(New York, December 9, 2024) - The United Nations Security Council should urgently authorize and rapidly deploy a full-fledged United Nations mission to Haiti, Human Rights Watch said today in publishing a briefing paper on the subject. The mission should ensure a human rights-based response to restore security, the rule of law, and democratic governance.
Haiti's crisis has reached catastrophic levels as criminal groups intensify their large-scale attacks on the population and key infrastructure, overwhelming the Haitian police and the UN-authorized Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission. The briefing paper outlines key components and human rights safeguards needed for a successful new UN mission to prevent failures associated with past interventions in Haiti.
"Haitians say that the fear of attacks by criminal groups has taken over their daily lives, and millions struggle to find food, water, and health care," said Ida Sawyer, crisis, conflict and arms director at Human Rights Watch. "A new, full-fledged UN mission that respects rights could provide the Haitian people a genuine opportunity to reconstruct their lives with hope and dignity."
In a letter dated November 29, the UN Security Council asked UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to present "strategic-level" recommendations for addressing Haiti's security, economic, and humanitarian crisis. Guterres should offer clear recommendations for transforming the MSS into a mission advancing human rights in Haiti.
The MSS was authorized in October 2023 but remains in pre-deployment status due to funding shortages. Only US$97.4 million of $600 million needed for its first year has been allocated; just 400 of 2,500 expected officers are deployed.
Meanwhile, Haitians face organized criminal groups involved in trafficking activities controlling around 85 percent of Port-au-Prince. Between January and mid-November alone these groups killed about 4,544 people while over 700,000 Haitians are internally displaced.
"Criminal violence is becoming increasingly brutal," Pierre Esperance told Human Rights Watch. "If urgent action is not taken... A robust UN mission can make the difference."
Pastor Jean Enock Joseph expressed need for "a UN mission with mandate to restore peace" that addresses structural causes while allowing Haitians democratic choice of leaders.
Lionel Bourgoin noted "a UN mission could provide increased resources... while ensuring human rights-based approach." He stressed transparency must be central.
A 15-year-old girl described fleeing after her parents were shot: "I was sleeping when my dad woke me up... I haven't heard from her since.... I'm scared... We need urgent help."
"The Haitian people have endured so much," Sawyer said. "The UN has opportunity now... authorizing strong new human rights-compliant UN mission can effectively work with Haitian people."