UN condemns increasing gang violence and criminal activity in Haiti
UNITED NATIONS — The UN Security Council has unanimously approved a resolution condemning rising gang violence “in the strongest terms”. criminal activity in Haiti, which undermines peace, stability and security in the country and the region.
Friday’s resolution expressed serious concern about the illicit flow of arms and ammunition into Haiti and its link to increasing territorial control by gangs and “the extreme levels of armed violence,” including sexual and gender-based violence, leading to a deterioration of 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 -owned political process aimed at the holding of free and fair legislative and presidential elections.”
The resolution, sponsored by the United States and Ecuador, reiterates the council’s support for a Kenya-led multinational security force to help the Haitian National Police restore security. The first contingent of 200 Kenyan police officers arrived in the capital Port-au-Prince on June 25.
Haiti called for an international force to fight gangs by 2022, and UN Secretary-General António Guterres spent months appealing for a country to lead the force before the Kenyans came forward.
The gangs have grown in power since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse on July 7, 2021, and are estimated to control 80% of the capital. The increase in murders, rapes and kidnappings has led to a violent uprising by vigilantes.
The Security Council also welcomed the establishment of a transitional government led by Prime Minister Garry Conillea former UN development expert, who arrived in the country in early June. Last week he told the council that the Kenyan police will be crucial in helping to maintain control the gangs of the country and on the way to democratic elections.
US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said after the resolution was adopted that BINUH “plays a key role in supporting a democratic transition” in Haiti.
She said there is reason to be hopeful about the Kenyan-led police mission “and Haiti’s political prospects in general – but so much more needs to be done.”
Kenya has pledged 1,000 police officers and Thomas-Greenfield said they are working to deploy more. She said Benin participated in a meeting with Conille last week and announced they are preparing about 2,000 police officers to join 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 to the country.”
Haiti’s UN Ambassador Antonio Rodrigue told the council that the resolution “represents robust support from the international community for the efforts being made to help Haiti restore democratic institutions and advance its political transition with the participation of all sectors of society.”
The extension of BINUH’s mandate “is a step in the right direction,” he said, “but much remains to be done.”
Rodrigue said the arrival of the first Kenyan contingents has given Haitians “great hope that they will see an end to their suffering and the violence they face.”
He reiterated a call to the international community to support the Haitian National Police and the international police mission.