Peacekeeping Operations

Description

The Peacekeeping Operations (PKO) account bolsters the capacity of partner nations to conduct peacekeeping, counterterrorism, and maritime security operations; supports stabilization in countries facing violent conflict; and undertakes security sector reform. PKO helps stabilize areas by supporting efforts to disarm combatants, promote good governance and the rule of law, protect civilians, and facilitate humanitarian action.

Use of Funds

PKO supports several regional peacekeeping operations and bilateral security initiatives, including the Egyptian-Israeli Peace Treaty’s security provisions and the Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership. The PKO account also finances the training, deployment, and sustainment capabilities of troop and police contributors to U.N. and regional peace operations.

Justification

• PKO is essential to improving international security and sustaining and consolidating peace settlements.
• Funds support United Nations and African Union-led efforts to promote stability in Somalia, the second most fragile state in the world, and aid its fight against the terrorist group al-Shabaab, which continues to threaten the Somali Government and key U.S. allies in the region.
• PKO funds the State Department’s Global Peace Operations Initiative (GPOI), facilitating the training and deployment of more than 197,000 personnel from 38 countries to 29 peace operations around the world.