Funding Cuts Challenge UN Stability Amid Crisis

Recent actions by the Trump administration regarding USAID funding are significantly affecting the United Nations Department of Safety and Security. This situation has sparked concern within the organization, as evidenced by internal emails reviewed by Fox News Digital.

In a correspondence sent early on a Friday morning, Milan Victor Dawoh, president of the U.N. Field Staff Union, revealed the dire financial implications of the funding cuts. He noted that around $30 million had been removed from extra-budgetary resources, leading to crucial reductions in staffing levels.

Dawoh’s email expressed that the U.N. is now grappling with its most severe liquidity crisis since its inception, predicting a further decline in financial conditions before any recovery can take place.

Staff Reductions and Global Implications

Dawoh elaborated that the UN Department of Safety and Security would face a loss of approximately 100 employees. This reduction means that the department’s operational presence will be diminished in 35 to 45 countries. However, he acknowledged that regional hubs will be established in the remaining 120 nations where UNDSS continues to operate.

The email included a reminder from the under secretary-general of UNDSS, clarifying that the department functions primarily as a risk management and analysis body—not merely as a protection agency. This distinction is crucial for administrative communications.

Understanding the Budget Dynamics

The UNDSS is characterized as a leader in global security risk management on its official website. The department enables the effective delivery of U.N. programs and activities in challenging environments while optimizing available resources.

Fox News Digital reached out to Dawoh to confirm the authenticity of the email and to inquire about the portion of the UNDSS budget financed by USAID. Unfortunately, no response was received.

Earlier in the month, U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres voiced concerns regarding the impact of U.S. budget cuts on the organization. He stated that continuing with the recent funding reductions could lead to a world that is less healthy, secure, and prosperous.

Responses from U.N. Officials

Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesman for the U.N. Secretary-General, clarified that in the previous year, UNDSS received approximately $20 million from USAID. He indicated that while some of this funding has been terminated, other projects may persist with continued support from USAID.

Dawoh’s correspondence suggested that the financial loss for UNDSS is connected to a drop in extra-budgetary resources. In contrast, Haq pointed out that extra-budgetary funding from USAID constitutes a small portion of the department’s overall budget, which primarily comes from the U.N.’s regular budget, cost-sharing initiatives, and the peace support account.

Operational Impact and Personnel Concerns

Currently, the UNDSS employs around 2,250 personnel globally, providing security to approximately 180,000 U.N. staff members engaged in critical operations. The majority of these personnel work in the field, while a lesser proportion operates from U.N. headquarters in New York.

Haq emphasized the necessity for effective security measures for U.N. personnel, especially those stationed in dangerous regions as they strive to save lives.

A recent email circulated among multiple U.N. mailing groups mentioned funding-related closures of certain staff entrances at U.N. headquarters. Haq clarified that these closures were unrelated to the UNDSS, attributing them instead to non-payments of dues by some member states.

Concerns Among U.N. Staff

An unnamed U.N. source expressed deep unease within the organization regarding financial uncertainties. Many staff members reportedly fear for their job security and potential impacts on pension collection and access to financial services through the United Nations Federal Credit Union.

This source warned that the impending job losses would affect individuals on G-4 visas, which could complicate their residency status in the U.S.

The implications extend beyond individual job losses, as families may face significant challenges in the wake of these funding cuts, which could severely impact various U.N. agencies in the coming weeks.

Fox News Digital also sought insights from the State Department about the ramifications of layoffs on employees but did not receive a response.

Calls for U.N. Reform

Calls for substantial reforms within the U.N. have intensified, particularly following President Trump’s executive order last month that mandated a review of funding to the organization. Trump remarked on the U.N.’s potential while also indicating that it is not being managed effectively.

As the situation develops, the challenges posed by funding cuts to USAID could reshape the operational landscape of the U.N., raising broader questions about global cooperation and funding for crucial humanitarian efforts.