UN Chief Calls for Multinational Force to Restore Law and Order in Haiti
UNITED NATIONS, Aug 15 (Reuters) – United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged for a “robust use of force” by a multinational police deployment and the use of military assets to restore law and order in Haiti and disarm violent gangs. Guterres made this plea in a report to the Security Council, which was seen by Reuters on Tuesday.
Haiti has been grappling with a surge in gang violence, particularly in the capital city of Port-au-Prince. Last year, the Haitian government requested international assistance to combat the escalating violence. In October, Guterres proposed the deployment of a “rapid action force” to support the local police.
In response to the situation, the Security Council encouraged member states to provide security support and requested Guterres to present a range of options within 30 days. These options include backing for a non-UN multinational force or a potential peacekeeping operation.
Guterres’s report, circulated to the 15-member council, outlined two potential UN options: providing logistical support to a multinational force and Haiti’s police, and strengthening the existing UN political mission in Haiti.
According to Guterres, the current context in Haiti is not suitable for peacekeeping efforts. He emphasized the need to restore law and order, disarm gangs, secure strategic installations and roadways, and re-establish a state presence to provide basic services.
Guterres stated, “Nothing short of the robust use of force, complemented by a suite of non-kinetic measures, by a capable specialized multinational police force enabled by military assets, coordinated with the national police, would be able to achieve these objectives.” The UN chief recently visited Haiti to assess the situation firsthand.
UN peacekeepers were initially deployed to Haiti in 2004 following a rebellion that led to the removal and exile of then-President Jean-Bertrand Aristide. Peacekeeping troops were replaced by UN police in 2017, who subsequently left in 2019.
However, many Haitians are wary of an armed UN presence due to past incidents. In 2010, UN peacekeepers inadvertently introduced cholera to the country by dumping infected sewage into a river. The outbreak resulted in over 9,000 deaths and affected around 800,000 people.
Guterres called on countries to “act now” and contribute to the deployment of a non-UN multinational force. He also urged the Security Council to support this move. The United States has already expressed its willingness to propose a draft Security Council resolution in support of the deployment.
Some countries have expressed reservations about supporting the unelected administration of Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who has stated that fair elections cannot be held under the current security conditions. Haiti has been without any elected representatives since January.
Kenya has offered to consider leading an international force and pledged to send 1,000 police officers. Kenyan officials are scheduled to travel to Haiti soon to assess the requirements for such a deployment. The Bahamas has also committed to providing 150 personnel if the United Nations authorizes the force.
Guterres welcomed Jamaica’s renewed pledge to contribute to the force and expressed appreciation for the announcements made by Antigua and Barbuda to consider contributing. He called on member states, particularly those in the Americas, to build on this momentum.
The UN chief highlighted the “extreme violence” of gang attacks, noting that the capital is surrounded by gangs and effectively cut off from other parts of the country. Human Rights Watch has emphasized the importance of including safeguards to prevent abuses in any international security assistance.
Guterres emphasized that any targeted operations against gangs must prioritize the protection of people and respect human rights and due process.
Reporting by Michelle Nichols; Editing by Ismail Shakil and Grant McCool
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What oversight mechanisms can be put in place to prevent human rights abuses and promote justice in a multinational force deployment?
Ge into a river, resulting in thousands of deaths. The peacekeepers were also accused of sexually abusing Haitian women and girls during their mission.
Guterres acknowledged these concerns in his report and stressed the importance of transparency and accountability in any multinational force that is deployed. He called for strong oversight mechanisms to prevent human rights abuses and promote justice.
The situation in Haiti remains fragile, with ongoing political and economic challenges exacerbating the security situation. Guterres emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of the violence, including poverty, inequality, and corruption.
The Security Council is set to discuss Guterres’s report and the proposed options for restoring law and order in Haiti. Member states will need to carefully consider the potential effectiveness and risks associated with each option before making a decision.
As the international community deliberates on the best course of action, the people of Haiti continue to suffer from the devastating consequences of gang violence. Restoring law and order is essential for creating a safe and stable environment that will enable Haiti to rebuild and thrive.
It’s heartbreaking to see the people of Haiti continue to suffer from violence. International support is crucial in restoring peace and security.