UN Security Council renews sanctions and arms embargo on Haiti

The United Nations Security Council has renewed sanctions against Haiti for one year to combat escalating gang violence and instability. The resolution, supported by the United States and Panama, passed with 14 votes in favor and one abstention from Russia.

The sanctions regime includes asset freezes, travel bans, and an arms embargo. While the embargo includes exceptions for security forces operating under the Haitian government, the UN has noted that illicit weapons trafficking—primarily from the United States—continues to fuel the conflict.

The Council also extended the mandate of the Panel of Experts for thirteen months to oversee the implementation of these measures. The resolution expressed concern regarding the misappropriation of public funds and warned that individuals involved in the illicit exploitation of natural resources to destabilize the country could face financial sanctions and travel bans.

Haiti continues to face a severe humanitarian and security crisis, with over 5,700 people killed or injured this year due to gang activity, alongside widespread reports of kidnappings and sexual violence.