The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has sounded the alarm over the worsening crisis in Haiti, describing the situation as a “perfect storm of suffering” and urging the world not to turn a blind eye to the country’s plight.
Speaking before the UN Security Council on Thursday, Guterres painted a grim picture of Haiti’s descent into chaos. “State authority is crumbling as gang violence engulfs Port-au-Prince and spreads beyond paralyzing daily life and forcing families to flee,” he warned. Reports of rampant sexual violence, attacks on hospitals and schools, and the collapse of the rule of law underscore the severity of the crisis.
Despite this, Haiti remains “shamefully overlooked and woefully underfunded,” Guterres said, appealing for stronger international support. His remarks followed a joint call by seven countries, including the United States, Canada, Kenya, and Jamaica, urging the Security Council to reinforce the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission deployed to combat gangs.
Over a year since the MSS began operations, with Kenya leading the initial effort, the mission has struggled to contain the violence. Of the 2,500 police officers originally pledged, only about 1,000 have been deployed, with Kenya contributing more than 700. The under-resourced mission has left Port-au-Prince nearly entirely under gang control.
In response, Washington and Panama are circulating a draft resolution proposing the establishment of a specialized Gang Suppression Force and a new UN Support Office to bolster efforts on the ground. “The next international force must be resourced to hold territory, secure infrastructure, and complement the Haitian National Police,” US Ambassador Dorothy Shea emphasized. She also highlighted the need for a broader strategy to cut off gang financing and arms trafficking.
Haiti’s instability has deepened since the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moise, which plunged the nation into political turmoil. A transitional presidential council, formed in 2024 following the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry, has pledged to hold elections before February 2026.
Meanwhile, the human cost continues to climb. According to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, at least 3,141 people have been killed in the country during the first half of this year alone a stark reminder of the urgency to act.