An NGO is alerting that the recent drive of UN’s cost-cutting could affect its new mission in South Sudan.
The UN Security Council is expected to authorize a new peacekeeping mission in South Sudan called UNMISS to succeed the UNMIS.UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon recommended UNMISS to have 7,000 troops.
However, some member states are suggesting lower troop levels to cut costs.
Susan Purdin, the International Rescue Committee’s country director for South Sudan, said the UN estimates were already too conservative.
She added that Security Council members should treat Mr. Ban’s recommendations as the minimum acceptable level of resources for the new mission.
Ms Purdin urged the Council members not to put money saving before people’s lives.
She added that increasing security threats in South Sudan, particularly near the north-south border are, and the government’s lack of capacity to protect its civilians effectively are some key challenges UNMISS needs to address.