The United Nations Security Council has voted to authorise a Multinational Security Support mission to the gang-controlled island nation of Haiti for 12 months.
Thirteen countries voted in favour of the text with abstentions from Russia and China.
The country’s leadership asked the council almost a year ago for an international force to support the under-equipped Haitian National Police in stabilising a country faced with unprecedented violence and lawlessness, including murders, sexual violence and kidnappings for ransom.
Almost half the country’s population is food insecure.
Kenya offered to lead an international police force in July but has been awaiting a mandate from the Council.
It has taken almost 12 months for an international force to receive this council authorisation after Kenya pledged 1000 police personnel while the Bahamas, Jamaica and Antigua and Barbuda also expressed a willingness to augment such a force.
The United States drafted the resolution and has pledged 100 million dollars in support.
US Ambassador Jeffrey DeLaurentis says, “It took us one full year to get to where we are now. But let us be clear, our work is far from finished. Our focus now turns to making this mission operational and successful in restoring the security conditions the Haitian people have called for. The MSC mission will give the Haitian National Police additional support to secure Haiti’s streets, but it is only one part of the larger effort to address the multidimensional crisis in the country, including acute food insecurity, as well as other humanitarian, economic and political challenges.”
Member states and regional organisations will contribute personnel, equipment and necessary financial and logistic resources.
China’s Ambassador Zhang Jun says, “China has always taken a cautious and responsible approach on the Council’s invocation of Chapter Seven of the Charter on the authorisation of the use of force. In previous practice, there have been precedents of abusing Chapter Seven authorisation. However, in light of the current security situation in Haiti and the concerns and appeals of the international community, especially those of CARICOM countries, and based on our trust in friendly countries, China has taken a constructive position on the adoption of this resolution in accordance with the resolution just voted on.”
Russian Ambassador Vasily Nebenzia says, “Haiti’s history contains a lot of experience of irresponsible foreign interference. That was what gave rise to the downward spiral that Haitians have not been able to overcome for years. Authorising another use of force in Haiti without a precise understanding of the parameters of the mission that is being authorised, is short-sighted.”
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