Jamaica welcomes UN approval of multinational security support for Haiti
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Kamina Johnson Smith says the Government welcomes the decision by the United Nations (UN) Security Council (UNSC) to approve an international security support mission to Haiti.
“Yesterday the UN Security Council authorised the deployment of an international security force to help the Haitian National Police to dismantle criminal gangs, quell violence and secure critical infrastructure. This decision is critical to harnessing greater support from the international community as some countries have said they would be willing to participate if the UNSC authorised the mission. For this and reasons of our own previously stated position, the Resolution is welcomed,” stated Johnson Smith.
In the last year, the UN reported over 3,000 homicides and more than 1,500 instances of kidnapping for ransom, while another 200,000 Haitians have been forced to flee their homes as women and girls fall prey to sexual violence and abuse at the hands of armed thugs.
Johnson Smith further explained that under Resolution 2669 (2023), the securing of critical infrastructure and transit hubs such as the airport, ports, schools, hospitals and key intersections was recognised as critical not only to a return to order within the capital city but to ensure that humanitarian support can be delivered.
Last Tuesday, during the 78th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations, the minister reiterated the call for the multinational security support (MSS) to be deployed urgently.
“Jamaica cannot be any clearer,” she said, emphasising the need to focus on the majority of Haitians’ need for peace and stability and pointing to the nation’s pledge to participate in the efforts to restore peace and stability in a strife-torn state.
“The situation will become even worse if we do not act,” she continued, noting that peace and stability are crucial for Haiti’s economic well being, particularly in relation to short, medium and long-term development.
“Jamaica will continue to lend its support to the Caricom Eminent Persons Group as it works with the Haitian government and stakeholders towards a Haitian-owned solution to the political and governance crisis that has gripped the nation,” the minister added.
Minister Johnson Smith also associated herself with the statement to the UNSC made on behalf of Caricom following the vote by Ambassador Brian Wallace, Jamaica’s Permanent Representative to the UN and current Chair of the Caricom Caucus in New York.
He said Caricom stands in solidarity with the passing of the resolution.
“Caricom welcomes and reiterates its support for a MSS authorised by a UNSC Chapter 7 resolution, to provide urgent security assistance to the Haitian National Police. We commend Kenya’s steadfast commitment to lead the MSS. In a strong demonstration of regional solidarity, several Caricom countries will also contribute personnel and other support to this cause, and we thank all the other countries from around the region and the globe that have made commitments of support”, said Ambassador Wallace.
Ambassador Wallace also urged more Caricom member states to commit to contributing security personnel, logistical and financial support to the combative efforts.
While Kenya will be leading the Mission, Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, The Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica and Suriname are among the countries which have already pledged their support in helping to restore normalcy in Haiti.
