Haiti: A Difficult Land
New York, June 2025 — The United Nations Security Council Committee established under Resolution 2653 (2022) to oversee sanctions related to Haiti—covering travel bans, asset freezes, and arms embargoes—recently held an informal consultation to assess the expert panel’s latest work program and interim report, submitted in accordance with Paragraph 10 of Resolution 2752 (2024).
During the meeting, the Coordinator of the Panel of Experts provided an overview of their operations since their mandate was renewed on October 18, 2024. The briefing included preliminary findings covering the period from October 2024 to February 2025. The Coordinator reported that the Panel conducted multiple field visits to Haiti and neighboring countries in the region as part of their ongoing assessment.
The findings presented paint a grim picture of the escalating crisis in Haiti. According to the Coordinator, the country’s security environment has severely deteriorated, with armed gangs nearing full control of the capital. The report also highlighted the continued flow of illegal arms into the country, noting an increase in the gangs’ possession of higher-caliber weaponry. Human rights abuses have risen sharply alongside these developments.
Committee members responded with strong support and appreciation for the Panel’s efforts. They reiterated their commitment to using the experts’ findings to reinforce the enforcement of the sanctions regime. This includes updating the list of sanctioned individuals under Resolution 2653. The Committee also voiced deep concern about the worsening security and humanitarian situation in Haiti.
About the Sanctions Committee
The Haiti Sanctions Committee comprises all 15 members of the UN Security Council and operates by consensus. The current Chair for the term ending December 31, 2025, is Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett of Guyana, with China serving as Vice-Chair for the year.
Despite the severity of the crisis, only seven individuals have been sanctioned under the UN sanctions regime thus far. They include prominent gang leaders and one former Haitian lawmaker accused of arms trafficking:
- Jimmy Cherizier, alias “Barbecue” — Leader of the G9 gang coalition and “Viv Ansanm.”
- Johnson Andre — Leader of the “5 Segond” gang.
- Renel Destina — Leader of the “Grand Ravine” gang.
- Wilson Joseph — Leader of “400 Mawozo.”
- Vitelhomme Innocent — Leader of the “Kraze Barye” gang.
- Prophane Victor — Former Haitian parliamentarian implicated in arms trafficking.
- Luckson Elan — Leader of the “Gran Grif” gang.
As Haiti’s turmoil deepens, the international community watches closely to see whether these sanctions—and the work of the Panel of Experts—can help rein in the violence and restore a measure of stability to the country.
The broader challenge, however, lies not only in sanctioning perpetrators but in strengthening institutions, restoring public trust, and addressing the root causes of Haiti’s instability. Without sustained international engagement and a firm commitment from national leaders, sanctions alone will not be enough to dismantle the powerful networks of violence and corruption that continue to undermine Haiti’s future.
