UN Security Council faces key vote on Haiti mission as Guterres recommends one-year extension
Panana and the US, the co-penholders on Haiti, have, however, proposed that to extend BINUH's mandate by six and a half months, rather than one year.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has recommended the extension of the mandate of the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) for another year, "with the logistical and security resources needed to operate in the current environment."
BINUH was established in 2019 as a special political mission to strengthen political stability, good governance, including the rule of law, preserving and advancing a peaceful and stable environment, including through supporting an inclusive inter-Haitian national dialogue, and protecting and promoting human rights.
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The situation, however, worsened in July 2021 following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, that led to a rise in gang violence, political instability, and worsening humanitarian conditions, a situation that repeats itself today despite multiple interventions, as armed gangs still control most of the country's capital, Port-au-Prince, and have expanded their reach into other regions.
The Secretary General was tasked with submitting the report pursuant to Security Council resolution 2743 (2024), by which the Council extended BIMUH's mandate to July 15, 2025, meaning its mandate is due for renewal or whichever decision the UNSC will take on Monday, July 14.
After assessing the work of the mission, the Secretary General, on his part, recommended that its mandate be renewed by a year under a revised concept of operation owing to the fluid security situation in Haiti.
"The role of BINUH in supporting peace and security remains essential in addressing the root causes of the protracted political and security crisis and the devastating impact on the population. In this regard, I recommend the extension of the BINUH mandate for another 12 months with the logistical and security resources needed to operate in the current environment," Guteres says in the letter that will inform the Security Council's vote on a draft resolution renewing the mandate of the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH).
Panana and the US, the co-penholders on Haiti, have, however, proposed that to extend BINUH's mandate by six and a half months, rather than one year.
A brief by the UNSC states that the decision was made as several elements of the prospective UN response to the crisis in Haiti remain unclear.
"The proposed shorter extension is apparently intended to allow the Council to revisit BINUH's mandate once there is greater clarity," the brief states.
A key area of uncertainty is with regard to the recommendations contained in the Secretary-General's February 24 letter on options for additional UN support to Haiti, notably regarding the establishment of a UN Support Office to provide logistical and operational support to the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission.
"Other factors that could allow members to have a clearer picture in January 2026 include the Council's possible re-authorisation of the MSS mission, which ends on October 2, and the finalisation of an ongoing internal review of BINUH's mission concept," the brief adds.
The BINUH report covers the period from April 15 to June 20, 2025, and provides an update on the delivery of the BINUH mandate.
It shows that BINUH supported civil society in organising a meeting in Cap-Haïtien in the North Department that brought together over 30 young people and women to discuss transition priorities, including security, economic recovery, reforms, and elections that have been slated for early next year.
"Reharding preparations for the elections, the Provisional Electoral Council continued its electoral preparations, with support from BINUH and other United Nations partners, to complete the constitutional review process and elections within the timeline set by the agreement of April 2024, which foresees the installation of an elected president by 7 February 2026,"
The office also facilitated the organization of the national forum of civil society organizations to encourage multistakeholder dialogue on the transition and broaden women's and youth participation.
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It, at the same time, continued to record human rights violations.
"Between January and May 2025, BINUH recorded 4,026 victims of intentional homicide, including 376 women, 68 boys, and 21 girls. This represents a 24 per cent increase compared with the same period in 2024. During the quarter from 1 March to 31 May, BINUH recorded 2,364 victims of intentional homicide, including 226 women, 30 boys and 9 girls, an 11 per cent decrease compared with 2,660 victims during the period from December 2024 to February 2025. Abductions for ransom perpetrated by gangs affected 327 victims, including 113 women, 14 boys and eight girls, compared with 404 kidnappings recorded over the previous three-month period," Mr Guteres notes.
Towards justice efforts, BINUH and UNDP have helped deliver equipment to support the relaunch of the Court's activities to the Ministry of Justice and Public Security.
They also helped establish specialized judicial units to investigate, prosecute, and adjudicate complex financial crimes and mass crimes, including cases of sexual violence.
Similar efforts have led to the prosecution of 132 suspects for serious criminal offences, including rape, murder, criminal conspiracy, and the unlawful possession and trafficking of firearms.
BINUH police, external partners and Haitian National Police, and Multinational Security Support Mission personnel also simulated a high-risk threat scenario, such as a complex gang attack, and highlighted potential gaps and weaknesses in planning and operations as part of strengthening the ongoing security operations.
"Further simulations and training are planned. Biweekly meetings between Haitian National Police and Multinational Security Support Mission personnel to coordinate and share information to enhance joint operations continued, with the participation of BINUH."
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