Latest news with #USfunding
News24
a day ago
- Politics
- News24
White House signals shift in priorities: Deep cuts in US funding for war crimes investigations
The White House intends shutting down funding for programmes that do war crimes and accountability work globally. The US State Department can appeal the decision. The deadline for responses is 11 July. The White House has recommended terminating US funding for nearly two dozen programmes that conduct war crimes and accountability work globally, including in Myanmar, Syria and on alleged Russian atrocities in Ukraine, according to three US sources familiar with the matter and internal government documents reviewed by Reuters. The recommendation from the Office of Management and Budget, which was made on Wednesday and has not been previously reported, is not the final decision to end the programmes since it gives the State Department the option to appeal. But it sets up a potential back-and-forth between the OMB and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his aides, who will reply to OMB with their suggestions on which programmes deserve to continue. The programmes also include work in Iraq, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Colombia, Belarus, Sudan, South Sudan, Afghanistan and the Gambia, according to the sources and a list seen by Reuters. The State Department declined to comment. OMB did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The expectation that Rubio would argue for many of the programmes to be continued is slim, according to three US officials. However, the top US diplomat could make a case to keep crucial programmes, such as aiding potential war crimes prosecutions in Ukraine, according to one source familiar with the matter. Several of the programmes earmarked for termination operate war crimes accountability projects in Ukraine, three sources familiar with the matter said, including Global Rights Compliance, which is helping to collect evidence of war crimes and crimes against humanity across Ukraine, such as sexual violence and torture. Another is Legal Action Worldwide, a legal aid group which supports local efforts to bring cases against Russian suspects of war crimes in Ukraine, the sources said. Requests seeking comment from the groups were not immediately answered. State Department bureaus that would like to preserve any war crimes and accountability programmes should send their justifications by close of business day on 11 July, said an internal State Department email seen by Reuters. READ | 'Essential hedge against authoritarianism': Judge blocks Trump plan to target Harvard students Many of the programmes recommended for termination are dedicated to empowering local organisations seeking to advance justice in societies that have faced atrocities, one of the sources said, adding that some programmes have been going on for decades across Democratic and Republican administrations. 'Even if Secretary Rubio intervenes to save these programmes, many of which he supported as a senator, there will be no one left to manage these programmes,' the source said. The administration of US President Donald Trump has frozen and then cut back billions of dollars of foreign aid since taking office on 20 January to ensure American-taxpayer money funds programmes that are aligned with his 'America First' policies. The unprecedented cutbacks have effectively shut down its premier aid arm US Agency for International Development, jeopardised the delivery of life-saving food and medical aid and thrown global humanitarian relief operations into chaos. The OMB recommendation is yet another sign that the administration is increasingly de-prioritising advocacy for human rights and rule of law globally, an objective that previous US administrations have pursued. While US foreign aid freezes had already started hampering an international effort to hold Russia responsible for alleged war crimes in Ukraine, Wednesday's recommendations raise the risk of US completely abandoning those efforts. Among the programmes that are recommended for termination is a $18 million State Department grant for Ukraine's Prosecutor General's Office that is implemented by Georgetown University's International Criminal Justice Initiative, two sources said. An official at Georgetown declined to comment. While the programmes do not directly impact Ukraine's frontline efforts to fend off Russia's invasion, supporters say they represent the best chance of extensively documenting reported battlefield atrocities in Europe's biggest conflict since World War Two, now grinding toward a fourth year. Ukraine has opened more than 140 000 war crime cases since Moscow's February 2022 invasion, which has killed tens of thousands, ravaged vast swathes of the country and left behind mental and physical scars from occupation. Russia consistently denies war crimes have been committed by its forces in the conflict. Other programmes include one that does accountability work on Myanmar army's atrocities against Rohingya minorities as well as on the persecution of Christians and other minorities by Syria's ousted former president Bashar al-Assad, two sources said. While the OMB recommendations could face State Department push-back, the criteria to appeal are set very strictly. In an internal State Department email, the administration cautioned that any effort to preserve programmes that were recommended to be terminated should be thoroughly argued and directly aligned with Washington's priorities. 'Bureaus must clearly and succinctly identify direct alignment to administration priorities,' the email, reviewed by Reuters said.
