The UN Security Council has officially renewed sanctions on Haiti for one year, encompassing an assets freeze, travel ban, and arms embargo. This decisive move aims to combat the rampant flow of weapons fueling criminal gangs that have plunged the Caribbean nation into turmoil.
In a unanimous vote under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, the Council adopted resolution 2752 (2024), stating that the current situation in Haiti persists as a threat to international peace and security across the region.
This resolution reinforces existing sanctions aimed at preventing the supply of arms and military equipment to gangs operating within Haiti, a nation grappling with a severe humanitarian crisis exacerbated by violence from armed groups, natural disasters, and economic instability.
Currently, hundreds of thousands, including approximately 350,000 children, have been displaced due to escalating violence, with alarming reports of sexual violence, kidnappings, and extrajudicial killings emerging.
Exemptions for Humanitarian Aid
The sanctions resolution allows exemptions for supplies supporting UN missions and Haitian security forces, as well as for non-lethal military equipment intended solely for humanitarian or protective purposes, aimed at fostering peace and stability in Haiti.
Earlier in 2023, the UN Security Council authorized a Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission to assist the national police in combating rampant gang violence. This mission has recently been re-authorized for an additional year, and as of September, approximately 410 police officers have been deployed, with plans to increase to around 2,500.
Focus on Improved Coordination
The resolution emphasizes the urgent need to curb illicit arms trafficking, promoting better coordination between the UN, regional organizations, and the Haitian government to enhance border security and manage weapons inventories effectively.
Additionally, it calls upon the Haitian government to strengthen its national police’s capacity for controlling arms and ammunition, as well as improving border and customs enforcement.
Renewal of Sanctions Oversight
The Security Council’s decision also renews the mandate of the sanctions committee and extends the Panel of Experts’ duties for 13 months. The committee is responsible for updating the list of individuals and entities subject to sanctions, particularly those breaching the arms embargo.
Furthermore, the resolution sets benchmarks for lifting sanctions, including reduced violence, enhanced rule of law, and decreased arms trafficking, with a progress assessment by the UN Secretary-General slated for October 2025.
