Peace building Fund facing perilous financial situation-UN Boss

Violence and conflict cost the world more than US$13 trillion last year, according to the UN Secretary-General.

But a mechanism which supports millions of people in countries emerging from conflict is in danger of not meeting its most basic commitments.

In an appeal made on Wednesday, the UN chief called on the international community to give more to the UN Peace building Fund.

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The Secretary-General described the Peace building Fund as being in a perilous financial position. 

Ban Ki-moon told world leaders that without at least US$100 million each year, it cannot meet its most basic commitments. 

He said the funding will help to redress the imbalance between spending on conflict, and on peace. 

"Without the Peace building Fund, we will be forced to stand by as we witness the preventable loss of countless lives and the extinguishing of hope for millions more. Inaction is also a choice, and its results can be catastrophic. I urge you today to make sure that my successor will be able to make full use of the Peacebuilding Fund to perform its vital work.

Mr. Ban gave examples of the fund's reach. 

Military gains in Somalia have created a peace dividend, which has allowed the government there to build stronger civic institutions and introduce better governance.

The fund also supports women peacemakers in Burundi, which has been engulfed in politically-related conflict and civil unrest for more than a year.


SOURCE: Charles Appel, United Nations.