UN votes to end peacekeeping operations in Haiti on Oct 15

The UN Security Council voted unanimously Friday to completely end its peacekeeping operations in Haiti on Oct. 15 and establish a political mission to support government efforts to promote order and development in Latin America's poorest country.

UN military peacekeepers had already left the country on Oct. 15, 2017, but a stabilization group stayed behind to train national police, help the government strengthen judicial and legal institutions and monitor human rights.

The resolution approved Friday gives a final six-month period for such operations and asks Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to plan a political mission.

Haiti's leaders had asked the U.N. to allow government authorities to fully assume responsibility for security.

The Security Council resolution acknowledged Guterres' recent report citing "the increased capacity, leadership, and crime prevention operations" of Haiti's police.

But the council also said that "Haiti continues to face significant challenges," and said progress in its social, economic and political development "is crucial to achieving lasting stability."
In Friday's resolution, the Security Council expressed concern at the recent rise in gang violence and underlined the need to address its root causes, "including through strengthened rule of law, political and socio-economic measures, violence reduction programs and weapons and ammunition management."