In light of concerns that aid cuts could worsen the situation for the world’s largest stateless population, the Trump administration announced on Thursday ( Mar 27 ) that it will provide US$ 73 million in new financial aid to Rohingya refugees through the United Nations World Food Programme.
More than one million people will receive thoroughly needed food and nutrition support as a result of @WFP’s food and nutrition help, according to US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce in a blog on X. ” It is crucial that our international partners get involved in distributing this kind of life-saving help.”
As part of his” America First” plan and other wider efforts to substantially reduce national spending and demolish parts of the US government, US President Donald Trump and his administration have made drastic reductions to foreign aid.
Two UN organizations had earlier warned that a cash shortfall had stifle the Rohingya in Bangladesh’s ability to survive the country’s eight-year conflict with Myanmar. Refugees have expressed concern that cuts will increase appetite, stifle vital care, and increase crime.
Washington has contributed almost US$ 2.4 billion to the Rohingya refugees since 2017 as the country’s top help recipient, according to the State Department. However, at least five hospitals have been forced to reduce services as a result of the current funding thaw following Trump’s election in January.