The United Nations Security Council has extended the mandate of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) for one year, through January 31, 2027, while strongly condemning Haitian authorities for the lack of progress toward a political transition amid worsening violence.
In a resolution co-sponsored by the United States and Panama and adopted unanimously on Thursday, the 15-member council denounced the sharp rise in violence in the French-speaking Caribbean Community (Caricom) country. The council cited widespread human rights violations and abuses, including sexual violence against women, men and children, human trafficking, migrant smuggling, killings and the abduction of children by armed gangs.
United States Ambassador Jennifer Locetta said the council had “made another decisive step towards the stabilisation of Haiti,” praising Panama’s role in securing unanimous support for what she described as an important resolution.
“The United States maintains its unwavering support for Haiti’s stability and security,” Locetta said. She added that Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé’s tenure remains critical to efforts to confront armed gangs and stabilize the country, stressing that the violence can only be curbed through strong leadership backed by the Haitian people.
Haiti’s representative welcomed the resolution, saying it reflects a more integrated understanding of the country’s challenges and the need to deliver tangible results. “Our objective is clear,” he said, pointing to the need to protect the population, reduce violence, restore the rule of law and create conditions for lasting institutional stability.
Speaking on behalf of Caricom, Trinidad and Tobago expressed concern over political deadlock within Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council, noting that recent inconclusive efforts by some members to dismiss the prime minister have further complicated an already fragile governance transition.
China’s representative voiced grave concern over the continued flow of illegal weapons into Haiti, urging all parties—particularly major source countries of arms and ammunition—to strengthen border controls and weapons regulation. China also called for stronger support for the work of the sanctions committee, BINUH, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and other relevant bodies.
The resolution comes amid heightened political tensions after some members of Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council moved on January 21 to dismiss Prime Minister Fils-Aimé. The council’s mandate is set to expire on February 7.
Haiti continues to face intertwined crises of gang violence, political instability and humanitarian need. The UN’s involvement in the country dates back to 1986, following the departure of former president Jean-Claude Duvalier, and has continued through successive peacekeeping and political missions.
Established in 2019, BINUH supports Haitian authorities in strengthening political stability, good governance and the rule of law, while promoting human rights and coordinating international assistance.
Under the newly extended mandate, the Security Council tasked the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative in Haiti with playing a “good-offices and coordinating role,” including promoting accountability, respect for human rights, the political process and the rule of law.
The resolution also revises BINUH’s mandate to carry out six core tasks in an integrated manner with other UN entities in Haiti. These include facilitating inter-Haitian national dialogue in support of constitutional and political processes, and assisting authorities in organizing municipal, parliamentary and presidential elections in 2026 to ensure a peaceful transfer of power to elected officials.
BINUH is also charged with supporting efforts to reduce community violence, including helping to design a Haitian-led disarmament, dismantlement and reintegration program. This includes pathways for safe exit, voluntary disengagement, rehabilitation and reintegration for individuals—particularly children—formerly associated with gangs.
The Security Council said the revised mandate reflects the recent establishment of the Gang Suppression Force (GSF), with the first contingents expected to arrive in Haiti in April. The GSF is tasked with restoring state authority and public order, reducing gang territorial control, securing critical infrastructure and supporting Haiti’s return to elected governance and long-term stability.
Last September, the council authorized the deployment of the new international force to replace the struggling Kenya-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission.
In coordination with the GSF and international partners, BINUH will also assist Haitian authorities in addressing prolonged pretrial detention, support judicial monitoring of court operations, and provide advisory assistance in handling high-risk individuals.
The mission will continue to monitor and report on gang violence, criminal activity and human rights abuses, including sexual violence against women, girls, men and boys, through dedicated protection capacity.
Locetta said international partners must remain committed to Haiti’s future, emphasizing that BINUH will remain central to global efforts to restore stability in the country.
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