Washington, D.C. (February 6, 2018) — A new report released today by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) that analyzed the UN Peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) has found that it is eight times more cost-effective for the U.S. to financially support a UN Peacekeeping mission than to deploy U.S. military forces.

The report concluded that a comparable U.S. military and humanitarian operation in CAR of roughly the same size and duration would cost the U.S. at least $5.7 billion – nearly eight times the more than $700 million the U.S. has contributed to MINUSCA over the same period.

“The study is further evidence that continued engagement with the United Nations is not only in our national security interests but also very much in our economic interests, especially when combined with recent UN reforms,” says Peter Yeo, President of the Better World Campaign. “By supporting UN Peacekeeping efforts, the U.S. saves money and doesn’t have to put its own boots on the ground – it’s a win-win.”

“One week shy of the release of the President’s FY 2019 budget, arbitrary UN cuts should not once again be put forward. The GAO report’s findings clearly demonstrate the UN’s value to U.S. interests,” added Yeo.

The report’s findings are in line with a similar study conducted by the GAO more than a decade ago, which analyzed the cost-effectiveness of the UN Peacekeeping mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH).

Related links: Cost Estimate for Hypothetical U.S. Operation Exceeds Actual Costs for Comparable UN Operation

About the Better World Campaign

The Better World Campaign works to foster a strong relationship between the U.S. and the UN to promote core American interests and build a more secure, prosperous, and healthy world. The Better World Campaign engages policymakers, the media, and the American public alike to increase awareness of the critical role played by the UN in world affairs and the importance of constructive U.S.-UN relations.

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Media Contacts:

Erika Howard | ebriceno@betterworldcampaign.org | 202-864-5156

Kathryn Kross | kkross@betterworldcampaign.org | 202-862-8577