Kathmandu (Pahichan) February 13 – American Jewish World Service (AJWS), the leading American Jewish human rights and development organization, voiced grave concerns over President Trump’s proposed FY19 budget, citing cuts to crucial aid and development programs and institutions critical to upholding the dignity of people experiencing violations of their human rights.

Statement of Robert Bank, President and CEO of American Jewish World Service:

“As the leading American Jewish organization working to end poverty and uphold human rights in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, we unequivocally oppose President Trump’s proposed cuts to the foreign aid and international affairs budget of the United States. These cuts would disproportionately harm people experiencing daily violations of their rights, including women and girls, LGBTI people, ethnic and religious minorities, and those on the frontlines of climate change.

“U.S. foreign assistance makes up just one percent of federal spending, but plays an indispensable role in advancing human rights, combatting poverty and mitigating global challenges. We are living through a period of unprecedented political instability, authoritarianism and migration. The past year saw devastating natural disasters in the Caribbean and Latin America, as well as the intensification of violence against the Rohingya people in Burma. Cuts to foreign aid will exacerbate and entrench—rather than alleviate—these urgent priorities for AJWS and for the world.

“The United States has a long and proud history of robust foreign aid and diplomacy under presidents of both parties. However, this FY19 proposed budget is a further demonstration of President Trump’s second year of abdicating American diplomatic, financial and moral leadership in addressing the challenges of our day.

“We call on members of Congress from both parties to oppose President Trump’s proposed cuts. Our global responsibilities demand it. It is incumbent on Congress to exercise its budget authority to preserve America’s ability to stand up for the most vulnerable populations at home and around the globe. We look forward to their more detailed spending package later next month doing exactly that.”

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