The United Nations (U.N.) Security Council is set to vote on Monday on a resolution that would approve the deployment of an international force to assist Haiti in addressing a surge in gang violence and restoring security in the country. The resolution, drafted by the United States and obtained by The Associated Press, welcomes Kenya’s offer to lead the multinational security force and emphasises that it would be a non-U.N. force funded by voluntary contributions.

If approved, the resolution would authorise the deployment of the international force for a period of one year, with a review scheduled after nine months. The primary objective of the force would be to provide operational support to Haiti’s underfunded and under-resourced National Police, which currently has approximately 10,000 active officers serving a population of over 11 million people.

According to the resolution, the international force would work towards enhancing the capacity of the local police by jointly conducting security support operations to combat gangs and improve overall security conditions in Haiti. Additionally, the force would play a role in securing critical infrastructure sites and transit locations such as airports, ports, and key intersections.

In order to prevent loss of life and maintain public safety, the resolution grants the force the authority to implement urgent temporary measures on an exceptional basis. These measures would be aimed at addressing immediate security concerns and supporting the efforts of the local police.

The proposed deployment of the international force comes at a time when Haiti is grappling with a significant increase in gang violence, creating a challenging environment for the country to hold long-delayed elections. The restoration of security and stability is crucial for Haiti to pursue its democratic processes and ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens.

The international community recognises the urgency of the situation and the need for collective action to address the security crisis in Haiti. The resolution reflects the commitment to assist Haiti in overcoming these challenges and underscores the importance of international cooperation and support.

If the resolution is passed by the U.N. Security Council, it will mark a significant step towards providing Haiti with the necessary assistance to combat gang violence, strengthen security forces, and create a conducive environment for the successful conduct of elections. The international force, led by Kenya, would play a vital role in restoring stability and promoting a secure future for the people of Haiti.

Source: Independent