The question concerning Haiti - Security Council, 9902nd meeting
21 April 2025, 10:00 AM - Special Representative and Head of the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) María Isabel Salvador briefing on recent political, security, and humanitarian developments in the country and on the Secretary-General’s latest report on BINUH.
UN Special Representative warns of 'point of no return' in Haiti
María Isabel Salvador, Special Representative and Head of BINUH, describes a dramatic deterioration in Haiti’s security, with over 1,000 people killed and 60,000 displaced in just two months. She tells the Council Haiti is nearing “a point of no return” as gangs expand territorial control and state authority erodes. Stressing that “no viable alternative remains,” she urges increased funding and operational support for the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, warning that without such aid, even basic UN operations may become “unsustainable.”
Kenya’s Monica Juma says MSS mission under-equipped but 'mission possible'
Kenya’s National Security Adviser reports that the MSS mission operates at under 40% of intended strength, with trained officers unable to deploy due to lack of equipment. She calls for urgent logistical support and enforcement of the arms embargo, stating the MSS "has the right mandate" but must be fully resourced to succeed.
Civil society’s Pascale Solages urges gender-responsive solutions and accountability
Pascale Solages of Nègès Mawon describes widespread use of sexual violence as a weapon of war, citing over 3,000 women and girls assisted by her organization in 2024. She calls for gender-responsive policies, meaningful inclusion of women in decision-making, and accountability for both sexual and financial crimes. “We refuse to be simply overlooked,” she says, urging the international community to support Haitian-defined priorities and strengthen protections for women and girls.
United States says BINUH is 'operationally hampered,' urges global burden-sharing
The US expresses concern over BINUH’s reduced presence and its inability to meet its mandate amid gang violence. It calls for broader donor support, emphasizing that “America cannot continue shouldering such a significant financial burden” alone.
Russia questions MSS effectiveness, criticizes sanctions and drone use
Russia calls MSS underpowered and urges more transparency on its operations. It warns against disproportionate police tactics and criticizes the arms embargo's enforcement, saying sanctions have not stopped weapons from reaching gangs.
Panama urges more UN presence, calls crisis a tragedy that must not be 'normalized'
Panama highlights humanitarian suffering, with over one million displaced and 5 million at risk of food insecurity. It supports strengthening the arms embargo and says the UN must be more present on the ground to support safe exit, disarmament, and reintegration for vulnerable populations.
A3+ group (Guyana, Algeria, Sierra Leone, Somalia) demands urgent action
Speaking for the A3+, Guyana’s representative calls for the full deployment of MSS, increased humanitarian funding, support for CARICOM-led dialogue, and robust sanctions enforcement. Progress “hinges squarely on getting the security situation under control,” the group states.
Denmark warns Port-au-Prince could fall, backs greater UN involvement
Denmark says 85% of the capital is under gang control and supports the Secretary-General’s proposal for enhanced UN support. It stresses the need for accountability for sexual violence and stronger state institutions to combat impunity.
Pakistan calls for swift action on hybrid support model
Pakistan warns that Haiti is “teetering on the brink” and supports the UN Secretary-General’s dual-track strategy, which proposes combining robust support for the MSS mission with the creation of a UN support office to enhance logistics, coordination, and political backing. It emphasizes the urgency of arresting gang violence, rebuilding public trust, and launching an inclusive, Haitian-led political process.
Slovenia supports UN logistics hub and tougher sanctions on gang violence
Slovenia backs the proposed UN Support Office for MSS and calls for urgent protection of civilians, especially women and children. It welcomes Haiti’s new judicial units to prosecute sexual violence and urges stronger implementation of the arms embargo.
United Kingdom calls for full implementation of sanctions regime
The UK denounces coordinated gang attacks and says over 2,600 Haitians, including nearly 400 women and children, were murdered in three months. It calls for MSS and police to regain control of Port-au-Prince and warns time is running out to secure 2026 elections.
