A la demande du Canada, l’ONUDC a fourni 12 véhicules de patrouille Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series aux autorités haïtiennes. Photo : ONUDC
Haiti is facing an unprecedented crisis of violence and crime, with gangs controlling a significant portion of the capital, Port-au-Prince. In response to this escalating situation, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has provided critical support to Haitian law enforcement agencies by donating 12 patrol vehicles and 19 motorbikes. This initiative aims to bolster their operations against organized crime and enhance border security.
The Current Situation in Haiti
- Gang Violence: Gangs have intensified their violence across Haiti, particularly in Port-au-Prince, where they control about 85% of the city. This dominance has led to a surge in homicides, kidnappings, and sexual assaults.
- Humanitarian Crisis: The crisis has resulted in over a million displaced people and more than 5,600 murders recorded in 2024 alone. Sexual violence against children has increased dramatically by over 1,000% since 2023.
UNODC’s Support for Haitian Law Enforcement
The donation of vehicles by UNODC is part of broader efforts to strengthen the capacity of Haitian law enforcement agencies such as @PolifrontHaiti (Frontier Police) and @pnh_officiel (Haitian National Police). These resources will help improve mobility for patrols along borders and within urban areas.
Key Objectives:
- Enhance Border Security: By improving surveillance capabilities at borders through better-equipped patrols.
- Combat Organized Crime: Strengthening operations against gangs that are increasingly armed with sophisticated weapons.
- Support Humanitarian Efforts: Facilitating safer conditions for humanitarian aid delivery amidst rising gang violence.
Challenges Ahead
Despite these efforts:
- Financial Constraints: International missions like the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support mission face underfunding challenges that hinder full deployment capabilities.
- Sophisticated Arms Trafficking: Gangs continue to acquire high-calibre firearms through illicit means.
In conclusion, while UNODC’s support is crucial for enhancing law enforcement capabilities in Haiti, addressing the root causes of gang violence—such as corruption and arms trafficking—remains essential for long-term stability.