The UN has condemned the escalating gang violence and criminal activity in Haiti, which is severely undermining peace and stability. Armed gangs have taken control of areas in Port-au-Prince and other regions, causing widespread fear, displacement, and disruption of essential services. The UN calls for urgent international cooperation to provide humanitarian aid, strengthen law enforcement, and address the root causes of violence. The situation threatens both national and regional security, and the UN remains committed to supporting Haiti in restoring order and ensuring the safety of its citizens.
UNITED NATIONS — The U.N. Security Council has unanimously passed a resolution strongly condemning the rising gang violence and criminal activities in Haiti, which are severely undermining peace, stability, and security both within the country and across the wider region. The resolution expresses deep concern over the deteriorating security situation, particularly the rise of armed gangs that have taken control of large parts of Haiti, including the capital, Port-au-Prince. These gangs have been responsible for widespread violence, including kidnappings, extortion, and attacks on civilians, further destabilizing the nation.
The resolution calls for urgent international support to help Haiti combat this escalating violence and restore order. It emphasizes the importance of strengthening Haiti’s law enforcement and judicial systems, providing humanitarian aid to those affected by the violence, and addressing the root causes of the crisis. The Security Council also reiterated its commitment to supporting Haiti in its efforts to restore peace and stability through diplomatic means and practical assistance, urging the international community to work together to prevent further deterioration of the situation.
In addition, the resolution stresses the need for coordinated action to help alleviate the humanitarian crisis, which has led to widespread displacement and a shortage of essential resources like food, clean water, and medical care. The Security Council called on the Haitian government, international partners, and relevant regional organizations to step up efforts in tackling the underlying causes of violence, such as poverty, inequality, and political instability.
This resolution comes at a time when Haiti faces one of its most significant challenges in years, with gang violence affecting nearly every aspect of daily life and threatening the long-term prospects for peace and development. The U.N. remains committed to supporting Haiti through technical assistance, peacekeeping efforts, and humanitarian aid in order to help stabilize the country and improve the well-being of its citizens.
The resolution adopted on Friday expresses deep concern over the illegal flow of arms and ammunition into Haiti, highlighting their connection to the growing territorial control exerted by gangs. This influx of weapons has contributed significantly to the escalating levels of armed violence, including alarming instances of sexual and gender-based violence, which have further exacerbated the deteriorating security situation in the country. The Security Council underscored the urgency of addressing these issues, stressing that the continued violence is destabilizing Haiti, undermining the rule of law, and severely affecting the safety and well-being of the population. The resolution calls for stronger international cooperation to curb the illegal arms trade and combat the growing influence of armed groups in Haiti.
The U.N. Security Council has extended the mandate of the U.N. political mission in Haiti, known as BINUH, until July 15, 2025. The mission’s primary objective is to support the advancement of a “Haitian-led, Haitian-owned” political process aimed at organizing free and fair legislative and presidential elections. This extension reflects the Security Council’s commitment to aiding Haiti in overcoming its current challenges and fostering a political environment conducive to long-term peace and stability. BINUH will continue to assist in strengthening Haiti’s institutions and promoting dialogue among various political and social groups.
The United Nations Security Council has approved a resolution, jointly sponsored by the United States and Ecuador, reaffirming its commitment to supporting a Kenyan-led multinational security force in Haiti. The resolution calls for continued assistance to the Haitian National Police in restoring security amid the ongoing violence and instability in the country.
The multinational force, led by Kenya, is aimed at helping the Haitian authorities re-establish order and protect citizens from the rising gang violence and criminal activities plaguing the nation. This initiative follows a series of escalating security challenges in Haiti, where gangs have gained significant control, leading to widespread violence, insecurity, and a breakdown in basic services.
As part of this effort, the first group of 200 Kenyan police officers arrived in Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, on June 25. This contingent is part of a broader strategy to assist Haiti in regaining control over areas threatened by criminal groups. The deployment is expected to provide much-needed support to the Haitian National Police as they work to address the surge in violence.
The Security Council’s resolution underscores the importance of an international partnership in Haiti’s ongoing struggle for peace and stability. With this multinational force, the U.N. aims to stabilize the security situation and create conditions conducive to the restoration of governance and the rebuilding of the nation. The move has been welcomed as a vital step in addressing the complex challenges facing Haiti, although challenges remain regarding long-term peace and security in the region.
Haiti officially requested the deployment of an international force to combat the growing influence of gangs in the country in 2022. The escalating violence, fueled by powerful criminal groups, overwhelmed the Haitian National Police and left the nation in a state of insecurity. In response to Haiti’s plea for assistance, U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres made repeated calls for months, urging countries to volunteer to lead a multinational security force.
