Geneva: Nearly 500 United Nations employees gathered at Geneva’s iconic Place des Nations on Labour Day to voice their alarm over severe budget cuts triggered by the United States’ decision to drastically reduce foreign aid spending. The rally, held in front of the UN’s European headquarters, was driven by mounting fears that the funding shortfall could devastate humanitarian operations worldwide.
Ian Richards, president of the UN staff union in Geneva, emphasized the gravity of the situation. “Cutting UN staff means cutting lifelines for those in famine, children needing education, and families forced from their homes,” he said.
The protest came just days after multiple UN agencies warned they would be forced to lay off staff and scale back programs due to the reduced funding—primarily stemming from the Trump administration’s retreat from its historic role as the top global donor. Among the hardest-hit organizations are UNICEF and OCHA, both of which face staffing and budget reductions of around 20%.
The World Food Programme (WFP), which received nearly half its 2024 budget from the US, is preparing to cut up to 30% of its personnel. A senior WFP official described the current cuts as the largest in a quarter-century, warning of program closures or significant downsizing.
The funding crisis is a direct result of President Donald Trump empowering a new governmental entity—the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by billionaire Elon Musk—to streamline federal operations, particularly by slashing foreign aid.
Even before these moves, many donor countries had already reduced their humanitarian contributions, leaving UN agencies struggling to meet funding targets.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres is reportedly “deeply troubled” by the financial blow, according to spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric.
The UN refugee agency (UNHCR), which supports nearly 44 million refugees and others displaced by conflict and disaster, also announced a significant restructuring plan. The agency will trim its headquarters and regional offices, eliminate half of its senior positions, and cut costs by 30%.
UNICEF, facing a projected 20% drop in funding for 2025, echoed the alarm. “The progress we've made for children is now at risk,” a spokesperson said. “This global funding crisis is being exacerbated by sharp reductions from key donors.”
