The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has come under scrutiny following the cessation of funding that led to the closure of a United Nations human rights program in Iraq. This program was critical for assisting individuals affected by torture and for providing support to families with missing persons. The announcement was made by the spokesperson for the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Ravina Shamdasani, during a press conference held in Geneva.
The OHCHR had previously urged for renewed legislative and investigative measures to address the significant number of missing persons in Iraq. These individuals are often victims of torture and forced disappearances, notably linked to the oppressive Ba’athist regime, the subsequent US invasion, and more recent ISIS activities. The human rights program was developed in response to these calls for action.
However, sweeping budgetary constraints emerged following an executive order from the Trump administration. This order temporarily froze all USAID disbursements for a 90-day period pending reviews of their “programmatic efficiency” and alignment with “United States foreign policy.” Consequently, this led to the suspension of approximately 230 USAID grants and contracts, affecting numerous non-governmental organizations and UN humanitarian initiatives.
Despite opposition from within USAID itself, where employees secured an injunction to safeguard crucial support services, other legal efforts to restore specific funding streams have not succeeded. The cessation of the Iraqi program echoes broader concerns raised by the United Nations, Amnesty International, and other significant aid groups. They warn that abrupt funding cuts could precipitate severe humanitarian impacts, as a substantial portion of global humanitarian relief—nearly 47 percent—is supported by US funds. This concern is mirrored in other key closures, such as the termination of operations at the UN World Food Programme’s office in Southern Africa, further illustrating the widespread ramifications of these budget cuts. More details on these effects are documented in a report by Jurist.