speech of Security CouncilMs Mohammed underscored the UN Secretary-General’s call for support for the Haitian National Police, as set out in a letter to ambassadors in October.
“I urge every country with the capacity to do this urgently consider to the Haitian government’s call for an international specialized force to help restore security and alleviate the humanitarian crisis,” she said said.
terrorizing local communities
Haiti is paralyzed by gang violence that impedes the movement of people, goods and humanitarian aid.
Insecurity has fueled the resurgence of cholera, heightened food insecurity, triggered massive displacement and disrupted the education of thousands of children.
Gangs also use killings and rapes to terrorize and subjugate entire communities.
Get in now
“There are many other crises around the world. But very few crises, if any, test our commitment and values like the one we are experiencing in Haiti,” said Ms. Mohammed.
“It is time to step up and turn the current crisis into an opportunity for Haiti to recover stronger,” she added.
killings and kidnappings
The UN special envoy for Haiti, Helen La Lime, briefed the council and said 280 people had been killed there in the past month – the highest number on record. The number of reported kidnappings has surpassed 1,200 this year, or doubled the 2021 figure.
“The plight of the millions living amidst this violence is further compounded by the dire economic situation as all major roads in and out of the capital are under gang control and impeding trade,” she said, speaking from the capital Port-au -Prince.
“Almost half of the population suffers from food insecurity, around 20,000 people are affected by conditions similar to hunger.”
Shrinking Police Force
Despite government investment, the Haitian National Police (HNP) “remains under-resourced and under-equipped to deal with the enormity of the task ahead,” she said.
In addition, the power continues to decrease. Increasing wear and tear has reduced the operational strength to fewer than 13,000 employeeswith less than 9,000 available as officers on active duty.
“Some effective operations have been conducted against the gangs in Port-au-Prince, but maintaining these security gains remains a challenge. The HNP needs support in the form of a specialized force, as set out in the Secretary-General’s letter dated October 8,” she said.
Political Developments
On the political front, Ms La Lime said Haitians welcomed a Council resolution passed unanimously in October that lays down a sanctions regime against gang leaders and their supporters.
The UN mission in the country, BINUHcontinued efforts to advance the political dialogue.
Civil society groups have developed a “National Consensus Document” outlining steps for the transition to elections within an 18-month timeframe.
Ms La Lime informed the Council that several Haitian interlocutors who support the sanctions see them as a crucial tool to fight corruption and impunity.
“Nevertheless, sanctions will be most effective as part of a comprehensive approach: this includes both ongoing political dialogue; and increased operational security support to the HNP, as outlined in the Secretary-General’s letter,” she said.
“These three parallel approaches will be critical to restoring order, public confidence and hope that the country’s future can be better. Haitians deserve no less.”
