ICRC halts recruitment over U.S. funding concerns

PanARMENIAN.Net - The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has temporarily suspended the recruitment of new staff due to uncertainty regarding the continuity of financial support from the U.S. State Department. According to ICRC Director-General Pierre Krähenbühl, U.S. funding accounts for approximately 24% of the organization’s total budget.

“At present, funding has not been cut. But we remain uncertain about the future intentions of the current U.S. administration. Nevertheless, we have taken preventive measures worth 50 million Swiss francs, such as freezing new hires that were included in the budget,” Krähenbühl stated, as reported by Sputnik Armenia.

He noted that such developments have a troubling impact not only on the ICRC but also on other international and non-governmental organizations based in Geneva.

“Funding cuts in Geneva are a collective stress. The city hosts a broad network of organizations. We all know people, friends, affected by the cost-saving measures. We’re also seeing the effects of decreased investments in the field,” the director-general added.