UN Proposal to Support Haiti Amidst Rising Gang Violence

A New Initiative to Combat Crisis

In a recent letter addressed to the United Nations Security Council, UN Secretary-General António Guterres outlined a bold proposal to establish a UN office in Haiti. This office would provide critical support, including drones, fuel, ground and air transportation, and other non-lethal resources, to a Kenyan-led mission struggling to combat escalating gang violence in the country. The initiative aims to bolster the mission’s capacity to restore stability and security in Haiti, which has been plagued by rampant gang activity that now controls approximately 85% of the capital, Port-au-Prince.

Guterres emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “We must act quickly,” and warned that Haiti is running out of time. The proposed UN office would play a pivotal role in reversing the alarming rise in gang violence, which has left thousands displaced and countless lives lost. The Secretary-General also clarified that, at this juncture, transitioning to a full-fledged UN peacekeeping operation is not feasible, making this proposal the most realistic option to address the crisis.

The Alarming State of Haiti

The situation in Haiti has deteriorated significantly in recent months, with gangs seizing new neighborhoods in Port-au-Prince and displacing over 6,000 people in the past month alone. The UN has reported horrific incidents of violence, including entire families being killed in their homes and children being shot while attempting to flee. This surge in violence has contributed to a staggering rise in homicides, with over 5,600 deaths reported last year—1,000 more than the previous year. Additionally, gang activity has left more than one million people homeless in recent years, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

The gang-related violence has also disrupted daily life, with essential services and economic activities grinding to a halt in many areas. The UN has highlighted the critical need for international intervention to stem the tide of violence and create an environment conducive to rebuilding Haiti’s institutions and communities.

UN’s Plan to Strengthen Haiti’s Security Framework

Guterres’ proposal outlines a phased approach to support the Kenyan-led mission, which currently has 1,000 personnel—far below the envisioned 2,500. The proposed UN office would provide logistical and operational support, including a joint operations center, data mapping, and surveillance via drones. These resources would enable the mission to strengthen Haiti’s National Police and enhance their ability to gather, store, and share sensitive information related to operations.

Additionally, the UN’s political mission, BINUH, would focus on addressing the root causes of gang recruitment, particularly among vulnerable groups such as children and women. The mission would design programs to help individuals forced into gangs to defect and support authorities in arresting and prosecuting high-risk individuals. By addressing both the immediate security challenges and the underlying factors driving gang violence, the UN aims to create a more sustainable path toward stability in Haiti.

Challenges Facing the Mission

Despite the ambitious goals outlined in Guterres’ proposal, the mission faces significant challenges. The Kenyan-led operation is currently underfunded and understaffed, with only $110.8 million available from a UN trust fund that relies on voluntary contributions. Guterres has called for the UN’s peacekeeping budget to cover the mission’s equipment and logistical needs, while voluntary donations would continue to fund personnel salaries.

Another pressing issue is the condition of the mission’s equipment. Many armored vehicles are ill-suited for the urban terrain of Port-au-Prince, and a lack of spare parts has rendered half of the combat vehicles inoperable. These logistical limitations hinder the mission’s ability to effectively patrol and secure areas under gang control. Guterres has stressed that “much more is needed” to ensure the mission’s success, urging the international community to step up its support.

Debate Over Elections and Security

As the international community pushes for Haiti to hold elections, analysts caution against the risks of proceeding under the current chaotic conditions. Diego Da Rin, an analyst with the International Crisis Group, argued that holding elections before addressing the security crisis would be a mistake. “It would be a mistake to think that having elections in chaotic conditions without resolving… the security issue first would, by miracle, completely change the situation,” he said during an online symposium. Da Rin emphasized that the situation in Haiti is “extremely dire” and requires a more comprehensive approach to address the root causes of instability.

While elections are seen as a crucial step toward restoring democratic governance, many agree that they cannot be held in an environment dominated by violence and fear. The UN and its partners must first create a secure environment that allows Haitians to participate safely in the political process. This underscores the importance of the proposed UN office and the broader international effort to stabilize the country.

A Call to Action for the International Community

The situation in Haiti is a stark reminder of the human cost of unresolved conflicts and the fragility of states in crisis. As gang violence escalates and the humanitarian situation worsens, the international community is urged to act decisively to support Haiti. Guterres’ proposal represents a realistic and necessary step toward addressing the crisis, but its success will depend on the collective commitment of UN member states to provide the necessary resources and personnel.

The proposed UN office is not just about providing logistical support; it is about reaffirming the international community’s commitment to protecting human rights and fostering peace in one of the world’s most vulnerable nations. As the Security Council considers Guterres’ proposal, the world watches with bated breath, hoping that this initiative will mark the beginning of a turning point for Haiti.