December 23, 2024
The UN Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 2743 on July 12, 2024, to extend the mandate of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH in French) for an additional year, until July 15, 2025. This decision, supported by Ecuador and the United States, aims to support a political process led by Haitians to organize free and fair elections, including the active participation of women, youth, and civil society. The Council also advocated for the urgent creation of a Provisional Electoral Council and a road map for these elections.
The resolution calls on BINUH to work with the Haitian government to develop a strategy supporting the political process, in coordination with neighboring countries and regional organizations such as CARICOM. The text maintains the strength of BINUH at 70 civilians and agents on detachment to strengthen strategic support to the Haitian National Police (HNP), while continuing its efforts in crucial areas such as good governance and justice.
The adoption of this resolution was welcomed by Council members, including Ecuador and Guyana, who highlighted the importance of protecting the most vulnerable and establishing a safe and just environment in Haiti. The United States stressed that strengthening the role of BINUH is crucial in the context of the deployment of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, while China and Malta advocated for increased coordination with the Haitian government.
Russia expressed hope that BINUH can strengthen its presence in Port-au-Prince to support the political process and law enforcement in the country, while calling for accountability and sanctions against those who threaten peace in Haiti. The Haitian representative saw in this resolution a renewal of international commitment to help combat violence and restore democratic institutions in Haiti.
CARICOM, through Saint Kitts and Nevis, welcomed this resolution as a positive signal and a crucial opportunity for progress in Haiti. They urged stakeholders to work with BINUH to advance the political process and stressed the importance of financial contributions to meet the needs of the MSS, while respecting the arms embargo to avoid escalating instability.