The organization Human Rights Watch (HRW) warned that the cuts applied by the Donald Trump government to the foreign aid of the United States in 2025 have caused “immediate and widespread”effects on protection ion of human rights around the world, weakening civil organizations, assistance programs and accountability mechanisms in countries affected by conflict, violence and authoritarian regimes.

In a 42-page report titled “Every autocrat’s dream: A global view of harms to human rights from cuts to US foreign aid”, HRW argues that the suspension abrupt funding between January and March of this year directly affected investigations into abuses, legal support for victims and projects focused on freedom of the press, access to information and digital protection.

“The US government’s withdrawal of support for the global human rights movement was music to the ears of autocrats,” Sarah said. Yager, who noted that many organizations were forced to reduce operations or close completely due to the sudden loss of resources.

According to the report, for decades the United States was the world's leading donor for programs related to human rights and strengthening or institutional. However, the Trump administration pushed for a drastic restructuring of foreign aid that affected initiatives in dozens of countries.

Organizations reduce personnel and suspend investigations

The report analyzes the impact of cuts on at least 16 countries, including Afghanistan, Venezuela, Ukraine, Myanmar, Guatemala, Haiti and Democratic Republic of the Cong or, where local organizations reported staff layoffs, cancellation of programs and difficulties in continuing with monitoring work and humanitarian assistance.

HRW documented interruptions in investigations related to disappearances, political violence and abuses against vulnerable communities. It also noted that several organizations stopped offering legal and psychological support to victims of violence due to lack of funding.

“Every time this type of support is interrupted, the mechanisms that protect communities at risk are weakened and accountability from abuse is made more difficult,” the report maintains.

The organization added that the effects of the cuts have been especially severe in contexts where civilian groups relied heavily on US funds to operate emergency and community protection programs.

They ask independent review from the US Congress.

Although HRW recognizes that no government has a legal obligation to provide foreign aid, the agency maintains that the way Washington implemented budget reductions caused “foreseeable and avoidable harm.”

For this reason, the organization asked the United States Congress to conduct an independent review of the consequences of the cuts and evaluate the possibility of restoring funding for international human rights programs in future federal budgets.

The report also calls allied governments, multilateral organisms and private foundations to strengthen economic support for the global human rights movement in the face of the advance of authoritarianism and the increase in humanitarian crises in different regions.

“By cutting funding so quickly and widespread, the U.S. government took away the lifeline from many people who are abused ”Yager stated. “The resilience of human rights organizations has been extraordinary, but their determination is no substitute for sustained support.”