Global Emergency Update | April 2025

GLOBAL EMERGENCY UPDATE Humanitarian Funding Crisis

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THE END OF VITAL U.S. HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE IMPACTS VULNERABLE PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD

Recent shifts in priorities for U.S. international humanitarian assistance are having an immediate impact on vulnerable communities worldwide. The suspension and reduction of vital aid have created significant gaps in Catholic Relief Services programming, particularly in areas where help is most urgently needed. CRS, working alongside our Church partners, continues to respond on the front lines, often in regions where others are unable to reach due to security concerns and lack of infrastructure. Leveraging our deep experience, trust and established relationships with Caritas teams in these challenging environments, we are adapting our efforts to address the rapidly changing needs of families, including those facing compounded crises due to the reduction of essential programs.

“As Christians, let us always make charity, faith and hope the basis of our lives and our actions.”

—Pope Francis, Sixth World Day of the Poor, November 2022

CRS AND U.S. ASSISTANCE

In our more than 80 years of work for people in need, CRS has had a front-line view on how humanitarian assistance makes the world—including the United States—a safer place. Thriving societies contribute to greater global stability, reduce the risk of conflict, and create safer and more prosperous environments that benefit everyone. Integrating young people into society, which is the goal of some of our programming, makes them less likely to turn to violent extremism. Farmers who turn a profit can stay on their land rather than migrate out of desperation.

CRS has been fortunate to work with many partners—primarily the Catholic Church—in some of the most remote, vulnerable places on Earth. And we have been proud recipients of U.S. humanitarian assistance for numerous transformative, lifesaving programs that change the trajectory of people’s lives.

While we look forward to working with the new administration to be even more impactful, here are just a few examples of how interrupting or suspending U.S. humanitarian assistance impacts the millions of people who CRS and our partners reach daily in more than 100 countries.

In Sudan

• If famine-like conditions spread as predicted, more than 100,000 people are at risk of starvation without continued food assistance.

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo

• At least 3 million people are expected to suffer from extreme hunger and malnutrition over the next six months.

In Kenya

• Malnourished children are no longer receiving therapeutic foods and supplementary feeding supplies—without which, they are at risk of becoming acutely malnourished and dying.

In Guatemala

• 10,000 families are not receiving the tools, seeds and cash they need to plant their crops in the upcoming May planting season. This missed planting means an increase in hunger and malnutrition—both of which are leading causes of migration.

In Iraq

• 1,205 young men and women, including those from minority Yazidi and Christian ethnic groups, are not receiving seed money as part of a youth employment project, which could spur migration abroad, increase the risk of radicalization and sectarianism, and decrease trust in U.S. support for religious minorities. This program in Iraq wards off the influence of anti-U.S. militias.

In Haiti

• At least 21,000 children under age 5 are at risk of malnutrition in the next six months.
• 65,285 people who are displaced by conflict are not receiving staple foods intended to prevent women and children from going hungry.

LIFELONG IMPACTS OF NUTRITION EARLY IN A CHILD’S LIFE

The 1,000 days from conception to a child’s second birthday are critical for development, playing a significant role in shaping their future.

Ensuring good nutrition during a child’s first 1,000 days is critical to their physical and mental growth—as well as the future of entire societies. For children and infants under age 2, the consequences of malnutrition can be irreversible. Babies who are malnourished in the womb have a higher risk of dying in infancy. Children whose growth is stunted can have weakened immune systems. In addition, they’re less able to perform well in school later in life and are less likely to find job opportunities as adults. The suspension and termination of vital nutrition programs means the lives of the world’s most vulnerable children are at risk.

CRS collaborates with local churches and organizations to deliver compassionate, lifesaving care that strengthens families and communities. Our programs meet urgent, lifesaving needs and promote long-term health and stability. For years, many of these lifesaving programs have been supported by the U.S. government.

LIFE-AND-DEATH IMPACTS: HUMANITARIAN PROGRAMS IN PERIL

Landscape Restoration: Improving Agriculture Practices in Guatemala

The PRO-RAICES project in Guatemala has improved food security and economic stability for 457,000 people by teaching farmers effective practices to restore land, conserve water and boost yields, while also helping communities activate emergency plans. It has addressed the severe malnutrition crisis, particularly among children, and helped families build resilience through improved farming practices and crop diversification.

Resilience and Sustainability: Improving Health and Nutrition in Kenya

Children, pregnant women and new mothers are among the thousands of people who have benefited from vital health and nutrition care in northern Kenya. For years, the Nawiri project supported families to improve their livelihoods and financial resilience—leading to greater stability and reduced migration and conflict.

Global Health: Eliminating Malaria in The Gambia

The Gambia’s National Malaria Control Program has led to remarkable progress: From 2004 to 2014, malaria prevalence dropped from 4% to 0.2%, and malaria cases fell 50%. The program also distributed nearly 4 million long-lasting insecticidal nets and trained 33,000 peer health educators, reaching more than 210,000 young people. Eliminating diseases like malaria is critical for ensuring global stability. Low-cost insecticide-treated bed nets and medicines can protect families from this devasting illness. CRS is major player in the fight against malaria and relies on funding from the U.S. government and others to assist national malaria control programs around the world.

EMPOWER: Strengthening Local Capacities, Reducing Reliance on Aid

The EMPOWER approach has strengthened the capacity of local organizations to support communities affected by emergencies. Local Church and civil society organizations are often the first to respond to crises, and have long-standing presence, experience and credibility in communities. U.S. government funds have helped CRS build the capacity of local organizations, governments and civil society to respond effectively in times of crisis. The investment also helps reduce reliance on international assistance.

HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE AND OUR MISSION

As Catholics, we are called to protect our sisters and brothers living in poverty. Catholic social teaching emphasizes the responsibility of wealthier nations to support poorer ones, and the principle of solidarity—that we are a global community and one human family. This belief recognizes that the fates of people everywhere are interconnected. Our commitment to these values guides us to uphold the dignity of all people. We act on this commitment with the highest standards of professionalism, ensuring that we fulfill our mission effectively, efficiently and with good stewardship of the resources entrusted to us.

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IS A POWERFUL SOCIAL, ECONOMIC, CULTURAL AND POLITICAL STAKEHOLDER IN COUNTRIES AROUND THE WORLD.

By supporting faith-based organizations and local partners, the United States strengthens its strategic interests, counters violent extremism and fosters long-term stability.

• The Catholic Church is among the most influential, credible, trusted and respected institutions around the world.
• The Catholic Church is a critical partner to the United States in many countries that receive assistance, and local Church agencies are key development and humanitarian actors.
• The Catholic Church holds influence and respect as a key provider of education, and health and social services, with Catholic sisters playing a prominent role. In sub-Saharan Africa, for example, faith-based organizations provide more than 80% of health care. The Church and its agencies can reach even the most remote communities and deliver critical social services.
• Local Church agencies have deep relationships in and the trust of communities, making them sources of stability and support, especially during times of crisis or instability.
• The Church has convening power and influence globally, nationally and regionally. It is a critical ally that can defend against violent extremist organizations.
• Working with the Church advances sustainable, local solutions. Working with local faith actors allows the U.S. government to build on existing local assets and activities.
• The suspension of U.S. funding has an even greater impact on local organizations, as they have less of a safety net to weather funding pauses and delays.
• Investing in humanitarian and development programs is not just a moral imperative—it directly benefits U.S. security and global stability.
• The Catholic Church, with its unparalleled reach and credibility, is an essential partner in advancing peace, resilience and sustainable development in some of the world’s most fragile regions.
• Empowering the Church and other local actors promotes peace, safeguards religious freedom and enhances America’s global standing.

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