Special representative María Isabel Salvador said Ambassadors in the Security advice that a “deliberate and coordinated” campaign is carried out by groups of crimes organized to extend territorial control and paralyze the capital, Port-au-Prince.
Recent gang attacks have targeted unconnected areas such as Delmas and Pétion-Ville, while the city of Mirebalais marked the fifth prison break in less than a year.
“”The extent of violence sowed panic among the population“Said Ms. Salvador.
In February and March, more than 1,000 people were killed and nearly 400 injured, according to UN figures. 60,000 others have been newly moved, already adding to a million Haitian forced their homes at the end of 2024.
Faced with creeping violence, many Haitians have trained protection groups to protect goods, families and communities. The frustration of the public has also prompted thousands of citizens to take to the streets, demanding more security.
Vital International Support
While the authorities have taken measures – according to their limited means – to strengthen security operations and the police, these efforts alone are insufficient.
Ms. Salvador underlined the urgent need of the international community to intensify support.
“At this critical stage, everything Member States must increase the support of Haiti security forces, in particular the multinational security support mission (MSS) – not by choice but of a necessity“She said.
“The country more than ever needs us,” she added.
Allowed By the Security Council in October 2023, the MSS mission was an international security initiative to help the Haitian national police to combat the violence of the gangs and to restore public order.
Directed by Kenya, the mission provides operational support, capacity building and contact details with the police and the armed forces. However, he continues to deal with serious challenges, including the lack of resources and staff.
Teny United Nations operations
The crisis affects all aspects of life in Haiti. Commercial flights to Port-au-Prince remain in suspension and key roads are blocked, United Nations operations and forcing agencies to reduce their footprint and provide support for remote life.
However, even minimum operations become unbearable due to financing deficits.
“”The UN capacity to remain operational on continuous access, foreseeable financing and support for logistical lifes like the world gastronomic program (Wfp) and the Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS), “said Ms. Salvador, warning that any new reduction in aid capacity could have disastrous consequences.
The fears of the total collapse
THE aggravation situation has also paralyzed health and education services.
At least 39 health establishments and more than 900 schools have closed due to insecurity. Cholera epidemics spread and sexual and sexist violence is increasing – especially in travel sites where shelter, sanitation and protection are seriously lacking.
Ms. Salvador stressed that if the national authorities do what they can to coordinate security efforts, they do not have the resources and the ability to counter well armed and coordinated gangs without external assistance.
“”We are approaching a point of no return“She said.
“”Without appropriate and decisive international support, violence will continue to degenerate and Haiti could face a total collapse.“”
