Human Rights Watch (HRW) has issued a bold appeal to the UN Security Council, urging the establishment of a robust international mission to tackle the soaring violence that grips Haiti. This plea for action comes in response to the growing dominance of criminal gangs across key regions of the country, including the capital.

In a detailed brief, HRW criticized the existing Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission for its insufficient capabilities and resources, which fall short in protecting civilians and reinstating law and order. The organization advocates for a transformation of the MSS into a comprehensive UN peacekeeping operation. This proposed mission would integrate enhanced security and policing, alongside mechanisms for human rights monitoring, institutional reform, and stringent accountability.

HRW's proposal emphasizes the necessity of learning from the flaws of previous international interventions in Haiti. Past efforts have been marred by abuses, inadequate oversight, and feeble accountability measures. To avoid repeating these errors, HRW suggests that the new mission should include rigorous vetting of personnel, independent mechanisms for complaints, requirements for public reporting, and the involvement of civil society in oversight processes.

In a statement to the Security Council earlier this year, HRW highlighted Honduras' public support for a more effective deployment. Yet, delays in implementation have left the Haitian populace vulnerable to a spectrum of violent crimes, including kidnappings and sexual assaults.

The urgency of HRW's call is echoed in the UN Security Council's recent statements, which condemn the ongoing violence and stress the importance of strengthening the Haitian police force and improving humanitarian access. A UN report on Haiti’s political situation released in January 2025 further illustrates the fragile state of governance amidst escalating insecurity.

As HRW's appeal gains attention in international diplomatic circles, the momentum for a decisive and improved intervention in Haiti is building. The global community watches closely to see if the Security Council will heed HRW's call and mandate a mission that not only addresses the immediate security challenges but also ensures long-term stability and respect for human rights in Haiti.