The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has expressed strong support for a draft United Nations Security Council resolution introduced by the United States and Panama, aimed at strengthening security assistance in Haiti. This initiative comes in response to a direct request from the Haitian government and aligns with recommendations from UN Secretary-General António Guterres, arriving at a critical moment as Haiti faces rising violence and a worsening humanitarian crisis.
In a statement released on September 7, CARICOM described the resolution as a timely intervention in light of the “continuing degeneration of the insecurity and humanitarian situation in Haiti,” citing increased killings, kidnappings, gender-based violence, territorial losses, and widespread displacement driven by armed gangs. The regional organization stressed the urgency of international action, noting that the Haitian population is enduring what the UN Secretary-General has called a “perfect storm of suffering.”
The draft resolution proposes transforming the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) into a stronger “Gang Suppression Force” (GSF), with a proposed ceiling of 5,500 personnel. This force would be given a robust mandate to tackle gang violence and restore stability throughout the country. In addition, the resolution recommends the creation of a UN Support Office in Haiti to provide logistical and operational assistance to the GSF, funded through UN member state assessments, while the costs of GSF personnel would rely on voluntary contributions.
The proposal also highlights the Organization of American States’ (OAS) Roadmap for Stability and Peace in Haiti, which supports Haitian-led initiatives and may provide logistical assistance to the GSF. CARICOM praised the efforts of the MSS, particularly Kenya’s leadership and the contributions of other participating countries. The tabling of the resolution follows months of advocacy by CARICOM, which has consistently urged the international community to step in and support Haiti in addressing its complex and multifaceted crisis.
