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Haiti deployment on hold: Govt must respect Constitution, says Amnesty

The National Police Service during a passing-out parade. (Photo: File)

By Yunis Dekow | Friday, January 26, 2024

Amnesty International has called on the Government to respect the recent High Court decision blocking the deployment of Kenyan police officers to Haiti.

Amnesty International has called on the Government to respect the recent High Court decision blocking the deployment of Kenyan police officers to Haiti. The organization underscored the necessity for constitutional grounding in future missions and urged authorities to implement measures ensuring a human rights-based deployment.

"We welcome the High Court's decision, which underscores the importance of upholding constitutional principles in the deployment of police officers. This ruling reinforces the need for a transparent and human rights-based approach," stated Amnesty International Kenya in a statement released to newsrooms on Friday.

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Judge Enock Chacha Mwita issued the ruling, blocking the government from deploying police officers to combat gangs in Haiti early on Friday. He argued that such deployment would be illegal, pointing out that the National Security Council lacks the legal authority to send police officers outside Kenya. The judge clarified that the council can only deploy the military, not the police, for peacekeeping missions like the one proposed for Haiti.

Amnesty International reiterated the need for meticulous vetting and protection of police officers involved in such international deployments. The organization urged the government to learn from the court's decision and implement robust measures for future missions, emphasizing that the protection of police officers and respect for human rights must be paramount.

Last year, the United Nations Security Council approved the deployment of international forces led by Kenya to address escalating gang violence in Haiti. However, the recent court ruling challenges the legality of such deployments by emphasizing the distinction between military and police roles in peacekeeping missions.

The Caribbean country, facing significant insecurity issues, had requested international assistance to address the rising violence. The UN Security Council's approval came after the imposition of sanctions on key gang leaders, businessmen, and politicians in Haiti in 2022.

The recent court decision adds a new layer to the ongoing debate surrounding international peacekeeping efforts and adherence to constitutional frameworks."