United Nations, Oct 1
The UN Security Council adopted a resolution to transition the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti to the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) for an initial period of 12 months.
Resolution 2793, which won the support of 12 of the 15 members of the council, also requests the UN secretary-general to establish the UN Support Office in Haiti within six months to provide logistical support for the GSF, Xinhua news agency reported.
The resolution decides that the GSF shall have an authorized personnel ceiling of 5,550 (5,500 uniformed military and police personnel and 50 civilians), and that the cost of personnel will be borne by voluntary contributions.
The GSF is tasked to conduct counter-gang operations to neutralize, isolate and deter gangs; to provide security for critical infrastructure sites and transit locations; to complement, enhance and support the operational capacities of the Haitian National Police (HNP) and the Haitian armed forces; to help ensure security conditions conducive to holding free and fair elections, and help create a secure environment for humanitarian access; to provide support to the HNP and the Haitian armed forces to combat illicit trafficking and diversion of arms and related materiel.
The resolution authorizes the member states participating in the GSF to take all necessary measures to carry out its mandate while adhering strictly to its rules of engagement and strictly adhering to international law, and respecting the sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence and unity of Haiti. It decides that the GSF may adopt urgent temporary measures on an exceptional basis to assist the HNP in maintaining basic law and order and public safety, including through arrest and detention.
The resolution calls on all parties in Haiti to cooperate fully with the GSF in the execution of its mandate and to respect the security and freedom of movement of the GSF.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As someone who follows international affairs, I'm concerned about the voluntary funding model. What happens if countries don't contribute enough? We've seen this happen before with UN missions. The success depends entirely on consistent funding and political will.
Good initiative but I hope they focus on capacity building of Haitian police too. Temporary solutions won't work long term. The "complement and enhance" part is crucial - local forces need to be strengthened permanently.
The arrest and detention powers worry me a bit. Hope there's proper oversight to prevent human rights violations. International forces sometimes overstep, even with good intentions. 🤔
Elections and humanitarian access are key! Without security, development can't happen. This is exactly what Haiti needs right now. Hope this brings stability to the common people who are suffering the most.
Respecting Haiti's sovereignty is mentioned but I'm skeptical. Foreign military presence always comes with strings attached. Hope the "all necessary measures" clause doesn't become a license for excessive force.
The focus on arms trafficking is crucial! Cut off the weapons supply and gangs lose their power. This could be a game-changer if implemented properly. Fingers crossed for the Haitian people! 🤞
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