UN agency faces cuts, impacting millions globally

The United Nations migration agency announced on Tuesday that it is cutting back on essential projects worldwide due to a significant funding cut. This reduction, mainly driven by the United States, amounts to about 30%. The International Organization for Migration (IOM), based in Geneva, stated that this funding decrease will impact vulnerable migrant communities. It will worsen ongoing humanitarian crises and disrupt support for displaced individuals. The agency will halt several key programs, including food and healthcare for Rohingya refugees in Thailand and emergency aid for over 40,000 people affected by conflicts and cyclones in Mozambique. Programs aimed at preventing cholera and providing medical care in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo will also be affected. Millions are displaced by conflict and famine in these areas. IOM pointed out that funding to tackle the causes of displacement is declining even as historic levels of displacement are being observed. In 2023, the U.S. contributed over 40% of IOM's budget of $3.4 billion. To lessen the impact of these cuts, the agency plans to restructure its operations. This includes moving staff to more affordable locations and reducing its headquarters workforce by over 20%. The cuts will affect more than 6,000 employees worldwide. IOM expressed regret about the job losses, acknowledging the dedication many staff have shown to the agency's mission. These recent cuts are part of a broader trend impacting the humanitarian sector that began during the previous U.S. administration, which aimed to significantly reduce foreign aid.