UN Secretary-General Calls for International Force in Haiti, Urging Swift Action to Combat Gang Violence

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday requested the Security Council to promptly authorize an international force for Haiti, emphasizing the importance of swift action to combat gang violence. Guterres urged the Security Council to support an international force backed by the United Nations, with predictable financing, to complement the Haitian National Police. This force would aim to hold territory, secure infrastructure, and fight the root causes of gang financing, arms trafficking, and other illicit flows.

Key Takeaways:

• UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an international force to be authorized by the Security Council to combat gang violence in Haiti.
• The proposed force would be supported by the United Nations through logistical and operational backing and predictable financing.
• Dorothy Shea, acting U.S. representative to the United Nations, tabled a draft Security Council resolution on the establishment of a "Gang Suppression Force" and a UN Support Office.
• The UN Support Office would ensure the mission has the tools to fight gangs and help the Haitian state meet the foundational needs of its people.
• The proposed force must be resourced to hold territory, secure infrastructure, and complement the Haitian National Police.
• A comprehensive approach is needed to disrupt gang financing, arms trafficking, and other illicit flows fueling instability.
• A Kenya-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission is currently deployed in Haiti, endorsed by the Security Council but not a UN operation.

Statistics:

• The proposed Gang Suppression Force and UN Support Office aim to disrupt gang financing and arms trafficking, which are fueling instability in Haiti.
• The total number of gangs operating in Haiti is not specified, but it is known that they have been responsible for widespread violence and insecurity.
• The UN Support Office would aim to ensure that the Haitian state can meet the foundational needs of its people.