NGO letter urges lifting of cap on U.S. peacekeeping dues

On September 6th, Citizens for Global Solutions, along with a diverse group of 18 additional organizations, urged lawmakers tasked with producing the final version of the FY07 Defense Department Authorization Bill (S. 2766) to support SEC. 1092, a provision that would lift the 25 percent cap on the payment of U.S. assessments for U.N. peacekeeping.

In a letter sent to eighty-six members of Congress,  the groups lobbied for lawmakers to remove this restriction, which would then give the Administration the flexibility to devote adequate resources to new U.N. peacekeeping missions in Lebanon and Darfur. This provision will be discussed during an upcoming conference committee between the House and Senate.

U.N. peacekeeping is a cost-effective way of responding to failed or failing states that is commended by numerous U.S. government officials. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, testifying before the House SSJC Appropriations Subcommittee on March 9, 2005, said "[U.N. Peacekeeping] is much more cost effective than using American forces. And of course, America doesn't have the forces to do all of these peacekeeping missions, but somebody has to do them. And the United States has to pay its share of people doing them.” Yet the United States has consistently failed to appropriate enough money to meet its obligations. The current U.S. shortfall for U.N. peacekeeping stands at nearly $400 million.

With international pressure for a robust U.N. force to move into South Lebanon intensifying and the recent escalation of crises in Darfur and the Democratic Republic of Congo, it is more important than ever for the U.S. to honor its full financial commitment to U.N. peacekeeping.

+ View the letter