Asharq Al-Awsat
a day ago
- Politics
- Asharq Al-Awsat
White House Wants Deep Cut in US Funding for War Crimes Investigations
The White House has recommended terminating US funding for nearly two dozen programs that conduct war crimes and accountability work globally, including in Myanmar, Syria and on alleged Russian atrocities in Ukraine, according to three US sources familiar with the matter and internal government documents reviewed by Reuters. The recommendation from the Office of Management and Budget, which was made on Wednesday and has not been previously reported, is not the final decision to end the programs since it gives the State Department the option to appeal. But it sets up a potential back-and-forth between the OMB and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his aides, who will reply to OMB with their suggestions on which programs deserve to continue. The programs also include work in Iraq, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Colombia, Belarus, Sudan, South Sudan, Afghanistan and the Gambia, according to the sources and a list seen by Reuters. The State Department declined to comment. OMB did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The expectation that Rubio would argue for many of the programs to be continued is slim, according to three US officials. However, the top US diplomat could make a case to keep crucial programs, such as aiding potential war crimes prosecutions in Ukraine, according to one source familiar with the matter. Several of the programs earmarked for termination operate war crimes accountability projects in Ukraine, three sources familiar with the matter said, including Global Rights Compliance, which is helping to collect evidence of war crimes and crimes against humanity across Ukraine, such as sexual violence and torture. Another is Legal Action Worldwide, a legal aid group which supports local efforts to bring cases against Russian suspects of war crimes in Ukraine, the sources said. Requests seeking comment from the groups were not immediately answered. State Department bureaus that would like to preserve any war crimes and accountability programs should send their justifications by close of business day on July 11, said an internal State Department email seen by Reuters. CHANGING PRIORITIES Many of the programs recommended for termination are dedicated to empowering local organizations seeking to advance justice in societies that have faced atrocities, one of the sources said, adding that some programs have been going on for decades across Democratic and Republican administrations. "Even if Secretary Rubio intervenes to save these programs, many of which he supported as a senator, there will be no one left to manage these programs," the source said. The administration of President Donald Trump has frozen and then cut back billions of dollars of foreign aid since taking office on January 20 to ensure American-taxpayer money funds programs that are aligned with his "America First" policies. The unprecedented cutbacks have effectively shut down its premier aid arm US Agency for International Development, jeopardized the delivery of life-saving food and medical aid and thrown global humanitarian relief operations into chaos. The OMB recommendation is yet another sign that the administration is increasingly de-prioritizing advocacy for human rights and rule of law globally, an objective that previous US administrations have pursued. While US foreign aid freezes had already started hampering an international effort to hold Russia responsible for alleged war crimes in Ukraine, Wednesday's recommendations raise the risk of US completely abandoning those efforts. Among the programs that are recommended for termination is a $18 million State Department grant for Ukraine's Prosecutor General's Office that is implemented by Georgetown University's International Criminal Justice Initiative, two sources said. An official at Georgetown declined to comment. While the programs do not directly impact Ukraine's frontline efforts to fend off Russia's invasion, supporters say they represent the best chance of extensively documenting reported battlefield atrocities in Europe's biggest conflict since World War Two, now grinding toward a fourth year. Ukraine has opened more than 140,000 war crime cases since Moscow's February 2022 invasion, which has killed tens of thousands, ravaged vast swathes of the country and left behind mental and physical scars from occupation. Russia consistently denies war crimes have been committed by its forces in the conflict. PATH TO APPEAL Other programs include one that does accountability work on Myanmar army's atrocities against Rohingya minorities as well as on the persecution of Christians and other minorities by Syria's ousted former president Bashar al-Assad, two sources said. While the OMB recommendations could face State Department push-back, the criteria to appeal are set very strictly. In an internal State Department email, the administration cautioned that any effort to preserve programs that were recommended to be terminated should be thoroughly argued and directly aligned with Washington's priorities. "Bureaus must clearly and succinctly identify direct alignment to administration priorities," the email, reviewed by Reuters said.
