UN Security Council Unanimously Adopts Resolution to Sanction Haiti’s Armed Gangs
The United Nations Security Council has adopted a resolution aimed at curbing the violent activities of armed gangs in Haiti by imposing sanctions on their leaders and entities. The resolution was met with widespread support from member states, who expressed confidence that it would bring an end to the deadly activities of these groups.
Resolution Details
The resolution establishes a sanctions regime on the armed gangs, including travel bans and asset freezes. It also incorporates a humanitarian carve-out to minimize the impact of sanction measures on humanitarian assistance to Haiti.
Key Provisions
- Travel bans on leaders and entities associated with armed gangs
- Asset freezes to prevent funding of violent activities
- Humanitarian carve-out to ensure continued aid to affected populations
- Sanctions aimed at neutralizing gangs, drying up their financing, and protecting civilians
Reactions from Member States
United Arab Emirates
Lana Nusseibeh welcomed the resolution’s unanimous adoption, saying it was an important step towards addressing the violence and terror imposed by armed gangs on the people of Haiti. She noted that her country’s proposal for a humanitarian carve-out had been incorporated into the text.
Brazil
Ronaldo Costa Filho expressed hope that the carve-out would be replicated in other situations to ensure that sanctions do not have unintended consequences. He also highlighted the need to ensure minimum standards of due process in line with international human rights law, regretting that the Council had missed an opportunity to address this challenge.
Ghana
Carolyn Oppong-NTiri welcomed efforts by Mexico and the United States to accommodate various delegations’ input and forge consensus on the resolution. She expressed hope that the text would both address the challenges posed by armed gangs and signal to criminal actors that they will be held accountable.
France
Nathalie Broadhurst Estival welcomed the resolution’s sanctions against the inadmissible violent acts of gangs in Haiti, saying it was an important step towards restoring peace and security in the country.
Council President’s Statement
Michel Xavier Biang, Council President for October, speaking in his national capacity, said that Gabon had voted in favour of the resolution because it aimed to neutralize the gangs, dry up their financing, protect civilians, particularly women and children, and provide conditions for a response to cholera.
Haiti’s Representative
Antonio Rodrigue welcomed the unanimous adoption of the resolution, saying it would contribute to bringing an end to the violent activities of armed groups in his country. He reiterated that sanctions alone could not eradicate the high level of violence ravaging his country, but emphasized the need for robust support from the international community.
Conclusion
The meeting was adjourned at 10:46 pm after a lengthy discussion on the resolution. The adoption of the text is seen as a significant step towards addressing the crisis in Haiti and bringing an end to the violence perpetrated by armed gangs.