Appalachian State University
Model United Nations Conference Spring 2014
Haiti Mission Mandate
The Haiti Mission Mandate is a peacekeeping mission brought forth by the United Nations. Reestablished in 2004, after a severe rebellion engulfed nearly the entire nation and the resignation of their President, Bertrand Aristide, the Haiti Mission Mandate’s primary goal is to restore the unstable, violent nation. The mandate targets its resources on building the civilian police force, increasing security and protection, as well as assisting with the restoration and maintenance of the law, public safety, and order. International police forces were sent to Haiti to offer their aid and support for the struggling nation. Upon their arrival to the crumbling nation, UN officers infiltrated the Haitian National Police Academy, where Haitian students are now being taught by UN officers on subject matter pertinent to the future of the nation’s security. UN police forces continually partner with the Haitian National Police to educate and exemplify proper police tactics.
To monitor the HNP, UN officers assist with daily duties such as, patrols where HNP officers are given insight and further education regarding police behavior. Additionally, UN officers are assigned to areas that are in need of extra reinforcement. Devastating events such as the 2010 earthquake and the wavering presidential election caused the UN to send in more officers to realign the police force and ensure the nations safety and security. Nevertheless, the effort to protect and maintain order in Haiti has been challenging, and many have inquired about its effectiveness.
Haiti continues to struggle with controlling armed gangs, which has caused the UN to explore other methods of implementing protection against armed gangs. These methods include, building armed roadblocks, and barbed wire barricades. Nonetheless, some continue to fight back resulting in massive gun battles, lynchings, and kidnappings. However, gangs are not the only culprits of violence that permeate throughout the nation, UN officers have been known to engage in violent acts to prove a point as well. Recently, the UN came to a unanimous decision to renew the Haiti Mission Mandate for another year, but in doing so, are withdrawing some officers from the nation.
Questions to Consider
1. Do you think the Haiti Mission Mandate is beneficial to the nation? If so, how has it helped the nation? If not, how has it hurt the nation?
2. Do you think the renewal was a good decision?
3. What are some alternative ways to offer aid and security to struggling nation like Haiti?