Malay Mail
a day ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
White House seeks deep cuts to war crimes probes, including Ukraine and Myanmar
WASHINGTON, June 27 — The White House has recommended terminating US funding for nearly two dozen programmes that conduct war crimes and accountability work globally, including in Myanmar, Syria and on alleged Russian atrocities in Ukraine, according to three US sources familiar with the matter and internal government documents reviewed by Reuters. The recommendation from the Office of Management and Budget, which was made on Wednesday and has not been previously reported, is not the final decision to end the programmes since it gives the State Department the option to appeal. But it sets up a potential back-and-forth between the OMB and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his aides, who will reply to OMB with their suggestions on which programmes deserve to continue. The programmes also include work in Iraq, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Colombia, Belarus, Sudan, South Sudan, Afghanistan and the Gambia, according to the sources and a list seen by Reuters. The State Department declined to comment. OMB did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The expectation that Rubio would argue for many of the programmes to be continued is slim, according to three US officials. However, the top US diplomat could make a case to keep crucial programmes, such as aiding potential war crimes prosecutions in Ukraine, according to one source familiar with the matter. Several of the programmes earmarked for termination operate war crimes accountability projects in Ukraine, three sources familiar with the matter said, including Global Rights Compliance, which is helping to collect evidence of war crimes and crimes against humanity across Ukraine, such as sexual violence and torture. Another is Legal Action Worldwide, a legal aid group which supports local efforts to bring cases against Russian suspects of war crimes in Ukraine, the sources said. Requests seeking comment from the groups were not immediately answered. State Department bureaus that would like to preserve any war crimes and accountability programmes should send their justifications by close of business day on July 11, said an internal State Department email seen by Reuters. Changing priorities Many of the programmes recommended for termination are dedicated to empowering local organizations seeking to advance justice in societies that have faced atrocities, one of the sources said, adding that some programmes have been going on for decades across Democratic and Republican administrations. 'Even if Secretary Rubio intervenes to save these programmes, many of which he supported as a senator, there will be no one left to manage these programmes,' the source said. The administration of President Donald Trump has frozen and then cut back billions of dollars of foreign aid since taking office on January 20 to ensure American-taxpayer money funds programmes that are aligned with his 'America First' policies. The unprecedented cutbacks have effectively shut down its premier aid arm US Agency for International Development, jeopardised the delivery of life-saving food and medical aid and thrown global humanitarian relief operations into chaos. The OMB recommendation is yet another sign that the administration is increasingly de-prioritising advocacy for human rights and rule of law globally, an objective that previous US administrations have pursued. While US foreign aid freezes had already started hampering an international effort to hold Russia responsible for alleged war crimes in Ukraine, Wednesday's recommendations raise the risk of US completely abandoning those efforts. Among the programmes that are recommended for termination is a US$18 million (RM76 million) State Department grant for Ukraine's Prosecutor General's Office that is implemented by Georgetown University's International Criminal Justice Initiative, two sources said. An official at Georgetown declined to comment. While the programmes do not directly impact Ukraine's frontline efforts to fend off Russia's invasion, supporters say they represent the best chance of extensively documenting reported battlefield atrocities in Europe's biggest conflict since World War Two, now grinding toward a fourth year. Ukraine has opened more than 140,000 war crime cases since Moscow's February 2022 invasion, which has killed tens of thousands, ravaged vast swathes of the country and left behind mental and physical scars from occupation. Russia consistently denies war crimes have been committed by its forces in the conflict. Path to appeal Other programmes include one that does accountability work on Myanmar army's atrocities against Rohingya minorities as well as on the persecution of Christians and other minorities by Syria's ousted former president Bashar al-Assad, two sources said. While the OMB recommendations could face State Department push-back, the criteria to appeal are set very strictly. In an internal State Department email, the administration cautioned that any effort to preserve programmes that were recommended to be terminated should be thoroughly argued and directly aligned with Washington's priorities. 'Bureaus must clearly and succinctly identify direct alignment to administration priorities,' the email, reviewed by Reuters said. — Reuters
