From the International Rescue Committee's (IRC) CEO and President, David Miliband:

"The United States State Department’s decision to terminate at least 10,000 USAID and State Department grants and contracts is a devastating blow to clients of the International Rescue Committee (IRC).

These are people who depend on the US-funded services for the basics of survival. These programs are not just numbers on a spreadsheet; they represent real lives and real futures. 

Humanitarian needs are rising across every measure: there are more people displaced by conflict, climate shocks are growing, and extreme poverty is more concentrated in fragile and conflict-affected states. The countries affected by these cuts—including Sudan, Yemen, Syria—are home to millions of innocent civilians who are victims of war and disaster. 

The world has never more needed the IRC.  And we are ready to meet the moment.

While we call on the government to reconsider this decision, we remain steadfast in our mission: to help people survive, recover and rebuild their lives. We have seen turbulent times before, and we have never wavered in our commitment to our clients. That remains true today. The humanitarian sector will change in fundamental ways; our dedication to those in need will not.

Over the past decade, the IRC has led the way in designing, testing and scaling cost-effective, high-impact interventions. By grounding our programs in evidence and innovation, we have maximized our ability to deliver life-saving aid efficiently and at scale.

The IRC remains resolute in our commitment to helping people in countries where conflict, climate change and economic instability threaten lives and livelihoods. Research shows that smart, strategic investments in humanitarian aid are essential—not just to meet urgent needs, but to address the root causes of suffering and instability. If left unaddressed, these crises will only deepen, threatening global security and prosperity. 

That is why the IRC’s mission has never been more urgent. Our evidence-driven approach ensures that we are not only responding to today’s crises but also preparing for the challenges of tomorrow. We are committed to innovation, efficiency and effectiveness, continuously refining our programs to deliver the greatest possible impact for those we serve. 

As we do this work, we are calling on the American public, corporations and philanthropists to show that America’s generosity of spirit and commitment to the most vulnerable has not been lost.

As we face an era of unprecedented global need, we do so with clarity and confidence. Because when people have the support they need to survive, they can begin to recover. And when they recover, they can rebuild. This is our promise—and this is our purpose.”