UN condemns increasing gang violence in Haiti

The U.N. Security Council has unanimously approved a resolution condemning “in the strongest terms” the escalating gang violence and criminal activity in Haiti, which is undermining peace, stability, and security in the country and the region.

The resolution, adopted on Friday, expresses grave concern over the illegal flow of arms and ammunition into Haiti and their connection to the expanding territorial control by gangs. It highlights the “extreme levels of armed violence,” including sexual and gender-based violence, contributing to the country’s deteriorating security situation.

The council has extended the mandate of the U.N. political mission in Haiti, known as BINUH, until July 15, 2025. The mission is tasked with supporting the advancement of a “Haitian-led, Haitian-owned political process towards the holding of free and fair legislative and presidential elections.”

Sponsored by the United States and Ecuador, the resolution reiterates the council’s support for a Kenyan-led multinational security force to assist the Haitian National Police in re-establishing security. An initial contingent of 200 Kenyan police officers arrived in the capital, Port-au-Prince, on June 25.

Haiti requested an international force to combat gangs in 2022, and U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres had been appealing for months for a country to lead the force before Kenya stepped forward.

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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, Conille informed the council that the Kenyan police will be crucial in helping control the country’s gangs and moving toward democratic elections.

U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield stated after the resolution’s adoption that BINUH “plays a key role in supporting a democratic transition” in Haiti. She expressed hope regarding the Kenyan-led police mission and Haiti’s political outlook more broadly but emphasized that much more needs to be done.

Kenya has pledged 1,000 police officers, and Thomas-Greenfield mentioned ongoing efforts to deploy more of them. She also noted that Benin participated in a meeting with Conille last week and announced preparations to contribute approximately 2,000 police officers to the force.