Create a vivid, cinematic scene of a diverse group of international diplomats, including a Black woman and a Hispanic man, intently discussing around a polished conference table, illuminated by soft overhead lighting from a large, modern chandelier. They are watching a large screen displaying a world map highlighting Haiti, with urgent expressions indicating the gravity of the expanded arms embargo. The setting is a sleek, high-tech UN conference room, with the mood reflecting urgency and collaboration. Arri Alexa 35 camera captures the intensity of their expressions, with the background featuring subtle details like flags of various nations and the UN emblem prominently displayed, conveying a global commitment to peace.
The UN’s expanded arms embargo on Haiti aims to combat gang violence by restricting all arms shipments, responding to the escalating crisis and humanitarian issues. (Image generated by DALL-E).

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UN Arms Embargo Aims to Halt Gang Violence in Haiti

By Darius Spearman (africanelements)

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KEY TAKEAWAYS
The UN has expanded its arms embargo on Haiti to include all types of weapons.
Gangs control approximately 80% of Port-au-Prince, resulting in widespread violence.
Over 700,000 Haitians have been displaced due to escalating gang violence.
A multinational force led by Kenya is being deployed to support Haitian authorities.
The U.S. has been criticized for its role in arms trafficking that fuels violence in Haiti.
The humanitarian crisis in Haiti includes severe food insecurity and mass deportations to the Dominican Republic.

UN Expands Arms Embargo on Haiti: A Critical Step to Combat Gang Violence

The United Nations Security Council has unanimously voted to expand the arms embargo on Haiti. This important decision, made on October 18, 2024, signals a shift in the global approach to addressing the gang violence that has plagued the country since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021.

Understanding Sanctions and their Impact

What Is an Arms Embargo?

Arms Embargo Icon

Arms Embargo: A restriction on the trade and movement of weapons to specific countries or regions. It aims to prevent the supply of arms that may fuel conflict or violence.

Many Haitians wonder how weapons are still entering the country despite the embargo. Arms embargoes aim to stop the legal sale and transfer of weapons to areas where violence is widespread. However, arms trafficking often involves illegal channels that bypass these restrictions, especially in countries with weak border control. In Haiti, many of the weapons are sourced from the United States, entering the country despite the ongoing embargoes (UN Expands Arms Embargo on Haiti).

Sanctions and Their Role in the Haiti Crisis

While sanctions target individuals or entities, arms embargoes focus on restricting weapons themselves. The UN’s sanctions regime includes travel bans and asset freezes, which prevent leaders from accessing funds or moving freely. These sanctions aim to pressure those who are contributing to the violence, making it harder for them to finance their operations or travel internationally. Still, illegal arms trade networks continue to pose a challenge in Haiti and elsewhere (UN Expands Arms Embargo on Haiti).

Kenya’s involvement in Haiti’s security efforts marks an important step toward restoring order. Kenya has pledged to send 600 more officers to assist in security operations, bringing their total contribution to 1,000 personnel. Kenya’s involvement is part of a larger international effort to support the Haitian National Police, with nations like Jamaica and Chad also providing smaller contingents (Kenya to send more police to Haiti after new gang attacks).

The Haitian population faces significant hardships as a result of gang violence. Gangs control around 80% of Port-au-Prince, leading to daily threats of violence and insecurity. As the international community works to combat the spread of weapons and stabilize the region, the focus must remain on supporting Haitian civilians who are caught in the middle of this ongoing crisis (UN Extends Sanctions on Haiti Amid Crisis).

The Expanded Arms Embargo: A Stronger Approach

The new embargo now includes all types of arms and ammunition, not just small arms and light weapons. This broader strategy aims to stop the flow of weapons into the hands of gangs, who continue to fuel the violence (UN Expands Arms Embargo on Haiti).

The resolution allows all 193 U.N. member states to take action to prevent illegal arms trafficking. This shows growing concern about the violence and criminal activity destabilizing Haiti.

Types of Firearms Imported to Haiti

50%
Handguns
37%
Rifles
13%
Other

Source: UN Announces Embargo on Arms in Haiti

The chart above shows the types of firearms imported into Haiti. This data makes clear why a stronger arms embargo is needed to reduce the violence.

