Danish Refugee Council to lay Off 2,000 after aid halt

Following a near-complete pause on development aid by the U.S. government, the Danish Refugee Council expects to lay off up to 2,000 employees. Over 1,000 employees have already been notified about their layoffs. The layoffs will affect employees working on projects across 21 countries, including Colombia, Ethiopia, Iraq, and Sudan, with canceled grants amounting to over $130 million. The U.S. foreign aid freeze, lasting 90 days, is being conducted to align with President Donald Trump’s foreign policy. According to Charlotte Slente, the Secretary-General of the organization, this move is catastrophic for vulnerable groups that rely on aid. The U.S. was the largest donor of development aid, and the suspension could impact up to two million people who were expected to receive assistance this year. The Danish Refugee Council is also awaiting confirmation from the U.S. government for the coverage of costs for already completed activities.