Caritas Internationalis has vehemently criticized the recent severe cuts to international development funding by some of the wealthiest nations, labeling it a heartless betrayal of the most impoverished communities. 

The UK’s recent 40% slashing of its aid budget serves as another example of apathy towards the struggles of a billion individuals facing war, famine, and extreme poverty. 

A total of $12.5 billion in help for the world’s most needy has been cut by numerous European countries, in addition to the United States halting all funding. The United Kingdom trimmed $6 billion, Germany $1.9 billion, Switzerland $133 million, the Netherlands $2.4 billion, and France $2 billion. Caritas Internationalis cautions that these cuts would only exacerbate instability, forced migration, and further humanitarian catastrophes as governments turn their attention to defense funding.

The effect is already apparent. Millions of people in the Middle East and East Africa are in danger of starving as a result of the suspension of vital food aid programs. In Sudan, 12 million people are in danger of starving, 750,000 are experiencing famine, and 24 million people are in urgent need of food. Three million people in Ethiopia no longer have access to essential services, while 1.2 million people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are no longer receiving life-saving assistance. Additionally, healthcare services are disintegrating, as seen by the disappearance of essential medications, maternity care, and vaccination availability. Malnourished youngsters in Kenya are at risk of dying because they are not given access to therapeutic food.

With conflicts raging in the Middle East and Ukraine, famine threatening in Africa, and climate disasters forcing millions to flee their homes, Caritas Internationalis cautions that breaking international agreements is a moral and strategic betrayal in addition to being a failure of policy.