Russia and China Reject U.S. Push for U.N. Peacekeeping Mission in Haiti
Russia and China have opposed a U.S.-led effort to transition the Kenya-led force in Haiti to a U.N. peacekeeping mission due to escalating gang violence and a lack of peace. They highlighted the inadequacy of peacekeeping under current violent conditions and emphasized the need for immediate assistance to Haiti. The force is significantly under-resourced, with only about 430 of the 2,500 planned international police deployed.
In a recent United Nations Security Council meeting, both Russia and China expressed their opposition to a United States-led initiative aimed at converting the Kenya-led multinational force in Haiti into a U.N. peacekeeping mission. They argued that the current situation in Haiti, characterized by rampant gang violence and instability, is unsuitable for peacekeeping efforts. China’s Deputy U.N. Ambassador, Geng Shuang, underscored that deploying peacekeepers under such circumstances would merely expose them to danger rather than contribute to peace. Meanwhile, the multinational force, which was expected to consist of 2,500 international police, remains critically under-resourced with only approximately 430 personnel deployed to date. Russian Deputy U.N. Ambassador Dmitry Polyansky voiced concerns over the lack of funding for the force and emphasized the necessity of immediate assistance to the Haitian population. Despite calls for a U.N. peacekeeping operation, Haiti’s leaders, backed by regional support, continue to seek assistance to address the pressing security crisis. The meeting highlighted diverging approaches to responding to Haiti’s escalating violence, with the U.S. advocating for peacekeeping while Russia and China emphasized the need for a more pragmatic response to the current conflicts.
The backdrop of this meeting stems from growing instability in Haiti, where gang violence has escalated severely, with gangs reportedly controlling 85% of Port-au-Prince. The U.N. has been struggling with funding issues for the multinational force established to support the Haitian police in restoring order. The U.S. proposed a transition to a U.N. peacekeeping mission to secure stable financial support, yet this suggestion has faced strong opposition from Russia and China, who argue that the current conditions do not warrant the deployment of peacekeepers.
In conclusion, the opposition from Russia and China reflects a significant division within the U.N. Security Council regarding the appropriate response to the deteriorating situation in Haiti. While the U.S. advocates for a transition to a peacekeeping mission to enhance funding and support, both Russia and China emphasize that peacekeeping should not occur in the absence of peace. Immediate assistance to the Haitian people remains paramount, alongside a reevaluation of the multinational force’s capabilities and needs.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
