According to the United Nations, 300 million people were in need of humanitarian aid last year while a staggering 122 million were forced to flee their home countries, a grim new record. Despite the ever-growing need for international support, Western governments – including the US, France, and Belgium – have recently made steep budget cuts for their aid programmes.
Handicap International, also known as Humanity & Inclusion, warns of grave consequences for millions of people who depend on such initiatives. Martin Lagneau, director of the organisation’s Luxembourg branch, explained in conversation with RTL that many of the ongoing humanitarian crises around the globe are linked to armed conflicts.
He cited Ukraine and Gaza as prevalent examples while emphasising that other conflicts, like the ones in Sudan and Eastern Congo, should not be forgotten.
Handicap International last year supported 2.5 million people. However, various activities recently had to be stopped or reduced due to international budget cuts, notably the drastic policy reversals by the Trump administration surrounding USAID.
Lagneau further shared that he is particularly worried about certain countries, including Colombia, where mine-clearing projects were highly dependent on aid from the US. Other countries that bear the brunt of the cuts include Thailand, Vietnam, and Bangladesh, according to Lagneau.
With further cuts expected, the continuation of many long-term projects is now in doubt, with years of progress potentially being undone. Regarding Luxembourg, however, Lagneau praises the generosity of the public in their enduring support for Handicap International despite geopolitical tensions.
