Top Haitian diplomat calls on UN security council to assist in lowering gang violence

Haiti's top diplomat has called on the UN Security Council to assist in the country's spiral of violence and crime. Foreign Minister Claude Joseph told the 15-member body on Monday that the existing UN political mission must turn to strengthen security and accountability institutions in Haiti, which is in the midst of a political crisis that is being deepened since the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in July.

"It is important to take into account the new realities that the country is facing and that the mandate to be adjusted accordingly," Joseph said.

The Caribbean nation has struggled since a devastating earthquake in 2010. Shortly after the Moise assassination attempt, another earthquake in August 2021 killed more than 2,200 people and damaged or destroyed tens of thousands of homes.

The political instability stirred as Haiti continued to struggle with escalating gang-related killings, kidnappings and turf wars. The violence by the gangs forced about 19,000 Haitians out of their homes in recent months, with many living in makeshift shelters and unhygienic conditions, according to the UN.

Meanwhile, the recent mass deportation of Haitian asylum seekers by the U.S. authorities from the Texas-Mexico border has put another spotlight on the dire situation in Haiti.

Speaking on Monday, UN Haiti envoy Helen La Lime told the Council that while Haiti National Police was working to follow up on recommendations made by UN police experts this summer, the force was "overstretched and under resources".

The Haitian government "must take a more holistic approach to tackle gang violence," La Lime said.

Joseph, in turn, said that officials needed the UN's Haiti mission UN to focus on supporting government efforts in "security stabilization and protection of civilians".

The mission statement, which is renewable this month, currently includes the promotion of police professionalism and the support of a national strategy to reduce violence. It also has a number of other objectives, such as the continuation of the electoral reforms.