According to a recent report by the Office of the United Nations Commissioner for Human Rights, gangs in Haiti were responsible for the deaths of at least 5,600 individuals last year. The report further reveals that an additional 3,700 people were either injured or abducted, which has prompted criticism towards the Biden administration for its perceived lack of action.
“The response to the crisis by the Biden administration has been fragmented and driven by political considerations, with a focus on preventing it from escalating before the elections rather than finding a resolution,” shared Andrés Martínez-Fernández, a senior policy analyst for Latin America at The Heritage Foundation, in a conversation with Fox News Digital.
According to a spokesperson from the State Department, President Biden has provided $629 million in financial and equipment support to Haiti, with $600 million already designated for this purpose. This amount pales in comparison to the assistance provided to Ukraine, which received over $113 billion from Congress.
Martínez-Fernández emphasized that the lack of a clear strategy is a common issue in both Ukraine and Haiti, despite our involvement.
According to a recent report by VOA, gangs currently have control over approximately 85% of the capital city.
“The numbers presented here may not fully convey the sheer magnitude of the atrocities unfolding in Haiti, but they paint a grim picture of the relentless violence inflicted upon its people,” stated Volker Türk, the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Türk stressed the pressing importance of reinstating the rule of law in Haiti. He urged for robust logistical and financial support for the U.N.-supported Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) to ensure its effective execution of its mandate.
According to a report by the BBC, the MSS had promised to provide over 2,500 personnel from different countries, but only around 500 have been deployed at present. It is concerning that many of these personnel have not received their salaries for several months. Additionally, they are greatly outnumbered by the estimated 12,000 gang members operating in the country.
The State Department is standing by its actions and highlighted a recent collaboration between the MSS and Haitian police that led to the demise of a prominent gang leader on December 15. However, acknowledging the escalating violence, the State Department also acknowledges the need for further efforts.
“The spokesperson emphasized that the current staffing levels in Haiti are inadequate for effectively restoring the rule of law and ensuring security. In light of the existing challenges, the United States has expressed its support for the Haitian-led initiative to transition the MSS mission into a United Nations Peacekeeping Operation (UNPKO).”
According to Martínez-Fernández, it is highly unlikely for such a proposal to come to fruition. He emphasizes that there are significant obstacles to its feasibility, primarily because it lacks approval from the Security Council. In particular, China has vehemently opposed any such attempts, and Martínez-Fernández anticipates that they will continue to exercise their veto power.
Türk, in the U.N. report, reiterated his plea for the complete enforcement of the U.N. Security Council’s sanctions on Haiti and the arms embargo, in order to put an end to the influx of weapons into the country.
The continuous influx of weapons into Haiti frequently leads to their acquisition by criminal gangs, resulting in devastating consequences. Thousands of lives are lost, and hundreds of thousands of individuals are forced to flee their homes. The vital infrastructure and services, including schools and hospitals, suffer severe disruptions and even destruction.