Red Cross Cuts 2,900 Jobs Amid Global Funding Crisis: What It Means for Humanitarian Work

US Funding Drops Under Trump’s ‘America First’ Agenda

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is set to impose deep cuts to its operations in 2026, slashing almost one-fifth of its annual budget and shedding 2,900 jobs as global donors retreat from humanitarian financing. This move comes in response to a dangerous convergence of escalating armed conflicts, significant cuts to aid funding, and systemic tolerance for grave breaches of international humanitarian law, as stated by ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric.

Financial Crisis of Unprecedented Proportions

The organisation confirmed that its spending will fall to $2.2 billion, warning that the wider aid sector is facing a financial crisis of unprecedented proportions. A spokesperson highlighted that the United States remains the ICRC’s largest donor but has reduced its contributions this year, mirroring funding drops from other traditional backers like the United Kingdom and Germany.

Impact on Operations and Workforce

Governments are diverting budgets towards defence and security, leaving humanitarian agencies scrambling to sustain programmes. The job losses amount to roughly 15 percent of its 18,500-strong workforce, including about 200 posts in Geneva. Around a third of the staff reductions will come through voluntary departures or by leaving positions unfilled.

Restructuring and Focus on Core Mission

To adapt, the ICRC will merge departments, streamline management, and focus on frontline conflict operations to preserve its core mission. Despite the reduced budget, the organisation insists it will maintain its presence in key areas such as Sudan, Ukraine, Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Role and Recent Activities

The ICRC, active in more than 90 countries, supports civilians in conflict zones, visits prisoners of war, and acts as a neutral intermediary. It recently facilitated the transfer of Israeli captives from Gaza and Palestinians held in Israeli prisons under the terms of a US-backed ceasefire.