The United Nations Security Council has issued a press statement condemning the ongoing violence and human rights abuses in Haiti. All 15 Council Members expressed their disapproval of kidnappings, murders, and gender-based violence perpetrated by criminal armed gangs that threaten the safety of Haitians. The statement highlighted the hope for a swift deployment of the UN-authorized Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission to aid the Haitian National Police in restoring peace.
The United States has pledged its commitment to support the MSS mission alongside international partners and allies. The State Department is collaborating with Congress to allocate $200 million towards this effort. Additionally, Canada has committed $91.2 million, while other countries such as Benin, France, Germany, Jamaica, and Spain have announced various forms of support including financial contributions and personnel.
Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield emphasized the importance of the MSS mission in creating conditions suitable for free and fair elections in Haiti. She stressed that it is crucial for political actors to commit to a path forward for the benefit of Haitians who are seeking certainty and hope amidst their current challenges. Thomas-Greenfield called on leaders to take responsibility for initiating a Haitian-led political transition and establishing a transitional government leading to elections.
"The international community must do everything it can to support these aims," she stated. "The Haitian people have suffered enough."