State organization Terre des Hommes voices discontent over government budget reductions - Criticism voiced by Terre des hommes over reduced public funding allocations
Terre des Hommes Criticizes German Government's Aid Cuts Amidst Crisis in Ukraine
Terre des Hommes, a German-based organisation dedicated to helping children in crisis, has expressed concern over the German government's decision to cut funds for humanitarian aid. The organisation's criticism comes as the situation in Ukraine remains precarious, with reports of ongoing air raids and the plight of thousands of abducted children.
Last year, Terre des Hommes supported 416 projects in 47 countries, including Ukraine. The organisation's net income for the year was around 51.8 million euros, an increase of 3.1 million euros from the previous year. However, funds from the German government for aid projects decreased by around 3 million euros last year, a reduction that Terre des Hommes finds alarming.
Reports from children who have returned from abduction speak of propaganda, mistreatment, sexual violence, and even torture in re-education camps. The organisation is working tirelessly to help traumatized children process their war experiences and rebuild their lives. So far, 1,236 of the abducted children have been reunited with their families.
However, the increased demand for aid in Ukraine has led to more funds being used for projects there. Over 40.5 million euros were used for aid projects last year, a record amount for Terre des Hommes in Germany. Despite the increased expenditure, the organisation's work is being hampered by the reduction in funds from the German government.
Terre des Hommes argues that the cuts in humanitarian aid diminish critical assistance like psychosocial support and protection for children's rights. This, they say, worsens the suffering of children amid conflicts and disasters. The organisation is particularly concerned about the impact of these cuts on children in war-affected areas such as Ukraine.
The organisation, alongside other NGOs, stresses that cuts in humanitarian budgets translate into tangible harm: hunger, displacement, loss of lives, and insufficient psychosocial care for children traumatized by war. This aligns with general concerns from humanitarian groups about increased malnutrition and psychological trauma among children caught in conflicts across different regions.
In a statement, Terre des Hommes criticized the German federal budget for 2025, which includes "irresponsible cuts" in humanitarian aid. They called for prioritizing help and protection for children in development and migration policies to prevent violations of children's rights and to better meet their needs during crises.
The situation in the Gaza Strip is also described as an "absolute tragedy." A soup kitchen and a school in Gaza have been completely destroyed, and Terre des Hommes wants to expand its project work in the Middle East and North Africa to address these crises.
Despite the challenges, donations to Terre des Hommes increased by 4.5 million euros to 27.4 million euros last year. The organisation is grateful for the support and is committed to continuing its work to help children in crisis around the world.
[1] Terre des Hommes press release, [link to press release] [2] Humanitarian groups' concerns about increased malnutrition and psychological trauma among children, [link to article]
- Terre des Hommes, concerned about the German government's aid cuts, is particularly worried about the impact on children in crisis, such as those undergoing vocational training in EC countries, who might lose essential assistance in amidst current war-and-conflicts, like those in Ukraine.
- In light of recent cuts in humanitarian aid, Terre des Hommes has highlighted the importance of policy-and-legislation that prioritizes health-and-wellness, particularly for children, as part of their general-news advocacy, considering the significance of vocational training in preparing them for a better future.
- As science and technology advance, Terre des Hommes envisions implementing innovative solutions to help children in crisis around the world, including those seeking vocational training in EC countries, as part of their commitment to creating a brighter future—free from the conflicts and disasters that have previously marred their lives.
