Trump’s foreign aid freeze disrupts global fight against modern slavery
The United States, the world’s largest aid donor, has suspended foreign aid under President Donald Trump’s directive. This decision is already impacting global efforts to combat modern slavery.
The United States Department of State has issued a ‘stop work’ order for all existing foreign aid.
This means funding for ongoing development and humanitarian programs has been abruptly halted, disrupting essential services for vulnerable communities worldwide.
New aid has also been paused but with some exceptions around food assistance and related expenses, as well as funding for US allies in the Middle East, Israel and Egypt.
There’s already evidence of significant impacts on efforts to combat modern slavery.
Human rights groups in countries including Kenya, Syria, and Lebanon, have had to stop all programs. This includes staff layoffs and ending services for survivors of modern slavery.
Trump’s 90-day aid freeze puts vulnerable communities at risk
The 90-day pause is reportedly in place to review if aid programs are aligned with President Trump’s foreign policy. The State Department cable came into effect immediately.
Senior officials were required to “ensure that, to the maximum extent permitted by law, no new obligations shall be made for foreign assistance” until programs had been reviewed.
However, the broad language of the order has already led to life-saving assistance being cut.
Global leaders warn Trump’s aid cuts will worsen humanitarian crises
The US is the largest provider of foreign aid globally, playing a crucial role in supporting development and humanitarian efforts.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres voiced concern over the recent policy shift, warning of its potential impact.
He called for additional exemptions to ensure critical aid continues reaching the world’s most vulnerable communities.
Wealthy nations must act to stop modern slavery amid US aid freeze
Modern slavery is deeply connected to the demand for goods and services from higher-income countries.
The buying practices of wealthier governments and businesses make them complicit when exploitation happens in lower-income countries where global supply chains reach.
The world’s wealthiest nations must step up and fill these funding gaps to ensure the global movement to end modern slavery is not abandoned.
