International Community Rallies Support for Haiti's Security Amidst Escalating Crisis

Haiti's Plea for Security at the UN General Assembly

During a recent High-Level Meeting of the United Nations Ad Hoc Advisory Group on Haiti, held on the margins of the UN General Assembly High-Level Week in New York City, Haiti's Foreign Minister Jean-Victor Harvel Jean-Baptiste underscored the severe security challenges gripping the Caribbean nation. He described the situation as 'the Sword of Damocles above us,' emphasizing the urgent need to restore social peace and enable safe elections.

The Foreign Minister's address highlighted the ongoing multi-dimensional crisis affecting Haiti's political, security, human rights, and humanitarian spheres. Armed gangs continue to control significant portions of the territory, leading to widespread killings, abductions, and sexual violence. The humanitarian impact is profound, with over six million people in urgent need of assistance and 1.4 million displaced, predominantly women and children.

Canada's Significant Financial Commitment

In response to Haiti's urgent calls for assistance, Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand announced a new funding package of $60 million to support multilateral efforts aimed at stabilizing the security situation in Haiti. This commitment was made during the same High-Level Meeting.

The Canadian pledge is structured as follows:

• $40 million in new funding designated for the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, or its successor mission. This portion is conditional on the passing of a resolution currently under consideration by the UN Security Council to strengthen the force.
• $20 million allocated for a Regional Maritime Security Initiative. This initiative aims to bolster capacity to address the growing threat of transnational organized crime in Haiti and the broader Caribbean region.

Minister Anand reiterated Canada's commitment to multilateral solutions that reinforce regional security and support Haiti's path toward stability.

Push for an Expanded Multinational Security Mission

The call for international intervention has intensified as Haiti's security situation continues to deteriorate. The United Nations Security Council initially authorized the deployment of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission, led by Kenya, on October 2, 2023, through Resolution 2699. This mission was established to assist the Haitian National Police in combating gang violence and restoring law and order.

However, the initial MSS mission has faced challenges, including funding and resource shortages, and has been described as 'limited in its ability to act.' Consequently, the United States and Panama have proposed establishing a UN Support Office for Haiti and transitioning the current MSS mission into a more robust force. This proposed expanded force would have a mandate to proactively target gangs, secure critical infrastructure, and re-establish security. The UN Security Council is expected to vote soon on strengthening this security force, which could potentially include up to 5,550 uniformed personnel, comprising both police and soldiers.

Ongoing Security Crisis and Humanitarian Impact

The need for robust international support is underscored by the grim reality on the ground. In 2024, at least 5,601 people were killed in Haiti due to gang violence, a significant increase from the previous year. The violence has led to mass displacement, with nearly 200,000 people internally displaced, approximately half of whom are children. Gangs have also been implicated in widespread sexual violence and the recruitment of children.

The ongoing instability severely impacts essential services, with roadblocks and gang control impeding access to aid and disrupting livelihoods. The humanitarian response in 2023 received only 34% of its necessary funding, exacerbating the crisis. The international community's renewed pledges and discussions at the UN aim to provide the critical support needed to address this complex and escalating crisis.