Political Tensions Cause 40% Drop in UN Peacekeeping Deployments: SIPRI Report
A recent report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) reveals a significant decline in UN peacekeeping personnel deployments, dropping over 40% between 2015 and 2024, Dawn E-paper reported. The reduction is attributed to funding shortfalls and escalating geopolitical tensions globally.
In 2024, SIPRI identified 61 active multilateral peace operations worldwide. However, financial challenges are expected to worsen in 2025 as major contributors such as the USA and European Union nations prioritize defense spending over aid and peacekeeping budgets. The UN Security Council’s internal divisions continue to hamper the deployment of new large-scale peace operations despite increasing global conflicts.
One longstanding mission, the United Nations Military Observers Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP), established in 1951, currently operates with 41 military personnel and 25 civilian staff. SIPRI’s Director of Peace Operations, Dr. Jair van der Lijn, warns that ongoing Security Council disagreements may push states to seek conflict management outside UN frameworks.
The report also highlights delays in deploying the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti, which only began personnel deployment in June 2024 after prolonged discussions since 2022. Financial constraints, including delayed payments from China, the US, and others, have further strained UN and regional peace operations, deepening challenges in global peacekeeping efforts.
