Norwegian People’s Aid, one of the world’s largest humanitarian demining organizations, said Thursday it would end co-operation with the United States over imposed conditions on financing and would have to cut 1,700 jobs.
NPA said it would lose more than $40 million but it “cannot accept” conditions imposed by the U.S. State Department, which now requires that organizations it funds do not work in favour of abortion, gender equality and diversity.
The conditions apply to programs funded by the U.S. and activities supported by other donors, NPA said.
The U.S. funding accounts for about 40 per cent of NPA’s income for demining work.
“It is of course extremely difficult to turn down funding on this scale, with everything that entails. But these are conditions we cannot accept,” NPA secretary general Raymond Johansen said in a statement.
“Equality, dignity and diversity are not threats; they are values that strengthen our work and help make societies better. Values we will keep fighting for,” he said.
The loss of U.S. funding will reduce NPA’s annual income by nearly 400 million kroner ($43 million) and lead to the reduction of around 1,700 jobs.
NPA had in February 2025 already announced 1,700 job cuts after a freeze on foreign aid announced by U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration.
The U.S. funding was then partially restored, allowing it to continue demining operations, supported by Washington, in seven countries.
Norway’s minister of international development, Åsmund Aukrust, told Canadian Affairs that the country is committed to maintaining its aid leadership despite cuts by other Western countries.
