Human Rights Watch Canada has received a CAD$1 million grant from The Slaight Family Foundation as part of a broader CAD$13 million emergency funding initiative. This initiative aims to support Canadian humanitarian organizations in response to the negative global impact of recent U.S. foreign aid cuts.
The suspension of most U.S. foreign assistance has led to the shutdown of critical health, nutrition, and child protection programs. It has also severely affected civil society efforts related to atrocity prevention, legal aid, and press freedom, leaving many vulnerable communities without vital support.
With the grant, Human Rights Watch Canada will focus on documenting the human consequences of these aid cuts. The organization will gather testimonies from civilians and humanitarian workers, especially those affected in areas where U.S. support has been withdrawn, to raise awareness and advocate for renewed international support.
The funding will also be used to protect civil society space by highlighting the growing threats to human rights defenders, journalists, and grassroots organizations. By sharing these findings, Human Rights Watch Canada aims to inform policymakers and push for actions that uphold human rights and restore essential humanitarian aid.
Human Rights Watch Canada is among 13 Canadian-led or supported NGOs selected for The Slaight Foundation’s NGO Emergency Support Initiative, reflecting a national commitment to mitigating the global impact of shrinking foreign aid.
