Background
Haiti has faced a prolonged and multidimensional crisis marked by political instability, governance collapse, and escalating gang violence, with severe implications for the country’s security, humanitarian situation, and regional stability.
Following years of political turbulence, Haiti was plunged into further instability after the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021, which triggered a governance vacuum fuelling widespread insecurity. Armed gangs expanded their control over large parts of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and other regions, committing killings, kidnappings, sexual violence, extortion, and disrupting humanitarian access.
The United Nations has maintained a long-standing engagement in Haiti through successive missions:
- United Nations Mission in Haiti (UNMIH) established by the Security Council resolution 867 (1993) on 23 September 1993 to implement the Governors Island Agreement. UNMIH completed its mandate on 30 June 1996.
- United Nations Support Mission in Haiti (UNSMIH) was deployed in July 1996 to continue supporting the Haitian National Police and maintain stability. It was followed by the United Nations Transition Mission in Haiti (UNTMIH) in 1997, which focused on strengthening police capacity.
- United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) was established by Security Council resolution 1542 (2004) on 30 April 2004, following the resignation of President Aristide amid armed rebellion. MINUSTAH played a critical role in stabilization efforts and disaster response, notably after the 2010 earthquake. Its mandate was concluded in October 2017.
- United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti (MINUJUSTH) succeeded MINUSTAH in October 2017 under resolution 2350 (2017). Its mandate focused on strengthening rule of law institutions, supporting the Haitian National Police, and promoting human rights. MINUJUSTH completed its mandate on 15 October 2019.
- United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), a special political mission under resolution 2476 (2019) adopted on June 2019 succeeded MINUJUSTH and began operations in October 2019 and still operational till date.
- Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) established under security council resolution 2699 (2023) on 2 October 2023, authorizing the deployment of a non-UN, Kenya-led force in response to the Government of Haiti request for international assistance in October 2022.
The MSS began deployment in June 2024 but faced severe funding and personnel shortfalls, never reaching its planned strength of 2,500 personnel. Despite limited gains, gang violence continued to escalate, displacing the population and deepening the humanitarian crisis.
Establishment of the UN Support Office in Haiti and the Gang Suppression Force (GSF)
Recognizing the MSS’s limitations, the Security Council adopted resolution 2793 (2025) on 30 September 2025, establishing the United Nations Support Office in Haiti and authorizing the transformation of MSS into the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) for an initial 12-month period. The GSF, with up to 5,500 personnel, operates under Chapter VII of the UN Charter and represents a more robust and offensive posture than the MSS, aiming to restore security and enable long-term peacebuilding in Haiti.
The United Nations Support Office in Haiti (UNSOH). UNSOH was established to provide support, primarily to the GSF, BINUH, the HNP and the Haitian armed forces on any joint operations with the GSF, as well as technical support to the OAS, with a view to assume full logistical support responsibility of the GSF by 31 March 2026. Any support provided to the GSF by UNSOH shall be in full compliance with the Secretary-General’s Human Rights Due Diligence Policy.
Operational Context and Challenges
The deployment of UNSOH comes amid a highly volatile environment. Armed gangs control key transport routes and urban areas, severely restricting freedom of movement and humanitarian access. This volatile security situation poses direct risks to personnel and supply chains and complicates coordination and planning. Additionally, widespread displacement, acute food insecurity, and damaged infrastructure have created significant operational hurdles. UNSOH must navigate these constraints while supporting intelligence-led operations of the GSF and their Haitian partners. Despite these challenges, UNSOH remains committed to enabling the GSF to deliver on its mandate and restore stability in Haiti.