UK Government department has particular concerns about the global health consequences.
The UK Foreign Office has told its senior staff that Donald Trump’s overseas aid freeze will have a “seismic impact”, with officials warning of the repercussions for global health and marginalised communities.
A memo sent to senior staff by officials within the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) warned of the implication of the decision by the US Government to implement a 90-day freeze.
President Trump’s administration has also said there are plans to integrate the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) into the U.S. State Department.
In response, the FCDO has prepared a document, reported by Devex, which warns of the negatives the aid changes could bring about, claiming the merger could “rapidly diminish overall U.S. personnel capabilities and capacity to deliver aid”.
The FCDO said that while there is a “waiver” for some parts of overseas aid, there is no evidence that these programmes are being maintained amid confusion and uncertainty about their future.
The impact on global health, including the U.S. withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO), significant staff reductions at the President’s Malaria Initiative, and disruptions to international HIV programs, were included in the memo.
The memo did not mention whether the UK planned to respond to the US overseas aid changes, but the FCDO did say it would monitor the impact of the US’ decision.
The FCDO shared its concerns that the US withdrawal from the WHO could lead to a diminished ability to respond to future pandemics, as well as the potential disproportionate impact on smaller organisations and NGOs, which the UK Government department said could be forced to close.
Devex reported: “The memo said that there is significant concern that the U.S. Global Equality Fund will no longer be able to function, especially as LGBTQ+ rights organizations are reporting that their funding has been cut, not just frozen.
“It also noted that the State Department has paused $1.1 million in funding for organizations supporting people with disabilities in Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, and Togo — an initiative that FCDO also funds.
“The U.K. is expecting U.S. negotiators to push for the removal of any language that involves a commitment to inclusion, diversity, and equality in the context of multilateral fora.”
The FCDO also shared its concerns that any organisations applying for joint funding or support from both the UK and US Governments could be forced to meet the new restrictive conditions, particularly around women’s healthcare and abortions.
Bond, the UK network for organisations working in international development and humanitarian assistance, has underlined its own concerns about the potentially “seismic impact” of the new US administration’s overseas aid freeze.
The network unites and supports a diverse network of over 350 civil society organisations from across the UK, and allies to help eradicate global poverty, inequality and injustice.
Romilly Greenhill, CEO of Bond, said: "The attempt to erase USAID by the new US administration is shocking. We urge them to reconsider.
“These cuts are impacting marginalised communities around the world and are undermining long-term efforts, and the US’s own interests, to fight poverty and malnutrition, prevent the spread of disease and ensure global health security.
“We know from experience that cutting development expertise and funding weakens a country’s reputation and ability to address global challenges.
“We urge the UK government to reaffirm its global commitments and values towards gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights and protecting marginalised groups, while doing everything it can to help mitigate the impact of the USAID freeze on international partners.
“We also urge the UK to confirm that it will assess the impact of the freeze on UK aid programmes and the communities they support."
