United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on the United States to exempt critical aid deliveries from its recent decision to pause foreign assistance. Speaking through his spokesman on Monday, Guterres expressed deep concern over the potential impact on vulnerable communities worldwide.
\"The Secretary-General notes with concern the announcement of the U.S. foreign assistance pause,\" UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement. \"He calls for additional exemptions to ensure the continued delivery of critical development and humanitarian aid to vulnerable communities worldwide, whose lives and livelihoods depend on such support.\"
Guterres emphasized the importance of collaboration with the new U.S. administration to provide much-needed development aid to those facing significant challenges in the developing world. \"The United States is one of the largest aid providers, and it is vital that we work constructively to jointly shape a strategic path forward,\" the spokesman added.
The call comes in response to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio's directive last Friday, which ordered a sweeping 90-day pause on most of the State Department's foreign aid grants. Effective immediately, Rubio's order required staff to issue \"stop-work orders\" on nearly all existing foreign assistance awards, according to media reports.
The pause has raised concerns among global aid organizations and recipient countries, fearing that essential programs may be disrupted. Guterres's appeal highlights the potential consequences for millions who rely on international aid for survival, healthcare, education, and economic development.
The United Nations and its member states are now looking to engage in dialogue with U.S. officials to address these concerns. The goal is to find a solution that allows critical aid to continue flowing while the U.S. administration reviews its foreign assistance policies.
As the situation unfolds, stakeholders worldwide are closely monitoring developments, hopeful that exemptions will be made to prevent a humanitarian setback in vulnerable regions.
