Haiti: Multinational delegation and ‘the inevitable need to restore security conditions’
Media reported that infrastructure for the mission was being prepared as supplies were airlifted to the capital Port-au-Prince.
Here’s what you need to know about what happens next:
Why is there a need for an international security mission?
Haiti is engulfed in violence that has escalated to unprecedented levels. In his speech before the United Nations Security Council on April 22, Special Representative of the Secretary General of HaitiMaria Isabel Salvador speak “The increase in gang activity across Port-au-Prince and beyond, the deteriorating human rights situation and the deepening humanitarian crisis cannot be overstated,” adding that she had “constantly calling attention to the unshakable demand for the restoration of security conditions.”
In March 2024, gangs staged coordinated attacks against the state’s critical infrastructure, including multiple police stations and two of the main prisons in Port-au-Prince as well such as educational, medical facilities and religious places.
“These attacks have further weakened state institutions and deepened the already serious challenges to re-establishing the rule of law,” Ms. Salvador said.
In the first three months of the year, the United Nations said 2,500 people, including at least 82 children, were killed or injured by gang violence.
Nearly half of the victims were hit by gunfire in violent attacks on their neighborhoods or clashes between gangs and police.
At least 438 people were kidnapped for ransom during the same period.
The United Nations says about 362,000 people – half of them children – have been forced to leave their homes because it is too dangerous to stay.
Violence and sexual abuse against women and girls are on the rise, and tens of thousands of children are unable to go to school due to insecurity.
People protest on the streets of Port-au-Prince in crisis-torn Haiti.
Who is providing security support?
The Haitian National Police (HNP) was unable to completely prevent the outbreak of violence, and the Haitian army was small and only modestly equipped.
Most people agree that support from the international community is needed to assist HNP in its efforts to stabilize the situation and enable Haitians to continue their daily lives without fear of becoming victims of gang violence.
From October 2022, UN Secretary General António Guterres responded to a request by former Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry, calling on countries to move forward.
The Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Chad, Jamaica and Kenya have formally notified the Secretary-General of their intention to contribute personnel to the support mission.
A UN spokesperson confirmed that other countries have expressed interest in supporting the mission, but the UN has not yet received formal notification to that effect.
Communities in Port-au-Prince have barricaded abandoned vehicles to limit the risk of kidnappings and gang attacks.
Why did it take so long to establish the mission?
The initial sticking point is which country will lead what could be a very complex and risky mission.
Media reports suggest gangs control about 80% of the capital. A recently reported agreement between gangs to form a united front against the mission has further complicated the picture.
Kenya will lead the mission. Kenyan officials visited Haiti to hold talks with Haitian and regional leaders, among others, on the country’s mission and scope.
Kenyan President William Ruto told the United Nations General Assembly in September 2023 that Haitians are “suffering deeply from the bitter legacy of slavery, colonialism, destruction and abandonment. wear”, adding that resolving the situation is “the ultimate test of international solidarity”. and collective action”.
According to the United Nations, the Haitian National Police needs to be strengthened to be able to respond to the enormous challenges it faces.
What kind of activity will it be?
It is important to note that the security mission will not be a United Nations operation.
However, the Security Council authorized the delegation and requested the Secretary-General to establish a trust fund to allocate voluntary contributions for this activity.
At the end of April, United Nations Spokesperson confirmed that Canada, France and the United States have deposited $18 million into the fund.
Citizens of Cité Soleil in Haiti line up to receive aid from the United Nations.
What happens next and what is the UN’s involvement?
To confirm this mission, the Security Council acted under Chapter VII of the Agreement unchartedamong other things, authorizes the use of force after all other means to maintain international peace and security have been exhausted.
Meanwhile, the United Nations continues to support Haiti on many fronts. A political mission, known by its French acronym, BINUHand led by Ms. Salvador, continue to support the government’s efforts to promote political stability and good governance, including the rule of law.
United Nations agencies are providing humanitarian aid to Haitians affected by violence and insecurity, as well as by natural disasters such as the August 2021 earthquake. Humanitarian aviation services of the United Nations (UNHAS) To be Currently shipping aid workers, critical equipment and life-saving aid inside and outside Haiti. At the same time, the UN also continues to support authorities in enhancing socio-economic development.
