Geneva (Agencies): Hundreds of United Nations employees rallied in Geneva on Thursday, protesting mass layoffs and funding shortages triggered by deep budget cuts, particularly from key donor the United States. Demonstrators gathered in front of the UN European headquarters, holding signs that read “UN staff are not a commodity”, “We stand for humanity”, and “Protect the protectors”.
The protest, organized by UN staff unions and associations, highlighted the devastating impact of austerity measures across UN agencies. Many organizations face severe staff reductions, threatening life-saving humanitarian missions worldwide. UNHCR may cut up to 30 percent of its workforce, while the International Organization for Migration is expected to lay off over 6,000 employees. The World Food Programme is also bracing for 25 to 30 percent staff reductions.
ILO staff member Lena, attending the demonstration with her baby, described the situation as “really tough”, noting that “we are supposed to stand for workers’ rights”, yet many UN employees face job uncertainty. Elodie Saban, from the UN Geneva office, warned that “people are afraid of losing their jobs”, despite the sacrifices UN workers make in dangerous and remote locations.
Funding cuts have been exacerbated by US President Donald Trump’s recent foreign aid freeze, which has left UN agencies scrambling for resources. UNICEF anticipates a 20-percent budget reduction, and thousands of jobs are being eliminated across WHO, OCHA, and UNAIDS.
Ian Richards, head of the UN Geneva staff union, condemned the situation, stating that many employees have worked in high-risk environments, sacrificing their personal lives, only to be dismissed without financial or social support. International staff also face residency challenges, with permits expiring within a month of losing employment.
Beyond job losses, UN humanitarian efforts are under threat, impacting child labor protections, global health programs, and emergency aid for millions of vulnerable people.
As workers call for action, the protest signals growing frustration within the UN over uncertain funding and the future of its humanitarian missions.