HAITI-SECURITY-UN calls for support for international force for Haiti

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NEW YORK, United Nations UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed on Wednesday called for support for an international security force for Haiti as the country continues to confront gang violence, political instability, and a deadly cholera outbreak, saying that now is not the time for the world to turn away from the French-speaking Caribbean nation.

Addressing the UN Security Council, Mohammed underlined the UN Secretary-General’s call for support to the Haitian National Police, as set out in a letter to ambassadors in October.

“I urge every country, with the capacity to do so, to give urgent consideration to the Haitian Government’s request for an international specialized armed force to help restore security and alleviate the humanitarian crisis,” she said.

The UN said Haiti had been paralyzed by gang violence, obstructing the freedom of movement of people, goods, and humanitarian aid.

It said the insecurity has fueled the resurgence of cholera, increased food insecurity, sparked massive displacement, and disrupted the education of thousands of children.

It also said that gangs are using killings and rapes to terrorize and subjugate whole communities.”

“There are many other crises around the world. But very few crises, if any, test our commitment and values like the one we are witnessing in Haiti,” said Mohammed.

“It is time to step up and turn the current crisis into an opportunity for Haiti to bounce back stronger,” she urged.

In the briefing, the Security Council, UN Special Representative in Haiti, Helen La Lime, said 280 people were murdered there last month – the highest on record.

She said reported kidnappings have exceeded 1,200 this year, double the 2021 figure.

“Further compounding the plight of the millions living amidst this violence is the catastrophic economic situation, with all main roads in and out of the capital under gang control, stymieing trade,” said La Lime, speaking from the capital, Port-au-Prince.

“Close to half the population are food insecure, with some 20,000 people facing famine-like conditions.”

Despite Government investment, La Lime said the Haitian National Police (HNP) “continues to be under-resourced and insufficiently equipped to address the enormity of the task ahead.”

Furthermore, she said, the force continues to shrink, stating that rising attrition has reduced operational strength to under 13,000 personnel, with fewer than 9,000 available as active-duty officers.

“Some effective operations against the gangs in Port-au-Prince have been mounted but holding these security gains continues to be a challenge,” the special representative lamented.

“The HNP needs assistance in the form of a specialized force, as outlined in the Secretary-General’s letter of Oct 8.”

On the political front, La Lime said Haitians had welcomed a Security Council resolution, adopted unanimously in October, establishing a sanctions regime targeting gang leaders and their backers.

The UN Mission in the country, BINUH, has also continued efforts to advance political dialogue.

The UN said that civil society groups had developed a National Consensus document that includes steps for moving to elections within an 18-month timeframe.

La Lime told the Security Council that several Haitian interlocutors, who support the sanctions, see them as “a crucial tool in combatting corruption and impunity.”

“Nonetheless, sanctions will be most effective as part of a comprehensive approach: that includes both the ongoing political dialogue and enhanced operational security support to the HNP, as outlined in the Secretary-General’s letter,” she said.

“These three approaches in parallel will be essential to restoring order, public confidence, and the hope that the country’s tomorrow can be better. Haitians deserve no less,” La Lime added.

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