u.n. - Haiti Observer Blog

Jacqueline Charles, the Caribbean correspondent with the Miami Herald, stated that the U.N. is in talks with the Haitian authorities about taking peacekeepers out of Haiti. They are negotiating how to maintain peace on on the Caribbean island without the U.N. It is not clear how they will be able to do that. Some Haitians want the U.N.'s presence to be replaced by a new Haitian Military force.

The U.N. has been in Haiti for the past 13 years or since the 2004 coup that overthrew former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide. Some of the soldiers have been involved in local sexual abuse. They are also responsible for bringing the cholera epidemic to Haiti

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The United Nations issued a note to deny ongoing allegations in the Haitian press that UNOPS has been involved in systematic manipulation of the last election. UNOPS which stands for United Nations Office for Project Services has been blamed for manipulation attempts in the past elections in Haiti in favor of PHTK political party.

For the election of August 9 and October 25, 2015, UNOPS was the entity with the responsibility to provide logistical support, including the delivery and recovery of sensitive materials from various voting centers in the country. UNOPS was also assisted by representatives of the CEP and also agents of the National Police of Haiti (PNH).

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There is a famous quote by Christopher Marlowe that goes like that: " Money can't buy love, but it improves your bargaining position". In the case of the UN Peacekeepers in Haiti, money can in fact buy love. A report just released found that several members of a U.N. peacekeeping mission in Haiti have been engaged in "transactional sex" with more than 225 Haitian women for just basic needs.

These U.N. peacekeepers have exchanged food, care items, medication, household items for a moment of good time. The have been able to convince some urban as well as rural Haitian women on their offers. Urban women have been rewarded with tings such as money, cell phones, laptop and perfume; while rural women receive food, medication, and items for the house.

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Sandra Honoré, the Special Representative of the United Nations and the Head of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) has recently on the Security Council's 7408th meeting on 18 March 2015, has mentioned in her semi-annual briefing that despite months of political deadlock and uncertainty caused by the absence of a functioning Parliament since 12 January 2015, Haiti has made 'measurable gains' in creating a calm and stable atmosphere to hold its long overdue elections in a free, transparent and all inclusive manner, this year. The first round of voting has been scheduled for August 9; it is a stepping stone and a prerequisite for the following legislative, presidential and local elections, during the year. Although some political parties have raised their discontent over the scheduled dates, however, most of them have signaled their intent to take part in the election. The Secretary-General has requested all political actors to resume a genuine constructive dialogue which would contribute to building confidence among all stakeholders.

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