16 April 2025
Reuters reports the Trump administration is planning to scrap UN peacekeeping funding.
Dr Alexander Gilder, Associate Professor of International Law and Security at the University of Reading, said:
"The negative impact this news will have on conflict-affected communities around the world cannot be understated. If the US were to withdraw it's 27% of the peacekeeping budget, UN missions that are vital for communities in nine conflict zones would, at a minimum, need to be downsized.
"The budget pays for important projects that support activities such as the protection of civilians, supporting women's involvement in politics, security sector reform to reduce corruption and much more. Many of these activities would need to end in places like the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan and the Central African Republic.
"That said, UN peacekeeping is currently undergoing major changes with many states reticent to spend billions after the UN's withdrawal from Mali in 2023 that saw much of the UN's work undone. The UN will need to make clear its future vision for peacekeeping to retain the support of the Security Council and key member states that contribute troops."
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