US: ONE statement on lifesaving humanitarian assistance waiver
WASHINGTON – THE ONE Campaign released the following statement on a waiver, issued by the State Department, allowing lifesaving humanitarian assistance to continue during a 90-day pause to foreign assistance while the department conducts a review of programming.
While the waiver does not mention specific programs to which it applies, it provides temporary authorization for implementing organizations to provide “core life-saving medicine, medical services, food, shelter, and subsistence assistance.” However, as of Friday, much of the work presumably covered by the waiver remains halted, as implementers wait for clarity on what services they can and cannot provide.
“We continue to be concerned by reports that interruptions to lifesaving humanitarian assistance have, in fact, not yet been lifted,” said Elizabeth Hoffman, North America Executive Director at ONE. “This waiver was the right step to mitigate unnecessary threats to the health and safety of millions of people while the State Department continues its review process, but it’s imperative that clarity is urgently provided to implementers to avert further confusion and delays of care.
“US foreign assistance is a necessary component of strong, successful foreign policy. Ensuring continuity for longstanding, successful programs that protect global health, boost economic opportunity, and build strong partnerships makes the US and the rest of the world safer and more prosperous.”