Haiti: UN peacekeepers support police in efforts to curb crime

United Nations peacekeepers in Haiti and local police officers have carried out a four-day joint operation to target criminals operating in two neighbourhoods of Port-au Prince, the country’s capital.

Operation Hope, which ended last Friday, targeted known criminals in the Bel Air and Martissant neighbourhoods with the aim of disrupting their activities.

According to a news release issued today by the mission (MINUSTAH), the operation involved the deployment of more than 2,100 troops – mainly Brazilian and Sri Lankan – and 600 police officers. In addition, ground and aerial equipment and assets were mobilized for the operation.

MINUSTAH said the operation was meant to act as a deterrent for future criminal activities in those neighbourhoods. During the operation, Haitian authorities apprehended seven wanted criminal suspects, including several prison escapees.

Security has remained a concern in Haiti since last year’s earthquake, which enabled the escape of about 6,000 prisoners. Since then, criminals have used the ensuing chaos to rebuild and increase their activities.

MINUSTAH said it “remains firmly committed to bringing stability and security to the people of Haiti, in support of the national authorities.”

Currently, there are some 8,900 military troops, 1,351 police officers and 2,940 members of formed police units (FPUs) in MINUSTAH.