The crisis, which UN peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix called “more intimidating than ever,» follows the partial non-payment of assessed contributions – the mandatory contributions that member states pay to fund UN operations in some of the world’s most unstable regions – which are operating at a level well below the approved budget for 2025-26.
He echoed those warnings this week in a speech to defense officials and diplomats at a peacekeeping conference in New Delhi, saying: “Unfortunately, we have no other option.” »
“Our peacekeepers, your peacekeepers, protect people – they mean the difference between life and death for hundreds of thousands of civilians.» he said.
Massive cuts in the field
The UN Secretary-General has asked all missions to identify spending reductions equal to 15 percent of their annual budgets, a move that will result in an approximately 25 percent reduction in uniformed and civilian personnel due to the tight schedule.
These reductions will affect all major areas of peacekeeping work – from patrols and protection functions to logistics, air operations and civil support functions.
The Department of Peace Operations (DPO) warned that fewer peacekeepers on the ground will mean fewer patrols to monitor ceasefires, fewer safe zones for civilians and less support for humanitarian relief in places like the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, the Central African Republic, Lebanon and the Golan Heights.
Call for solidarity
Mr. Lacroix urged all member states to pay their contributions “in full and on time” and called for collective advocacy to counter what he described as “campaigns that spread misinformation and disinformation about peacekeeping operations.”
“We need your understanding and support, but we also need to work together to remedy this situation.» he said.
UN Secretary-General António Guterresin his own remarks to troop- and police-contributing countries last week, echoed that call, emphasizing the importance of peacekeeping missions.
But without predictable, adequate and timely funding, peacekeeping cannot achieve its objectives. Security Council mandates.
UN peacekeepers on patrol in rural South Sudan.
A budget under pressure
The General Assembly in July approved a $5.38 billion peacekeeping budget for 2025-2026 – down slightly from $5.6 billion the previous year – covering missions and global support centers in Entebbe, Uganda, and Brindisi, Italy.
However, budget execution depends on the contributions actually received.
Peacekeeping represents less than 0.5% of global military spending, estimated at $2.4 trillion in 2023, but it remains one of the UN’s most crucial and visible tools for maintaining international peace and security.
“Some wonder why peacekeeping missions are still necessary,» Colin Stewart, the former head of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) said UN News shortly before retiring from the Organization.
“The answer is simple: it is peaceful because the missions have done their job. Without this, distrust between the parties could easily degenerate into confrontation.”
A pivotal moment
Since 1948, more than two million member state peacekeepers have worked in some of the world’s most hostile environments, contributing to the implementation of ceasefires and the space for political dialogue and peace processes. More than 4,400 peacekeepers have lost their lives in the quest for lasting peace.
As the UN celebrates its 80th anniversary, Mr. Lacroix said the Organization finds itself at “a pivotal moment” and must adapt peace operations to new global realities.
“The challenges ahead are real,” he warned, “but so is our ability to meet them – if we stay united in their goals, pragmatic in their actions and unwavering in their commitment to peace.»
Originally published at Almouwatin.com
