Paying membership dues is a mandatory, non-negotiable obligation for all United Nations member states, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Thursday, responding to a series of reform conditions proposed by the United States.
Media reported that the United States has issued two diplomatic notes demanding nine reforms of the United Nations as conditions for the U.S. government to pay its outstanding dues. These include overhauling the UN pension system, ending long-distance business-class travel for some senior and all mid-level professionals, making further cuts in the UN senior ranks, and implementing a 10 percent reduction in peacekeeping missions.
"The money we are talking about is referred to as assessed contributions. Assessed contributions are an obligation of member states. They are non-negotiable. Obviously, we will do our best to pursue our reforms, UN80, and to make sure that we make this organization as effective and as cost effective, and is able to deliver for the people we care for, but these are two separate things," said Guterres at a media briefing.
In January, Guterres warned that the UN faced "imminent financial collapse" due to unpaid fees, mostly owed by the United States.
The UN said in February that the United States has paid about 160 million U.S. dollars of the more than 4 billion U.S. dollars it owes the UN.
UN membership dues mandatory, non-negotiable: Guterres
