A Look at the Resolution Transforming the MSSM into an International Gang Repression Force in Haiti

NEW YORK.— The United Nations Security Council on Tuesday adopted a major resolution aiming to transform the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM) into a Gang Repression Force (GRF) in Haiti, with an initial twelve-month mandate. What does this new resolution say? Will it be able to combat gangs? Indeed, the text, drafted by the United States and Panama, aims to address the worsening security and humanitarian crisis in the country. It authorizes Member States to proceed with the transition from the MSSM to the Gang Repression Force, in close cooperation and coordination with the Government of Haiti. The stated objective is to enable the GRF to conduct «targeted, intelligence-led anti-gang operations to neutralize, isolate, and deter gangs that continue to threaten the civilian population, violate human rights, and weaken Haitian institutions,» states the resolution text. The Council emphasizes that these operations must be conducted «in strict compliance with international law, including international human rights law, and in full respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence, and unity of Haiti.» Protection of Civilians and Vulnerable Groups, a Strengthened Mission The protection of civilians, particularly children, is a central component of the resolution. The text states that the GRF must «fully take into account, in all aspects of its mandate… the cross-cutting issue of the protection of children and other vulnerable groups.» The Council expresses particular concern about the involvement of children in criminal activities: «gangs include a significant proportion of children among their members, a consequence of systematic recruitment efforts based notably on coercion and force,» the document states. The resolution provides support to the Haitian National Police (PNH), the Haitian Armed Forces, and national institutions to ensure «security conditions conducive to holding free and fair elections» and guarantee secure access to humanitarian aid. Logistical Support and International Coordination To support the GRF, the Security Council requests the creation of the United Nations Support Office in Haiti (UNSOH), responsible for providing comprehensive logistical and operational support. According to the text, this office will ensure «the provision of rations, fuel, and water, accommodation and all necessary infrastructure, including the main GRF base and all forward operating bases, medical support, personnel and equipment mobility, including ground transport, aviation, and troop rotation.» The document also highlights cooperation with the Organization of American States (OAS): «technical support to the OAS will therefore be provided to enable it to have a set of targeted support measures for the PNH during joint operations with the GRF.» Operational Framework and Accountability The Council insists on the accountability and transparency of Member States participating in the GRF. «Member States must apply the highest standards of transparency, ethics, and discipline to their contingents assigned to the GRF,» the resolution stipulates, emphasizing the establishment of a monitoring mechanism to prevent human rights violations and abuses, particularly sexual exploitation and abuse. Furthermore, the resolution reiterates that all measures taken must respect Haiti's sovereignty and international law. «The GRF may adopt temporary emergency measures of limited scope, with deadlines, proportionate and compatible with the objectives,» stated paragraph 1, in order to support the PNH in maintaining public order. The Monitoring and Evaluation Mechanism The resolution provides for rigorous monitoring of operations and progress. The Special Representative of the GRF will have to define «a strategy and parameters for measuring the mission's success, as well as concrete objectives with deadlines and benchmarks.» Furthermore, the Council requests the Secretary-General to report regularly on the implementation of the resolution and the effectiveness of the United Nations trust fund established to finance the GRF. A Response to the Multifaceted Crisis This resolution is part of the context of a security and humanitarian situation in Haiti deemed threatening to international peace and security and regional stability. «Gang violence, criminal activities, massive civilian displacement, human rights violations and abuses, the recruitment and use of children, sexual violence, the humanitarian crisis, and the acute food and nutrition crisis,» highlighted the Security Council, noting the gravity of the situation. By adopting this text, the Council affirms its willingness to support Haiti in the fight against gangs and to bolster its security institutions, while respecting national sovereignty and human rights. As the resolution emphasizes, the Council «decides to remain seized of the matter,» demonstrating its commitment to closely monitor the evolving situation in the country. However, this resolution is not a first in the context of the international community's actions in the Haitian crisis. It will certainly not be the last; however, the country has reached a turning point where Haitians should be able to identify their true friends and choose between cooperation and manipulation by the international community. Jean Mapou