American support ends suddenly: foreign humanitarian organisations in crisis

Millions of people are losing access to vital support, with disastrous consequences for refugees and displaced people. Food and medical aid are at risk, while legal aid is being severely restricted. In many countries – including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Lebanon, Ukraine, Sudan and Syria – aid programmes have ground to a halt.  

Tragic consequences in Curaçao

The situation on the island of Curaçao, where thousands of Venezuelan and Colombian refugees seek safety, is dire. According to Simone de Brabander of Human Rights Defense Curaçao, the funding freeze poses an immediate threat to their work. 'Through our helpdesk and programmes, we provide refugees with crucial information and legal advice on their rights and access to protection. We ensure they are not wrongfully detained and help reunite families. Now, all this is hanging by a thread', warns De Brabander.  

Chaos in Türkiye 

There are also disturbing reports from Türkiye, where millions of Syrian refugees are living in harsh conditions. One of our partner organisations there describes the situation: 'It’s total chaos. Overnight, we have lost the ability to do much of our work. We are forced to lay off staff, close offices and, worst of all, we can no longer provide legal aid to refugees. People who are wrongfully detained or facing deportation are now completely on their own.' Other partner organisations in southeastern Türkiye report that many aid operations have been suspended, with devastating consequences.  

Wherever possible, we continue to support our partner organisations on Europe’s borders and in Curaçao to help them continue their vital work – ensuring that refugees continue to have access to legal aid, mental health support and social services.