Security Council renews Haiti mission mandate, calls for more action against gangs
By Vibhu Mishra
30 September 2024 - The UN Security Council on Monday re-authorized the deployment of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission to Haiti for 12 months.
The mission was authorized last October to assist Haiti's beleaguered police force. Led by Kenya, it currently has around 410 police officers on the ground and is expected to grow to around 2,500. For now, the country remains mired in crisis.
The renewal comes as the mission tries to curb rampant gang violence, enable an environment conducive to aid delivery, and create conditions for free and fair elections.
In a unanimous vote on resolution 2751, the 15-member Council urged the MSS mission to speed up its deployment and called on all nations to provide additional voluntary contributions and support.
The resolution reaffirmed that the UN Secretary-General may offer logistical support to the mission when requested, subject to full financial reimbursement through available voluntary contributions and in full compliance with the UN Human Rights Due Diligence Policy.
Unprecedented security crisis
Last Thursday, Haiti's transitional President Edgard Leblanc Fils addressed the UN General Assembly, warning that his country faces an "unprecedented security crisis".
"Citizens are living in fear of even moving about freely or going to school, particularly around the capital Port-au-Prince," he said at the General Assembly's high-level debate, urging continued UN support.
The rampant violence has also driven humanitarian needs across Haiti, with more than half the population classified as facing "acute levels of hunger", according to the latest IPC analysis, a global tracking of malnutrition and food insecurity.
US pledges unwavering support
Following the adoption, United States Ambassador and Permanent Representative Linda Thomas-Greenfield emphasized the international community's strong message of solidarity with the people of Haiti.
"The world is standing with you, and we are unwavering in our efforts to help restore security and stability and put the country on the path of peace and prosperity," she emphasized.
She echoed President Leblanc's call for ensuring long-term sustainability and encouraged the international community to build on the progress achieved by the mission so far.
"Let us work together to build on the progress of the Haiti MSS mission. Let us embrace a new approach that sustains it. Let us protect the fragile but inspiring opportunity to build a better future for the Haitian people," Ms. Thomas-Greenfield said.
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