The Security Council today authorized deployment of a Multinational Security Support Mission, headed by Kenya, in close cooperation and coordination with the Government of Haiti, for an initial period of 12 months, with a review after nine.
Adopting resolution 2699 (2023) by a recorded vote of 13 in favour with 2 abstentions (China, Russian Federation), the Council, acting under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, authorized the Mission on the understanding that the cost of implementing the operation will be borne by voluntary contributions and support from individual Member States and regional organizations, in strict compliance with international law.
By the text, the Council, condemning in the strongest terms the increasing violence, criminal activities, and human rights abuses and violations which undermine the peace, stability, and security of Haiti and the region, decided that the Mission, as requested by Haiti in a 22 September letter, may adopt urgent temporary measures in coordination with the Haitian National Police.
Further to the wide-ranging text, the Council called on Member States and regional organizations to contribute personnel, equipment, and necessary financial and logistic resources based on the Mission’s urgent needs. It invited contributing Member States to inform the Mission’s leadership, the Council, and the Secretary-General of their intent to participate. It also requested Haiti and the Mission’s leadership to update the Council and the Secretary-General regularly on the progress of deployment of relevant personnel and equipment.
By other terms, the Council called on the Mission to establish an oversight mechanism to prevent human rights violations or abuses, and to ensure that the planning and conduct of operations during deployment will be in accordance with applicable international law.
Following the adoption, several delegations welcomed the authorization of the Mission in response to Haiti’s repeated calls for help in supporting the Haitian National Police restoration of law and order. Some speakers emphasized the multidimensional nature of the crisis, calling for its humanitarian and economic aspects to be addressed alongside the security situation.
The representative of the United States, co-penholder of the text with Ecuador, said the 15-member body made history by its authorization of the Mission, which was at the request of the Haitian Government and civil society. The operation, he said, will support the country’s near-term needs and foster necessary security conditions for long-term stability. He highlighted the text’s emphasis on learning from past Missions, as well as its safeguards for human rights and accountability and its dedicated expertise in anti-gang policing.
Ecuador’s representative expressed hope that today’s adoption will send a clear and resounding message to the leaders and members of armed groups in Haiti. Strategic communications are key, even prior to deployment, he said, stressing that the resolution is not the final goal, but a strong historical landmark on which the international community can build.
