The situation is as clear as it is grim. Climate crises are multiplying, calls for international assistance are surging, and international solidarity is dwindling. In light of this, can we say today that humanitarian aid as we have known it is no longer sufficient?
Olivier De Schutter: “It is true that technocratically delivered aid has fallen out of favour with governments. One immediately thinks of the position of the United States. Scientific estimates published in the journal Nature show that the withdrawal of USAID (the U.S. government agency responsible for economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide) will cause an additional 25 million deaths globally. And given the impacts on nutrition, health, and more, it is estimated that 100 people die every hour because of this decision. But beyond the United States, many countries are reducing their development aid, including in Europe, notably because states are investing more in strengthening defence. Belgium is no exception to this trend. One can also point to a certain fatigue among donor states.”
