Australian National Review – UN extends Haiti mission for another 12 months after peacekeeping drive ends

The fifteen member states of the UN Security Council have voted unanimously to extend each member state’s Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) to Haiti for another twelve months, without changing the funding structure for the security forces.

Haiti has called for transforming the MSS into a peacekeeping operation to boost its capabilities and secure more stable funding, a proposal the United States and Ecuador helped lead on behalf of Haiti, which is not a member of the council.

Currently, the MSS is funded through voluntary contributions; a peacekeeping mission would mandate funding for the operation.

“Today’s unanimous approval builds on the recent announcement of new UN sanctions lists, and we encourage the Haiti Sanctions Committee to take further steps to hold accountable those responsible for fueling gang violence,” said Thomas- Greenfield.

The new resolution expands the current mandate of the MSS mission, as set out in Resolution 2699 (2023), with strong language and clear provisions on human rights, sexual and gender-based violence, oversight, accountability and the protection of children. It also contains provisions for a review after nine months.

More support for MSS mission needed

Thomas-Greenfield said the Kenyan-led MSS has made “tangible progress” since the first contingent of 400 police officers from Kenya arrived on June 25, followed by a second group of 200 officers on July 16.

However, she said more is needed as the country faces a “prolonged crisis, exacerbated by the activities of criminal gangs” and their violent attacks on the civilian population. Initially, the mission was expected to include 2,500 officers from various countries.

“First, additional financial contributions are urgently needed to support the MSS mission, and this resolution encourages voluntary contributions in support of the mission,” Thomas-Greenfield said.

“As President Leblanc called for before the General Assembly, the transition of the MSS to a UN peacekeeping operation will further enhance stability by providing more reliable financing and expanding its capabilities.”

The Russian representative made a similar argument, saying that until the MSS expands its presence and achieves its goals of countering organized crime in the country, “it is premature to plan any transformation in the international presence.”

Ultimately, the resolution was amended to eliminate a possible peacekeeping effort.

Thomas-Greenfield said that while the resolution has a one-year term, with a nine-month review, the council will continue to address how it will “strengthen and sustain these efforts over time.”

Violence in the country escalated significantly after Prime Minister Ariel Henry came to power in 2021 following the assassination of former Haitian President Jovenel Moïse. Henry postponed elections in the country, ruling without a constitutional mandate or other elected officials, until he resigned in April.