The need for an international security mission in Haiti has become urgent due to escalating violence and insecurity in the country. Gang activity in Port-au-Prince and beyond has reached unprecedented levels, leading to a deterioration of the human rights situation and a deepening of the humanitarian crisis. Coordinated attacks by gangs on key state infrastructure have further weakened state institutions and posed challenges to the re-establishment of the rule of law. In the first three months of 2024, 2,500 people, including 82 children, were killed or injured due to gang violence, and nearly 438 people were kidnapped for ransom. As a result, hundreds of thousands of people, including many children, have been forced to flee their homes, and sexual violence and abuse against women and girls are on the rise.
The Haitian National Police (HNP) is struggling to contain the violence, and Haiti’s military is small and ill-equipped to handle the situation. Thus, there is a consensus among stakeholders that international assistance is necessary to support the HNP in stabilizing the country and ensuring that Haitians can live without fear of gang violence. In response to a request from the former Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry in October 2022, UN Secretary-General António Guterres called on nations to provide support. Several countries, including The Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Chad, Jamaica, and Kenya, have officially notified the Secretary-General of their intention to contribute personnel to the support mission. Other countries have also expressed interest in supporting the mission, although official notifications are still pending.
Infrastructure for the international security mission is being established in Haiti, with supplies arriving by air in the capital, Port-au-Prince. The mission aims to restore security conditions in the country, which have been severely impacted by gang violence and attacks on state infrastructure. The presence of international forces is expected to assist the HNP in its efforts to stabilize the situation and create a safe environment for Haitians to resume their daily activities. The mission is crucial for addressing the deepening humanitarian crisis in Haiti and ensuring that the rule of law is re-established.
The deteriorating security situation in Haiti has resulted in significant challenges for the population, with many people forced to flee their homes due to the danger posed by gang violence. Children are particularly vulnerable, with tens of thousands unable to attend school due to insecurity. The rise in sexual violence and abuse against women and girls further highlights the urgent need for international support to address the security crisis in the country. The international community’s response to the crisis, through the deployment of personnel and resources to support the security mission, is a critical step in restoring stability and ensuring the safety and well-being of the Haitian population.
As the international community mobilizes to provide support for the security mission in Haiti, the focus is on establishing a secure environment that allows for the restoration of the rule of law and the protection of human rights. With the influx of supplies and personnel, efforts are underway to address the escalating violence and insecurity that have plagued the country. By working together to support the Haitian National Police and stabilize the situation, the international community aims to alleviate the suffering of the population and pave the way for a more secure and prosperous future for Haiti.