Greece calls for urgent arms control and inclusive political transition
Greece stresses the need to restore security and condemns the use of sexual violence as a tool of gang control. It urges inclusive elections, implementation of a 30% women’s quota, and further measures to enforce the arms embargo and combat drug trafficking.
China criticizes US role and calls for 'truly Haitian-led' process
China says the US bears historic and ongoing responsibility for Haiti’s instability, accusing it of enabling arms trafficking and failing to fund the MSS as promised. It urges an end to external manipulation and calls for support that is “practical, targeted and results-oriented,” and respectful of sovereignty.
Republic of Korea warns of imminent collapse, urges urgent support
The Republic of Korea supports the UN Secretary-General’s proposed hybrid model—combining UN logistical and operational support with the existing Kenya-led MSS mission—as one of the most viable options to stabilize Haiti. It emphasizes the need for urgent international backing, highlighting the disproportionate impact of the crisis on women and girls. The representative calls for full implementation of Haiti’s gender representation commitments and stresses that “this is an emergency”.
France warns Haiti is 'sliding into the abyss,' supports peacekeeping transition
France warns that Port-au-Prince is “sliding into the abyss” as gang violence overwhelms state institutions and threatens regional stability. It urges rapid reinforcement of the MSS mission and supports a phased transition toward a UN peacekeeping operation once gang territorial control is reduced. Paris commits continued humanitarian aid and highlights the creation of a Haitian-French commission to examine their shared past.
Haiti urges eradication of gangs, backs Secretary-General’s support proposal
Haiti’s representative outlines recent government reforms and security investments but says national efforts alone are not enough to confront the scale of gang violence. He backs the Secretary-General’s support proposal—a hybrid arrangement combining international security backing and a UN-managed support office—as a “more structured and efficient framework” to coordinate aid. Calling gang control “a thousand cuts,” he urges decisive international action to dismantle criminal networks and welcomes France’s acknowledgment of its historical debt to Haiti.
Dominican Republic labels Haitian gangs as 'terrorists' and warns of spillover
The Dominican Republic calls the crisis a national security threat, citing a gang takeover of its consulate in Mirebalais. It backs the Secretary-General’s hybrid model and stresses that without security, “all other efforts will be in vain.”
Security Council Hears ‘Point of no return’ Warning on Haiti, as Special Representative and Speakers call for Bolster Multination Mission, Robust UN Support
Special Representative Says Gang Control, Institutional Breakdown, and Humanitarian Crisis Risk Total Collapse; Women and Girls Disproportionately Affected
NEW YORK, 21 April — Warning that Haiti is approaching a “point of no return,” the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Haiti briefed the Security Council today on the country’s deteriorating security and humanitarian situation. She joined civil society leaders and international representatives in calling for urgent action to prevent state collapse, including expanded support to the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, enhanced UN engagement, and concrete measures to protect civilians, especially women and girls.
The Council met amid growing gang control of territory, surging displacement, and a worsening humanitarian outlook. The debate, chaired by France, also focused on the Secretary-General’s 24 February letter proposing a hybrid support arrangement for the MSS mission, the mandate of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), and regional and donor responsibilities in strengthening Haiti’s institutional resilience.
Special Representative Sounds Alarm on Escalating Crisis
María Isabel Salvador, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Haiti and Head of BINUH, described the escalation of violence since January, including coordinated gang offensives in the capital and beyond. “We are approaching a point of no return” in the Haitian crisis, she warned. Criminal groups had overrun new areas, including Kenscoff and Mirebalais, and coordinated attacks had stretched national security forces.
In February and March alone, over 1,000 people were killed and more than 60,000 displaced, she said. Five prison breaks had occurred in less than a year, with over 500 inmates freed in the latest incident. The national police and Haitian armed forces, despite support from MSS, were overwhelmed.
