PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (CMC) — Acknowledging the right to peaceful assembly, the United Nations (UN) Security Council has strongly condemned recent violent protests in Haiti which were sparked by announced fuel price increases.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the council condemned “all acts of violence and attacks on civilians, which have resulted in several deaths, and expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of those killed.”

The initial policy change sparked widespread looting in the capital, Port-au-Prince, and other cities last weekend, during which at least three people were killed, and all international flights were cancelled.

Even though the Haitian Government backed away from the price hike and flights have resumed, protesters earlier this week, continued to clash with police, according to news reports.

The council statement called for those responsible for the violence to be held accountable.

Council members called on “all parties in Haiti to remain calm, exercise restraint, and to avoid acts that could contribute to instability,” underlining the importance of “respecting the rule of law and democratic order and not resorting to violence or criminal activity.”

The council also expressed support for the Government to work with all key actors to overcome the challenges faced by the country.

Its members recognised the important role of the Haitian National Police, with support from the UN Mission for Justice Support in Haiti (MINUJUSTH), in protecting the civilian population and maintaining public order.