Humanitarian and Development organisations launch "Lives On The Line" campaign
Organisations say Ireland's values must be matched by our commitments and our ability to deliver upon them, as they call for Government to increase ODA in Budget
25 Jun 2025
As the impact of the aid cuts by the US, UK and other European countries becomes more evident, Irish Humanitarian and Development organisations are coming together to highlight the importance and impact of Ireland’s Overseas Aid. Cuts cost lives, and it is more important than ever that Ireland steps up and leads in this time of crisis.
Lives are on the Line, and while other countries step back Ireland must press forward. Ireland must increase its Official Development Assistance (ODA) in Budget 2026, as laid out in the Programme for Government.
In 2024, the world faced a US$25 billion gap between funds required for United Nations (UN) appeals and funds received. With cuts in countries like the United States and the United Kingdom, this gap is now set to more than double and its impact on affected populations will be devastating.
Today, more than 300 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance and protection, and a record 120 million people are displaced. One in every five children in the world – approximately 400 million – is living in or fleeing conflict zones, with women and girls bearing the brunt of violence, displacement and health emergencies.
Dóchas members are coming together to highlight the impact of aid, and show that Ireland can lead, Our values must be matched by our commitments and our ability to deliver upon them.
Dóchas also launched its Pre-Budget Submission which can be found below.