CNA
2 days ago
- Politics
- CNA
White House wants deep cut in US funding for war crimes investigations, sources say
WASHINGTON: The White House has recommended terminating US funding for nearly two dozen programmes that conduct war crimes and accountability work globally, including in Myanmar, Syria and on alleged Russian atrocities in Ukraine, according to three US sources familiar with the matter and internal government documents reviewed by Reuters. The recommendation from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), which was made on Wednesday (Jun 26) and has not been previously reported, is not the final decision to end the programmes, since it gives the State Department the option to appeal. But it sets up a potential back-and-forth between the OMB and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his aides, who will reply to OMB with their suggestions on which programmes deserve to continue. The programmes also include work in Iraq, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Colombia, Belarus, Sudan, South Sudan, Afghanistan and the Gambia, according to the sources and a list seen by Reuters. The State Department declined to comment. OMB did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The expectation that Rubio would argue for many of the programmes to be continued is slim, according to three US officials. However, the top US diplomat could make a case to keep crucial programmes, such as aiding potential war crimes prosecutions in Ukraine, according to one source familiar with the matter. Several of the programmes earmarked for termination operate war crimes accountability projects in Ukraine, three sources familiar with the matter said, including Global Rights Compliance, which is helping to collect evidence of war crimes and crimes against humanity across Ukraine, such as sexual violence and torture. Another is Legal Action Worldwide, a legal aid group that supports local efforts to bring cases against Russian suspects of war crimes in Ukraine, the sources said. Requests seeking comment from the groups were not immediately answered. State Department bureaus that would like to preserve any war crimes and accountability programmes should send their justifications by close of business day on Jul 11, said an internal State Department email seen by Reuters. CHANGING PRIORITIES Many of the programmes recommended for termination are dedicated to empowering local organisations seeking to advance justice in societies that have faced atrocities, one of the sources said, adding that some programmes have been going on for decades across Democratic and Republican administrations. "Even if Secretary Rubio intervenes to save these programmes, many of which he supported as a senator, there will be no one left to manage these programmes," the source said. The administration of President Donald Trump has frozen and then cut back billions of dollars of foreign aid since taking office on Jan 20 to ensure American-taxpayer money funds programmes that are aligned with his "America First" policies. The unprecedented cutbacks have effectively shut down its premier aid arm, the US Agency for International Development, jeopardised the delivery of life-saving food and medical aid, and thrown global humanitarian relief operations into chaos. The OMB recommendation is yet another sign that the administration is increasingly de-prioritising advocacy for human rights and rule of law globally, an objective that previous US administrations have pursued. While US foreign aid freezes had already started hampering an international effort to hold Russia responsible for alleged war crimes in Ukraine, Wednesday's recommendations raise the risk of the US completely abandoning those efforts. Among the programmes that are recommended for termination is an US$18 million State Department grant for Ukraine's Prosecutor General's Office that is implemented by Georgetown University's International Criminal Justice Initiative, two sources said. While the programmes do not directly impact Ukraine's frontline efforts to fend off Russia's invasion, supporters say they represent the best chance of extensively documenting reported battlefield atrocities in Europe's biggest conflict since World War II, now grinding toward a fourth year. Ukraine has opened more than 140,000 war crime cases since Moscow's February 2022 invasion, which has killed tens of thousands, ravaged vast swathes of the country and left behind mental and physical scars from occupation. Russia consistently denies war crimes have been committed by its forces in the conflict. PATH TO APPEAL Other programmes include one that does accountability work on Myanmar army's atrocities against Rohingya minorities, as well as on the persecution of Christians and other minorities by Syria's ousted former president Bashar al-Assad, two sources said. While the OMB recommendations could face State Department push-back, the criteria to appeal are set very strictly. In an internal State Department email, the administration cautioned that any effort to preserve programmes that were recommended to be terminated should be thoroughly argued and directly aligned with Washington's priorities.
