Cuts to aid ‘could result in deaths of millions of people’

Trócaire has warned that recent cuts to international aid programmes could result in the deaths of millions of people across the globe.

The warning comes as the annual Trócaire box appeal for Lent draws to a close, with the people of Cork being urged to return their donations.

Caoimhe de Barra, Trócaire’s CEO, said that millions of the most vulnerable people across the world rely on aid for survival.

“Trócaire is proactively working to respond to the cuts, and support those most affected.

“The cuts are happening at a time when the global need for humanitarian assistance has never been higher, with more than 120 armed conflicts globally and increasing evidence of ever more extreme weather-related events attributable to climate change both having major impacts on already vulnerable families and communities.

“Conflict and climate change are two of the biggest drivers of displacement and poverty in the world today.”

Ms de Barra said Trócaire is “fortunate to have very strong support from the public in Co Cork and right across the country, as well as the Irish Government”.

“Trócaire will continue to support our local partner organisations in the countries where we work as they provide essential services and carry out vital life-saving work.

“We need the support of the Irish public now more than ever if we are to continue this work that makes such a positive impact on the lives of so many people.

“I would urge people to return their Trócaire box or make a donation so we can ensure support gets to those that need it most as a matter of urgency,” she said.

The Trócaire box appeal this year focused on how the effects of climate change are driving families in Guatemala further into poverty.

Trócaire supports marginalised rural communities to grow enough food to feed themselves and to adapt to the impacts of climate change and damage to their environment.

Ms de Barra added: “To say that these cuts will be devastating is a vast understatement. Humanitarian programmes that are saving lives have been shut down.

“In Ukraine, Afghanistan, Gaza and Sudan, millions of people have already lost access to essential food, water, healthcare and shelter services.”