A Call for Humanity: VOICE and more than 100 Humanitarian NGOs Urge EU Leaders to Take a Stand
VOICE and the CEOs of 101 humanitarian NGOs have issued an open letter calling on EU leaders and Member States to take decisive action in response to the devastating consequences of the recent U.S. foreign aid freeze and the dismantling of USAID.
The letter warns that the sudden halt in U.S. humanitarian funding has already severed lifelines for millions, disrupting access to healthcare, education, food, and clean water. Many grassroots, local and national NGOs —the backbone of humanitarian response—are being forced to suspend programs, lay off staff, and even shut down. The global humanitarian funding gap has tripled since 2016, exacerbating an already dire situation for the 307.6 million people projected to need urgent assistance in 2025.
At a time of rising humanitarian needs and shrinking resources, the EU must reaffirm its commitment to solidarity, human rights, and poverty eradication. The open letter calls on EU leaders to:
- Increase humanitarian funding to ensure continued access to lifesaving services.
- Strengthen partnerships with national and international NGOs, providing flexible and sustainable support.
- Lead a global strategic dialogue to build a more principled and resilient humanitarian system.
This is a pivotal moment for the EU to demonstrate leadership and solidarity. As the world’s second-largest humanitarian donor, Europe has the power to counteract the ripple effects of this crisis and stand by the communities most in need.
