The Trump administration’s decision to slash USAID funding has sent shockwaves through Southeast Asia. Grassroots organizations that rely on this support are now struggling to survive. Without funding, human rights defenders face grave danger. Many are already at risk due to their activism against oppressive regimes.
Manushya Foundation, one of the hardest-hit NGOs, warns of dire consequences. Founder Emilie Pradichit told Al Jazeera that the cuts are a direct attack on democracy and justice. Without these funds, activists fighting for equality and climate justice will be left vulnerable.
“We can no longer sustain grassroots movements or protect activists facing transnational repression,” Pradichit said. “This decision puts lives at risk.”
Activists and Their Families at Risk
USAID’s financial support has been a lifeline for at-risk activists. Manushya Foundation used this funding to provide emergency aid and protection. Now, that safety net is disappearing.
“Since January, 35 activists and their families have relied on our rapid response fund,” Pradichit stated. “Without this support, their future is uncertain.”
This crisis is more than just a funding cut. It is a matter of life and death. NGOs are now racing against time to find alternative sources of support. If they fail, activists will be left defenseless.
The Urgent Need to Keep Safe Houses Open
Safe houses provide a crucial refuge for human rights defenders fleeing persecution. These spaces allow activists to regroup and continue their work. Without USAID funding, many of these shelters will shut down.
“We have until the end of the month to secure funds,” Pradichit warned. “If we don’t, we will have to close safe houses. That means putting people in direct danger.”
Human rights activists risk everything to fight for justice. Without protection, they may be arrested, tortured, or killed. The international community must act now to prevent a humanitarian crisis.
The End of an Era for Development Aid
For decades, USAID has been a key supporter of democracy and governance programs in Southeast Asia. Its withdrawal marks a turning point. Many organizations now fear that this is the beginning of a broader retreat from human rights funding.
“This is the end of development aid as we know it,” Pradichit declared. “Without these funds, grassroots organizations will struggle to survive.”
Authoritarian governments may take advantage of this moment to tighten their grip on power. Activists fear increased crackdowns on civil society. Without external funding, many organizations will have no choice but to shut down.
Civil Society Under Attack
Democracy and human rights groups in Southeast Asia are already under pressure. Governments in the region have used legal threats, arrests, and violence to suppress dissent. USAID funding helped counteract these attacks. Now, that support is vanishing.
“Without USAID, many organizations will be forced to close or significantly scale back operations,” said regional analysts. “The communities they serve will be left unprotected.”
This isn’t just about NGOs. It’s about the people they protect. If activists are silenced, entire movements for justice will disappear.
Governments Seizing the Opportunity to Crush Dissent
Authoritarian regimes have already begun cracking down on human rights groups. With fewer resources to resist, activists are at greater risk than ever.
“The loss of funding could embolden authoritarian regimes to further suppress civil liberties,” said Bridget Welsh, a Southeast Asia expert at the University of Nottingham Malaysia.
If civil society organizations shut down, governments will have a free hand to silence opposition. The region could see a wave of increased repression. Activists warn that without intervention, democracy will suffer a major setback.
The Fight is Not Over—Mobilizing for Collective Liberation
Despite these challenges, Manushya Foundation and its partners refuse to back down. They are working to secure alternative funding. But the crisis has exposed a deeper problem: dependency on foreign aid.
“We must reimagine development aid,” Pradichit urged. “It is time for the Global South to create its own support systems. We cannot rely on aid that can be withdrawn at any moment.”
This moment is a wake-up call. Activists must build new networks of solidarity. The fight for human rights continues, but it will require new strategies and stronger local funding mechanisms.
A Call to Action
The world is watching as authoritarian regimes tighten their grip on Southeast Asia. Civil society is under attack, and without urgent support, many will not survive. Governments, donors, and the global community must step up.
“We must fight for our collective liberation,” Pradichit said. “This is not just about funding—it’s about our right to determine our own futures.”
Now is the time to act. Without intervention, democracy and human rights in Southeast Asia will face an irreversible decline.
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