Gang Violence Tightens Its Grip on Haiti

The arms embargo was expanded in response to Haiti’s worsening situation. Gangs control about 80% of Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital, and have spread into nearby areas. This has caused a sharp rise in homicides, sexual assaults, and kidnappings.

Gang Control and Violence in Haiti

Gang Control in Port-au-Prince:
80% of the city
Gran Grif Gang Attack (Oct 3, 2024):
Over 115 civilian deaths

Source: UN Expands Arms Embargo on Haiti

The statistics above show the severe impact of gang violence. The Gran Grif gang’s attack in early October, which resulted in over 115 civilian deaths, shows the urgent need for more action.

Humanitarian Crisis: Displacement and Food Shortages

The violence has caused a severe humanitarian crisis, forcing more than 700,000 Haitians to flee their homes. Many have sought safety in the Dominican Republic, which has started deporting Haitian migrants in large numbers. These deportations put migrants at risk of facing more violence when they return (UN Announces Embargo on Arms in Haiti).

Displacement and Migration in Haiti

Total Haitians Displaced:
Over 700,000
Haitians Fled to Dominican Republic:
More than 497,000
Weekly Deportations from Dominican Republic:
Over 10,000 Haitian migrants

Source: UN Announces Embargo on Arms in Haiti

According to the World Food Programme, violence has caused emergency hunger levels throughout Haiti. Millions of people are at risk of starvation, and the organization is urging global support to deliver essential food aid.

International Response and Sanctions

The international response has included sanctions and an expanded arms embargo. The UN has extended sanctions on Haiti, including asset freezes and travel bans, to target those causing the violence.

Kenya is leading a multinational force to help Haiti’s police, with 600 more officers arriving soon. Other countries, such as Jamaica and Chad, have also pledged support, but the total number of personnel is still below initial expectations (UN Expands Arms Embargo on Haiti).

International Response to Haiti Crisis

Kenya:
600 additional police officers (1000 total)
Jamaica:
Nearly 20 police officers and soldiers
Other Nations (Chad, Benin, Bangladesh, Barbados):
Pledged 2,500 personnel (not fully met)

Source: UN Expands Arms Embargo on Haiti

The U.S. Role in Haiti’s Arms Trafficking Issue

Many weapons used by gangs in Haiti come from the United States, especially from Florida. These firearms are often bought by intermediaries and smuggled into the country, fueling the violence.

Experts have called on the U.S. to take stronger action to stop the illegal arms flow. This highlights the complex role of international players in Haiti’s crisis (UN Announces Embargo on Arms in Haiti).

Next Steps: Sustaining International Action

The expansion of the UN arms embargo is an essential move to tackle the crisis in Haiti. But this alone will not solve the country’s deep problems. The global community needs to stay committed to helping Haiti through security, humanitarian aid, and diplomatic efforts.

As Haiti continues to deal with the effects of gang violence and hunger, global coordination remains critical. The success of these efforts depends on strong engagement from world powers, regional partners, and humanitarian organizations working together.

FAQ

Q: What is the recent decision made by the United Nations regarding Haiti?
A: The UN Security Council voted unanimously to expand the arms embargo on Haiti, now covering all types of arms and ammunition as of October 18, 2024. This aims to combat rampant gang violence.

Q: Why was the arms embargo expanded?
A: The expansion responds to escalating gang violence in Haiti, which has seen gangs control approximately 80% of Port-au-Prince, leading to a surge in violent crimes.

Q: What international response is being considered to the crisis in Haiti?
A: A multinational force led by Kenya is being deployed to assist the Haitian National Police, alongside extended sanctions and humanitarian aid from the international community.

Q: How many people have been displaced due to the violence in Haiti?
A: Over 700,000 Haitians are reported to have been displaced, with many seeking refuge in the Dominican Republic.

Q: What role does the United States play in the arms trafficking issue in Haiti?
A: The U.S. is a significant source of weapons used by Haitian gangs, often procured illegally and smuggled into the country, prompting calls for stricter controls on arms trafficking.

Q: What is the humanitarian situation in Haiti?
A: The ongoing violence has resulted in acute food insecurity, with millions facing starvation and emergency levels of hunger nationwide.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Darius Spearman is a professor of Black Studies at San Diego City College, where he has been teaching since 2007. He is the author of several books, including Between The Color Lines: A History of African Americans on the California Frontier Through 1890. You can visit Darius online at africanelements.org.