Security Council adopts resolution establishing new UN Mission in Haiti

The UN Security Council unanimously adopted a new resolution on Thursday which will draw down the existing peacekeeping force in Haiti, MINUSTAH, making way for a new, smaller mission.

The UN Mission for Justice Support in Haiti, known as MINUJUSTH, will take over on October 15, with a mandate to assist the government in strengthening the rule of law, policing and human rights protection.

The Council resolution recognizes the "major milestone" of Haiti's election process over the past few months, which has seen a new President and Prime Minister take office.

In line with the Secretary-General's recommendations, MINUSTAH's peacekeeping force will gradually draw down over the next six months, while the mission remains in place, to make way for MINUJUSTH, which will maintain so-called Formed Police Units, for a period of six months.

It retains a mandate to protect civilians, but as Security Council President Ambassador Nikki Haley of the United States told the meeting, the resolution includes new efforts to hold peacekeepers accountable.

"Accountability and reporting language has been added so that we are able to track the effectiveness of remaining personnel. Two regional hubs will be removed to focus efforts in areas that need the most support. 
As the stabilization mission in Haiti draws down and the new mission gears up, the Haitian people will be set on the path of independence and self-sufficiency".

The resolution underscores the importance of a successful, responsible and seamless transition between the two missions, and promises that the new mandate and police levels will be reviewed in light of progress made towards "durable peace and security" in Haiti.


SOURCE: Matthew Wells, United Nations.