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CV NEWS FEED // Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA) said Feb. 12 that its humanitarian work across multiple regions of Asia and Africa will continue despite the recent 90-day suspension of US government aid to nongovernmental organizations.
President of CNEWA Monsignor Peter I. Vaccari addressed recent inquiries in a press release, clarifying that, as a papal agency, the organization operates independently of government funding.
“CNEWA’s work throughout the Middle East, Northeast Africa, India and Eastern Europe is in no danger of being halted,” he said, later adding, “Thank God, our regional offices remain open and fully operational and we remain in ongoing, regular communication with them.”
CNEWA does anticipate an increase in requests for assistance as other organizations reliant on government funding face delays or shutdowns.
“Yet, the suspension and potential elimination of U.S. government funding has serious implications for the churches and peoples served by CNEWA,” Monsignor Vaccari said.
He explained that US government aid has historically provided essential services, including programs to protect vulnerable children from human trafficking in Ethiopia and life-saving food and medical supplies in Lebanon.
Monsignor Vaccari acknowledged the generosity of American citizens who provide support for the organization as they “accompany the historic Eastern churches that form the backbone and provide the lifeblood for so many in need in the Middle East, Northeast Africa, India and Eastern Europe.”
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