Handicap International warns of severe impact from global aid cuts

Handicap International has warned that unprecedented cuts to official development assistance are threatening the survival of organizations serving people with disabilities. A survey of 177 organizations across more than 35 countries revealed that 14% of these groups face permanent closure if current funding trends continue.

Data from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development indicates that global official development assistance fell by 23% in 2025, marking the largest annual decline on record. This contraction follows budget reductions by major donors, including the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan, and France.

The impact on service providers has been significant: 79% of surveyed organizations reported “severe” or “very severe” funding cuts over the last 18 months, and 72% were forced to cancel or suspend at least one program or activity. Daniel Suda-Lang, chief of HI Switzerland, stated that these cuts deprive individuals of essential access to rehabilitation, education, healthcare, and support services necessary for independence.