Human rights compliance remains a cornerstone of the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM) in Haiti, as it strives to foster lasting peace in the country.
To uphold this commitment, the MSS Legal Team and the Community Engagement Team, in collaboration with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) Coordinator, have developed a Complaint Reporting Mechanism (CRM).
Officials said that this critical framework, endorsed by key stakeholders, provides a structured platform for the Haitian population to report any violations of their rights by MSS personnel.
The OHCHR, in partnership with MSS, conducted a two-day training workshop on the implementation of the Complaint Reporting Mechanism (CRM) for MSS.
The Thursday event brought together representatives from various Civil Society Organizations, EDUPOL of the Haitian National Police (HNP), human rights advocates, legal practitioners, and other non-governmental organizations.
The workshop was officially opened by Jack Ombaka- MSS Director of Strategic Communications, on behalf of MSS Force Commander Godfrey Otunge.
Drawing on lessons from past peacekeeping missions in Haiti, the training extensively covered the role of Focal Points in the CRM.
In the framework, complaints are categorized as either Serious Misconduct, Minor Misconduct or Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA).
Participants were trained on the core principles and the Status Protection Agreement, which are integral to the CRM.
The workshop emphasized on 11 key pillars that include: accessibility, safety, confidentiality, diligent response, participation, transparency, dignity and respect, non-discrimination and inclusion, informed consent, survivor-centered approaches, and the best interests of the child.
The CRM serves as a foundational guide to ensure the highest standards of transparency and accountability for all MSS personnel in the mission, firmly rooted in the respect for human rights.
This workshop marked a critical step ahead of the official launch of the CRM, which is scheduled for the first week of February 2025. Sam Mutungi - Senior Human Rights Coordinator and Technical Advisor at UNOHCHR, delivered the keynote address.
Other notable facilitators included Sebastien Hounhouedo, Denise Hauser and Mara Steccazzini (UNOHCHR), as well as Lara Chela (PSEA Coordinator), Adrian Hamilton and Hosea Bundotich (MSS Directors of Community Engagement).
Kenyan police are in Haiti to help in fighting criminal gangs terrorizing locals. The MSS Mission, headquartered in Port-au-Prince, is an international operation led by Kenya and authorised by the United Nations Security Council to assist the Haiti National Police in restoring peace, law and order amid threats of criminal gangs and violence.
There are now 600 Kenyan police officers in Haiti. There are currently also police and military officers from Jamaica and soldiers from The Bahamas, Belize, Guatemala and El Salvador.
