United Nations (EFE).- Haiti’s delegation to the United Nations on Thursday urged the Security Council to take swift action on a proposal from Secretary-General António Guterres to strengthen the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission with UN-managed funding.
The plan, announced in February, would expand the UN’s role by providing logistical and non-lethal material support while channeling greater financing through an existing voluntary trust fund.
“There is an urgent need for members to adopt a position without delay,” a Haitian government representative told the Council during a thematic session on the Caribbean nation.
Guterres opened the meeting with what he called an “even bleaker” picture of Haiti’s multidimensional crisis, where powerful gangs continue to plunge the country into spirals of violence, lawlessness, and collapsed services.
“I urge the Council to act without delay and back an international force supported by the United Nations through logistics and predictable funding,” Guterres said.
US, UK, and France signal support
The Secretary-General stressed that voluntary contributions to the trust fund are essential to ensure the “impact and sustainability” of the Kenya-led MSS. He also called for sanctions targeting gang leaders, their financiers, and arms traffickers.
US Ambassador Dorothy Shea backed the proposal and welcomed the Council’s recent move to include Haitian gangs “Viv Ansanm” and “Grand Grif” on its terrorism sanctions list.
“We are committed to prosecuting criminals and international offenders, including those hiding in the United States who fuel violence in Haiti,” Shea said.
The UK and France also voiced readiness to reinforce the MSS.
London has contributed 6.7 million dollars so far in 2025, while Paris reported 25 million dollars in support over the past year.
Divisions over arms embargo
Russia and China, however, focused their interventions on violations of the arms embargo imposed on Haiti, citing the continued flow of weapons to gangs.
While they did not directly name the United States, UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reports indicate that most firearms entering Haiti originate from US territory.
Guterres warned that without coordinated international support, Haiti’s crisis will deepen further. “Sustainable progress will not be possible if the international community remains divided,” he said.
The MSS, authorized by the Council last year and led by Kenya, has faced challenges in deployment, funding, and coordination. Guterres’ plan aims to give the mission stronger institutional backing and reliable financing.
Haiti’s plea comes as violence continues to displace thousands and restrict access to food, healthcare, and education, leaving millions trapped in insecurity. EFE
gac/seo