The UN Security Council has approved the sending of an international mission to Haiti to help this Caribbean country, which has been trapped in a crisis of criminal violence since last year. The decision was welcomed as “a ray of hope” by Haitian Foreign Minister Jean Victor Geneus. The resolution, which was supported by 13 votes in favor of Russia and China abstaining, also imposes a light arms embargo, expanding measures that previously only applied to criminal gang leaders.
The mission, led by Kenya, will have an initial duration of twelve months, with a review after nine months. Its main objective is to provide operational support to the Haitian police in the fight against gangs, improve security in schools, ports, hospitals, and airports, and create safe conditions for the holding of elections, which have not taken place in Haiti since 2016.
The situation in Haiti has worsened in the last year, with gangs controlling much of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and surrounding areas. The violence has become more intense and brutal, with reports of atrocities such as rape, sniping, and people being burned alive. The international mission, in cooperation with the Haitian authorities, will employ exceptional measures, including arrests, to prevent loss of life.
The United States, along with countries such as Jamaica, the Bahamas, and Antigua and Barbuda, have committed to providing logistical support to the mission. The international community hopes that this joint initiative will provide the urgent assistance Haiti needs to overcome its security crisis.