Anjali Sharma
GG News Bureau
UNITED NATIONS, 26th Jan. UN Special Representative for Haiti Maria Isabel Salvador on Thursday addressed the members of the UNSC on the situation in Haiti said over 8,400 people were victims of gang violence in Haiti last year, including killings, injuries and kidnappings a 122 per cent increase over 2022.
“I cannot overstress the severity of the situation in Haiti, where multiple protracted crises have reached a critical point,” said Maria Isabel Salvador, presented the latest report of the UN political office in Haiti BINUH.
Haiti has been hit with violence and insecurity at the hands of armed gangs, against a backdrop of political, humanitarian, and socioeconomic challenges, she said.
Ms. Salvador said that most of the unprecedented surge in killings and injuries, 83 per cent, occurred in the Port-au-Prince, but violence has spread elsewhere, specifically Artibonite, the largest département.
She noted that south of the capital, gangs conducted large-scale attacks to control key zones, and continue to systematically use sexual violence in areas under their control, putting women and girls as young as 12 at risk.
Ms. Salvador said at least 75 people were reported killed by civilian vigilante movements that have emerged as collective defence against the gangs.
BINUH has continued efforts to enhance the capacity of the Haitian National Police but high attrition rates have diminished the force’s ability to counter gang violence and maintain security.
She added that the Haitian Government and the international community have stepped up support to the HNP over the past few months.
Top official said a 13 per cent increase allocated under the national budget for this fiscal year, and the supply of individual protection equipment, armored vehicles, motorcycles and weapons.
UN Security Council authorized the deployment of a Multinational Security Support mission to back Haiti’s police force, which Kenya offered to lead.
In 2022 sanctions regime targeted gang leaders and their financiers was renewed later that month.
Ms. Salvador said she will continue to encourage all stakeholders to effectively prepare for the mission’s deployment and again appealed for countries to contribute towards this end.
She stressed that to improve security situation is essential to break the cycle of overlapping crises besetting Haiti.
Ms. Salvador noted that long-term stability can only be achieved through a nationally owned and inclusive political process.
She hailed Mr. Guterres and urged all political actors and stakeholders “in and for Haiti” to unite in prioritizing and upholding the interest of the people above all.
Ms. Salvador noted that “new violent actors have been gaining prominence” in recent months, sparked concerns over their potential destabilizing role.
“The continuous support to the Haitian National Police; the rapid deployment of the MSS; effective sanctions, and a sustained political process” which results in “credible, participatory and inclusive elections”, are essential, she said.
These are “fundamental elements to restore security and stability in Haiti, where, consequently, the rule of law, democratic institutions, and sustainable development become a reality for its people,” she added.
Head of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, Ghada Waly updated the Council on arms trafficking and illicit financial flows in Haiti.
UNODC report last October identified four major sea and land routes being used for illicit firearm and ammunition flows, mainly from the United States of America, she noted.
The latest report published on Wednesday, found that there are 11 recorded informal or clandestine airstrips spread out across Haiti.
Ms. Wady said “They represent a blind spot that is possibly being used by traffickers and smugglers, bearing in mind that smaller aircraft flying directly between the United States and Haiti are difficult to monitor,”.
She said that the regional dynamics are important as the deepening crisis in Haiti is not occurring in a vacuum.
Ms. Wady noted that illicit firearms are a growing concern across the Caribbean, “feeding gang-related activity and drug trafficking in a vicious circle.”
The report documents action to combat corruption and illicit financial flows, “which are major factors enabling violence and organized crime, and plaguing Haiti’s own justice institutions.”
“Nevertheless, anti-corruption efforts continue to be impeded by insufficient capacity, lack of forensic equipment, and limited expertise in conducting complex investigations,” she said.
She added that the next UNODC report will focus on a detailed analysis of gang dynamics in Haiti.
