UN Security Council approves Gang Suppression Force in Haiti

The United Nations Security Council on Tuesday authorized the transition of the Multinational Security Support mission in Haiti into a new Gang Suppression Force for an initial period of 12 months.

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The resolution, adopted by a vote of 12 in favor with three abstentions from China, Pakistan, and the Russian Federation, empowers participating Member States to conduct intelligence-led counter-gang operations alongside Haiti’s National Police and Armed Forces.

The Force, which will have a ceiling of 5,550 personnel—5,500 uniformed military and police members and 50 civilians—aims to “neutralize, isolate and deter” gangs that continue to threaten civilians, violate human rights, and undermine Haitian institutions. The resolution also requests that the UN Secretary-General establish a UN Support Office in Haiti (UNSOH) to provide logistical and technical support to the Force, the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), the Haitian security services, and the Organization of American States (OAS).

Haiti’s delegate welcomed the move as “a decisive turning point in my country’s fight against one of the most serious challenges in its already turbulent history,” stressing that gangs have become “powerful criminal organizations that mock and challenge the authority of the State and even threatened regional stability.”

Representatives from CARICOM and Panama emphasized the importance of international cooperation and sustainable support for the Force. Barbados’ representative said, “Only through urgent collective action by the international community in the security domain can the scourge of gang violence be arrested,” while Panama’s delegate called the resolution a message to Haiti that “you are not alone.”

The United States praised the adoption as offering Haiti renewed hope, noting that the previous mission “lacked the resources to fully turn the tide against the gangs.” Canada, El Salvador, Guatemala, Jamaica, Belize, and the Bahamas were recognized for contributing personnel, with France adding more than $12 million since 2023 to the mission.

Abstaining delegations, including China, Pakistan, and Russia, expressed concerns about past failures and the need for clearer rules of engagement, long-term funding, and careful assessment of the Force’s mandate. China’s delegate warned that “ill-conceived and rushed steps may lead to outcomes that are completely contrary to our goals,” citing unfulfilled donor pledges during the prior mission.

Other Council members stressed the importance of human rights protections. Denmark highlighted that operations must comply with international law and the UN’s Human Rights Due Diligence Policy, while Slovenia called for full respect for Haitian sovereignty and integration of the Support Office into unified UN action, including political support.

The Gang Suppression Force, described as “five times the size” of its predecessor with a strengthened mandate, is tasked with reestablishing security, facilitating political restructuring, and supporting the reactivation of Haiti’s economy.