Haiti Update from UN News

Briefing the Security Council, Special Representative Helen La Lime called on Member States to provide greater support to Haiti in its efforts to address the protracted insecurity and prolonged political insecurity in the country. "It is essential that Haiti remains in the forefront of the international community's agenda."

• Gang Control Expanding - Kidnappings and homicides are on the rise. Last month alone, 201 people were killed, and 198 abducted. The violence has kept people trapped in their homes and forced the closure of dozens of schools, medical centers, businesses, and markets.
• Support National Police - The deepening sense of insecurity is exacerbated by the "seeming inability" of the National Police to address the sitguation. Ms. La Lime appealed for greater support for the force which lacks the human, material, and financial resources to effectively fulfill its mandate.
• Elections "Highly Unlikely" - The country has been without a functioning parliment for more than two years, the justice system is almost completely paralyzed, and it has been a year since the assassination of its president, Jovenel Moise. UN initiatives on the way forward have netted few concrete results. It is "highly unlikely" elections will take place this year.
• Humanitarian Needs Mounting - The economic situation remains a serious cause for concern because the gross domestic product contracted by 1.8% last year and government revenues shrank. It is estimated 4.9 million people will require humanitarian aid this year, with 4.5 million predicted to need urgent food assistance.