The Multinational Security Support (MSS) has issued an update on the progress of restoring order in Haiti.
In a statement on Monday, January 27, 2025, MSS revealed that it had developed a new policy to ensure the success of the mission and avoid the mistakes associated with its predecessor, the United Nations Stabilisation Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), which operated from 2004 to 2017.
According to MSS, MINUSTAH’s legacy was marred by allegations of human rights abuses and instances of sexual exploitation and abuse, including cases involving children.
“The United Nations Stabilisation Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), which operated from 2004 to 2017, remains one of the most memorable UN missions in Haïti. However, MINUSTAH’s legacy was marred by allegations of human rights abuses and instances of sexual exploitation and abuse, including cases involving children. Determined to avoid repeating such mistakes, the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission has prioritized accountability and integrity in its operations,” MSS stated.
Haiti mission
The MSS mission says it has developed a comprehensive Policy on Compliance, Oversight, and Accountability (COA) which outlines a multi-faceted approach to ensure that all mission personnel adhere to strict standards and protocols, safeguarding the mission’s integrity and effectiveness.
The mission says that it is establishing freedom of worship in the Caribbean country, which has been marred with gang violence.
“Together, these measures form the foundation of the MSS mission’s operations, objectives, and governance in Haiti. Another essential component of the MSS framework is the emphasis on freedom of worship. Personnel are encouraged to practice their faith as a form of spiritual nourishment, which plays a crucial role in maintaining morale and focus,” MSS stated.
“This spiritual support complements the mission’s core values, ensuring that officers remain committed to doing what is right while carrying out their duties. Even as MSS personnel engage with gangs to restore peace, respect for human rights and the sanctity of human life remain paramount. At the Life Support Area (LSA), weekends are marked by a unique sense of community, as MSS personnel and other workers gather freely to worship. It is a powerful sight, as Holy Books replace weapons, reflecting the mission’s ultimate goal: fostering peace and tranquillity in Haiti.”
