Misconception Regarding Garbage

In the face of mounting global crises, the role of humanitarian aid becomes increasingly significant. With the German government planning to cut humanitarian aid budgets for 2025 and 2026 by more than half compared to the previous year, it's crucial to shed light on the impact and efficiency of this vital sector.

Recent studies and evaluations, such as the one published in The Lancet, have shown that humanitarian aid achieves a lot of good with little money. For instance, US funding between 2001 and 2021 is estimated to have prevented over 90 million deaths. Closer to home, in Germany, approximately one billion euros is allocated for humanitarian aid each year, corresponding to just 0.2% of the total state expenditure.

Despite this, the debate over the severe cuts planned for 2025 and 2026 is largely absent in the public sphere. This may be due to the issue receiving little media attention and a lack of significant opposition or protest from civil society or political parties. However, it's essential to remember that humanitarian aid saves countless lives with less than 1% of the budget.

The focus in times of perceived budget constraints is often on domestic spending and defense expenditure might seem more urgent. Yet, it's important to remember that humanitarian aid is a long-term investment in global stability and security.

The myth of waste in humanitarian aid needs to be debunked, and the impact clearly communicated. Success stories, such as the recovery of three-quarters of undernourished children in Ethiopia during the drought that lasted from 2015 to 2018, thanks to support, are often overlooked. The cost for Germany was 86 million euros per year, with the highest amounts in 2016.

Moreover, in Somalia in 2022 and 2023, humanitarian organizations saved several tens of thousands of people from impending famine. The cost for Germany was around 230 million euros. These figures underscore the importance of continued support for humanitarian aid.

Media professionals have a role to play in giving more space to successes in humanitarian aid. It's also crucial that debates about humanitarian aid involve experts, politicians, and citizens, not just about impact, but also about efficiency and the need for reform.

Private donations and engagement, showing a clear political stance, and holding the government to the same standards as the Trump administration can support humanitarian aid. Genuine support for humanitarian aid will only be credible if the cuts are firmly opposed.

As the second-largest donor, Germany is significantly contributing to the financing crisis of the humanitarian system. It's essential that we continue to support this sector and work towards reforms within the humanitarian system, using evidence from evaluations to drive change. The lives saved by humanitarian aid are a testament to its importance and the need for sustained support.