Donald Trump‘s freezing of USAid operations for Myanmar has blocked over US$39 million in funding for human rights, pro-democracy and independent media projects over the next three years, according to Human Rights Myanmar (HRM).
The rights group on Thursday said the US agency pledged $8 million for seven human rights projects, $30 million for nine democracy initiatives and $1 million for two programs supporting independent media.
It said the funding was crucial for organizations challenging Myanmar’s junta and promoting democracy, aligning with US interests and countering China’s influence.
The group said the funding freeze has severely impacted vital programs with organizations already operating on limited budgets. It said projects had already been shut down and staff laid off. Without urgent intervention, many organizations may not survive, HRM added.
It said displacement camps along Myanmar’s borders are now struggling with food and medicine shortages.
Exiled independent media organizations – already operating under difficult conditions – are struggling to pay staff, HRM said.
A journalist from Myanmar based in the Thai border town of Mae Sot said: “They announced the funding freeze at the end of the month when we were already struggling. There were no salaries this month. We only pay rent for some staff in Mae Sot. We are worried about how to continue after this month”.
Ko Nyan Lin Htet, editor-in-chief of the Mekong News Agency, said the ongoing programs, staff numbers and salaries have already been cut.
He said the regime’s propaganda machine and Chinese state-backed media would take advantage.
“China is always watching. If the independent media shrinks, Chinese-backed propaganda will expand,” he said.
HRM reported that $22 million in USAid humanitarian funding had been suspended, along with $36 million for farmers, $22 million for health care projects and $30 million for education.
It said $10 million was designated for tuberculosis and HIV projects with the heaviest impact on marginalized communities.
The rights group urged Washington to immediately reinstate the funding to ensure its commitments to human rights and democracy in Myanmar.
It urged Congress to prevent the funding freeze from becoming a permanent setback.
Editor’s Note: The story was updated on Feb.11, 2025 as it previously said HRW instead of HRM.
