WASHINGTON, DC (March 10, 2015) — World Vision has joined with more than 150 other aid organizations, calling for Congress to fully fund poverty-focused international development in FY2016.
The letter (PDF) reads in part: “Although U.S. federal spending on foreign assistance amounts to less than 1% of the total U.S. budget, it contributes immensely to our national security, benefits our economy, and fulfills America’s deepest moral values. U.S. investments in development and humanitarian programs make the world healthier, safer, and more prosperous. These investments build sustainability by supporting critical health systems and initiatives to fight diseases and improve maternal and child health and nutrition; helping family farmers increase their productivity; allowing children to attend and learn in school; providing access to safe water and sanitation; supporting emerging democracies; fostering equitable growth; promoting gender equality; and protecting girls and boys from violence, exploitation, and trafficking.”
The community sign-on letter was organized by InterAction, an alliance of more than 180 U.S.-based non-governmental and faith-based organizations working in every developing country in the world.
The letter calls on Congress to continue important funding for development, while also renewing commitments to greater transparency and accountability in the aid community. To review the full document, download the PDF.
– END –
About World Vision:
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization conducting relief, development, and advocacy activities in its work with children, families, and their communities in nearly 100 countries to help them reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. For more information, please visit www.WorldVision.org/media-center/ or on Twitter @WorldVisionUSA.
Highlights
- World Vision signs on to letter urging continued funding for international developement.
- Aid organizations calling for greater transparency and accountability.
- Federal spending on foreign assistance amounts to less than 1% of the total U.S. budget.