U.S Announces Date For Haiti Deployment As UN Readies April Contingent
The United Nations is planning to deploy a new contingent of police officers under the revamped Gang Suppression Force (GSF) beginning in April this year.
UN Human Rights Expert William O’Neill, on March 16, said the next few months will be critical, noting that, while the situation in Haiti is serious, it can still improve if the right actions are taken now.
“We’re in a place now where the next few months are going to be crucial, and I think it can turn around, because the gangs, at the end of the day, are not that powerful,” he said.
Under the new plan, the UN Security Council plans to increase the size and power of the multinational force to about 5,500 personnel beginning next month, and they will be allowed to arrest suspected gang members.
He noted that the prior rule restricting mission personnel from arresting gang members will be abolished, a change he said would enhance the operations of the multinational security operation.
O’Neill said some parts of the new force were already in Haiti, preparing for full deployment and the arrival of additional officers next month.
The full force is expected to be in place by September this year, with several countries already involved in the Kenya-led mission promising additional deployments.
O’Neill further warned that many young people are attracted to gangs because they see gang leaders showing off wealth on social media, with a strategy now out to stop more youths from joining the gang.
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He also insisted on the need to punish those who support gangs, including corrupt politicians and businesspeople who help fund criminal activities.
“Haiti is facing a difficult yet promising moment. If we can help Haiti address insecurity, fight corruption and impunity and protect human rights, then everyone will prosper,” O’Neal emphasised.
Another major issue raised by the UN expert was the illegal supply of weapons to Haiti from the United States, with O’Neill maintaining that stopping this flow could weaken the gangs significantly.
Gangs currently control about 90 per cent of the capital, Port-au-Prince and are involved in crimes such as kidnapping, looting, and sexual violence, and their influence is spreading to rural areas.
U.S Announces Date For Haiti Deployment As UN Readies April Contingent
