The US has reduced foreign aid to Nicaragua, Cuba, and Venezuela, cutting off support for democracy and human rights initiatives. The International Republican Institute (IRI) faces uncertainty with vast program cancellations and potential layoffs due to funding cuts. Concurrently, Nicaragua experiences a crackdown on religious and political freedoms under President Ortega’s regime.
The United States has dramatically reduced its foreign aid initiatives in Nicaragua, Cuba, and Venezuela, halting funding for programs supporting political prisoners, opposition activists, and religious organizations. This action arose from the State Department’s assessment, determining that these aid efforts were not in the “national interest.” Consequently, 92 out of 95 programs previously managed by the International Republican Institute (IRI) were canceled, with the remaining three concerning Venezuela placed on hold following an executive order by President Trump.
The funding cuts have jeopardized the future of the IRI, which communicated to congressional staff in Florida, home to many Cuban, Nicaraguan, and Venezuelan expatriates, that without financial support, it might only persist for a few more weeks. IRI President Daniel Twining emphasized that “cuts to democracy promotion would only benefit dictators in places like Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua” during this discussion.
Additionally, 175 other IRI initiatives globally are at risk due to dependencies on the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), which has been temporarily deprived of its government funding. Similarly, the National Democratic Institute (NDI), which complements the IRI’s mission, has seen the cancellation of nearly 100 programs, retaining only one active initiative in Venezuela.
The layoffs and temporary leaves of employees involved with IRI, NED, and NDI reflect the pervasive impacts of these funding cuts. Concurrently, Nicaragua faces increased suppression of religious freedom and political dissent under President Daniel Ortega, with notable actions against the Catholic Church, including the expulsion of religious leaders and restrictions on their activities.
In summary, the United States has significantly scaled back its foreign aid for democracy promotion in Nicaragua, Cuba, and Venezuela, citing a lack of national interest. This move has resulted in the cancellation of numerous programs and created uncertainty for organizations like IRI and NDI, which are crucial in supporting political and religious freedoms. As these funding restrictions unfold, the implications for democracy and human rights in these authoritarian regimes remain severe.
Original Source: catholicvote.org
