United News of Bangladesh

A severe funding gap is threatening to undermine UN peacekeeping operations globally, with the Organization 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 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. UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon staying put despite Israeli warnings to move 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. UN Security Council voices 'strong concern' for UN peacekeepers after Israeli attacks 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 Organization 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.

Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations Ambassador Rabab Fatima has underlined the need for adequate funding of peacekeeping missions to enable them carry out their diverse mandates effectively. “It is imperative to ensure that the peacekeeping missions are sufficiently funded,” she said, emphasising that a “sufficient and sustained” budget is critical for the UN peacekeeping missions. Read Also: Nature of peacekeeping has changed: FM Ambassador Fatima was speaking during the UN peacekeeping budget session at the UN headquarters in New York on Monday. Bangladesh is one of the top troops-contributing country in the UN peacekeeping operations, with nearly 7,000 personnel serving in seven missions, according to the Bangladesh Permanent Mission to the UN. Ambassador Fatima underscored the need for timely reimbursement to the troops-contributing countries for their personnel and equipment support. The envoy also urged the member states to take into account the impact of Covid-19 on peacekeeping operations and ensure sufficient budgetary allocation to allow the peacekeepers cope with the challenges. Read Also: Bangladesh reaffirms commitment to UN peacekeeping, peacebuilding She praised the peacekeepers for their continued efforts to fulfill their mandates in maintaining peace, stability and security in the conflict-prone countries and regions, despite the challenges of the pandemic. Highlighting Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her government’s endeavours in the context of female participation in peacekeeping operations, Ambassador Fatima said an increased participation of women in peacekeeping has been a key strategic objective of the National Action Plan on Women Peace and Security in Bangladesh. She expressed concern at the low representation of women in the peacekeeping operations, especially in the senior leadership positions. Read Also: Police contingent leaves for Mali to join UN peacekeeping “We must continue to invest in our collective efforts towards full, effective and meaningful participation of women at all peacekeeping levels and positions,” said the Ambassador. The Fifth Committee of the UN General Assembly sits in May every year to consider the budget of the UN peacekeeping missions.    

Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UN Ambassador Rabab Fatima has called for greater international efforts to ensure safety and security of the peacekeepers, including by embedding emergency preparedness in the mandate setting.