UN Security Council Deploys International Police Force, Led by Kenya, to Combat Violent Gangs in Haiti
By Reporter Choi Hyun-ho
The United Nations Security Council has taken a significant step to address the increasing violence in Haiti by approving the deployment of an international police force led by Kenya. The decision, made with 13 votes in favor and two abstentions from China and Russia, comes as the Haitian government struggles to regain control over the deadly surge in gang-related crimes.
This resolution marks the first deployment of troops to Haiti with the approval of the United Nations in nearly two decades. The international police force will be used for a period of one year, with a scheduled review after nine months. The move aims to provide much-needed assistance to the Haitian people who have endured immense suffering for far too long.
Haiti’s Foreign Minister, Jean-Victor Geneus, expressed gratitude for the UN Security Council’s vote, describing it as a “sign of solidarity” and a “ray of hope” for the beleaguered population. The specific timeline for the deployment is yet to be determined, but US Secretary of State Tony Blinken has suggested that forces could be dispatched within a few months. The Kenyan government, on the other hand, anticipates their arrival by January 1st next year.
While the exact number of police personnel to be deployed remains undisclosed, Kenya has already pledged to send 1,000 officers. Furthermore, Jamaica and the Bahamas have also committed to providing forces. In support of Kenya’s efforts, the United States under the Joe Biden administration announced last month that it would contribute $100 million.
This move by the Security Council comes in response to a distress call from the Haitian government, which has been grappling with a wave of violence ever since the assassination of then President Jovenel Moïse in 2021. Murders, kidnappings, and sexual assaults have been rampant, causing immense suffering among the population. According to United Nations statistics, between January and August 15 this year alone, over 2,400 deaths, 950 kidnappings, and 902 injuries have been reported in Haiti.
In addition to the grave security concerns, Haiti is also grappling with extreme poverty. Approximately 60% of the country’s 11 million inhabitants earn less than $2 a day, and the situation has further deteriorated with the recent rise in inflation.
This decisive action by the UN Security Council demonstrates the international community’s commitment to providing aid and assistance to Haiti in its darkest hour. The deployment of an international police force, spearheaded by Kenya, represents a collective effort to restore peace and security to a nation plagued by violence and poverty.
[뉴욕=AP/뉴시스]The United Nations Security Council decided to use an international police force led by Kenya to help get rid of violent gangs in Haiti. Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henri delivers a speech at the 78th United Nations General Assembly in New York, USA, on the 22nd of last month (local time). 2023.10.03.
[서울=뉴시스] Reporter Choi Hyun-ho = The United Nations Security Council decided to use an international police force led by Kenya to help eradicate violent gangs in Haiti.
According to Associated Press on the 2nd (local time), the draft resolution prepared by the United States regarding the deployment of international forces in Haiti was passed with 13 votes in favor and 2 abstentions from China and Russia.
According to the decision, the international police will be used for one year and will be reviewed after nine months. The Associated Press explained that this is the first deployment of troops to Haiti with the approval of the United Nations for about 20 years.
Haiti’s Foreign Minister, Jean-Victor Geneus, said, “It’s more than just a vote, it’s actually a sign of solidarity with the people who are suffering. It’s a ray of hope for people who have suffered too much long.”
The exact timing of the deployment has not yet been determined. US Secretary of State Tony Blinken recently said that forces could be sent to Haiti within months. The Kenyan government said forces should arrive by January 1st next year.
It is not yet known how many police will be used. The Kenyan government previously offered to send 1,000 police officers. In addition to Kenya, Jamaica and the Bahamas have also promised to send forces. The Joe Biden administration of the United States announced last month that it would provide $100 million to support Kenya.
This resolution vote by the Security Council occurred about a year after the Haitian government struggled to control violent gangs and asked for help from foreign countries amid a surge in murders, rapes, and kidnappings in Haiti.
Since the assassination of then President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, the Haitian government has not been able to act properly.
According to United Nations statistics, between January and August 15 this year, more than 2,400 people were killed in Haiti, more than 950 were kidnapped, and 902 were injured.
About 60% of Haiti’s total population of 11 million people earn less than $2 a day, and the poverty problem is said to be increasing as inflation worsens recently.
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