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Apr 29th, 2025, 12:37 PM ET·World

UN Aid Agencies to Cut Jobs Amid US Funding Reductions

The World Food Program and UN refugee agency announce significant job cuts due to funding reductions, primarily from the United States, impacting global aid programs.


Summary

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

The World Food Program and UN refugee agency plan to reduce their workforce by up to 30% due to significant funding cuts from the US. This will severely disrupt humanitarian aid efforts worldwide, affecting millions who rely on their services. The UN agencies warn that the cuts are the most substantial in 25 years and will impact all regions and programs. As military spending rises, the agencies' operations, including food and clean water aid, will suffer significantly, leading to worse conditions for the vulnerable populations they serve.

Sources (3)

Compare coverage of this story from news outlets across the political spectrum.
  • ABC News
  • Associated Press
  • Funding cuts from the U.S. are leading to significant job losses at the World Food Program (WFP) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
  • These cuts are affecting essential humanitarian operations and threaten to worsen conditions for vulnerable populations around the world.
  • The UN expresses concern about the impact of these funding reductions during a time of increasing military spending and highlights the urgent need for continued aid.
World Food Program, other UN aid agencies slash jobs amid US funding cuts: Officials
ABC NewsABC News·22d·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…The cuts to the U.N. agencies underscore the impact of President Donald Trump's decision to pull back the U.S. from its position as the world's single largest aid donor."

World Food Program and other UN aid agencies slash jobs amid US funding cuts, officials say
Associated PressAssociated Press·22d·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…The cuts to the U.N. agencies underscore the impact of President Donald Trump’s decision to pull back the U.S. from its position as the world’s single largest aid donor."

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UN Aid Agencies to Cut Jobs Amid US Funding Reductions - Pano News