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Freeze of US foreign aid disrupts refugee lives

The suspension of all foreign aid ordered by the US Government on 24 January 2025 has disrupted life-saving support to refugees and other forcibly displaced people living in vulnerable situations almost overnight. The funding freeze required an immediate work stop, affecting JRS’s operations in nine countries across the world. 

“I had just mobilised to meet new arrivals at the Doro reception centre to conduct Psychological First Aid and psychoeducation sessions when I received the instruction to halt our activities,” said Elizabeth Nyapito. She serves as a Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Officer with JRS in Maban, South Sudan. “Those waiting for our support were left stranded, filled with questions, as they knew that JRS had always been their reliable lifeline within the camp.” 

A Global Crisis

Over the past few months, major international agencies such as UNHCR and UNICEF, as well as other NGOs and implementing partners, have been forced to close offices, cut staff, and slash budgets. Increasingly, JRS staff are struggling to refer displaced people for vital services. In many cases, local institutions were already under-resourced, and international partners are increasingly downsizing their programmes.

This adversely impacts underserved communities, preventing displaced children from going to school, threatening the future of young refugees whose skill-development programmes have been suspended and placing undue stress on women who can no longer access psychosocial support.

Responding to the challenges ahead

JRS has strived to continue providing vital assistance throughout this time. Support from our friends and partners around the world has enabled us to mitigate the impact of the stop-work order. However, we know that many challenges lie ahead. Seven of the nine country offices affected have received a definitive termination letter from the US Government, and alternative resources are falling short. Meanwhile, many other JRS offices around the world have also felt the indirect effects of this crisis, experiencing significant losses.

As we navigate through this new reality, one thing is clear: “We are not just a service provider—we are an organisation that walks with refugees. In times of crisis, we stand in unwavering solidarity with those forced to flee,” in the words of JRS International Director, Michael Schopf SJ. “Withdrawing dignity from one group today can lead to the same happening to all of us tomorrow.” 

At a time when narratives of hatred and division are increasingly taking root, we can only hope that more people are moved to take a stand in the name of compassion and collective action.

In a world that is turning away from refugees, don’t be afraid to be different and to make a difference.