The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) has suspended its US-funded operations following President Donald Trump’s executive order freezing foreign aid, marking the first suspension in the organization’s history. The NRC, which provides life-saving support across more than 20 countries, including Ukraine, Afghanistan, Sudan, and Burkina Faso, expressed deep concern over the impact of the aid freeze on vulnerable populations worldwide.
The order, issued by Trump on his return to office, mandates a 90-day pause in foreign assistance for review, including humanitarian programs. While a temporary waiver was granted by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the NRC criticized the waiver’s limited scope. The waiver only covers essential life-saving aid like food, medical services, and shelter, but excludes key programs such as emergency education and youth protection services, which are vital to those in crisis.
NRC officials also noted the financial strain caused by the suspension, with millions of dollars in pending payment requests to the US government. Despite the waiver, the group is unable to access funds for work completed before the freeze, hindering their ability to continue programs without clarity on reimbursements.
The NRC’s suspension underscores the widespread concerns over the potential long-term consequences of the aid freeze, particularly as the US remains the world’s largest donor of foreign assistance. The organization is calling for a full lifting of the aid freeze to prevent further disruptions to its life-saving work.
The executive order and its subsequent impact on humanitarian efforts add to concerns raised by Trump’s previous withdrawal from international organizations such as the World Health Organization and the UN Human Rights Council. Critics argue these actions could severely undermine global efforts to address humanitarian crises and human rights violations.
This situation highlights the fragile balance between foreign policy and humanitarian needs, as organizations like the NRC continue to navigate the complexities of operating under shifting political landscapes.
Refugee Camp Picture by stockcake.
