Latest Bond statement on USAID
Today, Tuesday 4 February, Bond, the UK network for organisations working in international development and humanitarian assistance, has released its latest statement in response to the new US administration’s USAID freeze and following reports of the FCDO saying the USAID merger would have ‘seismic impact’.
Romilly Greenhill, CEO of Bond, the UK network for NGOs, 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.
ENDS.
Notes for editors
- Bond is the UK network for organisations working in international development. Bond 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.
- For further information or interviews please contact Jess Salter at [email protected] or call 07392972411.
