UN calls for support for international force for Haiti
Key Points(5)
- Addressing the<a href="https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/"> UN Security Council</a>, 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 has been paralyzed by gang violence, which is 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.
- Additionally, it said, gangs are using killings and rapes to terrorize and subjugate whole communities.” “There are many other crises around the world.
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 has been paralyzed by gang violence, which is 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.
Additionally, it said, 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 that 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 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 8 October.”
CMC/
