Haiti: The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has authorised international forces to assist in Haiti amid widespread gang violence in the Caribbean nation.
The 15-member council voted in favour of the foreign security missions, with 13 approving a Kenya-led mission to Haiti. The remaining two countries on the council, Russia and China, refrained due to fears over Haiti’s “troubled history with foreign involvement.”
Haitian Prime Minister Mr. Ariel Henry has repeatedly requested international assistance since gang violence in the country led to ever-growing insecurity and vigilante reprisals.
According to UN records, 5.2 million people, or nearly half the population, currently require humanitarian assistance. Gang violence has displaced approximately 200,000 residents and killed 3,000 people this year alone, with 1,500 more kidnapped for ransom.
As a response, the UN resolution authorised the creation and year-long deployment of a Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission to bolster Haitian police, restore security, and protect critical infrastructure. The force would be subject to a review after nine months.
Haitian Foreign Minister Mr. Jean Victor Geneus praised the vote, urging countries to commit to participating “as quickly as possible.”
“More than just a simple vote, this is in fact an expression of solidarity with a population in distress. It’s a glimmer of hope for the people that have for too long been suffering,” Mr. Victor stated.
In July 2023, Kenya volunteered to lead the international force, promising to “deploy a contingent of 1,000 police officers to help train and assist Haitian police.” Jamaica, the Bahamas, and Antigua and Barbuda have also pledged assistance to Haiti.
“We have taken an important step today, but our work to support the people of Haiti is not done. It is now crucial that we focus on making progress in mobilising the international support necessary to deploy this mission swiftly, effectively, and safely,” US National Security Adviser Mr. Jake Sullivan said in a statement.
RELATED | UN chief Antonio Guterres calls for international support in Haiti
