Mercy Corps Dismayed by Deep Cuts in Humanitarian Budget for 2015

Millions of people worldwide at risk under Administration's proposed budget

News provided by

Mar 04, 2014, 04:32 ET

WASHINGTON, March 4, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The global humanitarian organization Mercy Corps is expressing deep dismay with the Obama administration's proposed FY2015 budget, which slashes humanitarian assistance by 25 percent, well below the appropriation Congress provided in the FY2014 omnibus spending bill passed in January.

"These proposed cuts in humanitarian aid will put the lives of millions of people at risk," says Andrea Koppel, vice president of Global Engagement and Policy at Mercy Corps. "We must preserve the ability of the United States to respond effectively to international emergencies, address perennial challenges such as famine and food insecurity, and support the tens of millions of people around the world who are driven from their homes each year by conflict or natural disaster."

Specific cuts include a proposed 33 percent reduction to the Migration and Refugee account, which supports refugee responses, and 28 percent less for the International Disaster Assistance account, which supports internally displaced people. While the Administration continues to commit to keeping the Syria response a funding priority, effectively that will happen at the expense of life-threatening crises elsewhere, such as in the Central African Republic and South Sudan. Food assistance fared only slightly better with a 4.5 percent cut to the Food for Peace program, which feeds tens of millions of people around the world. Nevertheless, this cut represents reducing food assistance to more than 1.5 million people.

"It's a cavalier approach to humanitarian assistance," says Koppel. "By slashing assistance for vulnerable people who need it the most, we are undermining the historic leadership role the U.S. has held in responding to global crises. And even worse, we are leaving tens of millions of people to suffer without hope. Congress must do what it can to restore this lifesaving assistance as the budget moves through the appropriations process."

About Mercy Corps
Mercy Corps is a leading global humanitarian agency saving and improving lives in the world's toughest places. With a network of experienced professionals in more than 40 countries, we partner with local communities to put bold ideas into action to help people recover, overcome hardship and build better lives. www.mercycorps.org.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110818/DC54665LOGO-a

SOURCE Mercy Corps