Norwegian Refugee Council halts aid in 20 countries over US freeze
3 Min Read
The organization attributed this decision to the recent freeze, partial suspension, or delay of US humanitarian funding, which has left NRC unable to sustain its operations.
-
NRC logo as seen on the shirt of Secretary General of the Norwegian Refugee Council, NRC, Jan Egeland (AP)
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), one of the world's largest humanitarian organizations, has announced a suspension of its aid activities in nearly 20 countries following a halt in US funding under President Donald Trump's administration.
In a statement released Monday, the NRC confirmed that it would be stopping critical humanitarian work for hundreds of thousands of people affected by war, disasters, and displacement. "For the first time in our history, (we) will have to suspend ongoing and urgent humanitarian work for hundreds of thousands of people in nearly 20 countries affected by wars, disasters, and displacement," the statement read.
The organization attributed this decision to the recent freeze, partial suspension, or delay of US humanitarian funding, which has left NRC unable to sustain its operations. Last year, US-backed programs supported 1.6 million people, with American contributions accounting for approximately 20% of the NRC's total funding, amounting to $150 million.
Executive Order Behind Aid Suspension
This development follows President Trump's signing of Executive Order 14169, titled "Reevaluating and Realigning United States Foreign Aid", on January 20, 2025. The order mandates a 90-day pause on all US foreign development assistance programs while a comprehensive review is conducted to align funding with US foreign policy objectives. As a result, the US State Department has suspended all foreign aid programs, except for limited emergency food assistance and specific military aid.
The impact of this funding freeze has already been felt. The NRC has halted the scheduled delivery of emergency aid to 57,000 people in frontline areas of Ukraine, and the organization has begun laying off staff globally, including in Afghanistan. Additionally, lifesaving programs in Burkina Faso and Sudan's Darfur region are at risk of being discontinued.
The NRC also expressed concern over millions of dollars in outstanding payment requests to the US government, warning that if these funds remain unpaid, "hundreds of thousands of people" who rely on US-funded humanitarian assistance will be left without essential support.
Read more: USAID staff worldwide put on leave as part of Trump's purge
Humanitarian Concerns
The suspension of US foreign aid has triggered strong reactions from international relief organizations. Caritas Internationalis, a global Catholic charity network, has labeled the cuts "catastrophic," warning of dire consequences for millions of vulnerable people in developing countries. Similarly, a coalition representing US veterans and service members has urged the Trump administration to grant exemptions for tens of thousands of Afghans who worked alongside US forces, arguing that they now face severe threats under Taliban rule.
Meanwhile, humanitarian groups fear that the closure of USAID—the primary agency responsible for distributing US humanitarian aid—will further destabilize relief efforts in conflict zones and disaster-affected regions.
With uncertainty surrounding future US aid commitments, organizations like the NRC are scrambling to secure alternative funding sources to sustain their operations and continue assisting those in desperate need.
