As violence in Haiti spirals out of control, the United Nations Security Council is being urged to swiftly authorize an international mission aimed at addressing the escalating crisis. Human Rights Watch has called for the council to ensure that this mission is adequately funded, staffed, and equipped with robust human rights protections to safeguard the Haitian population.
Criminal organizations in Haiti have not only solidified their grip on power but have also expanded their territorial control beyond the capital, contributing to a dramatic increase in violence in areas previously considered safe. The Security Council is currently contemplating the transformation of the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission into what is being termed a “Gang Suppression Force” (GSF). Since its deployment in June 2024, the MSS mission has been plagued by critical shortages in personnel and funding, hindering its ability to fulfill its mandate effectively.
“Time is running out to stop Haiti from falling entirely into the hands of abusive criminal groups,” stated Nathalye Cotrino, a senior Americas researcher at Human Rights Watch. “The UN has a chance to contribute meaningfully to addressing Haiti’s crisis by urgently ensuring that any force—whether the Multinational Security Support or the proposed Gang Suppression Force—is properly staffed, funded, accountable, and equipped with robust human rights safeguards.”
Human Rights Watch advocates for the council to establish whatever international operation it authorizes for Haiti as a full-fledged UN mission, which they believe would be the most effective approach to address the ongoing turmoil.
The situation in Haiti continues to deteriorate alarmingly, with at least 3,137 people reported killed in the first half of 2025, according to UN data. Criminal groups now control nearly all of the capital and have extended their influence into three additional departments, severely disrupting the delivery of essential services and humanitarian assistance. As a result, nearly 1.5 million people have been displaced, with half the population facing acute food insecurity.
In light of recommendations made by the UN Secretary-General in February 2025, the United States and Panama have introduced a draft resolution aimed at transitioning the MSS into a GSF. This proposed force would comprise up to 5,500 police, military, and civilian personnel, authorized to operate independently or alongside the Haitian National Police—a significant enhancement compared to the approximately 1,000 personnel currently deployed in the MSS, which can only assist Haitian police.
Under this proposal, a new UN Support Office in Haiti (UNSOH) would be established to support the GSF. This office would provide logistical and technical assistance to various entities working in the nation, including the UN Integrated Office in Haiti, the Haitian National Police, and the Haitian armed forces, while coordinating with the Organization of American States.
However, Human Rights Watch warns that if the GSF proposal is inadequately funded or lacks sufficient personnel and human rights protections, it risks repeating the failures that have plagued the current mission. For any security support initiative in Haiti to be effective, it must be backed by predictable and sustained funding. This includes resources to cover salaries and operational costs to avoid the gaps that have hindered the MSS, as well as binding commitments for troop contributions to ensure the force is adequately staffed to combat the pervasive influence of Haiti’s powerful criminal networks.
The UNSOH must also be properly resourced to provide essential equipment through the UN’s system of assessed contributions, which requires member countries to contribute financially to UN operations.
If established, the GSF should implement rigorous vetting processes consistent with UN standards, along with human rights training for all personnel prior to deployment and throughout the mission. Training should encompass critical issues such as the appropriate use of force, gender-based violence, child protection, and the prevention of sexual exploitation.
All new personnel must adhere to these standards, fully comply with the UN Human Rights Due Diligence Policy, and avoid any engagement with units or individuals credibly implicated in serious human rights violations or collusion with criminal organizations.
The MSS has made strides in establishing monitoring and complaint mechanisms, implementing guidelines for protecting the population, and launching a 24/7 toll-free hotline to facilitate reporting for victims and whistleblowers. These essential safeguards must be integrated into any new mission. Additionally, it is crucial for the mission to include an independent accountability mechanism, involving Haitian civil society and community-based organizations.
The mission should also have a mandate to collaborate with specialized judicial units set up by national authorities to ensure adequate prosecutions for serious crimes, including massacres and sexual violence. Relevant UN agencies should support the swift operationalization of these units to ensure timely prosecutions.
“It has been two years since Haitian authorities asked the international community for help to curb criminal violence, and so far, that help has fallen far short,” Cotrino concluded. The urgent need for action is clear, as the humanitarian crisis continues to escalate, demanding immediate and decisive intervention from the international community.
