United States Hosts UNGA Side Event: Addressing the Urgent Security Situation in Haiti

09/22/2023 11:53 AM EDT

 

Office of the Spokesperson

On Friday, September 22, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken hosted an event on the margins of the 78th UN General Assembly to generate support for the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission to Haiti.  Participants discussed outcomes of the Kenyan-led technical assessment trip to Haiti in August, resource requirements for the MSS mission, and the need for a Chapter VII UN Security Council Resolution authorizing the MSS mission’s deployment.

Representatives from the Haitian government and key partners, including Kenya, Ecuador, France, Canada, and members of CARICOM, discussed the plans for an MSS mission, options to support the Haitian National Police, and concerns about the urgent security and humanitarian situation in Haiti.

The United States intends to provide significant support to an MSS mission, including logistics, billeting, airlift, communications, medical support, and potential funding.  The dire situation in Haiti is a threat to international peace and security in the region – we must collectively come together to answer Haiti’s call.  We look to the international community to also provide funding, equipment, training, and personnel.  As President Biden said, “the people of Haiti cannot wait much longer.”