Leading humanitarian organizations are voicing strong concerns over planned cuts to international aid and development cooperation, warning of potentially devastating consequences for vulnerable populations worldwide.
Dagmar Pruin, President of the Protestant development aid organization “Brot für die Welt” told the “Rhinische Post” that the proposed reductions constitute a “politically shortsighted” approach with potentially fatal implications. She emphasized that curtailing aid budgets now will ultimately incur a significantly higher price – both in human terms and politically and economically. Pruin stressed the importance of prioritizing values such as solidarity, humanity and foresight, arguing that diminishing long-term commitments to international cooperation risks losing crucial opportunities. She reaffirmed the moral imperative to address the fact that approximately 300 million people globally depend on humanitarian assistance and 800 million experience hunger, adding that Germany must uphold its international pledges and commitments, stating plainly, “No one should be allowed to starve.
Oliver Müller, head of the Catholic aid organization Caritas international, echoed these sentiments, characterizing the planned budget cuts as incompatible with the current global situation. He pointed out that for the third consecutive year, over 300 million people are reliant on humanitarian aid due to escalating conflicts and crises. Müller expressed that even prior to these cuts, responding adequately to global needs presented a significant challenge, raising questions about how effective aid delivery can be if a substantial portion of humanitarian workers are laid off.
Florian Westphal, CEO of “Save the Children” Germany, highlighted the disproportionate impact the cuts will have on the most vulnerable, particularly children in conflict and disaster zones. He urged the Bundestag to take its responsibility seriously and ensure the 2026 budget reflects a global, values-driven focus, especially given the withdrawal of aid from many other traditional donor nations. Westphal asserted that poverty, hunger and hopelessness fuel instability and violence and that investing in a more equitable future is essential for global security. He warned that the cuts are already costing lives, forcing “Save the Children” to discontinue vital health and nutrition programs in countries like Sudan, Syria and Somalia and cautioned that progress achieved over years risks being undone.
The Bundestag is scheduled to vote on the budgets of the Foreign Office and the Development Ministry on Wednesday, a decision that humanitarian leaders are hoping will reconsider the planned reductions.
