World Muslim Congress and World Initiative for Sustainable Development of Mankind Hosted a Side Event at United Nations Geneva on Humanitarian and Human Rights Consequences of USAID Freeze.

Geneva, Switzerland – April 3, 2025 – The World Muslim Congress (WMC) and the World Initiative for Sustainable Development of Mankind (WISDOM) organized a critical side event at the United Nations Office in Geneva (UNOG) on April 3, 2025. The event, titled "Humanitarian and Human Rights Consequences of Affectees of USAID Freeze & Human Rights Violations: Impact on Global Peace and Security," brought together leading experts, activists, and policymakers to address the escalating humanitarian crises resulting from the suspension of vital aid and systemic human rights violations.

Event Details:

·       Date: April 3, 2025

·       Time: 17:00 – 18:00 (CEST)

·       Venue: United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG), Switzerland

·       Theme: Humanitarian and Human Rights Consequences of Affectees of USAID Freeze & Human Rights Violations, Humanitarian Crises, and Their Impact on Global Peace and Security

Distinguished Speakers:

1.     Mehmet Sukru Guzel – President of Center for Peace & Reconcilation studies-Renowned human rights advocate and international legal expert.

2.     Altaf Hussain Wani – Prominent Kashmiri leader and Chairman of the Kashmir Institute of International Relations (KIIR).

3.     Michael Probsting – International Secretary of the Revolutionary Communist International Tendency (RCIT).

4.     Mr. Muise Wahabdeen – Humanitarian expert and advocate for conflict-affected communities.

5.     Gulalai Karima-Afghan Journalist and human rights activist.

Background and Objectives:

The freezing of USAID and other international assistance programs has had devastating consequences for vulnerable populations worldwide, particularly in conflict zones such as Palestine, Afghanistan, Pakistan-administered Kashmir, and other regions under foreign occupation. This suspension has exacerbated food insecurity, healthcare collapse, and economic instability, leading to widespread suffering.

This high-level side event:

·       Examined the humanitarian and human rights fallout of aid suspensions.

·       Highlighted first-hand testimonies from affected communities.

·       Analyzed the geopolitical implications of such policies on global peace and security.

·       Proposed policy recommendations to the United Nations and international community.

Key Discussion Points:

1.     Humanitarian Catastrophe: How the USAID freeze has deprived millions of access to food, medicine, and essential services.

2.     Human Rights Violations: The role of political sanctions and aid blockades in perpetuating systemic rights abuses.

3.     Impact on Global Security: How economic deprivation and political instability fuel extremism and conflict.

4.     Call for International Action: Urgent appeals for UN intervention, diplomatic pressure, and humanitarian relief.

Keynote Speakers:

ALTAF HUSSAIN WANI, Chairman Kashmir Institute of International Relations hosted the event. As a host he introduced the speakers and gave a brief overview of the World Muslim Congress & World Institute of Sustainable development of mankind. He also highlighted the Humanitarian and Human Rights consequences of Affectees of USAID Freeze & Human Rights Violations, humanitarian crises and its impact on global peace and security.

