In Summary
- The international Security Support Mission for Haiti.
- Why is a multinational security mission necessary?
- Why has it taken so long to establish the mission?
Reports suggest that infrastructure for the mission is being put in place as supplies arrive by air into the capital, Port-au-Prince.
In March 2024, gangs mounted coordinated attacks targeting key state infrastructure, including multiple police stations and two of the main prisons in Port-au-Prince as well as educational and health facilities and religious sites.
Why is a multinational security mission necessary?
In the first three months of the year, the UN said 2,500 people, including at least 82 children, were killed or injured as a result of gang violence.
Almost half of the victims were hit by bullets during violent attacks against their neighborhoods or clashes between gangs and the police.
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At least 438 persons were kidnapped for ransom during the same period.
The UN said that some 362,000 people, half of them children, have been forced to flee their homes because it’s just too dangerous to remain.
Sexual violence and abuse against women and girls are on the rise, and tens of thousands of children are unable to attend school due to insecurity.
The Haitian National Police (HNP) is unable to fully contain the outbreak of violence, and Haiti’s military is small and only modestly equipped.
The Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Chad, Jamaica and Kenya have officially notified the UN Secretary-General of their intent to contribute personnel to the support mission.
Why has it taken so long to establish the mission?
A major sticking point initially was which country would step forward to lead what could be a very complicated and risky mission.
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Reports suggest that gangs exert some control over around 80 per cent of the capital. A recent reported agreement between gangs to form a united front against the mission has further complicated the picture.
Kenya will lead the mission. Kenyan officials visited Haiti to hold talks with Haitian and regional leaders, among others, regarding its mandate and scope.
President William Ruto, told the UN General Assembly in September 2023 that Haitians were “suffering immensely from the bitter legacy of slavery, colonialism, sabotage and neglect”, adding that dealing with the situation there was the “ultimate test of international solidarity and collective action”.
