UN Approved Kenya-led Security Mission to Haiti

Relevance: GS2, International relations, Role and functioning of the UNSC, Contemporary global challenges, International crises, International organizations and their role in global governance, United Nations (UN)

(Source: The Hindu, 16/10/2023)

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Why in the news?

• The United Nations Security Council has authorized international involvement in the shape of a foreign security operation led by Kenya to restore security, preserve essential infrastructure, and keep the country under control of spiralling violence.
• Over the past year, armed groups have taken control of vast portions of Haiti, including the capital Port-au-Prince, resulting in an increase in bloodshed.
• While the United States has stated that it will not send troops, it has offered $100 million in support services like as intelligence, communications, airlift operations, and medical help.

Where is Haiti?

• Haiti occupies the western one-third of Hispaniola, which it shares with the Dominican Republic and is located between Cuba and Puerto Rico.
• The Atlantic Ocean borders the northern beaches of Haiti, while the Caribbean Sea borders the west and south.

Haiti on World Map

Current Situation in Haiti

• Surge in violence over the past year due to armed groups taking over large areas, including Port-au-Prince.
• Almost 2,800 people killed, including 80 minors, between October 2022 and June 2023.
• Sexual assault and crimes against women have been on the rise, according to human rights organizations.
• Furthermore, mass looting and house burning have displaced hundreds of people, with an estimated 200,000 fleeing their homes.
• According to estimates, about half of the population requires humanitarian help.

Why Haiti Sought International Intervention?

• In October 2022, Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry asked international assistance to aid the national police.
• This came when a pair of gangs known as G9 and Family took control of the key gasoline port Varreux in the city, plunging the country into chaos.
• They were protesting the Prime Minister's decision to reduce fuel subsidies.
• To make matters worse, there was a bottled water shortage in the midst of a fresh cholera outbreak.
• As the crisis worsened and the police force became overburdened, Haitian leaders looked to the international community for assistance.
• They were looking for a specialized armed squad to combat gangs and their backers.

International Response

• There was initial hesitance from the U.S. and the UN to intervene.
• Kenya proposed to lead the multinational force, breaking the stalemate.
• The resolution was then forwarded to UNSC.

Details of the Proposed Mission

• This is distinct from the UN peacekeeping mission to Haiti that ended in 2017.
• It is led by Kenya with support from Bahamas, Jamaica, and Antigua and Barbuda.
• The aim of the mission is:
• Offer "operational support" to the Haitian National Police.
• Build capacity to counter gangs, improve security.
• Secure critical infrastructures like ports and airports.
• Assist in creating conditions for future elections.
• Forces will have authority to make arrests in coordination with Haitian police. Expected force strength is 2,000 personnel.
• It also intends to foster favorable conditions in the country in order to facilitate elections. Haiti has not held elections since 2016.
• U.S. pledges $100 million for logistical support but won't send troops.

Reasons for Delay in Intervention

• Haiti's troubled history with foreign military interventions.
• UN peacekeeping mission from 2004 to 2017 faced allegations such as:
• Cholera epidemic blamed on sewage runoff from a peacekeeper camp.
• Allegations of sexual abuse against the UN peacekeepers.
• Skepticism among Haitians regarding foreign armed force intervention.
• International hesitance due to PM Ariel Henry's lack of popular support.

Conclusion

Haiti's escalating crisis has necessitated international intervention. Despite initial hesitations and historical complications, the UNSC has approved a Kenya-led security mission to stabilize Haiti and assist the national police. The mission has distinct aims and operational capabilities, setting it apart from previous interventions.

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FAQs

MCQs

Question: Which country is leading the international security mission to Haiti approved by the UN?

(a) The United States

(b) The Bahamas

(c) Jamaica

(d) Kenya

Question: Consider the following statements regarding United Nation Security Council (UNSC):

1. The non-permanent members of the UNSC are elected by the General Assembly for three-year terms.
2. Among the most significant powers of the UNSC is the veto held by the five permanent members.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2