ZOA is forced to withdraw from Colombia following abrupt funding cuts

After six years of dedicated humanitarian work, ZOA is ending its support for Venezuelan refugees in Colombia. The decision follows the sudden withdrawal of financial support from the United States government.

6 June 2025

Earlier this year, shortly after taking office, President Trump initiated the dismantling of USAID. This brought an end to funding for many humanitarian organisations worldwide. Two ZOA projects* were directly impacted by this decision, one of which was based in Colombia.

Without the support from USAID, it proved impossible to continue our operations in Colombia. The timing of the USAID withdrawal coincided with the expiration of contracts with other donors, which were not renewed. This reflects a broader global trend: a growing number of governments are cutting back on international development funding, prioritising domestic spending and national interests instead.

Humanitarian crisis in Venezuela

ZOA began working in Colombia in 2019, in response to the mass exodus of Venezuelans fleeing economic collapse, hyperinflation, and severe shortages of basic goods. Millions sought safety and stability in neighbouring Colombia. ZOA provided electronic vouchers for food and transportation, offering protection and dignity during a challenging journey.

In addition to supporting Venezuelan refugees, ZOA also assisted vulnerable Wayuu communities in the border region of La Guajira. Here, we implemented food distributions, cash support, and water projects. One highlight was the installation of three innovative desalination systems, providing clean drinking water for schools and local communities. These systems have been handed over to local leaders who have been trained to maintain and operate them independently.

Hope

“We explored every possible option to continue our work, but unfortunately this was not possible,” explains ZOA Programme Director Edwin Visser. “We have therefore made the difficult decision to phase out all our activities in Colombia in the coming months.”

This decision affects not only the refugees and communities ZOA served, but also the more than 100 local staff members in Colombia who are now losing their jobs. These team members have worked with great passion and commitment over the past years. The closure is a painful reality, both professionally and personally.

“We are deeply saddened that such essential work must come to an end so abruptly,” says Edwin. “But we are also immensely proud and grateful for what our team in Colombia has achieved. They have offered hope and support to tens of thousands of refugees.”

*USAID also supported ZOA’s work in Ethiopia, particularly in the conflict-affected Tigray region. There, our programme provides people facing severe food insecurity with seeds and livestock. Fortunately, through reallocation of resources and support from new donors, we have been able to continue this critical work, although it places great demands on our local team.