The U.S. calls on the international community to do more to combat insecurity in Haiti.

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Civil unrest in Haiti (File Photo)

WASHINGTON– The United States is “strongly encouraging” international partners to consider contributing to the United Nations security basket fund and increasing support to combat insecurity in Haiti.

Earlier this week, the U.S., as well as 17 international partner countries and several international organizations, attended a Ministerial-level international partners meeting hosted by the Suriname government to discuss sustainable, inclusive solutions to the challenges faced by Haiti and Haitians.

In a statement, the United States State Department said Washington was represented during the virtual meeting by Deputy Secretary Wendy Sherman, Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs Brian A. Nichols, and Assistant Secretary for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Todd Robinson.

It said that since December 2021, international partners had mobilized more than US$294 million in new commitments to Haiti.

Regarding security, the State Department said that strengthening Haiti’s law enforcement capacity remains a crucial priority for Washington, adding, “we have provided support to increase the capacity of the Haitian National Police (HNP) to maintain peace and stability and to respond effectively to civil unrest while respecting human rights.”

It said in response to the grave security situation in the French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country, where armed gangs are engaged in criminal activities, including kidnappings and murders,” we have allocated an additional US$15 million in 2021 and are making a new commitment of US$48 million in 2022 for partnering with the HNP”.

The State Department said the funds are specifically to strengthen the HNP’s capacity to counter gangs, including funding community-based efforts to deter gang recruitment, hiring additional anti-gang subject matter experts, and supporting the HNP’s anti-gang operations.

“As a direct result of support to the HNP Academy, the number of trained officers increased from fewer than 10,000 in 2010 to nearly 14,000 today. The State Department has also donated 60 vehicles to the HNP.”

Washington said it also supports 14 embedded subject matter experts in HNP leadership and specialized units to enhance the institution’s capability to provide election security, support safer communities and more secure borders, and prevent civil unrest.

The State Department-supported experts also provide advisory support to the HNP judicial police and Inspector General.

“These advisors help the HNP improve its vetting system and the integrity of processing allegations of corruption, human rights abuses, and police misconduct. Their critical investigative capacity-building support will complement U.S. Federal law enforcement assistance.”

Washington said that increased efforts have already helped Haitian security forces combat gangs, noting that in early May 2022, the HNP successfully coordinated with the FBI to extradite Germine “Yonyon” Joly to the United States.

Joly is the head of the “400 Mawoyo” gang, accused of murder, kidnapping, vehicle theft, and destruction of private property. The State Department said that his arrest and extradition signaled the HNP’s commitment to combat gangs across Haiti.

“These enhanced coordination efforts will provide much-needed assistance for the HNP to reduce kidnappings and gang violence across Haiti.”

The State Department also said that in the aftermath of the July 7, 2001, assassination of President Moïse, the Department of Justice, together with the Department of Homeland Security, assisted the Haitian authorities in conducting a thorough investigation of the attack.

“The Department of Justice, along with its U.S. government partners, will continue to support the Haitian authorities in its review of the facts and circumstances surrounding this heinous attack,” it said, adding, “the Department of Justice will also investigate whether there were any violations of U.S. criminal law in connection with this matter.”

Regarding elections, the State Department said the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) supports pre-election activities intended to support legislative and presidential elections when conditions permit.

It said USAID had provided more than three million U.S. dollars to the Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening, which includes the National Democratic Institute, the International Republican Institute, and the International Foundation for Electoral Systems.

These activities include improving electoral administration, strengthening the competitiveness of political parties, educating voters on electoral processes, promoting electoral transparency, and ensuring inclusive voter participation.

USAID is also providing technical assistance to Haiti’s Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) through this Consortium to build the capacity of electoral authorities to conduct free and fair elections. This includes technical assistance for strategic planning, information technology, and training for CEP, the Communal Electoral Office, and Departmental Electoral Office staff,” the State Department added.

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