UN Security Council wants early deployment of multinational security force in Haiti

The United Nations Security Council on Monday called for the deployment of a multinational security force in Haiti as soon as possible.

In a press statement, the council members reiterated their deep concern over the security and humanitarian situation in Haiti and strongly condemned the continued destabilizing criminal activities of armed gangs.

Council members heard Kenya's briefing on the ongoing planning efforts on the deployment of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission and the international pledges made to the mission. They expressed the expectation and hope for the deployment of the MSS mission to Haiti as soon as possible.

The Security Council adopted a resolution in October 2023 to authorize the multinational police force for Haiti. The resolution decides that the cost of implementing this temporary operation will be borne by voluntary contributions and support from individual UN member states and regional organizations.

The council members expressed concern about the limited progress in the political process in Haiti. They urged all political actors to engage constructively in meaningful negotiations to allow the holding of free and fair legislative and presidential elections and restoring democratic institutions as soon as possible.

They expressed grave concern at the illicit flow of arms and ammunition to Haiti, which remains a key factor of instability and violence. They reiterated their demand for UN member states to take the necessary measures to implement the arms embargo and called for further actions by the Security Council.

The council members urged the armed gangs to immediately cease their destabilizing actions. They reiterated the council's call for the perpetrators of these abhorrent acts to be brought to justice and emphasized the council's role in placing and enhancing sanctions on individuals and entities responsible for or complicit in actions that threaten the peace, security or stability of Haiti.