Keeping quality and accountability at the heart of response

The rapid withdrawal of US funding has left the humanitarian sector in turmoil, along with cuts to aid budgets from other major government donors signal this trend looks set to continue. The impact on people affected by crises is immeasurable. Organisations globally are under immense strain.

As organisations face tough decisions, the commitments the sector has made to quality and accountability are more essential than ever to guide decision making to uphold the rights and dignity of people affected by crises. 

This page provides practical information, guidance, and comment on the rapidly evolving situation to support organisations in maintaining their CHS commitments.

A message from Tanya Wood, our ED 

“The past months have been brutal for the sector, and we know the implications are far-reaching, with countless people unable to access the support and protection they rely on and no organisations left untouched. This is a stressful time, and we stand with you in the difficult conversations and decisions being made.  

We know that at this time, keeping the needs of the communities at the forefront by maintaining CHS commitments, must continue to guide us to ensure limited resources are used effectively. I strongly believe that we must stand by our commitments and not allow these strains to undo the huge progress we have made in accountability and meaningful engagement with affected communities.  

We are here to support you with practical information, tips, guides and an open channel for communication. Please reach out to us, and to share your thoughts with the wider community.” 

Messaging with communities

CHS Alliance has been working with ICVA to suggest some messaging for organisations to keep people and communities affected by the US funding suspension informed about the evolving situation.

Take a look here: Collective messaging on suspensions and stoppages of humanitarian assistance.

The Board of CHS Alliance’s response to USAID cuts

The Board calls that we ensure communities can: exercise rights and participate in decisions, and access support that is timely, effective, does no harm, is co-ordinated and complementary.   

Leaders from across the sector, including CHS Alliance’s Tanya Wood, also issued a statement in their personal capacity

What we know

  • February: The US Government has issued a total freeze on all aid spending, with a dismantling of USAID. Organisations have been sent stop work orders effective immediately.  
  • The UK Government has reduced its ODA budget to 0.3%, a cut of 40%, the lowest since 1999. The changes are set to phase in, with changes completed in 2027. 
  • The Netherlands has reduced its aid budget by 30%  
  • Belgium cut its aid budget by 25% 
  • France reduced its budget by 37%. 

ICVA’s resources include advice on the USAID’s 90 day suspension of USAID funding: ICVA 90-day suspension resources  

Devex is providing a rolling update on aid cuts: Scoop: USAID asks partners for information on recently cut awards | Devex 

Other resources

CHS E-learnings

Here is a list of self-learning resources available, on the CHS as well as PSEAH and SEAH Investigation CHS & PSEAH elearnings offer | CHS Alliance 

Best practice examples

Please send us examples of how you are putting people at the centre of response during this difficult time. We will regularly share these examples across the network to encourage and inspire each other. 

Survey

We are reaching out to organisations to understand how people and communities are experiencing the suspension of the USAID funds and other cuts on quality and accountability, in partnership with Sphere. Watch this space. 

Help from the wider community

Are you interested in sharing experiences with other colleagues? At our regular AAP COP sessions we will be regularly discussing and learning from each other.

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Questions or concerns 

Please do not hesitate to contact us with questions or concerns on the CHS commitments, and maintaining an accountable, person-centred approach.  Email chs@chsalliance.org.