UN Chief Appeals to Security Council to Approve Haiti International Force

(MENAFN) UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urgently appealed to the Security Council on Thursday to approve an international force for Haiti to address escalating violence.

"I urge the council to act without delay and authorize an international force, supported by the United Nations through logistical and operational backing, and predictable financing," Guterres stated during a Security Council session focused on Haiti.

He stressed that security interventions must be paired with heightened pressure on those perpetuating violence in Haiti. This includes implementing an effective arms embargo and broadening targeted sanctions against gang leaders, financiers, arms traffickers, and their associates.

Dorothy Shea, acting U.S. representative to the United Nations, announced that the U.S. and Panama are introducing a draft Security Council resolution to establish a "Gang Suppression Force" alongside a UN Support Office.

She outlined that the UN Support Office would equip the mission with necessary resources to combat gangs and empower the Haitian government to fulfill its essential responsibilities to its citizens.

Shea emphasized that the upcoming international force must be capable of holding territory, safeguarding infrastructure, and supporting the Haitian National Police. Simultaneously, a comprehensive strategy is crucial to disrupt gang financing, arms trafficking, and other illicit activities driving instability.

Presently, a Kenya-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission operates in Haiti. While backed by the Security Council, the MSS is not a UN mission.

It remains uncertain whether the proposed Gang Suppression Force will replace the MSS or build upon its framework.

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