21 January 2026 21:38 UTC · UK Government · GOV.UK Speech · Source · Email X Link

UK expresses concern over escalating violence in Haiti

Key points

Deep concern over expanding violence in Haiti
Support for UN deployment and BINUH mandate

TL;DR

United Kingdom says it remains deeply concerned by the expansion and intensification of violence in Haiti
United Kingdom says children face extreme food insecurity, are unable to access education, and are increasingly exposed to forced recruitment and sexual exploitation
United Kingdom condemns the actions of armed gangs which bring daily suffering to the Haitian population
United Kingdom looks forward to deployment of the UN Support Office to Haiti and rapid scaling up of security support, and thanks troop contributing countries for their pledges
United Kingdom hopes the Gang Suppression Force will restore the rule of law, protect civilians, and create conditions for credible elections
United Kingdom calls on Haitian political actors to work together, tackle corruption, ensure accountability, agree transitional governance arrangements and an electoral timetable, and supports continuation of BINUH’s work including women and child protection

Original text

The United Kingdom remains deeply concerned by the expansion and intensification of violence in Haiti. Children are the victims at the forefront of this crisis. They face extreme food insecurity, are unable to access education and are increasing exposed to forced recruitment by gangs as well as sexual exploitation. We condemn the actions of armed gangs which brings daily suffering to the Haitian population. The UK looks forward to the deployment of the UN Support Office to Haiti and the rapid scaling up of security support. We thank the troop contributing countries for their pledges and look forward to their deployment to bolster personnel on the ground. We hope the Gang Suppression Force will restore the rule of law, protect civilians and create the conditions necessary for credible elections. President, enhanced security efforts alone will not be enough to address Haiti’s broader governance problems. We call on all Haitian political actors to put their differences aside and to work together in good faith. This includes efforts to tackle corruption and ensure accountability. We echo the Secretary‑General’s call for all parties to act swiftly and responsibly on transitional governance arrangements. An agreement should be reached without delay given the expiry of the mandate of the Transitional Presidential Council next month. We welcome the Haitian government’s efforts to agree an electoral timetable this year which sets out a path to much needed elections. A return to constitutional order through free, fair and safe elections is essential for Haiti’s future. The UK fully supports the continuation of BINUH’s vital work. This includes its efforts to facilitate inclusive political dialogue, strengthen democratic institutions, and promoting respect for human rights. It is vital the Mission has the capacity and capability to address women and child protection issues given these vulnerable groups bear the brunt of gang related violence, including sexual violence. We also expect the Mission to continue its work in promoting the full equal, meaningful and safe participation of women in political processes. The United Kingdom will continue to work constructively with all Council members towards a timely adoption of BINUH’s mandate this month.

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Haiti

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