On March 11, the United Nations' human rights expert for Haiti expressed optimism about addressing the insecurity crisis in the Caribbean nation, stating that it was achievable with proper supplies for law enforcement and cooperation from neighboring countries.
William O'Neill, the U.N. High Commissioner's Designated Expert on Human Rights in Haiti, mentioned during a press briefing the need for 2,500 to 3,000 well-trained and equipped international police to address the situation effectively.
The U.N. Security Council is scheduled to discuss a hybrid security support model to boost the existing efforts, which have been hampered by insufficient contributions leading to inadequate staffing and equipment.
While Haiti's government has been seeking urgent international security assistance since 2022 and recently proposed a formal U.N. peacekeeping mission, certain countries like Russia and China have not supported this request.
O'Neill highlighted that the support office could provide essential equipment like spare parts, helicopters, and suitable vehicles for operations in Haiti's capital and rugged rural areas. He also emphasized the role of neighboring countries, the primary source of illegal arms in Haiti, in preventing the illegal flow of weapons to criminal groups.
Highlighting the importance of cutting off the supply of illegal arms, O'Neill noted, "If you stop the flow, the gangs will eventually run out of ammunition. That's a quicker, faster, safer way to dismantle them than having to go in and fight them."
Additionally, he urged countries like the Dominican Republic, Bahamas, and Turks and Caicos to refrain from deporting migrants back to Haiti without ensuring a dignified and safe return as mandated by international law.
With growing internal displacement and soaring food prices, concerns are escalating in Haiti. Reports suggest that Petion-Ville, a wealthy suburb hosting diplomats with helicopter pads, is one of the few secure areas in the capital.
O'Neill warned about the imminent risk of gang control over the capital, emphasizing the urgency of the situation by stating, "There is not a day to lose."