Members of the Haitian National Police patrol a street as gun battles between gangs continue. Members of the Haitian National Police patrol a street as gun battles between gangs continue.  

UN Security Council meets about Haiti crisis

Haiti and its neighbour the Dominican Republic are the key focus points of this meeting, which is has the reduction of gang violence as a particular focus.

By James Blears

The UN Security Council is today meeting about the ongoing crisis in Haiti, trying to find ways to resolve a situation which has critically affected the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere. 

Haiti and neighoring nation the Dominican Republic are a key part of this meeting, along with Special UN Representative Helen La Lime, who will advise on the the latest developments.

On December 21st Haitis Prime Minister Ariel Henri signed a document entitled: "The National Consensus for an inclusive transition and transparant elections", along with political parties, civil organisations and member of the private sector. It stipulates a fourteen-month transition period preparing for a General Election this year, for a new Government to be up and running by next year.

This involves the establishment of a new High Transitional Council and a Control Body, which will be responsible for establishing dialogue amongst the various factions, plus the functioning of public institutions. And they support the immediate deployment of international security assistance as requested by the Prime Minister on October 7th. 

This crisis started, then worsened, following the assasination of President Jovenal Moise in July 2021.

Today is the first meeting for members of the Latin American and Caribbean Group. Its new member Mozambique replaces Mexico. 

Stopping gang mayhem is one of its primary aims. There can be no lasting peace without this. 

Listen to James Blears' report

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24 January 2023, 16:58