Citing the Secretary-General’s February letter, she emphasized that “stepping up international support is more critical than ever,” urging Council members to boost MSS funding and operational capacity. This is “not a matter of choice but of necessity,” she said.
BINUH’s Evolving Role
Turning to BINUH’s activities, Ms. Salvador said the mission, operating under extreme constraints with hybrid modalities, remained focused on political dialogue, national capacity-building, and enabling democratic transition. However, without sufficient funding, even a minimal UN presence could become unsustainable. “UN operations could be further reduced—at a time when the country needs us most,” she cautioned.
BINUH had supported consultations on constitutional reform and electoral preparations, but the timeline remained uncertain. “Restoring security and a stable environment is essential to end the cycle of transitional arrangements,” she said, calling for strategic prioritization of BINUH’s scope.
She noted recent efforts, including a new disarmament commission, a national community violence reduction strategy, and specialized judicial units for heinous and financial crimes. “Justice is a system,” she said. “It requires every part to act for it to function.”
She also underscored the severe humanitarian impact, with cholera outbreaks and widespread gender-based violence, urging full support to the 2025 Humanitarian Response Plan.
Kenya’s National Security Adviser: MSS Must Be Fully Deployed
Joining via videoconference, Monica Juma, National Security Adviser to the President of Kenya, described MSS operations as entering a “decisive phase,” but said the mission was operating at only 40 per cent capacity.
While the MSS had secured some gains, “a significant gap persists” in logistics and equipment, she said. Kenya had 261 officers mission-ready but unable to deploy due to lack of logistic support. She emphasized the importance of capping arms flows, deepening international coordination, and accelerating deployment. “Time is of the essence,” she said.
Civil Society: Women’s Bodies ‘Used as a Weapon of War’
Pascale Solages, Co-Founder and General Coordinator of Nègès Mawon, issued a harrowing account of gender-based violence in Haiti. Haiti was not just in crisis, it was in full-blown conflict with a state that was absent, she said.
She described the systematic use of rape by gangs as a tool of war. Her organization, along with others, supported over 3,000 survivors of sexual violence in 10 months. Women were not just victims—they were agents of change, she said, but warned that Haitian women remained excluded from decision-making structures, including the Transitional Council.
She called on the Security Council to impose binding measures to stop arms flows—particularly from the United States—strengthen judicial institutions, and fully implement the women, peace and security agenda.
Haiti: ‘Extreme Situations Require Extreme Solutions’
Haiti’s representative acknowledged the gap between effort and outcomes, citing a “clear desire to restore the authority of the state.” Recent steps included a historic investment in police and military infrastructure, reopening of the Port-au-Prince courthouse, and the establishment of specialized judicial units.
He supported the Secretary-General’s proposal for a hybrid UN support model and called on the Council to consider “extreme solutions” to dismantle transnational gang networks. “The Republic of Haiti is dying by a thousand cuts,” he said. We must eradicate armed gangs that terrorize the population.
Dominican Republic: The Conflict Is Spilling Across Borders
Roberto Álvarez Gil, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic, said that his country, which shares the only land border with Haiti, now regarded Haitian gangs as terrorist organizations. A recent gang incursion into Mirebalais had forced the closure of the Dominican consulate.
Calling for urgent implementation of sanctions and robust UN logistical support to MSS, he warned that continued inaction could turn the crisis into an international conflict of “unpredictable proportions.”
France: Haiti Must Not Fall into Abyss
France’s representative, speaking in his national capacity, said Port-au-Prince was “sliding into the abyss.” France had contributed $10 million to the MSS and supported the Secretary-General’s proposal for a phased transition towards a peacekeeping operation.
Acknowledging France's "common history with Haiti marked by tragedy", he recalled President Macron's recent announcement of a Haitian-French commission to examine their shared past.
United States: Special Political Mission Alone ‘Not Sufficient’
The US representative expressed concern that BINUH, operating with a skeleton staff and limited medical support, could not fulfill its mandate amid the security crisis. She said that even with security enhancements, a special political mission alone was not sufficient.
