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# 									Joint Statement on Multinational Security Support Mission Pre-Planning Conference							

Media Note

Office of the Spokesperson

December 22, 2023

The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America, the Republic of Kenya the Republic of Haiti, and Jamaica on the occasion of the Multinational Security Support Mission Pre-Planning Conference, 14th to 15th December 2023.

          - The delegations of Kenya, Haiti, and the United States held a joint pre-planning conference on the Multinational Security Support mission (MSS) to Haiti on 14th to 15th December 2023 in Nairobi, Kenya. The Jamaica delegation joined the pre-planning conference virtually.
          - The MSS seeks to address the dire security crisis caused by gang violence in Haiti. This novel mechanism requires careful planning as well as the establishment of organizational structures and development of a shared understanding of the security environment.  The objective of the pre-planning conference was to convene key stakeholders and strengthen communications as we coordinate next steps of the MSS.
          - The Haitian delegation briefed on the situation in Haiti, highlighting the political and socio-economic crises. They also conveyed that the country faces troubling levels of gang violence, transnational crime, gender-based violence, internally displaced people, and a slowdown in socio-economic activity.
          - Haiti welcomed all contributing countries for their readiness to support Haiti. Haiti also commended Kenya’s willingness to lead the multinational mission in demonstration of its commitment and solidarity with the government and people of Haiti.
          - During the pre-planning conference, the Kenyan delegation briefed on its National Security Council’s endorsement, Cabinet ratification, and parliamentary approval on preparations for deployment of personnel. The Kenyan delegation acknowledged a pending court case to be determined in January 2024. Kenya was lauded for the preparations so far including taking lead in the development of key documents (pre-deployment training curriculum, Concept of Operations (CONOPS), Discipline and Use of Force (DUF) and securing Cabinet and parliamentary authorization for the deployment.
          - In response to Haiti’s urgent call for security assistance, the United Nations Security Council authorized member states to deploy a Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission to Haiti through the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2699 (2023) on 2 October 2023.
          - The resolution, under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations, authorizes member states to form and deploy the MSS mission, in close cooperation and coordination with the Government of Haiti, for an initial period of 12 months from the date of adoption of the resolution. The MSS is authorized to provide operational support to the Haitian National Police (HNP) by increasing its capacity through the planning and conduct of joint security support operations, supporting the provision of security for critical infrastructure and transit locations, as well as ensuring unhindered and safe access to humanitarian aid. The MSS seeks to assist the HNP to stabilize security conditions conducive to holding inclusive, free and fair elections in Haiti. 
          - The MSS mission is multinational in nature. We urge the international community to provide robust financial contributions, equipment, personnel, and other logistical support that are flexible and accessible, all of which are critical to achieving the MSS mission mandate. The United Nations is establishing a Trust Fund to receive donor contributions.
          - The conference commended Jamaica for leading planning and pre-deployment efforts for CARICOM, and lauded CARICOM involvement in the MSS and the Eminent Persons Group for the role played in the region. The conference also welcomed CARICOM’s commitment to offer personnel to the MSS mission.  
          - CARICOM member states remain vital partners due to their proximity to Haiti, common culture, and heritage. Regional support is paramount to ensure a successful MSS mission. 
          - The conference further stressed the need for pre-deployment training and robust accountability mechanisms to prevent human rights violations, protect vulnerable groups, promote rule of law and help Haitian National Police (HNP) to create a safe and secure environment in Haiti that facilitates the delivery of life-sustaining water, fuel, food, and medical supplies.

15th Day of December 2023, in Nairobi, Kenya

Tags

Bureau of African AffairsBureau of Western Hemisphere AffairsHaitiHumanitarian AidJamaicaKenyaOffice of the SpokespersonSecurity-Building Measures

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