Secretary-General Urges Donors to Step up Population Agency Funding Following Potentially Devastating Cuts by United States

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:

The Secretary-General deeply regrets the decision by the United States to cut financial support for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), which could have devastating effects on the health of vulnerable women and girls and their families around the world.

He believes that the decision is based on an inaccurate perception of the nature and importance of the work of UNFPA.

As High Commissioner for Refugees for over 10 years, the Secretary-General saw first-hand the life-saving character of UNFPA’s activities.  He appeals to donors to increase their support for UNFPA in order to allow it to continue its critical work during this difficult period.