USAID: A pillar of global development
Since its establishment in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy, USAID has played a central role in promoting global development. The organisation is responsible for 42 percent of all emergency aid worldwide and has improved millions of lives through programmes in poverty reduction, health, and education. These efforts have not only supported millions of people but also contributed to international stability and peace.
Aid is not charity but an investment that prevents poverty and conflict
The proposed reforms and freezing of funds carry far-reaching risks. This affects ongoing aid programmes and undermines global security and stability. Emergency aid and development cooperation are not forms of charity but strategic investments that help prevent poverty, conflict and extremism. When countries are helped to build economic and social structures, the breeding grounds for conflict and extremism are actually removed. Specifically, halting numerous programmes has a major impact on the lives of millions of people. Think of medicines that remain on the shelf (See news item on Aids Fund at NOS ), health systems collapsing (See article by Wemos in the Volkskrant) and emergency aid that cannot be delivered to people in conflict zones, exacerbating humanitarian disasters.
Dutch government: support USAID and get tough within Europe
We call on the Dutch government to express its support for USAID and its vital projects, and to make a strong case within Europe for a strong voice towards President Trump. Discontinuing USAID’s investments not only has harmful consequences for vulnerable communities worldwide, but also for international peace and security, including that of Europe and the United States itself. Europe can work to come up with its own response and continue to invest in international cooperation and civil society organisations.
At a time when global challenges such as climate change, inequality and conflict are becoming increasingly urgent, it is essential to continue investing in international partnerships, human rights, democracy and climate. We can only build a stable and just world through structural and sustainable cooperation.
We are currently researching among our members the exact impact of these measures and how we can support members in this.