The UN will withdraw its peacekeeping mission in Haiti by October 2017, the Security Council decided in a vote today.
Unanimously adopting a new resolution, the Council decided that, after over 13 years operating in its current form, the UN Stabilization Mission, known by its French acronym, MINUSTAH, would gradually draw down its military component during the next six months, finally withdrawing from Haiti by 15 October 2017.
Acting on the recommendations of the Secretary-General, the Council also decided to establish a successor operation, the United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti (MINUJUSTH), which would be mandated to assist the Haitian Government to strengthen rule of law institutions; further support and develop the National Police; and engage in human rights monitoring, reporting, and analysis.
This week the Associated Press revealed further reports on systemic sexual abuse of Haitians by UN Peacekeepers, in particular Sri Lankan soldiers.
Victims of sexual exploitation that were interviewed questioned whether the prolonged UN presence in Haiti had done more harm than good to the nation.
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