Zawya
12-05-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Zimbabwe sees huge jump in malaria cases as US withdraws funding
Zimbabwe is recording a huge jump in malaria deaths at a time the United States, the biggest funder of the country's health delivery system, is scaling back its support due to President Donald Trump's policies on foreign aid. The southern African country's Health ministry on Friday said malaria cases had increased by 180 percent since the beginning of the year from 21,309 in 2024 to 59,647 this year while bemoaning the withdrawal of US funding for prevention programmes. Malaria deaths have increased by 218 percent from 45 in 2024 to 143 in 2025, the ministry said. Zimbabwe's health delivery system is heavily reliant on donor funding and the US government was the largest contributor through USAID whose operations have been heavily curtailed by President Trump's new administration. Read: Dead aid? African leaders forced to move on fast in Trump eraThe US early this year said its initiatives through USAID and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had helped reduce the incidence of malaria in Zimbabwe by 40 percent in the last 15 years. American funding helped procure 800,000 mosquito nets, 1.2 million malaria test kits and 100,000 'life-saving anti-malaria medications as our teams on the ground train health care workers and educate communities about malaria prevention and early treatment,' the US embassy in Harare said then. Those gains are in danger of being reversed with the Zimbabwe government now raising the alarm following the sharp increase in new cases and deaths.'This increase is being driven by a combination of environmental and behavioural factors,' the Health Ministry said.'Increased rainfall, humility, and temperatures have created favourable conditions for mosquito breeding.'At the same time, more people are engaging in outdoor activities such as artisanal mining, farming, tobacco curing, and cross border trading, particularly during dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most active.'Many of these activities take place in remote areas where access to health services is limited, leading to delays in treatment and an increase in fatalities.'The government said the number of reported malaria outbreaks had jumped from just one in 2024 to 115 in 2025.'Out of these, only 23 have been brought under control. The majority of outbreaks have been reported in provinces with high levels of artisanal mining and agricultural activities,' the ministry added.'Mashonaland Central, Manicaland, and Mashonaland West are the most affected provinces, contributing a combined 82.8 percent of all cases and 72.9 percent of all deaths.'Children under the age of five account for 14 percent of the total malaria cases.'The government said the distribution of malaria prevention kits such as insecticide treated nets (ITNs) had been affected by the withdrawal of funding from the US.'A total of 1,615,000 ITNs are being distributed in 14 high-risk districts, although there is a shortfall of 600,000 nets due to the withdrawal of funding from the United States government,' the Health ministry added.'The government remains committed to closing this gap through increased domestic financing.'Larvicides are being applied to breeding sites where available, although supply remains limited.'The country currently has adequate stocks of malaria medicines and diagnostic kits'The kits were acquired before the withdrawal of US funding early this year. Anti-malaria campaigns have been rolled out to target artisanal mining populations, who are highly mobile and often difficult to access.'Despite these efforts, challenges remain. Climate change continues to expand the mosquito breeding season and increase the vector population,' the government added.'Artisanal mining activities are increasing, and with them, the number of breeding sites and the population exposed during peak mosquito biting hours.'Many of these communities remain difficult to reach and are hesitant to engage with health authorities.'The Ministry reminds the public that this is the high malaria transmission period.' Malaria symptoms include fever, chills, sweating, headaches, joint pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea. Read: Africa's healthcare funding crisis: 3 strategies to manage deadly diseasesZimbabwe's health delivery system has been crumbling over the years due to years of chronic underfunding, and a serious brain drain. This week a minister raised the alarm over the state of the public health system after visiting a hospitalised relative. Youth minister Tinoda Machakaire publicly invited President Emmerson Mnangagwa to visit hospitals to see for himself the state of the rot. Addressing President Mnangagwa directly, he said: 'Under your leadership, many have found renewed hope.'It is because of this trust in your care for the people that I respectfully plead with, please find time from your busy schedule to visit these institutions yourself.'There is no substitute for seeing, listening and understanding first-hand what our citizens are going through.'The Health ministry, however, dismissed the minister's comments as 'part of a broader pattern of unwarranted and mischievous attacks.'Zimbabwe says its once vibrant health delivery system is a victim of western sanctions that have resulted in the southern African country's isolation from the international community for over two decades. After the withdrawal of funding, the US embassy in Harare said: 'It is time for Zimbabwe to take seriously its responsibility for the health of its people.''For HIV, Zimbabwe has hit the 95/95/95 targets. They urgently need to be focused on buying antiviral therapy and getting nurses in clinics. They can do this.' © Copyright 2022 Nation Media Group. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Kitsepile Nyathi
