UNITED NATIONS – He UN Security Council unanimously approved a resolution condemning “in the strongest terms” the increasing gang violence and criminal activity in Haiti that is undermining peace, stability and security in the country and the region.
Friday’s resolution expresses grave concern about the illegal flow of weapons and ammunition into Haiti and its link to the increasing territorial control by gangs and “extreme levels of armed violence,” including sexual and gender-based violence, leading to deteriorating security in the country.
The council extended the UN political mission in Haiti known as BINUH until July 15, 2025, with a mandate to support the advancement of “a Haitian-led and Haitian-owned political process towards the holding of free and fair legislative and presidential elections.”
International support
The resolution, sponsored by the United States and Ecuador, reiterates the council’s support for a Kenyan-led multinational security force to assist Haiti’s National Police in restoring security. The initial contingent of 200 Kenyan police officers arrived in the capital, Port-au-Prince, on June 25.
Haiti has called for an international force to combat gangs in 2022, and U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres has been calling for months for a country to lead the force before the Kenyans stepped forward.
Gangs have gained power since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse on July 7, 2021, and are estimated to now control up to 80% of the capital. The rise in murders, rapes and kidnappings has sparked a violent uprising by civilian vigilante groups.
The Security Council also welcomed the establishment of a transitional government headed by Prime Minister Garry Conille, a former UN development specialist, who arrived in the country in early June. Last week, he told the council that Kenya’s police would be crucial in helping to control the country’s gangs and move toward democratic elections.
U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said after the resolution was adopted that BINUH “plays a key role in supporting a democratic transition” in Haiti.
He said there was reason to be hopeful about the Kenyan-led police mission “and Haiti’s political outlook in general, but much more needs to be done.”
Solidarity
Kenya has pledged 1,000 police and Thomas-Greenfield said they are working to deploy more. She added that Benin participated in a meeting with Conille last week and announced that they are preparing about 2,000 police to participate in the force.
Ecuador’s UN ambassador, José de la Gasca, stressed the importance of regional solidarity in helping Haiti, the poorest country in Latin America and the Caribbean, overcome its many challenges. He said the unanimous adoption of the resolution “plays a crucial role in supporting Haiti’s democratic transition and restoring security in the country.”
Haiti’s UN ambassador, Antonio Rodrigue, told the council that the resolution “represents strong support from the international community for efforts to help Haiti restore democratic institutions and advance political transition with the participation of all sectors of society.”
The extension of BINUH’s mandate “is a step in the right direction,” said the Haitian diplomat, “but there is still much to do.”
Rodrigue said the arrival of the first Kenyan contingents had given Haitians “great hope” that they would see an end to their suffering and the violence they faced.”
He reiterated calls for the international community to support the Haitian National Police and the international police mission.
Source: With AP information
