The Security Council–endorsed United Nations Support Office in Haiti is on track to deliver assistance for the Haitian people, according to UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric.
Speaking on Wednesday, Dujarric said the office, which was established through a Security Council resolution in September, will provide support to Haiti’s newly formed Gang Suppression Force as well as the UN’s political mission in the country, the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH).
Dujarric reported that Stephen McOwan has been selected as interim director of the Support Office and joined approximately 37 staff members who are already operational in Port-au-Prince, having arrived over the weekend.
He also noted that a second office was established last week in Santo Domingo, the capital of the neighbouring Dominican Republic, to provide logistical support, including resources, financial services and travel coordination. The Dominican Republic will also serve as a designated medical evacuation location, should the need arise.
In terms of operational capacity, Dujarric said the first air asset—a helicopter—has now arrived in Port-au-Prince. Additional equipment is expected to be delivered from the UN Logistics Base in Brindisi, Italy, as well as from the United Nations’ recently closed mission in Iraq, UNAMI.
The Support Office is intended to strengthen international assistance to Haiti amid ongoing security challenges and efforts to restore stability in the country.
