UN Security Council Renews Haiti Political Mission for Another Year
HAMILTON, Canada
The UN Security Council on Thursday unanimously approved a resolution extending the mandate of the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) for one additional year, reaffirming international support for the country during a prolonged period of instability.
Mandate Extended Until January 2027
The resolution, jointly drafted by the United States and Panama, extends BINUH’s mandate until Jan. 31, 2027. All 15 members of the Security Council voted in favor, reflecting broad agreement on the need for continued UN engagement in Haiti.
Focus on Security Governance and Elections
Under the renewed mandate, BINUH will concentrate on six priority areas. These include promoting accountability and human rights, supporting political dialogue and electoral processes, reducing gang violence, and strengthening Haiti’s justice sector.
In addition, the resolution calls for closer coordination among UN agencies. It also stresses the importance of monitoring gang-related crimes and human rights violations to improve civilian protection.
Panama and US Welcome the Decision
After the vote, Panama’s UN Ambassador Eloy Alfaro de Alba welcomed the adoption of the resolution. He said the text reflects the complex reality of Haiti’s crisis and the limits created by the country’s fragile security conditions.
He added that the mandate seeks to strike a balance between support for elections and assistance to the justice system.
US Deputy Ambassador Jennifer Locetta also praised the decision, calling it a decisive step toward stabilizing Haiti. She reaffirmed Washington’s strong commitment to Haiti’s security and said lasting peace depends on firm leadership and public support.
Locetta further noted that BINUH will remain a key part of broader international efforts to restore stability in the country.
Prolonged Crisis and Rising Violence
Haiti has faced years of political turmoil and gang violence. The situation worsened after the assassination of President Jovenel Moise on July 7, 2021.
Claude Joseph initially led the government on an interim basis, followed by Ariel Henry. However, armed groups later seized control of much of Port-au-Prince, forcing Henry to step down in April 2024. At that time, gangs reportedly controlled about 80% of the capital.
Transitional Leadership and Humanitarian Impact
On Nov. 11, 2024, businessman and politician Alix Didier Fils-Aime took office as interim prime minister. He replaced Garry Conille after the Transitional Presidential Council reorganized the government amid worsening security conditions.
According to the UN, violence killed or injured more than 1,379 people and led to 428 kidnappings between April and June 2024. Meanwhile, about 5.5 million people now require urgent humanitarian assistance due to civil unrest, disease, economic hardship, and widespread insecurity.
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