United Nations Imposes Sanctions on Haiti, Highlights Gang Crisis

Strategic Insights -

The United Nations Security Council has renewed its sanctions regime on Haiti, deciding to apply travel-ban, asset-freeze, and arms-embargo measures to individuals and entities destabilizing the country through illicit exploitation or trade of natural resources. The Council's decision comes as Haiti grapples with a gang crisis, with unprecedented levels of violence resulting in significant human suffering.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UN Security Council has renewed its sanctions regime on Haiti for one year, with measures including a travel ban, asset freeze, and arms embargo.
  • The sanctions will apply to individuals and entities engaging in activities that destabilize Haiti through the illicit exploitation or trade of natural resources.
  • The Council has designated two individuals, Dimitri Herard and Kempes Sanon, for their engagement in actions that threaten Haiti's peace, security, and stability.
  • The sanctions regime is crucial for removing "the fuel that is firing this conflict," with the representative of Panama emphasizing the importance of effective implementation of the arms embargo.
  • The Council has omitted references to gender-based violence in the resolution, despite numerous representatives expressing regret and calling for further action to address this issue.
  • The sanctions regime is seen as a means to an end, aiming to bring about a Haiti free of weapons, safer, and in peace, with the representative of China emphasizing the need for an integrated approach to address the country's multiple crises.
  • The international community is urged to support the Haitian National Police and the country's armed forces in strengthening their capacity to manage weapons and ammunition.

Statistics:

  • 13 months: The extension of the mandate of the Panel of Experts to assist the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 2653 (2022).
  • 2: The number of individuals designated under the sanctions regime, Dimitri Herard and Kempes Sanon.
  • 15: The number of key provisions in the resolution.
  • 2022: The year in which the Security Council Committee was established pursuant to resolution 2653 (2022).
  • 2025: The year in which the Multinational Security Support mission was transitioned to the Gang Suppression Force through Council resolution 2793 (2025).

Sources:

  • United Nations Security Council Resolution 2794 (2025).
  • United Nations Press Release SC/15855.
  • Quotes from representatives of the United States, Panama, France, Denmark, Slovenia, Greece, and the United Kingdom.