Fund shortfall forces major cuts to UN peacekeeping missions

A severe funding gap is threatening to undermine UN peacekeeping operations globally, with the Organisation warning that delayed payments from Member States could force it to scale back patrols, close field offices, and repatriate thousands of 'blue helmets.'

The crisis, which UN peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix described as "more daunting than ever," stems from partial non-payment of assessed contributions—the mandatory dues Member States provide to fund UN operations in some of the world's most volatile regions—which are currently well below the approved 2025-26 budget, according to the UN.

Addressing defence officials and diplomats at a peacekeeping conference in New Delhi this week, Lacroix said: "Unfortunately, we have no other option."

"Our peacekeepers, your peacekeepers, protect people – they make the difference between life and death for hundreds of thousands of civilians," he added.

Deep cuts across missions

The UN Secretary-General has instructed all missions to identify expenditure reductions equal to 15 per cent of their annual budgets. Due to the compressed timeframe, this is expected to result in roughly a 25 per cent cut in both uniformed and civilian personnel.

Every key area of peacekeeping work will be affected, including patrols, protection duties, logistics, air operations, and civilian 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 reduced humanitarian assistance in countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, the Central African Republic, Lebanon, and the Golan Heights.

Call for solidarity

Lacroix urged all Member States to pay their contributions "in full and on time" and called for collective efforts to counter what he described as "campaigns that spread mis and disinformation about peacekeeping operations."
"We need your understanding and support, but we also need to work together to redress this situation," he said.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres made a similar appeal last week to troop- and police-contributing countries, stressing that without predictable, sufficient, and timely funding, peacekeeping cannot fulfil its Security Council mandates.

Budget pressures

The General Assembly approved a $5.38 billion peacekeeping budget for 2025-26 in July, slightly lower than the previous year's $5.6 billion, covering missions and global support centres in Entebbe, Uganda, and Brindisi, Italy. However, its implementation depends on actual contributions received.

Although peacekeeping accounts for less than half a per cent of global military spending—estimated at $2.7 trillion in 2024—it remains one of the UN's most critical tools for maintaining international peace and security.

"Some people ask why the peacekeeping missions are still needed," Colin Stewart, former head of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), told UN News shortly before retiring. "The answer is simple – it's peaceful because the missions have been doing their job. Without it, the mistrust between the sides could easily spiral into confrontation."

A pivotal moment

Since 1948, over two million blue helmets from Member States have served in hostile environments, supporting ceasefires and enabling political dialogue and peace processes. More than 4,400 peacekeepers have lost their lives in pursuit of lasting peace.

As the UN celebrates its 80th anniversary, Lacroix said the Organisation faces "a pivotal juncture" and must adapt its peace operations to evolving global realities.

"The challenges ahead are real," he cautioned, "but so is our capacity to meet them – if we stay united in purpose, pragmatic in action and unwavering in our commitment to peace."

The Bangladesh Armed Forces and the Bangladesh Police have actively participated in United Nations Peace Support Operations (UNPSO) since 1988, with Bangladesh currently the largest contributor to UN peacekeeping missions as of 2024.