UN human rights official says arms embargo and deployment of special force needed for Haiti
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PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — A U.N. human rights expert said Wednesday that a specialized international force is needed to help fight gang violence in Haiti and that a weapons embargo should be implemented immediately. William O’Neill, who was appointed expert on human rights in Haiti in April, spoke at the end of a 10-day trip during which he met with civil society leaders, government officials and victims of gang violence.
William O’Neill, who was appointed expert on human rights in Haiti in April, spoke at the end of a 10-day trip during which he met with civil society leaders, government officials and victims of gang violence.
“I found a country bruised by violence, misery, fear and suffering,” he said, adding that all types of human rights are being violated. “It is urgent to take action. The survival of an entire nation is at stake.”
O’Neill said the absence of government is palpable and that the lack of response by officials is affecting people’s access to water, food, health, education and housing. He added that while Haitian authorities face “immense challenges,” the government has a duty to respond within its limited capabilities.
“Entire neighborhoods are left to their fate, without access to any public service,” he said.
“History has shown that popular justice and its many excesses have never made it possible to resolve violence,” he said.
O’Neill said deploying a specialized international force that would work alongside Haiti’s National Police “is essential to restore the freedom of movement.” He also said that an embargo on arms, especially those from the U.S., is crucial given that no weapons are produced in Haiti.
In an aside with The Associated Press after the press conference, O'Neill said he envisioned a specialized police force skilled at dealing with gangs and organized crime working alongside Haiti's National Police, with local authorities taking the lead. He said such a force would provide advice, guidance and possibly backup.
“Whoever comes, if they come, is not going to stay forever,” he said.
O'Neill also noted that despite calls for Haiti to hold general elections, it's currently not safe to do so.
“I ask the authorities to make every effort to allow detainees to live in dignity; this includes immediate and constant access to basic needs,” he said.
He also urged authorities to restore operations at a court in Port-au-Prince that was captured by gangs last year and has not functioned since then.
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Coto reported from San Juan, Puerto Rico
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