The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is facing a challenging time as it plans to reduce its budget for 2026 by 17%, from 2.1 to 1.8 billion Swiss francs. Despite an increasing number of armed conflicts worldwide, financial contributions to the organization have become more unpredictable, with countries like the UK and Germany cutting their funding. The US currently owes 350 million dollars to the ICRC.
Following President Donald Trump’s administration’s decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization and dissolve USAID, which provided over 40 billion dollars annually for development and humanitarian aid, the future support from the US remains uncertain. The US did not participate in the ICRC donor conference in June, raising concerns about further budget cuts. New donor countries like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Kuwait have emerged to fill the gap left by traditional donors.
In 2023, the ICRC faced financial difficulties, leading to a reduction in its annual budget from 2.8 to 2.1 billion dollars. This resulted in the elimination of 4500 positions, including several hundred in Geneva.
### Maintaining Expertise
The ICRC is expected to reduce its workforce, but the exact number of job cuts is yet to be determined. With around 1000 employees at its Geneva headquarters and a total of 2700 staff including regional structures, the organization also employs approximately 15,500 individuals in its operational areas. Despite the downsizing, the ICRC aims to retain essential competencies to continue operating in complex humanitarian environments.
The ICRC remains committed to working in conflict zones, prioritizing proximity to populations with urgent needs. The organization emphasizes its unique role in tasks such as prison visits and prisoner exchanges, where it operates independently based on the Geneva Conventions.
### Federal Council Assistance
The United Nations, like the ICRC, is facing a liquidity crisis due to budget cuts from member states, including the US. Consequently, international organizations in Geneva are also reducing their workforce. For instance, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has laid off 250 of its 1000 employees in Geneva. UNAIDS, responsible for ensuring access to antiretroviral medication for HIV patients, is cutting its Geneva staff from 127 to 19.
To support the international organizations in Geneva, the Swiss Federal Council approved an emergency package in June, including an additional budget of 21.5 million Swiss francs for this year. The total aid package amounts to approximately 130 million Swiss francs, with the condition that the organizations commit to remaining in Geneva.
In conclusion, the financial challenges faced by the ICRC and other international organizations in Geneva highlight the importance of sustainable funding and strategic partnerships to ensure continuous humanitarian assistance in conflict-affected regions. The commitment of both traditional and new donor countries will be crucial in maintaining critical operations and upholding humanitarian principles globally.
### FAQ
– What is the current budget reduction percentage for the ICRC in 2026?
– The ICRC plans to reduce its budget by 17% for the year 2026.
– Which countries have recently cut their financial contributions to the ICRC?
– European countries like the UK and Germany, along with the US, have reduced their funding to the ICRC.
– How many employees does the ICRC have in its Geneva headquarters?
– The ICRC currently employs around 1000 staff at its Geneva headquarters.