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The State Department reaffirmed its decision to uphold the foreign aid freeze initiated by the Trump administration, despite concerns raised by humanitarian officials about the potential risks it poses to vulnerable populations.
A recent media note released by the State Department indicated that a waiver had been granted for humanitarian aid, specifically for life-saving assistance such as medicine, medical services, food, shelter, and subsistence support. However, some humanitarian organizations reported that they had not received official notification of this waiver, leading to a temporary halt in their operations.
The State Department emphasized that critical national security waivers had been issued to safeguard U.S. personnel abroad, facilitate the repatriation of illegal immigrants, and fulfill non-proliferation obligations, among other purposes.
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It was clarified that the waiver for life-saving humanitarian aid excluded activities related to abortions, family planning, gender programs, transgender surgeries, and other non-life-saving interventions. The Migration and Refugee Assistance (MRA) funds were specified to be used solely for activities falling under the category of life-saving humanitarian aid and for the repatriation of third-country nationals.
Despite claims by the State Department that clear guidance on waivers had been provided, humanitarian aid officials expressed frustration over the lack of communication and conflicting responses received when seeking clarification.
While the waiver for humanitarian assistance has been granted, the situation remains complex as humanitarian organizations await further details and potential additional waivers that may be required to resume their critical work.