Geneva: The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) announced a 17% budget cut for 2026, bringing the total to 1.8 billion Swiss francs (approximately US$2.2 billion). The ICRC also plans to eliminate about 2,900 full-time positions out of its more than 18,000 employees worldwide.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the organization attributed this decision to the “difficult financial environment in the humanitarian sector,” noting a decline in contributions from traditional donors amid an unprecedented global funding crisis. The tightening of spending in some major countries has led to a refocusing of resources on other priorities, exacerbating the pressures on the humanitarian system as a whole.

The ICRC warned that these cuts come at a time when the world is witnessing a rise in the number of armed conflicts, with more than 130 active conflicts, increasing the need for humanitarian assistance. The ICRC will prioritize maintaining its presence in the most critical conflict zones, closing some
smaller sub-offices without affecting its overall presence in those countries.

The measure will also affect its headquarters in Geneva and regional offices, where approximately 400 full-time positions will be eliminated.