Irish humanitarian organisation Goal has warned that more than 900 of its staff, including 28 employees in Ireland, are at risk of losing their jobs due to significant cuts in international aid funding.
The potential redundancies would affect nearly 30% of the charity’s workforce and lead to a sharp reduction in its humanitarian operations across the globe. Goal, which currently operates in 14 countries, directly assisted over 11 million people last year.
Severe Global Aid Reductions Impacting Humanitarian Efforts
In a statement, Goal highlighted the increasing need for humanitarian aid, with over 120 million people displaced worldwide—reaching the highest levels in decades. Despite this, several governments have made drastic reductions to their international aid budgets.
“In addition to the reduction in US funding, governments across Europe have announced cutbacks,” the statement read. “The Netherlands has slashed 30% of its aid budget, redirecting funds to projects that ‘directly contribute to Dutch interests.’ Belgium has cut aid by 25%, while France has reduced its budget by 37%. More recently, the UK made a dramatic move, cutting foreign aid by 40%.”
The charity warned that these reductions are putting immense strain on the global humanitarian system, pushing millions of vulnerable people to the brink of survival.
Staff and Programme Reductions in Multiple Regions
Goal is currently assessing the full impact of these funding cuts on its global operations. However, staff in Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and the Caribbean have already been informed that their positions are at risk.
The agency stressed that programme closures and job losses will have devastating consequences for communities dependent on humanitarian aid.
“In Ethiopia, we have many programmes focused on providing critical, life-saving care for children suffering from moderate and severe acute malnutrition,” Goal stated. “Because of the cuts, we are already receiving reports of children under five years of age participating in therapeutic feeding programmes dying due to interruptions and suspensions of the feeding programme.”
Ireland Continues to Support Humanitarian Efforts
Despite the global funding crisis, Goal acknowledged the continued support of the Irish Government, which has maintained its humanitarian aid contributions.
“Thanks to the continued support of Irish Aid and the generosity of the Irish public, Goal will continue to do all we can with the resources we have, to deliver critical, life-saving programmes,” the organisation said.
As international aid funding dwindles, humanitarian agencies like Goal are grappling with the harsh reality of reduced resources at a time when global needs are at their highest. The ongoing crisis raises urgent concerns about the future of vital relief efforts and the millions of lives at stake.