Dr. Carrie Pemberton Ford Executive Director at the Cambridge Centre for Applied Research in Human Trafficking (CCARHT) The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) plays a critical role in funding healthcare initiatives across developing nations, including Pakistan and various African countries. However, recent budget cuts, political shifts, or administrative reviews have led to temporary funding freezes, disrupting essential health programs. These freezes typically occur due to U.S. policy changes, budget constraints, compliance issues in recipient countries, or geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and aid-receiving nations. The consequences of such interruptions are particularly severe in regions heavily dependent on foreign aid for basic healthcare services. In Pakistan, USAID supports vital programs such as polio eradication, maternal and child health services, HIV and tuberculosis control, and medical supply chains. The country remains one of the last polio-endemic nations, making continued vaccination campaigns essential. A funding freeze risks reversing years of progress, potentially leading to a resurgence of the disease. Similarly, programs addressing maternal health and malnutrition face disruptions, directly impacting vulnerable populations. In 2023, delays in USAID disbursements reportedly slowed malaria prevention efforts in Sindh and Balochistan, resulting in increased cases. These interruptions highlight the fragility of healthcare systems that rely on consistent foreign aid. Across Africa, USAID funding supports HIV/AIDS treatment through PEPFAR, malaria and tropical disease control, emergency outbreak response, and health worker training. Millions of lives depend on antiretroviral therapy, and any gaps in funding could have deadly consequences. Programs distributing bed nets and vaccines for diseases like malaria and measles are equally vulnerable to disruptions. During health emergencies, such as Ebola or cholera outbreaks, USAID funds enable rapid containment efforts. A pause in funding can delay critical responses, exacerbating crises. For instance, a temporary funding freeze in Nigeria in 2022 disrupted measles vaccinations, leading to localized outbreaks. These examples underscore the immediate and long-term risks posed by inconsistent aid.

The long-term consequences of funding freezes extend beyond immediate health impacts. Increased mortality from preventable diseases, economic strain on local governments, and a loss of public trust in healthcare systems are just a few of the potential outcomes. Disease resurgence, particularly for illnesses like polio and measles, remains a significant threat when vaccination and treatment programs are interrupted. To mitigate these risks, alternative funding mechanisms through partnerships with organizations like WHO, Gavi, and the Gates Foundation could help bridge gaps during disruptions. Strengthening local healthcare capacity by training more workers and improving infrastructure would also reduce dependency on foreign aid. Additionally, advocacy for stable funding from U.S. policymakers is crucial to ensuring continuity in life-saving programs. A USAID funding freeze, even if temporary, has severe repercussions for vulnerable populations in Pakistan and Africa. The disruption of healthcare services not only endangers lives but also undermines years of progress in disease control and maternal-child survival. Ensuring consistent health financing is essential to safeguarding these achievements and preventing avoidable crises. The international community must recognize the importance of reliable aid and work toward solutions that prioritize the health and well-being of those most in need. Without sustained support, the gains made in global health could quickly unravel, leaving millions at risk.

Mehmet Sukru Guzel – President of Center for Peace & Reconcilation studies said that International politics has different dimensions and what we have to think is that in order to build a new building first you have to demolish the old one and what I understand is that USA is following Cold War standard policies and there is also another thing like the privatization of the wars and private military. USA is briniging new mechanisms and refugees Aid program but most impotantly during the past 2-3 years time there are too many refugees who have been used to live with the USAID will face severe problems and USA will start blackmailing them and will have 100% control of these countries foreign policies. USA will have the stance that if you want my help you have to rebuild your foreign policy according to the USA foreign policy. If you don’t change your foreign policy then I will not help your refugees which is not USA’s obiligation by the United Nations. In fact USAID started as Cold war policy for example sudan and south sudan case. It is intigerated with other kinds of backdoor diplomacy and different ways of making interntional relations. USA want to control the foreign policy of the countries subject to the USAID. USA has understood the in a way its money is being used and states will not act against the USA in Veinna, USA wants to control the UN General Assembly resolutions.

Right to live means to prevent the person from killing and suffering of the people, right to live and right to aid is responsibility of United Nations. USA might pressurize Pakistan to rethink your relations with China , Rethink your stance about Belt & Road Initiative and with the new mechanism which USA is to creat, USA might give Pakistan the Aid or not. It will mitigate Pakistan and other nations to change its foreign policy according to the USA demands. Everybody, journalists, international diplomats, still don’t understand the President trump stance, the state policy. As President he should not make the same mistake again. 

