At ICAN, we stand in solidarity and compassion with everyone at USAID, as well as international and national charitable organizations affected by the U.S. administration’s decisions to freeze overseas aid. These individuals have dedicated their lives to fostering peace, justice, development, and humanitarian aid in the world’s most marginalized communities, and are now facing uncertainty.
In addition, millions of lives are at risk. Critical humanitarian programs—food initiatives in Sudan, maternal and mental health services in Afghanistan, and emergency response efforts in conflict zones—have been abruptly shut down. The U.S.’s withdrawal of humanitarian aid from countries affected by crises and conflict also creates an immense security vacuum. It paves the way for violent militants, organized crime groups, and U.S. adversaries to step into the spaces where the U.S. is now absent. Beyond the immediate crisis, the long-term implications for peace, security, and the U.S.’s standing in the world are profound, as trust in it as an ally has been severely undermined.
The decision also abandons locally rooted peace, development, and humanitarian workers, including women peacebuilders who work to prevent conflict, counter violent extremism, and protect the most vulnerable in their societies. This move is especially troubling given that in 2017, President Trump signed the U.S. Women, Peace, and Security Act into law—a recognition of the vital role women play in preventing violence. We welcomed that step. Today, his administration’s actions directly undermine that commitment.
By dismantling the U.S.’s commitments to gender equality and other Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, the administration is not only attacking the hard-won rights of women and other marginalized groups in their own societies but also playing directly into the hands of extremist forces globally.
Those who are fighting for justice and equality seek dignity. Their aspirations are universal. By disparaging and abandoning them, the administration is also abandoning the soul and spirit of the American people.
ICAN stands in unwavering solidarity with our colleagues, allies, and partners—women-led organizations—who persist in taking on the responsibility to protect their communities. We cannot, and will not, allow local peacebuilders to be silenced and sidelined from their crucial work in fostering peace, security, and justice.
At ICAN, we are doing all that we can to support them. We urgently call on those in the philanthropic community and our allies in the international community to ensure that critical support for local peacebuilders and human rights defenders do not disappear.
Please join us at this crucial moment.
