Global Refugee Crisis: Danish Refugee Council Warns Aid Cuts May Force Developing Nations to Close Borders

Global Refugee Crisis: Aid Cuts Threaten Border Closures in Developing Nations

Geneva, Switzerland – A stark warning has been issued by the Danish Refugee Council (DRC), highlighting the perilous situation faced by developing countries that host the vast majority of the world's displaced people. Charlotte Slente, the organization's Secretary General, cautioned on Tuesday that these nations might be compelled to close their borders if Western countries persist in slashing humanitarian aid contributions.

Developing nations currently bear the brunt of the global refugee crisis, sheltering approximately 75% of all displaced individuals. This burden is intensifying as Western states, including Britain and Germany, implement stricter asylum policies and simultaneously reduce their financial support for millions uprooted by conflict and climate change worldwide.

"They are now being a bit abandoned by the donors," Slente told Reuters during an interview in Geneva. She expressed deep concern over the potential reactions from these host nations once they realize the extent of the funding shortfalls, fearing a domino effect of new restrictions.

Mounting Strain on Host Nations

The impact of these cuts is already becoming evident. Uganda, long praised for its generous policy towards refugees from neighboring Sudan, South Sudan, and Somalia, has reportedly begun imposing restrictions on new arrivals. Similarly, Chad is grappling with a massive influx of nearly 900,000 refugees fleeing Sudan's ongoing civil war. Slente, who recently visited camps in Chad, reported severe overcrowding and critically inadequate aid distribution, underscoring the immense strain on local resources.

Funding Cuts Impact Vital Programs

The Danish Refugee Council itself has been forced to significantly scale back vital support this year due to substantial funding reductions. A major blow came from the United States, which previously contributed 20% of the NGO's funds but has dramatically cut foreign aid under President Donald Trump's administration. As a direct consequence, the DRC has eliminated nearly 2,000 positions and curtailed aid operations in numerous countries, impacting crucial services like nutrition programs for mothers and children in regions such as Cameroon and Afghanistan.

While other European donors have maintained their contributions to the NGO for now, Slente anticipates further cuts as these nations redirect funds towards defense spending. The unfolding situation paints a grim picture for millions of vulnerable individuals reliant on international assistance, raising fears of a broader humanitarian catastrophe if support continues to dwindle.