Inside Geneva: Women, Girls, and Cuts to Humanitarian Aid
Hosted by Imogen Foulkes | Produced by SWI swissinfo.ch
Release Date: April 29, 2025

Introduction

In this poignant episode of Inside Geneva, host Imogen Foulkes delves into the severe cuts in humanitarian aid made by the Trump administration and their disproportionate impact on women and girls in crisis zones. The discussion highlights the abrupt halt to crucial UN Population Fund (UNFPA) initiatives and explores the broader implications for global health and humanitarian efforts.

US Foreign Aid Cuts and Immediate Impacts

The episode opens with the revelation of the Trump administration's decision to freeze nearly all existing foreign aid programs. Notably, this includes:

• Safe zones for Syria
• Medical assistance for Syrian women in refugee camps
• Support for pregnant women in Burma

Sarah Craven, North American Director of UNFPA, emphasizes the gravity of these cuts:

"A woman dies of a preventable form of maternal mortality every two minutes. Okay, so that's unacceptable."
(00:46)

These funding halts threaten vital programs such as training and salaries for midwives, which are essential in reducing maternal mortality.

Threats to HIV Prevention and Treatment

Anjali Ashrikar, Deputy Executive Director of Programs at UNAIDS, discusses the potential surge in HIV cases due to the aid cuts:

"Could be 2,000 new cases of HIV... We're so close to ending AIDS full stop, and we could very well be turning back completely."
(01:04 – 01:30)

The cessation of USAID contributions jeopardizes the progress made towards ending AIDS, reversing years of dedicated efforts.

Impact on Sudan and Emergency Food Kitchens

The aid freeze has had devastating effects in Sudan, forcing the closure of up to 80% of emergency food kitchens and approximately 1,100 facilities. Aida El Sayed Abdullah, General Secretary of the Sudanese Red Crescent Society, shares her unwavering commitment despite these challenges:

"I will always have the hope... I am a leader of the Sudanese Red Crescent Society. I have 12,000 volunteers behind me."
(01:38 – 01:53)

The shutdown of these facilities exacerbates the already dire humanitarian situation, leaving millions without essential support.

Sector-Wide Reactions and Uncertainty

Dorian Burkhalter, Swiss Info correspondent, provides insights into the collective shock within Geneva's aid community:

"There is a real sense of worry about the impact those cuts will have... The US was paying for 40% of global aid and about half of that came from USAID, which now... will pretty much disappear."
(03:07 – 04:13)

The rapid and extensive nature of the cuts has left aid agencies grappling with uncertainty about their future operations and the well-being of those they serve.

Deepening Crisis in Sudan

Imogen Foulkes revisits the crisis in Sudan, highlighting that funding cuts have left half of its population—approximately 13 million people—in need of humanitarian aid. Aida El Sayed Abdullah details the rampant sexual violence exacerbated by reduced support:

"The report about sexual violence is really breaking the heart... This is only one case. We have millions of cases like that."
(24:34 – 25:20)

The withdrawal of funding from UNFPA undermines critical programs aimed at supporting survivors of sexual violence, further destabilizing the region.

Questionnaires and Ideological Influences on Aid

Dorian Burkhalter exposes how the US government's ideological agenda is infiltrating humanitarian aid:

"NGOs... have been receiving this questionnaire from the US government, asking about support for environmental causes, gender identity... a checklist of MAGA compliance."
(16:03 – 16:45)

This politicization threatens to exclude minority groups and environmental initiatives, undermining the impartial nature of humanitarian aid.

The Fragile Future of Humanitarian Aid

The episode underscores the existential crisis facing humanitarian aid, with Dorian Burkhalter likening the situation to demolishing a house instead of building one:

"NGOs are closing, people are leaving this field. Public opinion will get used to a lower level of funding."
(31:23 – 32:16)

The reliance on a few Western donors, primarily the US, Germany, and the UK, highlights the urgent need for a more diversified and sustainable funding model.

Voices of Hope Amidst Despair

Despite the bleak outlook, voices from the field express resilience and hope:

• Aida El Sayed Abdullah remains steadfast in her mission to support Sudanese communities:

  "I will always have the hope... Sudan will go back."
  (34:16 – 35:06)

• Sarah Craven from UNFPA maintains an unwavering commitment to her mandate:

  "Our commitment to our mandate is unwavering... It's a very bleak funding picture."
  (35:31 – 36:22)

• Anjali Ashrikar from UNAIDS advocates for continued global solidarity and emphasizes the critical importance of sustaining HIV prevention efforts:

  "We could very well be turning back completely... it is doable, and what it takes right now is leaning in instead of leaning away."
  (37:43 – 39:35)

These testimonies highlight the determination of humanitarian leaders to persevere despite significant obstacles.

Conclusion: A Pessimistic Outlook with Glimmers of Hope

The episode concludes on a sobering note, reflecting the precarious state of humanitarian aid:

"It's easier to demolish a house than it is to build one... decades of progress will be raised. And that's extremely worrying."
(39:58 – 40:35)

However, the persistent optimism of humanitarian leaders like Aida and Sarah serves as a beacon of hope, suggesting that with collective effort and renewed global commitment, progress can be salvaged.

Looking Ahead

Inside Geneva promises to continue exploring these critical issues, with upcoming discussions on toxic masculinity and its implications for human rights. The episode underscores the necessity for sustained global engagement and support to prevent further erosion of humanitarian gains.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Sarah Craven (00:46):
  "A woman dies of a preventable form of maternal mortality every two minutes. Okay, so that's unacceptable."

• Anjali Ashrikar (01:04 – 01:30):
  "Could be 2,000 new cases of HIV... We're so close to ending AIDS full stop, and we could very well be turning back completely."

• Dorian Burkhalter (03:07 – 04:13):
  "There is a real sense of worry about the impact those cuts will have... The US was paying for 40% of global aid and about half of that came from USAID, which now... will pretty much disappear."

• Aida El Sayed Abdullah (24:34 – 25:20):
  "The report about sexual violence is really breaking the heart... This is only one case. We have millions of cases like that."

• Anjali Ashrikar (37:43 – 39:35):
  "We could very well be turning back completely... it is doable, and what it takes right now is leaning in instead of leaning away."

This comprehensive summary captures the critical discussions, insights, and emotional narratives presented in the episode, providing a clear understanding for those who have not yet listened.