On February 21, 2025, the Diplomatic Media Foundation reported that the United States of America USA new administration had canceled financial aid to some media organizations and institutions in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq KRI.
This aid was previously provided under the guise of supporting gender equality, minorities, and homosexuality, Diplomatic Magazine says in its report.
KirkukNow reached out to three civil society organizations and media institutions in the KRI that were receiving financial support from USA. They all denied the cancellation of aid and clarified that it was not tied to gender or homosexuality issues. These organizations stated that they do not operate under those categories.
Farman Rashad, director of the Stop Organization, emphasized that their work focuses on monitoring government curriculum and reform promises. The aid they receive from the US National Endowment for Democracy NED is not intended to promote gender or homosexuality issues.
“The financial assistance is under review by the new US administration, it has not been canceled.”
Diplomatic Mgazine says on its website it is a free and independent digital media institution and the first investigative media institution in the Kurdistan Region, established in 2018.
The US president has ordered a 90-day-pause on all foriegn aids on January 20, halting all operations of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Established in 1961, the (USAID) is an independent agency of the US government responsible for administering civilian foreign aid and development assitance.
All organizations in the KRI submit annual reports to the NGO Department of the Kurdistan Regional Government KRG detailing the funds received and how they are utilized.
Peregraf News, also funded by NED, covers daily news and prepares investigative reports without addressing gender issues.
The Draw Media Foundation also receives financial support for investigative reports related to monitoring the KRI oil sector to ensure transparency. They have received $60,000 over two years for this project.
