Sure! Here’s the translation into American English:
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The United Nations peacekeeping operations are facing a severe liquidity crisis due to unpaid dues and delays in mandatory contributions from several member states, with the United States being one of the main parties involved. This situation has prompted the Secretary-General to order the immediate implementation of contingency plans across all peace missions, resulting in a 15% budget cut and a 25% decrease in operational capacity.
The contingency plans, developed by each mission, include reductions in both activities and personnel, both uniformed and civilian, aiming to prevent a financial collapse in the 2025-2026 budget cycle. This reduction directly impacts the execution of the Security Council mandates, causing delays in reimbursements to countries contributing troops and equipment, in addition to drastically limiting the UN’s presence in host territories.
It is expected that 25% of the total troops and police will be repatriated, which amounts to between 13,000 and 14,000 personnel. This decision will negatively affect the economic development of the nations where the UN operates, as its personnel create jobs and demand for local goods and services. Moreover, base closures and termination of contracts are anticipated, presenting a complicated logistical challenge, similar to the closure of large-scale missions like MINUSMA in Mali.
The global context exacerbates this situation, as the number of active conflicts has reached record levels, with 61 conflicts recorded in 2024. Despite the financial constraints, UN peace operations remain crucial for managing this complex reality and ensuring stability.
Particularly affected will be the UN Support Mission in Somalia (UNSOS), which will face a dramatic 40% reduction in its budget over a short period of eight months, jeopardizing support to the federal government in an already critical environment.
The approved budget for the 2025-2026 period is $5.4 billion, although the UN is expected to raise between 83% and 84% of that amount, leaving a projected deficit of approximately $880 million. The U.S. contribution, which accounts for more than 26% of the total, has experienced payment delays. Although the U.S. government has confirmed the availability of $680 million, it still falls short of covering the deficit.
The UN Secretariat has emphasized that the only sustainable way to maintain peace operations is to ensure full and timely payment of contributions by all member states. Despite current difficulties, the UN remains committed to global peace and security, striving to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of its missions in alignment with its reform strategy.
Source: MiMub in Spanish