UN widens Haiti arms ban to all weapons as gang violence grows

The UN Security Council took a firm step to address Haitiʼs security crisis on 10/19/24. In a unanimous decision‚ they broadened the arms embargo to include all types of weapons and ammunition. This move comes as a response to the alarming levels of gang violence and criminal activities plaguing the Caribbean nation

The resolution gives UN member states the go-ahead to take “appropriate steps to prevent the illicit trafficking and diversion of arms and related materiel in Haiti“. Experts point out that increasingly advanced weapons‚ often originating from the US (particularly Florida) are ending up in the hands of gang members and criminals

The council also extended travel bans and asset freezes on blacklisted individuals for a year. Recently‚ two new names were added to the sanctions list: Elan Luckson‚ leader of the Gran Grif gang‚ and Victor Prophane‚ a former parliamentarian accused of arms trafficking

Since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse roughly 3 years ago gangs power in Haiti has grown significantly. They now control up to 80% of Port-au-Prince and have expanded into surrounding areas. This surge in violence has led to the emergence of civilian vigilante groups

To help the Haitian National Police combat these gangs‚ a Kenya-led multinational force was established. William Ruto‚ Kenyaʼs President‚ announced plans to deploy 600 additional officers next month‚ joining the 400 already in Haiti. However the mission faces resource challenges‚ with its budget expected to run out in about 5 months

The resolution also encourages Haitiʼs government to strengthen management of police weapons ammunition and seized arms. It also calls for improved border and customs control to curb illicit trafficking

Ecuadors political coordinator‚ Irina Barba Bustos‚ stated that the expanded embargo “bolsters our efforts to combat transnational organized crime‚ which uses all forms of violence against the civilian population‚ particularly against women“