Global perspective Human stories

UN peacekeeping level in Haiti to increase by hundreds by end October

UN peacekeeping level in Haiti to increase by hundreds by end October

UN Peacekeepers help with food, medical distribution
The United Nations peacekeeping mission in Haiti, which has been operating at less than half its authorized strength, will receive several hundred new members by the end of October, a UN spokesman said today.

A formed unit of 125 police from China is expected to arrive on Sunday, Stephane Dujarric told reporters in New York. A further 622 Sri Lankan troops are expected from 25 to 29 October and the troops making up a Spanish/Moroccan battalion are also expected at the end of this month.

The UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) currently has some 3,090 military personnel from Argentina, Brazil, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Uruguay, as well as 650 police. The UN Security Council had authorized 6,700 troops.

Among its tasks, MINUSTAH is charged with establishing a secure and stable environment, fostering democratic governance and institutional development, assisting Haiti's Transitional Government in organizing free and fair municipal, parliamentary and presidential elections as soon as possible, strengthening the rule of law and supporting the country's human rights institutions and groups.

Interim Prime Minister Gerard Latortue appointed a three-member Commission for the Demobilized Military yesterday to implement compensation and social re-integration policies, Mr. Dujarric said.

The Government of former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide had disbanded the army, saying it was a way to end the country's history of military coups.