The recent decision by the United States government to freeze foreign aid funding has reverberated throughout the humanitarian sector, leaving millions of vulnerable refugees in a dire situation. Among the organizations hardest hit is the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS), which has been forced to suspend critical support programs for displaced people across the globe. Br. Michael Schöpf, the International Director of JRS, discussed the devastating consequences of this move in an interview with Vatican Radio.
On January 24th, JRS received a letter from the U.S. government informing them that all projects funded by U.S. aid were immediately suspended. Br. Schöpf described the situation as a “very abrupt disruption,” with no time for preparation or transition. This decision has affected a wide array of vital initiatives for refugees, including education, mental health support, and emergency assistance, in nine countries, including Chad, Ethiopia, Iraq, and South Sudan.
JRS, which annually supports over 100,000 refugees, saw its $18 million in funding evaporate overnight. Among the most devastating effects of the freeze is the halt of an extensive education program in eastern Chad, where JRS provides schooling for more than 10,000 students. The program, which employs 450 teachers, faces an immediate financial collapse, and without funding, students and teachers alike will face uncertainty.
Schöpf explained that without the ability to continue their education, many students will be at greater risk of exploitation by traffickers, further escalating their vulnerability. Mental health services and income-generating programs for families, which provide stability for those living in precarious conditions, are also now suspended.
The freeze in U.S. foreign aid funding has profound implications beyond JRS. The United States contributes over 40% of total global development aid, and the suspension of its funding will impact organizations such as the UNHCR, which rely on U.S. contributions to support millions of refugees worldwide.
Schöpf warned that the current crisis is just the beginning. “This is only the first wave,” he said. As other organizations adjust to the funding freeze, a second wave of disruptions is likely to follow, further exacerbating the humanitarian situation.
Beyond education, many refugees lose access to essential services such as nutrition, which is often provided through school programs. For some, the school lunch is their only meal of the day, turning the freeze into a life-or-death situation for thousands of displaced children.
Br. Schöpf also raised an important philosophical question: What does “life-saving” mean? He pointed out that the new U.S. administration is reevaluating the definition of life-saving activities, focusing solely on immediate survival needs such as food and water. However, Schöpf emphasized that services like education and mental health support, which help individuals rebuild their lives and dignity, are just as critical for long-term survival.
One of the most concerning aspects of this decision, according to Schöpf, is its symbolic impact on global cooperation. The freeze in U.S. foreign aid marks a significant departure from multilateralism, a core principle that has long guided global humanitarian efforts. Schöpf warned that by prioritizing transactional relationships over human dignity, the world risks dismantling the value-based world order that has underpinned international peace and cooperation for decades.
Pope Francis has repeatedly cautioned against such shifts in global policy. In a recent letter to U.S. bishops, the Pope wrote, “Everything which is started with force that doesn’t recognize the truth of human dignity starts badly and will end badly.” This message resonates deeply within the humanitarian community, highlighting the dangers of policies that undermine the dignity and rights of vulnerable populations.
Despite the setback, JRS remains committed to its mission of walking with refugees. Br. Schöpf emphasized that JRS is not just a service provider; it is an organization that stands in unwavering solidarity with those forced to flee their homes. “In times of crisis, we are called to be with the most vulnerable, just as the Gospel teaches us,” he said, drawing a parallel to the story of Christmas, where God identifies with humanity in the most precarious of circumstances.
In response to the funding crisis, JRS has launched an emergency appeal to raise between $1.5 and $2 million to cover immediate gaps for the next two months. However, Schöpf acknowledged that this is only a temporary solution and cannot replace the long-term stability provided by multilateral cooperation.
As the humanitarian situation worsens, Br. Schöpf urged individuals and organizations to take action. Direct donations to JRS and other affected charities are essential, but perhaps most importantly, Schöpf called on people to advocate for the preservation of human dignity in global policies. “This is the time to become active,” he said. “We must speak to those in political power and remind them that withdrawing dignity from one group today can lead to the same happening to all of us tomorrow.”
In this critical moment, the leadership of Pope Francis continues to provide hope and guidance. Schöpf emphasized that Pope Francis is not a politician but a realist who calls for faith in action. “Faith is not just about moral doctrine—it is about faith in action,” he said, underscoring the importance of standing in solidarity with those who suffer.
As the crisis continues to unfold, the Jesuit Refugee Service remains committed to its mission of providing care, dignity, and hope to the world’s most vulnerable, even in the face of overwhelming challenges.