UN Security Council greenlights mission in Haiti

Brazil’s presidency of the United Nations Security Council kicked off in an eventful fashion, as the council on Monday authorized a multinational security mission in Haiti to be led by Kenya, aimed at fighting gang violence. The mission was requested by the Haitian government almost one year ago.

Since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse two years ago, Haiti has been crippled by a deep institutional, economic, social, and security crisis. New elections to replace the late leader still have not been called, while an unelected government largely seen as incompetent is trying to consolidate power, and gangs have taken control of about half of the capital, Port-au-Prince.

According to a UN statement, over 3,000 homicides were reported this year, plus over 1,500 instances of kidnapping for ransom. An August Unicef report cited “unimaginable violence” against women and children.

Record levels of violence and kidnappings have led thousands to migrate to other areas or risk their lives at sea trying to reach the U.S. 

As violence continues to soar...