UN Security Council extends arms restrictions on Haiti

The United Nations Security Council renewed its arms embargo on Haiti and sanctions against individuals considered responsible for violence in the country on Wednesday. The resolution, presented by the United States and Panama, was adopted with 14 votes in favor and one abstention by Russia.

The measures extend restrictions first introduced in 2022 against Haitian gang leaders and later expanded into a comprehensive arms embargo, with an exception for sales intended for Haiti’s government security forces.

The new resolution also expresses concern over reports of embezzlement, abuse of trust and the diversion of public funds, warning that such practices threaten peace, security and stability in Haiti. It further states that individuals directly or indirectly involved in activities that destabilize the country through the exploitation or illegal trade of natural resources could face travel bans and financial sanctions.

Russia abstained, arguing that the sanctions could amount to foreign interference. Meanwhile, the United Nations has warned that the arms embargo continues to be circumvented, with weapons and ammunition entering Haiti primarily through trafficking routes originating in the United States, taking advantage of weak customs controls.

China’s deputy permanent representative to the UN, Sun Lei, urged member states, particularly the country identified as the main source of illicit weapons and ammunition supplied to Haiti, to take urgent action against trafficking at its origin.

Haiti continues to face a prolonged political, economic and security crisis marked by killings, kidnappings, sexual violence and the recruitment of children by criminal gangs. Authorities recently announced a postponement of the initial stages of the electoral process, delaying presidential and legislative elections that had been scheduled for December 13.