U.N. Security Council adopts resolution for Haiti Resolution in 30 Days

By Rashaed Esson

Staff Writer

#Haiti, July 26, 2023 – With Haiti’s humanitarian crisis still ongoing, gangs growing in power and estimated to control up to 80 percent of the capital, the U.N Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution asking Antonio Guterres, U.N. Secretary General on Friday, to report within 30 days, with a “full range” of options to aid in the enhancement of the country’s Security situation.

Guterres is expected to report back with additional training for the Haitian National Police and provide support to fight illegal arms trafficking to the republic.

Additionally, the resolution, co-inspired the the US and Ecuador, authorizes up to 70 U.N. police and corrections advisers to bolster support and training for Haiti’s understaffed and underfunded police force while encouraging other countries, especially in the Caribbean region, to step in and respond to the appeals from Haiti’s prime minister as well as Guterres, for the deployment of an international specialized force.

Amid the worsening crisis, Haiti’s prime minister in reaching out for help sent out an appeal in October of 2022 asking for “the immediate deployment of a specialized armed force, in sufficient quantity.” However, it is unfortunate to report that after more than 8 months since the appeal, no country has taken the initiative to take on the challenge.

In continuation, Guterres took a trip to the gang plagued Republic earlier this month and last week, called for a robust international force to aid the Haitian National Police crush and dismantle the gangs that have now attained too much power.

He highlighted the estimated number of anti-gang police needed according to William O’Neill, independent expert for Haiti, which is up to 2,000 which is not an exaggerated figure given the nature of Haiti’s situation as witnessed by O’Neill who took a 10 day trip the the country after which he said, “I found a country bruised by violence, misery, fear and suffering,” he said, adding that all types of human rights are being violated. “It is urgent to take action. The survival of an entire nation is at stake.”

The resolution urges all countries to prohibit the supply, sale, or transfer of weapons to those supporting gang violence and criminal activity.

Furthermore, it restates the need for all Haitians, with support from the U.N. political mission known as BIHUH ( mandated to advise the Government of Haiti in the promotion and strengthening of political stability and good governance, including the rule of law,) to establish “a Haitian-led, Haitian-owned political process to permit the organization of free, fair and credible legislative and presidential elections.” And it calls on the Haitians “to urgently reach an agreement on a sustainable, time-bound and commonly accepted roadmap for elections.”

Thanks to the resolution, BIHUH’s mandate was extended until July 15th, 2024.

In expressing that the resolution is important, but not enough in helping Haiti, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, U.S. Ambassador, said “we must do more,” encourage all 15 council members to stand with the U.S. in working with BINUH, the Haitian government, and the international community to “help the Haitian people secure a more just and peaceful future.”

Photo caption:

Photograph from Le Quotidien 509