You might want to cover the impact of the freeze of US funding.Maybe you can reach out and ask UNICEF HQs?
I asked a former team member who is now in Somalia and she said over74 UNICEF country programmes are affected and especially Humanitarian work was funded by USAID but also all other areas of work - for example - child protection and they really do not know what will happen, how to tell their partners, whether their projects/positions will continue or not. Apparently the ExDir had a Town Hall and told staff not to loose their morale etc. And other Donors are trying to help a bit while the discussions continue but as the ExDir was a Biden appointee - she might not be in such a great position with the new Regime.
Thought to share with you. Maybe you have heard other such stories and can put together for the Newsletter?
Very best, Niloufar
Editor's Note : We thank Niloufar to pointing out how the US funding freeze and the confusion over what it covers and what it does not cover may have profound impacts on UNICEF projects. If any members know more or have heard from colleagues in the field, please let us know. Below are two recent articles on impacts already being felt by agencies.
I asked a former team member who is now in Somalia and she said over74 UNICEF country programmes are affected and especially Humanitarian work was funded by USAID but also all other areas of work - for example - child protection and they really do not know what will happen, how to tell their partners, whether their projects/positions will continue or not. Apparently the ExDir had a Town Hall and told staff not to loose their morale etc. And other Donors are trying to help a bit while the discussions continue but as the ExDir was a Biden appointee - she might not be in such a great position with the new Regime.
Thought to share with you. Maybe you have heard other such stories and can put together for the Newsletter?
Very best, Niloufar
Editor's Note : We thank Niloufar to pointing out how the US funding freeze and the confusion over what it covers and what it does not cover may have profound impacts on UNICEF projects. If any members know more or have heard from colleagues in the field, please let us know. Below are two recent articles on impacts already being felt by agencies.
It is important to note that the funding freeze was temporarily blocked by a court and the freeze memo was then 'rescinded' by the Trump Administration. However, considerable confusion and uncertainty continues for the many agencies affected by the initial announcement.
1. FEWS Net - DEVEX - Famine Early Warning System Goes Offline Due Funding Freeze
Summary:
The USAID-funded Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) has gone offline due to a 90-day U.S. foreign aid freeze under the Trump administration. The tool, widely used by humanitarian organizations to monitor food insecurity in nearly 30 countries, is now unavailable, causing concern among aid workers. The freeze is part of a broader stop-work order while the administration reviews foreign aid spending under its “America First” agenda. Aid organizations warn that without FEWS NET, their ability to respond to crises will be significantly hindered, potentially endangering vulnerable populations.
Key Quote:
"Holy shit. FEWS NET is like the Bible. We rely on them for humanitarian planning, for help with funding advocacy." – Humanitarian official
2. Chaos among humanitarian agencies - DEVEX - Aid's New Grim Reality
Summary:
The USAID aid freeze has created widespread chaos among humanitarian organizations, leaving thousands of aid workers in limbo and critical supplies stranded at borders. The 90-day halt on U.S. foreign development assistance, combined with a gag order on USAID staff, has paralyzed aid efforts and forced some organizations toward bankruptcy. While waivers for “life-saving humanitarian assistance” were introduced, no clear guidance has been provided, leaving organizations unsure of what qualifies. With over 40% of global humanitarian aid at risk, many fear that millions will suffer—and people will die—as food spoils and clinics shut down.
Key Quote:
"The most dramatic impact of this is that people are going to die." — Rev. Eugene Cho, President & CEO, Bread for the World
1. FEWS Net - DEVEX - Famine Early Warning System Goes Offline Due Funding Freeze
Summary:
The USAID-funded Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) has gone offline due to a 90-day U.S. foreign aid freeze under the Trump administration. The tool, widely used by humanitarian organizations to monitor food insecurity in nearly 30 countries, is now unavailable, causing concern among aid workers. The freeze is part of a broader stop-work order while the administration reviews foreign aid spending under its “America First” agenda. Aid organizations warn that without FEWS NET, their ability to respond to crises will be significantly hindered, potentially endangering vulnerable populations.
Key Quote:
"Holy shit. FEWS NET is like the Bible. We rely on them for humanitarian planning, for help with funding advocacy." – Humanitarian official
2. Chaos among humanitarian agencies - DEVEX - Aid's New Grim Reality
Summary:
The USAID aid freeze has created widespread chaos among humanitarian organizations, leaving thousands of aid workers in limbo and critical supplies stranded at borders. The 90-day halt on U.S. foreign development assistance, combined with a gag order on USAID staff, has paralyzed aid efforts and forced some organizations toward bankruptcy. While waivers for “life-saving humanitarian assistance” were introduced, no clear guidance has been provided, leaving organizations unsure of what qualifies. With over 40% of global humanitarian aid at risk, many fear that millions will suffer—and people will die—as food spoils and clinics shut down.
Key Quote:
"The most dramatic impact of this is that people are going to die." — Rev. Eugene Cho, President & CEO, Bread for the World
UNICEF-US is probably the best source for information on the possible future of US funding. As happened at least three times during the Reagan administration, we should expect this gang to try to cut ALL funding to UNICEF. At that time aid to Israel and funding for UNICEF were sort “sacred cows” and in each case Congress restored the funding for UNICEF and once even increased it. I suspect that UNICEF no longer has that strong loyal following in Congress. Steve U
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