By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The Trump administration’s cuts to U.S. foreign aid, particularly funding to the World Food Programme, have led to dire consequences in several countries. In Malawi’s Dzaleka refugee camp, where food rations have been reduced by a third, officials reported an increase in crime, sexual violence, and human trafficking. Similar cuts in Kenya led to violent protests and a dramatic reduction in food rations, with aid workers anticipating a malnutrition crisis. These actions, part of a larger dismantling of USAID, have prompted urgent warnings from U.S. officials about the destabilizing impact on vulnerable populations and potential threats to U.S. national security.
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Death, Sexual Violence and Human Trafficking: Fallout From U.S. Aid Withdrawal Hits the World’s Most Fragile Locations
It’s a strange thing, realizing the good your country was quietly doing, only to see the negative consequences when that support is abruptly removed. Of course, some responsibility has to fall on the countries themselves; it’s a complex web, with human trafficking often involving their own citizens, sometimes with law enforcement turning a blind eye. U.S.-based NGOs have been crucial in providing support, but it’s vital to hold the right people accountable.
The U.S. State Department’s Trafficking in Persons report is an annual eye-opener. Other nations often tell us to back off from global leadership. But when the U.S. cuts aid, they need to step up. A lot of the aid money was actually invested in America; the food sent abroad was grown here, boosting our farmers and spreading American influence through stability.
Many agree America needs to invest in its own people. We can’t deny the critical issues at home, the lack of accessible healthcare, affordable housing, and free lunch programs. But the argument is that we should be able to do both, but we don’t. When other nations aren’t picking up the slack, and some even criticize our efforts, it’s a problem. Europe, which arguably created many of the world’s problems, should be taking the lead on the clean-up. As seen in Malawi, the withdrawal of U.S. funding to the World Food Programme has created a sharp rise in crime, sexual violence, and human trafficking within refugee camps.
The situation boils down to this: Without U.S. support, these vulnerable populations are at risk. It’s not just about the governments, it’s also about where the money flows.
It is easy to say that America should address its own issues first, the millions without healthcare and the homeless. But as the world is a difficult place, we should not attempt to solve every problem. Foreign aid is not the reason those people aren’t getting healthcare or homelessness being addressed. Yes, the issues here must be the priority. Then the world can address its own challenges, but those that should have been the priority are not.
The priority is to address issues here first, but after that, then we can decide what to do next. Other countries should step up, because it’s not simply a matter of feeding people. The underlying issue is to reduce dependency on the US. It’s a matter of influence and strategic geopolitical power. The U.S., with its massive economic power, must address the humanitarian crisis and the strategic implications of its aid withdrawals.
With nearly 50% of the World Food Programme budget coming from the U.S., the cuts have serious implications. Aid needs to be adjusted. Some argue the U.S. should give a fair percentage, given its share of the global economy, but that doesn’t negate the responsibility of other countries to step up.
The aid cuts, were an incredibly impactful measure that has caused significant damage to the world and is causing many deaths. This is a tragic outcome. Cutting support knowing it would lead to suffering is something we shouldn’t allow.
The situation comes down to this, in the wake of aid cuts, it is the most vulnerable who suffer. A society that cannot provide for itself will shrink. The issue has reached unsustainable levels, and it is time for countries to find their own strength.
The most painful consequences of these aid cuts are the deaths, the human suffering, and the rise of crime and instability. Aid allows so much to be achieved that addresses critical needs for vulnerable populations. The impact of these cuts will be felt for years to come.
America’s economic impact and influence is profound. The responsibility to address these challenges is not just about the money; it’s about the moral and strategic implications. Now, without this aid, who is there to provide, and what will they prioritize? This will shape the world for many years to come.