On Thursday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken asserted that the situation in Haiti represents one of the most urgent challenges facing the international community, as he initiated a debate on deploying a multinational mission to support the Haitian police in combating armed gangs, on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Summit held on February 21st and 22nd, 2024, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Haiti, the world’s first black republic, is grappling with a severe political, security, and humanitarian crisis. The debate, organized under the theme “Meeting the Challenge in Haiti,” aimed to raise awareness among the world’s wealthiest countries (G20) to contribute to financing the multinational security support mission in Haiti.
“These past two days, G20 foreign ministers have gathered, along with many partners, to support a shared mission defined by our hosts as ‘Building a fair world and building a sustainable planet.’ Resolving conflicts, ensuring communities are more peaceful and stable, ensuring the international system meets the challenges of our time. That has been at the heart of discussions these past two days, and I believe we are not far off in saying that one of the most urgent challenges we face as an international community is Haiti,” Blinken stated.
The U.S. Secretary of State highlighted that over 1,100 people were killed, injured, or abducted in the Caribbean nation in January 2024, making it the most violent month in Haiti in the past two years according to the United Nations.
“Gangs now control 80% of the capital, Port-au-Prince. Armed groups resort to sexual assaults and rapes to terrorize the population. Violence has also resulted in blocking commercial routes and aid delivery routes, and closing schools. Criminal groups have cut off access to food, clean water, healthcare, and electricity. Half the country eats only once a day. Three million children need immediate humanitarian assistance. And the conflict is spreading northward toward Haiti’s breadbasket, threatening the country’s entire food supply,” described Mr. Blinken.
The Secretary of State emphasized his country’s efforts to reduce violence in Haiti and improve the situation for the Haitian people. Blinken said the United States has provided over $300 million in food, clean water, healthcare, services for gender-based violence victims, and other humanitarian assistance. Additionally, $189 million has been allocated since July 2021 to help select, train, and professionalize the Haitian National Police, including providing vehicles, protective equipment, communication tools, and other essential supplies. They are imposing sanctions and visa restrictions to combat the impunity of individuals who finance or promote violence. The American leader assured that the United States is already the largest donor of aid to Haiti and is committed to expanding its efforts.
“But we know that this support is not enough — not enough for Haitians to take back control of their country. We must do more to help the Haitian National Police stabilize the security situation so that aid can be effectively delivered and reach those in need, so that Haitians do not have to live in fear of gangs, and so that Haiti can fully and firmly return to the path of democracy,” Blinken continued.
The U.S. diplomat stated that the best way to secure a future for Haitians is through the United Nations-authorized Multinational Security Support Mission. This is what the overwhelming majority of Haitians demand, he argues.
He noted that since the adoption last October by the United Nations Security Council of Resolution 2599, planning conferences have been held, including one in Washington last week, and assessment visits, to prepare for this mission to be deployed in Haiti.
“However, the success of this mission depends on our ability to mobilize the international contributions it needs,” Antony Blinken asserted. He added, “Improving Haiti’s security situation is in our collective interest. We all want to prevent destabilizing irregular migration. We all want to combat criminal violence and arms trafficking. We all want to help Haitian communities in need. The international community has led international efforts to support Haiti for decades. But we must help Haiti succeed in these efforts.”
The U.S. Secretary of State took advantage of this discussion to express his “deep gratitude” to the Kenyan government for its willingness to take on the leadership role for this mission, and to commend other countries, particularly in the Caribbean.