Michael Probsting the International secretary of the Revolutionary Communist International Tendency (RCIT) in his speech said Trump administration recently has imposed massive cuts on the USAID funding. Effectively it has eliminated it. Trump administration has also imposed a radical shift in US foreign policy. Running away from its duty of global engagement, turning towards protectionism, Focusing on selective number of great power rivals, and an attempt to push them back and decreasing their influence. This is the result of massive over stretch, and result of decline of its hegemonic power, The decline has been taking place in last one decade and particularly in last few years. Trump administration is responsible for the decline of USA as a massive power. Trump administration is trying to deal with the weakening of USA as a power. Further more Trump administration wants to cut down as many expenses as possible specially social programs, healthcare programs. It wants to do these cuts in Order to finance the cuts in taxes particularly for the super rich. In fact it is the redistribution of wealth from the poorer and masses to the elite and rich people. Finally it has also political and ideological reasons. Various social and health programs departments in american administration. There are many people who oppose the right wing and reactionary ideology of the new trump adminsitration. In fact as a result of this orientation the attempt is a part of the Trump administration to abolish the federal department of education. So we see the cuts in the USAID is a result of more broader and more comprehensive turn in US foreign policy.

Gulalai Karima-Afghan Journalist and human rights activist briefed on the current status and impact of USAID funding freeze on Afghanistan. She reiterated The freeze on USAID funding to Afghanistan has had severe humanitarian and economic consequences. Following the Taliban’s takeover in 2021, the U.S. suspended direct financial aid, exacerbating an already fragile economy. Afghanistan, heavily reliant on foreign assistance, faced a liquidity crisis, collapsing public services, and rising poverty.  The suspension disrupted critical programs in healthcare, education, and food security. Many hospitals and clinics, dependent on USAID support, struggled to operate, leading to reduced medical access. Malnutrition surged as food aid programs were scaled back, particularly affecting women and children. Education initiatives, especially for girls, suffered as funding for schools and teacher salaries dwindled.  The economic fallout worsened unemployment and inflation, pushing millions into extreme poverty. The Afghan currency depreciated, and banks faced severe cash shortages, crippling businesses. While humanitarian exemptions allowed some aid to continue, the overall reduction deepened the crisis.  The freeze also weakened governance and development efforts, leaving gaps the Taliban could not fill. Despite calls for resumed assistance, political and security concerns have delayed full reinstatement. The long-term impact includes a lost generation deprived of education and healthcare, with recovery requiring sustained international engagement.

Quotes from Organizers:

"The suspension of humanitarian aid under political pretexts is a grave violation of international law. Millions of innocent lives are at stake, and the world cannot remain silent." – Mehmet Sukru Guzel

"The people of Kashmir, Palestine, and other oppressed regions are facing collective punishment. The UN must hold accountable those who weaponize aid." – Altaf Hussain Wani

"Economic sanctions and aid freezes are modern-day warfare against civilians. The international working class must stand in solidarity with the victims." – Michael Probsting

"Humanitarian crises know no borders. The international community must act now to prevent further suffering." – Mr. Muise Wahabdeen

Why This Event Matters:

The deliberate deprivation of aid as a political tool has led to catastrophic consequences, including:

·       Mass starvation and malnutrition in conflict zones.

·       Collapse of healthcare systems, particularly for women and children.

·       Forced displacement and refugee crises.

·       Escalation of violence due to desperation and instability.

This event will serve as a platform for advocacy, urging the UN Human Rights Council, donor nations, and humanitarian agencies to:

·       Restore suspended aid programs immediately.

·       Investigate human rights violations linked to aid blockades.

·       Implement safeguards to prevent politicization of humanitarian assistance.

Media and Public Participation:

Journalists, NGOs, diplomats, and civil society representatives are invited to attend.

For media inquiries, interviews, or accreditation, please contact:

Hashtags:

#USAIDFreeze #HumanitarianCrisis #HumanRights #UNGeneva #GlobalPeace

About the Organizers:

·       World Muslim Congress (WMC): An international NGO advocating for peace, justice, and human rights for Muslim communities worldwide.

·       World Initiative for Sustainable Development of Mankind (WISDOM): A global think-tank promoting sustainable development, conflict resolution, and humanitarian aid.

This event was a call to action for the international community to address one of the most pressing humanitarian crises of our time. The world must not turn a blind eye to the suffering of millions.