The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) has announced that it may be forced to suspend essential aid programs in nearly 20 countries due to funding cuts from its major donors. The organization, which operates in approximately 40 countries, including 18 in Africa, has attributed this decision to the "suspension, partial withholding, or lack of reimbursement" of U.S. funding for its global humanitarian operations.

In 2024, the NRC received nearly 20% of its funding, approximately $150 million, from the U.S. This support helped reach around 1.6 million people across various humanitarian projects globally. The organization's work in countries supported by U.S. funding has been impacted, to a greater or lesser extent, and it has not suspended all aid work in the almost 20 impacted countries.

The NRC has expressed that in its 79-year history, it has never faced such abrupt and unprecedented aid cuts. The organization warned of severe consequences for crisis-affected populations due to funding cuts, including the suspension of February aid distribution to 57,000 people in Ukraine. It also announced inevitable staff layoffs, including in Afghanistan, where aid workers support vulnerable women and families.

While welcoming a temporary U.S. waiver for life-saving aid, NRC stressed it cannot benefit unless past payments are resumed. The organization operates across multiple African countries, delivering humanitarian aid and protection for displaced populations. It focuses on six key areas: food security, education, shelter, legal assistance, protection from violence, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH).

The NRC's operations in Africa are critical, providing essential services to vulnerable populations. For example, in Burkina Faso, the organization is the only one offering clean water to 300,000 people in the blockaded city of Djibo. In Darfur, Sudan, it aids nearly 500 bakeries, which provide subsidized bread to hundreds of thousands facing hunger.

The suspension of aid programs will have a devastating impact on the most vulnerable populations. The NRC's warning of severe consequences for crisis-affected populations due to funding cuts highlights the urgency of the situation. The organization's ability to continue providing essential services is crucial, and it is imperative that funding is restored to prevent a humanitarian crisis.

The NRC's situation is not isolated, as the shutdown of USAID, a key donor heavily financed by the United States, has also affected other humanitarian organizations. The impact of funding cuts on NGOs and healthcare workers across Africa is a growing concern, and it is essential that the international community addresses this issue to prevent a humanitarian crisis.

In conclusion, the Norwegian Refugee Council's decision to suspend essential aid programs in nearly 20 countries, including 18 in Africa, is a dire consequence of funding cuts from major donors. The organization's warning of severe consequences for crisis-affected populations highlights the urgency of the situation, and it is imperative that funding is restored to prevent a humanitarian crisis.