The United Nations Authorizes Multinational Security Mission in Haiti

In October 2023, the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 2699, authorizing the deployment of a Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission to Haiti for an initial period of 12 months. This comes in response to Haiti's government requesting international assistance amid worsening civil unrest, gang violence, and a severe humanitarian crisis in the country.

The MSS Mission

The MSS mission will be led by Kenya and operate in close coordination with the Haitian National Police. Its core mandate is to help the country’s police counter armed gangs, restore security and public order, and create conditions conducive to free and fair elections. The resolution grants the mission temporary executive policing authority, including powers of arrest and detention.

While backed by the UN Security Council, the MSS is not a typical UN peacekeeping operation. It will be composed of personnel contributions from individual nations and funded entirely by voluntary donations from member states and regional organizations.

Key Contributing Countries

So far, several Caribbean nations, including Jamaica, Bahamas, Guyana, Barbados, and Antigua and Barbuda, have pledged personnel alongside Bangladesh, Benin, and Chad. The United States has pledged $200 million to the mission and an additional $100 million in humanitarian aid. Canada announced $123 million to support Haiti, including $80.5 million for the mission.

In May 2024, Toussaint Louverture International Airport in the capital of Haiti reopened after being closed for three months. In the preceding weeks, the US military had flown in supplies and civilian contractors to prepare for the intervention.

In May 2024, US President Joe Biden announced that Kenya would be granted major non-NATO ally status in recognition of its willingness to lead the mission.

Human Rights Concerns

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While the mission aims to address Haiti's security issues urgently, there are human rights concerns, given the controversial legacy of past international interventions in Haiti. The UN resolution mandates the mission to establish robust human rights oversight and vetting mechanisms to prevent abuses. It also calls for specialized training in community policing, gender issues, and child protection.

The resolution urges contributing countries to respect international law and human rights standards. Aid groups like Nou Pap Konplis have advocated for an explicit "roadmap" and safeguards to avoid repeating past mistakes.

Haitian Civil Society Response

A 2023 survey found that 70% of Haitians favored the deployment of an international force to combat gangs. However, civil society groups have stressed that restoring security must go hand in hand with a Haitian-led political process to restore democratic institutions and address root causes of instability. Haitian activist groups have called for close consultation between the mission leadership and local stakeholders.

The Way Forward

While a necessary first step, the MSS mission alone cannot resolve Haiti's multidimensional crisis. A comprehensive approach is needed to uphold human rights, facilitate humanitarian access, revive the economy, strengthen institutions, and pave the way for credible elections. Ultimately, a Haitian-owned political solution is essential for achieving lasting peace and stability in the long term.

Human rights groups will closely monitor the mission's deployment and operations to ensure full compliance with international standards and accountability for any misconduct. Sustained international support and partnership with Haitian civil society will be critical for the success of this high-stakes security intervention

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