World Muslims Congress, Media Relations  

Date: March 18, 2025 

Geneva, Switzerland – The World Muslims Congress (WMC), a non-governmental organization in special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), has submitted a written statement to the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) during its Fifty-eighth session, held from February 24 to April 4, 2025. The statement underscores the devastating humanitarian crises and human rights violations resulting from the freeze of USAID funding to critical regions, and its far-reaching implications for global peace and security.  

The written statement, submitted on March 18, 2025, calls for urgent international attention to the cascading effects of the USAID funding freeze, which has exacerbated poverty, displacement, and instability in vulnerable communities across the globe. The WMC emphasizes that the suspension of vital aid has not only deepened humanitarian suffering but also undermined efforts to promote human rights, sustainable development, and peacebuilding in conflict-affected regions.  

Humanitarian Crises and Human Rights Violations

The WMC’s statement highlights the dire consequences of the USAID funding freeze on millions of people who rely on humanitarian assistance for survival. The suspension of aid has disrupted essential services, including healthcare, education, food security, and clean water access, particularly in regions already grappling with conflict, climate change, and economic instability.  

In countries such as Yemen, Afghanistan, Somalia, and Palestine, the freeze has led to a sharp increase in malnutrition, preventable diseases, and child mortality rates. Hospitals and clinics, once supported by USAID-funded programs, are now struggling to operate, leaving vulnerable populations without access to life-saving medical care. The WMC warns that the collapse of these services has created a fertile ground for further human rights abuses, including gender-based violence, child labor, and forced displacement.  

The statement also draws attention to the disproportionate impact of the funding freeze on women and children, who are often the most affected by humanitarian crises. With the suspension of programs aimed at empowering women and protecting children, gender inequality and exploitation have surged, further entrenching cycles of poverty and violence.  

Impact on Global Peace and Security

The WMC’s submission underscores the interconnectedness of humanitarian crises and global security. The statement warns that the USAID funding freeze has not only deepened suffering but also fueled instability and conflict in already fragile regions. By withdrawing critical support for peacebuilding and development initiatives, the freeze has undermined efforts to address the root causes of extremism, violence, and displacement.  

The WMC highlights that the vacuum left by the suspension of USAID funding has been exploited by extremist groups and armed factions, who capitalize on desperation and disillusionment to recruit vulnerable populations. This has led to a resurgence of violence in several regions, threatening both local and international security.  

Furthermore, the statement emphasizes that the humanitarian crises resulting from the funding freeze have triggered mass migrations, placing additional strain on neighboring countries and exacerbating regional tensions. The WMC warns that without urgent intervention, these crises could escalate into broader conflicts, with far-reaching implications for global peace and stability.  

Call to Action

In its written statement, the World Muslims Congress calls on the international community to take immediate and decisive action to address the humanitarian crises and human rights violations stemming from the USAID funding freeze. The WMC urges the United Nations, its member states, and humanitarian organizations to:  

1. Restore and Increase Funding: The WMC calls for the immediate restoration of USAID funding to affected regions, with an emphasis on increasing support for humanitarian and development programs. The statement stresses that sustained and predictable funding is essential to rebuilding essential services, protecting vulnerable populations, and promoting long-term stability. 

2. Strengthen International Cooperation: The WMC emphasizes the need for enhanced international cooperation to address the root causes of humanitarian crises and human rights violations. The statement calls for a coordinated response that leverages the resources and expertise of governments, international organizations, and civil society.  

3. Protect Human Rights: The WMC urges the Human Rights Council to prioritize the protection of human rights in its response to the humanitarian crises. The statement calls for the establishment of monitoring mechanisms to ensure that aid is distributed equitably and without discrimination, and that the rights of affected populations are upheld.  

4. Promote Peacebuilding and Development: The WMC highlights the importance of integrating peacebuilding and development initiatives into humanitarian responses. The statement calls for increased investment in programs that address the root causes of conflict, promote social cohesion, and empower marginalized communities. 

5. Address Structural Inequalities: The WMC emphasizes the need to address the structural inequalities that perpetuate humanitarian crises and human rights violations. The statement calls for a comprehensive approach that tackles issues such as poverty, inequality, and climate change, which are often at the heart of instability and conflict.  

A Moral and Strategic Imperative 

The World Muslims Congress’s written statement concludes by framing the response to the humanitarian crises and human rights violations as both a moral and strategic imperative. The WMC warns that failure to act will not only result in further suffering and loss of life but also undermine global efforts to promote peace, security, and sustainable development.  

The statement calls on the international community to demonstrate solidarity and compassion by prioritizing the needs of the most vulnerable. The WMC emphasizes that by addressing the humanitarian crises and human rights violations stemming from the USAID funding freeze, the world can take a significant step toward building a more just, equitable, and peaceful future.  

About the World Muslims Congress

The World Muslims Congress (WMC) is a non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting peace, justice, and human rights for all. With special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the WMC works to address the challenges facing Muslim communities and the broader global community, advocating for solutions that uphold the principles of dignity, equality, and mutual respect.