Model UN Background Guide

Committee: Security Council
Topic: Haiti
Conference Year: 2025

Topic Background

Haiti has experienced persistent political instability, economic hardship, and social unrest for decades, rooted in a complex history of colonial exploitation, dictatorship, and natural disasters. Since its independence in 1804, Haiti has struggled with governance challenges and external interventions. The 21st century has seen recurring crises including the devastating 2010 earthquake, subsequent cholera outbreaks, and severe hurricanes, which have compounded the country’s vulnerabilities.

In recent years, Haiti’s security situation has deteriorated sharply. The assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021 plunged the country into deeper political turmoil, marked by a power vacuum, contested leadership claims, and a collapse in public trust. Armed gangs have expanded their control over significant portions of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and other regions, exacerbating violence, kidnappings, and humanitarian crises. The COVID-19 pandemic further strained fragile health and economic systems.

The Security Council has placed Haiti on its agenda due to the urgent need to address the security vacuum, protect civilians, and support political stabilization. The rise in gang violence and the inability of Haitian security forces to maintain order threaten regional stability in the Caribbean and risk a broader humanitarian disaster. International actors are debating the scope and nature of intervention, including the possibility of peacekeeping or stabilization missions, while respecting Haitian sovereignty.

Key Actors

• Haitian Government: Currently led by interim Prime Minister Ariel Henry, the government struggles with legitimacy challenges, limited control over territory, and insufficient capacity to provide security or basic services. Political factions remain divided, complicating efforts toward national reconciliation.

• United States: The U.S. is a critical player with significant influence in Haiti due to geographic proximity, historical ties, and its commitment to regional security. It advocates for a strong role in stabilizing Haiti, including support for security sector reform and humanitarian aid, while cautious about large-scale military involvement.

• France: As Haiti’s former colonial power, France maintains a diplomatic and cultural interest. It supports multilateral efforts to restore stability and promote democratic governance, often emphasizing development and institution-building over direct security intervention.

• CARICOM (Caribbean Community): This regional organization, including countries like Jamaica and Barbados, prioritizes Haitian stability to prevent spillover effects such as refugee flows and transnational crime. CARICOM advocates for Haitian-led solutions and regional cooperation.

• United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH): Established in 2019 to support political stability, human rights, and security sector reform, BINUH plays a coordinating role among UN agencies and partners. Its mandate is currently limited and under review given the worsening security environment.

• Organization of American States (OAS): The OAS engages in political dialogue and electoral support but has limited operational capacity on the ground. It promotes democratic governance and respect for human rights.

• International NGOs and Humanitarian Agencies: Numerous NGOs operate in Haiti, providing critical humanitarian assistance, health services, and development programs. Their access is increasingly threatened by insecurity and gang control.

Bloc Positions

• Western Powers (United States, France, United Kingdom, Canada):
  This bloc supports a robust international response combining security assistance, political dialogue facilitation, and humanitarian aid. They are open to considering a peacekeeping or stabilization mission but emphasize respect for Haitian sovereignty and caution against prolonged military presence. They prioritize dismantling armed gangs and reforming security institutions.

• Caribbean and Latin American States (CARICOM members, Mexico, Brazil):
  These countries advocate for Haitian-led solutions with regional support. They emphasize the importance of political dialogue, capacity-building, and sustainable development. They are generally wary of large-scale foreign military interventions and prefer multilateral, consensus-based approaches.

• Non-Aligned and African States (South Africa, India, Nigeria):
  This bloc stresses the principles of sovereignty and non-interference. They call for international support to be channeled through Haitian authorities and UN political missions rather than peacekeeping forces. They highlight the need for humanitarian assistance and long-term development rather than short-term security fixes.

• Russia and China:
  Both countries are cautious about international interventions that could set precedents for sovereignty violations. They tend to oppose large-scale peacekeeping deployments without clear consent from Haitian authorities and advocate for political solutions over security-driven approaches. They support humanitarian aid but prioritize non-intrusive assistance.

Past UN Action

• Security Council Resolution 2476 (2019): Established the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) with a focus on political stability, human rights, and strengthening the rule of law. This was a shift from peacekeeping to political support.

• Security Council Resolution 2699 (2023): Addressed the worsening security situation, calling for intensified international cooperation to combat gang violence and support Haitian security forces.

• General Assembly and Human Rights Council Reports: Periodic reports have highlighted human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings and the impact of gang violence on civilians.

• MINUSTAH (2004-2017): The UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti was the largest peacekeeping operation in the country’s history, tasked with restoring security post-coup. It ended amid controversy over its legacy, including the introduction of cholera.

Questions a Resolution Should Answer

1. How can the Security Council best support the Haitian government’s efforts to restore security and dismantle armed gangs without undermining sovereignty?
2. What role should the United Nations play in coordinating political dialogue and supporting credible, inclusive elections?
3. Should the Council authorize a new peacekeeping or stabilization mission, and if so, what mandate and resources would be necessary?
4. How can international partners enhance the capacity and accountability of Haitian security forces?
5. What measures can be taken to improve humanitarian access and protect civilians in areas controlled by armed groups?
6. How can regional organizations like CARICOM be integrated into a comprehensive strategy for Haiti?
7. What steps should be taken to ensure respect for human rights and address impunity in the context of ongoing violence?

Further Reading

• UN Documents: Security Council resolutions, Secretary-General reports on Haiti, and documents from the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) provide official insights into mandates, assessments, and international legal frameworks related to the crisis.

• Think-Tank Reports: Analyses from institutions such as the International Crisis Group, the Brookings Institution, and the Council on Foreign Relations offer in-depth examinations of Haiti’s political dynamics, security challenges, and policy recommendations for international engagement.

• News Outlets: Reputable international and regional news sources including Reuters, Al Jazeera, and Caribbean-specific media provide up-to-date reporting on developments in Haiti, including political events, security incidents, and humanitarian issues.

This background guide aims to equip delegates with a nuanced understanding of the complexities surrounding Haiti’s current crisis and the Security Council’s role in addressing it in 2025.