UNMOGIP budget reduced by over 11%

The General Assembly on Sunday allocated $19,754,400 for its UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) for the next two years, a cut of $2,539,200 from its previous allocation of $22,293,600 for the year 2016- 2017.

Overall the UN biennium budget has been reduced by five per cent or around $286 million in actual terms.

This is mainly because of the pressure from its largest donor the US, which is seeking a reduction in its aid to the world body.

The UNMOGIP, which is financed by the United Nations' (UN) regular budget, is currently headed by Major General Per Gustaf Lodin of Sweden.

Informed UN sources familiar with the budgetary process said that the reduction in the UNMOGIP was in the area of travel.

The group's field trips have been reduced by 500 to 4,500, while its allocation for contractual services and general operating budget has also been cut, they said.

The UNMOGIP conducted 4,864 field trips in 2012-2013 against the target of 5,000. In the 2014-2015 period, it carried out 4,468 field trips against the target of 5,000.

Figures for actual field trips for the period of 2016- 2017 were not available. The target was 5,000.

The current mission of the UNMOGIP, as directed by the Security Council, observes developments pertaining to the strict observance of the ceasefire of December 17, 1971 and report thereon to the UN Secretary General.

The UNMOGIP is headquartered in Islamabad from November 1 to April 30 and a rear headquarters in Srinagar from May 1 to October 31.

Its mission is carried out by military observers deployed in field stations and mobile observation teams. A liaison office is located in New Delhi.