Khaberni - The International Committee of the Red Cross said it would cut its budget for 2026 by 17% to reach 1.8 billion Swiss francs (2.2 billion dollars) and will eliminate 2,900 jobs, at a time when the United States (the largest donor) and other countries are reducing support.
The International Committee added in a statement that international relief organizations are facing an unprecedented shortfall in relief budgets as donor focus shifts to defense, forcing humanitarian workers to make difficult decisions about prioritizing aid amidst multiple conflicts and record numbers of displaced people.
At the same time, the United States (the largest contributor in the world to relief) is enacting comprehensive reforms to its foreign aid programs under President Donald Trump, who prioritizes "America First" policies.
The job cuts amount to about 15% of the International Red Cross Committee's global workforce, totaling 18,500 employees.
Financial Crisis
The Red Cross, which underwent austerity measures in 2023, described the situation facing the sector as an "unprecedented financial crisis".
A spokesperson for the committee confirmed that the United States remains the biggest contributor to the organization but has reduced its support this year, as have other traditional donor countries such as United Kingdom and Germany.
The statement clarified that the measures, which also include merging departments, aim to improve efficiency and prioritize the organization's work in assisting those in need in conflict zones.
The organization added in its statement that it will continue to operate in places like Sudan, Ukraine, the occupied Palestinian territories, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo despite budget cuts.
The president of the Red Cross, Mirjana Spoljaric, said after the meeting, "The International Committee of the Red Cross remains committed to working on the front lines of conflicts, which few other entities can handle."
She added, "But the financial reality forces us to make difficult decisions to ensure we continue to provide the essential humanitarian aid needed by those in dire need."
The International Committee of the Red Cross, headquartered in Geneva, operates in more than 90 countries. Its activities range from providing basic humanitarian aid to visiting prisoners of war.
This committee plays the role of a mediator in conflicts, as it has transferred Israeli prisoners who were held in Gaza and Palestinian prisoners in Israeli occupation jails upon their release under a previous agreement between the Palestinian resistance and Israel, as well as after the last ceasefire reached on October 10.
