt from the aid freeze.
However, Dutton expressed concern that many organizations struggle to comprehend the details of this exemption and grapple with potential legal liabilities.
Ryan remarked that despite the State Department encouraging organizations to apply for exemptions, the entire process has been fraught with uncertainty.
She mentioned that efforts to expedite these waivers are underway but noted that reports indicate progress on life-saving aid exemptions has stalled.
The administration has criticized USAID for allegedly prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives; however, many of the projects they cited were financed through a different office within the State Department.
Dutton reaffirmed Caritas’s commitment to inclusivity, supporting women, children, and individuals with disabilities.
He cautioned that any negative perception of such efforts would represent a troubling change, asserting that inclusivity is a core Christian value.
In light of the funding crisis, both Caritas Internationalis and JRS/USA are urging Catholics to support their local organizations and engage with their elected representatives.
They aim to communicate the urgency of the situation to the administration, hoping to encourage a reevaluation of the aid freeze and reaffirm a commitment to helping those in dire need around the world.
Source: Religionnews
