United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia

And much of the money accompanying these activities was denominated in US dollars.

On February 14, 1992, the United Nations Security Council established the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia, better known as UNTAC.

Its responsibilities went far beyond observing a ceasefire.

The mission was intended to supervise important aspects of Cambodia's political transition, support the organisation of elections, coordinate repatriation efforts and help create conditions for a functioning civilian government.

At its peak, the operation involved more than 21,000 military and civilian personnel from countries around the world.

Its financial scale was equally remarkable.

According to the United Nations official peacekeeping records, UNTAC and its preceding mission incurred approximately $1.6 billion in expenditures.

Earlier IMF historical studies used broader estimates ranging from $1.7 billion to nearly $2 billion, reflecting differences in coverage and accounting.