Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees, recently issued a statement warning about the devastating impact of global aid cuts on refugees and vulnerable communities. Grandi stressed that “Brutal funding cuts in the humanitarian sector are putting millions of lives at risk.”
La Strada International echoes these concerns. The combination of limited funding and the increasingly shrinking space for civil society, is more and more visible globally, including in Europe, particularly in countries that face political tensions such as Belarus, Turkey, Serbia and other Balkan countries. These developments will inevitably heighten vulnerabilities, placing more individuals at greater risk of human trafficking and exploitation.
The reduction in humanitarian aid is exacerbating socio-economic vulnerabilities, further increasing the risk of sexual exploitation, forced labour, and human trafficking.
La Strada International joins Filippo Grandi in calling for urgent action and stronger international solidarity. As Grandi powerfully stated, “Now is the time for solidarity, not retreat.”
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