UN Peacekeeping Faces Funding Crisis Leading to Major Cuts

The United Nations peacekeeping missions are encountering a severe funding crisis, prompting budget cuts and potential layoffs, as member states fail to meet their financial contributions. In a letter to UN staff dated March 15, 2024, UN Secretary-General António Guterres outlined the dire situation, revealing that he has mandated spending reductions of 15% to 25% across all peacekeeping missions.

Guterres’ warning comes as the Irish component of the Lebanese UNIFIL mission faces possible closure following a recent vote by the UN Security Council. Other ongoing missions have also faced significant challenges in recent years, exacerbating the current crisis. Plans are underway for a new peacekeeping mission to Gaza, contingent on the sustainability of the current ceasefire, along with a US-backed stabilization force intended for deployment in Haiti.

In his letter, Guterres emphasized the gravity of the financial situation, stating, “Our peacekeeping operations are facing an extremely difficult financial situation. The current liquidity crisis is the direct result of arrears and the non-payment of assessed contributions in full and on time.” He highlighted that as the current peacekeeping budget cycle commenced in July, there were outstanding arrears amounting to US$2.066 billion (€1.75 billion). Furthermore, he indicated that collections are projected to fall short by an additional US$880 million (€750 million), further straining operational capabilities.

To address the financial shortfall, Guterres has engaged with member states and implemented measures to align spending with incoming cash flows. He acknowledged the dedication of UN personnel and the support from nations contributing police and military forces, stating, “Thanks to the UN workforce as well as countries who are contributing police and military forces, we have managed to carry on.” Nevertheless, he pointed out that contributing nations are effectively financing the system and waiting over a year for reimbursements, which he described as “unsustainable.”

As part of the imposed cuts, all peacekeeping missions will see reductions of 15%, impacting various operational areas. Notably, the mission in Somalia will be required to reduce spending by 25%. Guterres warned that achieving these reductions within the next nine months will significantly amplify the effects of the cuts. “The impact on civilian, international and locally recruited staff and affiliate personnel will be significant,” he noted.

The Secretary-General expressed concern that layoffs may become inevitable, and missions will need to invoke a downsizing policy, which will be discussed with staff representative bodies. He recognized the profound personal toll such measures will have on affected personnel and their families, stating, “I know the impact on affected staff, personnel and their families will be enormous.”

Guterres characterized this situation as unprecedented for the UN, with the true implications remaining uncertain. Although there is speculation regarding how this might affect Irish missions, a senior security source indicated that the circumstances could create opportunities for more NATO or EU-led missions, in collaboration with organizations like the African Union.

Historically, UN peacekeeping operations have expanded significantly. At the end of the Cold War in the early 1990s, there were only 11,000 UN peacekeepers. By 2014, this number had surged to 130,000 across 16 missions. Currently, approximately 52,000 personnel are deployed in 11 conflict areas spanning Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

The funding crisis has been further complicated by substantial cuts to the US budget contributions to the UN following the election of former President Donald Trump. As the UN seeks to navigate this challenging landscape, the focus remains on maintaining operational effectiveness while addressing financial realities.