The humanitarian sector is facing an unprecedented crisis characterized by historic budget cuts, mass layoffs, and a growing hostility towards NGOs fueled by disinformation campaigns and the rise of the far-right. As global conflicts, climate catastrophes, forced displacements, and food insecurity increase the number of people in need, resources to meet their basic needs have drastically dwindled. The closure of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and reductions in official development aid by several European powers are exacerbating the situation, with cuts projected between 9% and 17% by 2025, according to the OECD.

This decline in the humanitarian sector has profound implications for millions of vulnerable individuals who rely on aid for survival. With tens of thousands of jobs being eliminated, those working within the sector are facing uncertainty and despair as the landscape shifts toward a reduction in support. The hostile environment towards NGOs has been heightened, limiting their ability to operate effectively and respond to emerging crises, further endangering the lives of those in need around the world.

In summary, the growing challenges within the humanitarian sector signify a crucial turning point that could reshape how international aid is administered and perceived. The confluence of political hostility, budget cuts, and rising pressures from the far-right raises critical questions about the sustainability and future of humanitarian efforts in an increasingly difficult global context.