UN Security Council extends mandate of political mission in Haiti for another year

By Merve Aydogan

HAMILTON, Canada (AA) - The UN Security Council on Thursday renewed the mandate of the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) for another year.

The resolution, co-penned by the US and Panama, extends BINUH's mandate until Jan. 31, 2027.

It garnered unanimous support, with all 15 Council members voting in favor.

The resolution proposes revising BINUH's mandate to focus on six key tasks, including promoting accountability and human rights, supporting electoral and political processes, reducing gang violence, and assisting Haiti's justice sector.

It also emphasizes an integrated approach with UN entities and monitoring gang-related crimes and human rights abuses.

Speaking after the vote, Panama's UN envoy Eloy Alfaro de Alba welcomed the adoption of the resolution.

"As a country of the region, we recognize the complex nature of the crisis facing Haiti and also the limitations imposed by the current security conditions," he said.

"The text that we have approved today is adjusted to the current context and attempts to maintain a balance between assistance to the political electoral process and support to the justice system.”

US deputy envoy Jennifer Locetta also welcomed the adoption, calling it "another decisive step towards the stabilization of Haiti."

"The United States maintains its unwavering support for Haiti’s stability and security," she said, adding that "the current violence caused by gangs can only be stopped with consistent, strong leadership, and with the full support of the Haitian people."

She also affirmed that "BINUH will be an integral part of international efforts to restore stability in Haiti."

Haiti has been struggling with gang violence and political instability for years. The country saw an escalation of violence following the assassination of President Jovenel Moise on July 7, 2021.

Interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph initially led, followed shortly by Ariel Henry.

Rival armed groups took control of the capital Port-au-Prince, forcing Henry to resign in April 2024. Armed gangs were said to control an estimated 80% of the capital.

Haitian businessman and politician Alix Didier Fils-Aime was sworn in as the interim prime minister of Haiti on Nov. 11, 2024. He replaced Garry Conille following a decision by the Transitional Presidential Council to reorganize the government amid ongoing security crises.

According to the UN, more than 1,379 people were killed or injured in Haiti and 428 were kidnapped from April to June 2024.

Around 5.5 million people need immediate humanitarian assistance amid a complex humanitarian crisis exacerbated by civil unrest, disease, economic instability and insecurity.