ABA Center for Global Programs Confronts Challenges Post-USAID Funding Cuts
April 9, 2025, 12:37 pm CDT
Outreach efforts by the ABA Center for Global Programs successfully raised awareness of corruption in Morocco’s criminal justice system, impacting over 1.3 million individuals between 2014 and 2016. (Photos courtesy of the Center for Global Programs)
The ABA Center for Global Programs was poised to provide critical legal and psychosocial support to the Mujeres Achí, a group of women in Guatemala who have come forward to seek justice for extreme sexual violence they suffered during the country’s civil war in the early 1980s. Their upcoming trial was set for late January 2025; however, immediately following President Donald Trump’s inauguration, a significant executive order effectively halted such humanitarian initiatives.
This executive order, which introduced a freeze on foreign assistance funding, has severely hampered the Center’s ability to fulfill its commitments, halting efforts to aid the Achí women and numerous others facing severe human rights violations globally.
Lucía Xiloj, a lawyer supported by the Center’s Human Rights for All project, expressed the profound challenges posed by the funding freeze, stating, “We faced obstacles in terms of time and financial resources which hindered our capacity to offer direct support to survivors and witnesses.”
Repercussions of USAID Funding Cuts
With a legacy of impactful work spanning over 35 years, the Center for Global Programs has executed more than 1,000 initiatives across 100 countries, emphasizing the advancement of the rule of law and protecting vulnerable communities from human rights abuses. This includes an array of services aimed at legal support for human trafficking victims and assistance for judicial figures facing persecution.
The funding cuts imposed by the current administration jeopardize not only humanitarian efforts but also the safety of many beneficiaries, according to Scott Carlson, the Center’s Associate Executive Director. “The suppression of funding caused significant operational disruptions… it was challenging not only for the ABA but also for all engaged in foreign assistance.”
At the time the executive directive was enacted, approximately $127 million in programs were stalled, creating substantial cash flow problems for the Center. “This affected both ongoing projects and the processing of previous completed works,” Carlson explained.
In response to the financial crisis invoked by the funding freeze, the ABA, along with other affected organizations, filed a lawsuit that culminated in a judicial ruling deeming the suspension of foreign aid arbitrary and potentially unconstitutional, citing numerous upcoming contracts that would remain unfulfilled.
Despite the court’s ruling affirming the need to remunerate work completed before the freeze, the cancellation of various foreign assistance contracts by the Trump administration severely limited the Center’s outreach capabilities. Following these developments, the Center was compelled to terminate jobs for 170 staff members and consolidate its international operations, leaving only offices in Tunisia and Jordan operational.
Future Directions and Call to Action
In light of these challenges, the Center for Global Programs is shifting its strategy and has initiated the “Invest in Justice, Build a Better World” fundraising campaign to sustain and enhance its operations. This campaign aims to engage lawyers and other legal professionals in supporting various programs, which previously ranged from anti-corruption initiatives in Morocco to empowering communities in Brazil against forced labor.
Deborah Enix-Ross, a former ABA president, emphasized the importance of this work in a recent campaign video, recounting the inspiring journey of a young Albanian lawyer who was motivated to join the legal profession after interacting with ABA members discussing democracy and rule of law ideals. “Our efforts are essential,” she remarked, “showing that by fostering legal empowerment abroad, we also benefit the legal landscape in the United States.”
Additionally, the Center seeks to diversify its funding by pursuing grants that do not rely on U.S. government support. Funds generated through its campaign will also aid in applying for these new funding opportunities.
For those looking to contribute, donations can be made through the Center for Global Programs’ website, and interested organizations or individuals can reach out for potential sponsorship collaborations.
