Catholic development agencies call to protect development and humanitarian aid
CIDSE, the international family of Catholic social justice organisations, stands in solidarity with many organisations all around the world, including our close ally Caritas Internationalis, that have condemned recent decisions to cut vital humanitarian and development aid funding, such as USAID. These cuts, whether in development, food security, education, health or humanitarian assistance, will have devastating consequences for millions of vulnerable communities around the world. Aid is not just financial support – it is a reflection of our shared humanity and responsibility for one another.
This alarming global trend of reducing support for civil society organisations and justice efforts is also being felt in Europe. As always, it is the most marginalised who suffer the most and who pay the highest price. We cannot turn our backs on the values of solidarity and justice that underpin lasting peace.
As Pope Francis reminds us in Fratelli Tutti (69), “Every day we have to decide whether we want to be good Samaritans or indifferent bystanders“. This moment demands that we choose compassion over indifference, action over inaction. The dignity we recognise in others affirms our own. Now is the time to uphold our responsibility to the most vulnerable and demand that governments reverse these harmful decisions.
Additional Resource:
CIDSE signed a joint letter with other Faith-Based Organisations, including EU Cord Network, Caritas Europa, AEFJN, HIAS and Islamic Relief urging the EU and its Member States to uphold an aid policy that prioritises human dignity. Read the letter “In Solidarity: Faith-Based Organisations Express Deep Concern Over U.S. Aid Freeze”.
CIDSE contact person: Giorgio Gotra, Operations and Communications’ Manager (gotra(at)cidse.org)
Cover photo: Water irrigation project in Malawi. Credit: CIDSE