Model UN Background Guide

Committee: Security Council
Topic: Haiti
Conference Year: 2026

Topic Background

Haiti remains one of the most fragile states in the Western Hemisphere, grappling with a complex web of political instability, economic crisis, social unrest, and humanitarian challenges. Since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021, the country has experienced a power vacuum, escalating gang violence, and deteriorating governance. The security situation has worsened, with armed groups controlling large parts of the capital Port-au-Prince and other regions, severely limiting the government’s ability to provide basic services and maintain law and order.

Haiti’s fragility is rooted in decades of political turmoil, poverty, and weak institutions. The 2010 earthquake and subsequent natural disasters compounded existing vulnerabilities, while political crises in recent years have undermined democratic processes. The COVID-19 pandemic further strained an already fragile health system and economy. The ongoing humanitarian crisis includes food insecurity, displacement, and lack of access to healthcare and education.

The Security Council’s agenda on Haiti has become increasingly urgent due to the rapid deterioration of security and governance, the inability of national authorities to control armed groups, and the risk of regional destabilization. International efforts to support Haiti’s political transition and security sector reform have faced significant obstacles. In 2026, the Council must consider how to effectively support Haiti’s stabilization, protect civilians, and promote sustainable governance reforms amid a complex and volatile environment.

Key Actors

States:

• United States: A key bilateral donor and security partner, the U.S. has significant influence over Haiti’s political and security affairs, often advocating for international support to restore order and promote democratic governance.
• Canada: A major aid contributor with historical ties to Haiti, Canada supports humanitarian assistance and development efforts, emphasizing human rights and institutional strengthening.
• France: As Haiti’s former colonial power, France remains engaged diplomatically and through development aid, focusing on political dialogue and stabilization.
• Brazil: Previously led the UN peacekeeping mission (MINUSTAH) in Haiti, Brazil retains a strategic interest in regional stability and has contributed troops and police to UN operations.
• Dominican Republic: Haiti’s neighbor, directly affected by cross-border security risks, migration, and economic instability; it advocates for regional cooperation to manage shared challenges.

International Organizations:

• United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUJUSTH): Although formally ended in 2019, the UN continues to engage through political offices and special envoys, focusing on supporting Haitian institutions and facilitating dialogue.
• Organization of American States (OAS): Plays a role in promoting democratic governance and electoral processes, often mediating political disputes.
• Caribbean Community (CARICOM): Regional bloc concerned with security spillover and humanitarian impacts, advocating for a coordinated Caribbean response.
• International Organization for Migration (IOM) and UNHCR: Engage in humanitarian assistance and displacement management amid internal displacement and migration flows.

Bloc Positions

1. Western Powers (United States, Canada, France, United Kingdom):
This bloc generally supports a robust international engagement in Haiti, including security assistance, capacity building for Haitian police and judiciary, and humanitarian aid. They emphasize restoring rule of law, countering gang violence, and supporting democratic institutions. They are often open to limited peacekeeping or security support but stress respect for Haitian sovereignty.

2. Regional Actors (Dominican Republic, Brazil, Mexico, CARICOM members):
Regional countries prioritize stability and preventing spillover effects such as migration and cross-border crime. They advocate for regional cooperation mechanisms and capacity building for Haitian security forces. While supportive of international assistance, they emphasize Haitian-led solutions and caution against prolonged foreign military presence.

3. Non-Aligned and Developing States (India, South Africa, Nigeria, Indonesia):
This group tends to emphasize sovereignty and non-intervention, urging respect for Haiti’s autonomy and caution against heavy-handed international involvement. They focus on humanitarian aid and development, advocating for long-term institution-building rather than security-focused interventions.

4. Human Rights and Humanitarian Advocates (Norway, Sweden, Netherlands, Switzerland):
These countries prioritize protection of civilians, human rights monitoring, and addressing root causes such as poverty and inequality. They advocate for accountability for abuses by armed groups and security forces, and for humanitarian access. They may be skeptical of military solutions, emphasizing political dialogue and social programs.

Past UN Action

• Resolution 2476 (2019): Ended MINUJUSTH, transitioning UN engagement to a political office and special envoy focusing on political dialogue and institution-building.
• Resolution 2699 (2023): Condemned escalating violence and called for enhanced support to Haitian security institutions and humanitarian assistance.
• Security Council Presidential Statements (various, 2021-2025): Expressed concern over political instability, gang violence, and humanitarian conditions; urged Haitian political actors to engage in inclusive dialogue.
• Secretary-General Reports on Haiti: Regular reports highlighting deteriorating security, political crises, and humanitarian needs; recommending international support for security sector reform and political mediation.

Questions a Resolution Should Answer

1. What specific measures should the Security Council endorse to support the Haitian government in restoring security and combating gang violence?
2. How can the UN and international partners enhance support for Haitian institutions, particularly the police and judiciary, while respecting sovereignty?
3. Should the Security Council consider re-establishing a peacekeeping or security support mission, and if so, under what mandate and conditions?
4. What mechanisms can be put in place to ensure protection of civilians, including vulnerable groups, in conflict-affected areas?
5. How can the Council address the political crisis, encouraging inclusive dialogue and democratic processes, including preparations for credible elections?
6. What role should regional organizations and neighboring states play in coordinated efforts to stabilize Haiti?
7. How can humanitarian access be improved, and how should the Council integrate humanitarian, development, and security responses?

Further Reading

UN Documents:
Review official Security Council resolutions, Secretary-General reports on Haiti, and statements from the UN Special Envoy for Haiti. These documents provide authoritative accounts of the UN’s evolving engagement, mandates, and assessments of the situation on the ground.

Think-Tank Reports:
Policy analyses and country briefs from institutions such as the International Crisis Group, the Council on Foreign Relations, and the Brookings Institution offer in-depth examination of political dynamics, security challenges, and possible international responses. These reports often include recommendations for the Security Council and member states.

News Outlets:
Coverage from reputable international news organizations such as Reuters, Al Jazeera, and The Associated Press, as well as regional sources like Caribbean News Now and Haiti Libre, provide up-to-date information on political developments, security incidents, and humanitarian conditions vital for understanding the evolving context.

This background guide aims to equip delegates with a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted challenges facing Haiti and the Security Council’s role in addressing them in 2026. Delegates should prepare to negotiate solutions balancing sovereignty, security, humanitarian needs, and political stability.