After extended discussions and international appeals, Kenya responded to the call for help and agreed to send police officers to support Haiti in its fight against gang violence. In June 2023, Kenya deployed an initial contingent of 200 police officers to Haiti, marking a significant step in the international community’s efforts to restore order. The Kenyan-led force aims to assist Haiti’s National Police in regaining control over areas heavily dominated by criminal gangs, which have been terrorizing communities and contributing to the overall instability in the country.
This multinational force is seen as a crucial part of the U.N.’s broader strategy to address the severe security challenges in Haiti. The deployment of Kenyan police is expected to support local law enforcement, protect citizens, and help create a foundation for long-term peace and governance.
The power of gangs in Haiti has significantly increased since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse on July 7, 2021. Following his death, the country plunged into political instability, which allowed criminal organizations to expand their control. As of now, it is estimated that these gangs control up to 80% of the capital, Port-au-Prince, with their influence spreading across various regions of the country.
The situation has become dire, with a surge in violent crimes such as killings, rapes, and kidnappings, exacerbating the already fragile security environment. The widespread criminal activities have led to a violent uprising by civilian vigilante groups who are taking matters into their own hands in an effort to protect their communities from the gangs. These groups, though driven by a desire to restore order, often face challenges in their fight against the well-armed and organized criminal factions.
The escalation of violence has left many Haitians in a constant state of fear, and the intervention of an international security force, like the Kenyan-led multinational police deployment, is seen as crucial for restoring peace and supporting the Haitian National Police in their struggle to reclaim control from the gangs.
The Security Council also welcomed the establishment of a transitional government led by Prime Minister Garry Conille, a former U.N. development specialist, who arrived in the country in early June. Last week, he told the council that the Kenyan police will be crucial to helping control the country’s gangs and moving toward democratic elections.
U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, following the adoption of the resolution, emphasized that the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) plays a crucial role in supporting Haiti’s democratic transition. She highlighted that BINUH’s efforts are vital in assisting the Haitian government in establishing the necessary conditions for free and fair elections. The support from BINUH, along with the deployment of the Kenyan-led multinational security force, is seen as key to stabilizing the country, addressing gang violence, and fostering the political and security environment needed for a peaceful democratic process.
Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield expressed cautious optimism about the Kenyan-led police mission and Haiti’s overall political situation. She acknowledged the potential for positive change but emphasized that much more work is needed to stabilize the country and ensure long-term peace. Despite the progress, she stressed the importance of continued efforts to address the challenges of gang violence, insecurity, and the need for a successful democratic transition in Haiti.
Kenya has committed to sending 1,000 police officers to Haiti, with U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield stating that efforts are underway to deploy additional officers. She also highlighted that Benin participated in a recent meeting with Prime Minister Garry Conille, during which the country announced plans to send approximately 2,000 police officers to join the multinational force aimed at combating gang violence and supporting Haiti’s security. This international cooperation is seen as crucial in stabilizing the nation and advancing its political and security recovery.
Ecuador’s U.N. Ambassador José de la Gasca emphasized the importance of regional solidarity in addressing Haiti’s challenges, noting that the unanimous adoption of the resolution is vital for supporting Haiti’s democratic transition and restoring security. He highlighted Haiti as the poorest country in Latin America and the Caribbean, stressing that the resolution is a crucial step in helping the nation overcome its difficulties. The support from regional and international partners is seen as essential for Haiti’s recovery and stability.
Haiti’s U.N. Ambassador, Antonio Rodrigue, expressed that the resolution signifies strong international support for Haiti’s efforts to restore democratic institutions and make progress in its political transition. He emphasized the importance of involving all sectors of society in this process. Rodrigue’s statement underlined the collaborative effort needed for Haiti to move forward and address its political and security challenges, with the support of the international community playing a critical role in these efforts.
Ambassador Antonio Rodrigue noted that the extension of BINUH’s mandate “is a step in the right direction,” acknowledging the progress made, but emphasized that much more work remains to be done. He stressed that while this extension represents a positive move towards supporting Haiti’s democratic restoration and political transition, the ongoing challenges still require significant efforts and continued international support.
Ambassador Antonio Rodrigue expressed that the arrival of the initial Kenyan contingents has brought “great hope” to the Haitian people. He stated that this support has given them optimism that they will soon see an end to the violence and suffering they have been enduring, as the Kenyan-led security force plays a crucial role in stabilizing the country and restoring peace.
Ambassador Antonio Rodrigue reiterated his appeals to the international community to continue supporting the Haitian National Police and the international police mission. He emphasized the importance of this assistance in restoring security and stability in Haiti, highlighting that ongoing global support is essential for addressing the country’s challenges and advancing its political transition.Q