The International Organization for Migration is making hundreds of job cuts as funding from the United States dries up.
Many other agencies and NGOs remain fearful for their future as well.
The IOM says 20% of jobs at its Geneva HQ will go – around 1,000 work there.
Internationally, 3,000 have already lost their jobs due to a refugee resettlement programme shut down by the US.
Several hundred international organizations are headquartered in Geneva – employing over 30,000 people.
NGOs suffered a setback in December on the homefront. The Swiss parliament voted to cut CHF 110 million from development cooperation funding in favor of the military.
The US is withdrawing from the World Health Organization and halting funding from US development agencies for 90 days.
Canton Geneva is trying to help by offering a loan to NGOs – but it failed to achieve a majority in the Grand Council and the Swiss People’s Party is threatening a referendum.
At best, if it happens at all, there’ll be no money until the end of the year.
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