While reaffirming US support, she warned: “America cannot continue shouldering such a significant financial burden alone,” and urged other donors to contribute to MSS.
Guyana (on behalf of A3+): Act Now
Speaking for Algeria, Guyana, Sierra Leone, and Somalia, Guyana’s representative said progress “hinges squarely on getting the security situation under control.” She called for urgent MSS deployment, increased humanitarian funding, and enforcement of sanctions.
China: Criticism of US Role and Arms Embargo Enforcement
China’s representative criticized what he called the “perfunctory” US enforcement of the arms embargo, accusing Washington of being the “greatest external factor affecting Haiti’s security.” He said Haitian gangs were better armed than the police, with weapons flowing in from Florida. He called for greater accountability, strategic international support, and an end to external interference.
Russia: Support for Reparations and Questions About MSS Effectiveness
Russia warned that MSS remained too small to stabilize even the capital and questioned whether sanctions had yielded results. It supported Haitian demands for reparations from France and said only a genuinely representative government could restore stability.
United Kingdom: MSS Must Reclaim Port-au-Prince
The UK warned of “horrifying” sexual violence, including one-third of reported child sexual assaults being gang rapes. It urged full support for MSS to reclaim areas of Port-au-Prince, rejected efforts to destabilize the Transitional Council, and called for full implementation of sanctions.
Panama: ‘Haiti Deserves Better Days’
Panama said it was unacceptable to normalize the crisis. It called for MSS reinforcement, safe humanitarian access, and disarmament programmes focused on youth and children. Noting France’s recent recognition of the 1825 indemnity, it emphasized, “Haiti deserves better days.”
Denmark: UN Must Step Up
Denmark, in the final stages of approving a financial grant to the MSS via the UN Trust Fund, supported greater UN involvement and called for the expansion of targeted sanctions, particularly against those responsible for gender-based violence. “The Council must work to match the urgency of this crisis,” the representative said.
Pakistan, Slovenia, Republic of Korea, Greece Support Dual Strategy
Council members Pakistan, Slovenia, Republic of Korea, Greece, voiced strong support for the Secretary-General’s proposed dual-track approach to bolster Haiti’s stabilization efforts, including the creation of a UN Support Office and increased operational backing for the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission. Describing Haiti as “teetering on the brink” Pakistan endorsed the dual-track approach while emphasizing the importance of national ownership and the role of regional actors. It urged the Council to act decisively to prevent further chaos, warning that “time is not on Haiti’s side
Emphasizing the urgency of the situation, Slovenia welcomed recent Haitian judicial reforms and supported targeted sanctions against perpetrators of sexual violence and the recruitment of children, calling for “prompt and decisive action” to protect civilians and restore democratic governance.
The Republic of Korea described improving security as “the foundational requirement” for all progress, urging the Council to move swiftly on discussions of the hybrid model and calling for robust international backing to fully operationalize MSS. Greece echoed the call for enhanced support and underscored that women and children are bearing the brunt of the crisis, with sexual and gender-based violence used as a weapon of control. Both delegations urged inclusive political processes, with Greece highlighting the need for free, fair elections and the active participation of women and youth in Haiti’s political future.
Live Blog
Live blogging not provided for this meeting
Background and related
Haiti Related Links:
BINUH and Peacekeeping Press Releases:
https://binuh.unmissions.org/en/press-releases
BINUH News:
https://binuh.unmissions.org/en/news-articles
Meeting Coverage Press Releases on Haiti:
Human Rights Reports and Statements on Haiti:
https://www.ohchr.org/en/countries/haiti
OCHA’s Work in Haiti:
UN Web TV:
Past Briefings by BINUH representatives: https://webtv.un.org/en/search?f%5B0%5D=speaker_affiliation%3A8256
Past Security Council Meetings on Haiti