Overview
On Oct. 2, 2023, the UN Security Council authorized the deployment of an international security force led by Kenya to help Haiti’s national police crack down on surging violence in the small Caribbean nation.
The mission was requested by the Haitian Government and civil society representatives after years of worsening conditions in the country, including thousands of homicides and kidnappings for ransom, with hundreds of thousands of individuals forced to flee their homes.
The Unraveling Security and Humanitarian Situation
In February 2024, the UN’s High Commissioner for Human Rights issued a statement on the dire humanitarian situation, noting the “disastrous consequences for Haitians.”
“Every day that passes, more casualties are being recorded,” said Volker Türk. “Now more than ever, Haitian lives depend on the deployment — with no further delay — of the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti to support the National Police and bring security to the Haitian population.”
“Now more than ever, Haitian lives depend on the deployment — with no further delay — of the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti.”
Volker Türk
In January 2024, at least 806 civilians were killed, injured or kidnapped by gangs, representing a three-fold increase in casualties from the same period last year. Children are especially vulnerable; more than 160 children were killed in 2023, including several executed by gangs for suspected disloyalty. Moreover, sexual assault of women and girls has become a common weapon employed by gang members.
In response to the gang violence, 2024 has seen a wave of antigovernment street protests in the capital of Port-au-Prince and dozens of towns across the country, forcing the shutdown of a majority of schools and public services nationwide. While these demonstrations have largely been peaceful, excessive brutality by law enforcement has been reported. Between January 20 and February 7, at least 16 people were killed and 29 injured during political protests.
Shoring Up the Multinational Security Support Mission
Against this backdrop, the UN Security Council continues to mediate the establishment of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission to provide security in Haiti and build conditions conducive to holding free and fair elections, primarily through assisting the Haiti National Police and secure critical infrastructure and transit hubs, such as the airport, ports, schools, and hospitals.
The mission’s deployment, however, has been slow to materialize, owing largely to a protracted case before Kenya’s high court to determine the constitutionality of deploying Kenya’s national police force outside the country. A ruling by the court in late January blocked the government from deploying police officers without a reciprocity agreement with the host country, but approved the use of military personnel. Nevertheless, on March 3, Kenya and Haiti agreed to “fast-track” deployment of 1,000 police officers. In addition, five countries have affirmed troop contribution commitments, including the Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Benin, and Chad. Benin will contribute up to 2,000 troops.
The MSS will operate through voluntary contributions from regional partners and UN member states, including 1,000 troops from Kenya, with additional pledges from the U.S. of up to $100 million in Department of Defense funds and $100 million in foreign assistance, subject to Congressional approval.
A History of UN Engagement in Haiti
A founding member of the UN, Haiti has a long history of engaging with the organization, and played a central role in both the drafting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the establishment of UNESCO.
In 2004, after the forced exile of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide and nationwide armed conflict, the UN authorized a Multinational Interim Force that paved the way for the establishment of the the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH). The peacekeeping force grew in size and scope over several years, peaking in 2010 following a devastating earthquake, which claimed the lives of nearly a quarter million Haitians and 100 peacekeepers. MINUSTAH ended in 2017 at the close of its original mandate to restore a secure and stable environment, promote transparent political processes and rule-of-law, and protect human rights. Smaller peacekeeping cohorts continue to play a role in logistical support.
In 2022, Security Council Resolution 2653 established a sanctions regime targeting individuals and entities engaging in or supporting criminal activity and violence – together with a targeted arms embargo. This helped reinforce a message being carried by the hundreds of thousands of people who have taken to the streets in Port-au-Prince to protest against worsening safety conditions.
In the same year, UNHCR appealed to UN Member States to suspend the forced return of Haitians to their country. The Ad Hoc Advisory Group on Haiti, which meets under the umbrella of the UN’s Economic and Social Council, echoed the call, issuing a statement to urgently support the country’s efforts to provide lifesaving aid to those in need. Members called for more solidarity with the Haitian people and support for the humanitarian response in Haiti, including through contributions to the 2022 Haiti Humanitarian Response Plan. To date, the fund has received just one-third of its $370 million request.
As the UN continues to support the Haitian people, the organization has shored up a sizable presence in the country, with 19 agencies, funds, and programs on the ground in the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH).