Cuts to UK aid a devastating blow for children around the world
The announcement in Parliament of cuts to the UK aid budget is a devastating blow for children and communities around the world.
Aid spending might be reducing but needs are rising. Cuts will divert funding away from some of the most devastating humanitarian crises in the world – including in Gaza and Sudan.
What’s more, attacks on equality and girls’ rights grow bolder, threatening to reverse years of hard-won progress for girls – and their communities too.
Cuts to aid
The announcement of cuts to UK aid comes at the worst possible time, just weeks after USAID paused nearly all its funding to overseas aid projects. Other governments are also rolling back on previous commitments, such as the Netherlands and Belgium.
USAID is the world’s largest donor, contributing to 42% of all humanitarian funding in 2024. While the US Government undertakes a 90-day review of projects, life-saving programmes funded by USAID have been paused with devastating consequences for children, especially girls.
The impact of the UK aid cuts is yet to be fully realised. But with around 300 million people in humanitarian need around the world, the shrinking of overseas aid will affect real lives.
How has Plan International been affected?
Plan International globally has been affected by the pause in USAID across 13 programmes in 12 countries, including Nepal, Ethiopia, Niger, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Bangladesh, Philippines, Malawi, Egypt, Jordan, Mexico and Honduras.
In Nepal, school classes have halted with exams on the horizon and where failure could force girls into child marriage instead. Cuts to aid are affecting real lives right now.
“I heard about the classes from a teacher in my neighbourhood and I enrolled immediately.”
Aisha, 13, was able to go to school for the first time thanks to a Plan International project in Nigeria. But now, the future of her education is at risk as this project is one impacted by funding cuts.
Attacks on girls’ rights
Aid cuts aren’t the only challenge. Misinformation and disinformation seek to undermine efforts to create an equal world. As do efforts to remove hard-won rights that should not even be up for debate.
Groups and actors challenging the rights of girls and women are often loud, well-funded and hold power. Making them a real threat to the lives and futures of millions around the world.
Over recent years, we have seen the regression of rights in several areas –including bans on sex education, the restriction of access to and funding for safe abortion, and anti LGBTQIA+ laws.
Our commitment to children’s rights and equality for girls
In these are uncertain times, Plan International UK is deeply concerned about the immediate and future implications for girls and their communities. What remains unwavering is our commitment to children's rights and equality for girls.
Today’s announcement is a reminder of why supporters like you are so important. Your continued support will make all the difference as we look to minimise the impacts of developments on the lives of those affected.
Stand up for children's rights and equality for girls by making a donation today. We’re so grateful for your continued support.
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