Vladimir Paraison, Director General of the Haitian National Police (PNH), received United Nations Independent Expert William O’Neill on March 4th. Accompanied by his staff, O’Neill is conducting this visit as part of the preparation of his upcoming report on the security situation in Haiti. At the outset of their discussions, the UN delegation expressed its sincere condolences to the PNH for the losses suffered by its personnel at the hands of terrorists.

Describing the situation as "utter hell" Paraison painted a worrying picture. The gangs, extremely well-armed, have hardened their tactics, now using trenches, traps, and Molotov cocktails, making the fight with law enforcement even more perilous, particularly in the West and Artibonite departments.

While the police are striving to adapt psychologically and technically, they remain severely hampered by a critical lack of logistical resources, placing their hopes on the imminent deployment of the Gang Repression Force (FRG).

The issue of children within gangs and their use as child soldiers by terrorist gangs particularly alarmed O’Neill. The PNH High Command explained that the youngest, aged 8 to 10, are used as lookouts, while those aged 11 to 14 are armed and sent to the front lines. This macabre strategy by gang leaders places police officers, often parents themselves, in an unbearable moral dilemma during confrontations.

Faced with this tragedy, the PNH acknowledges its structural impotence. The Brigade for the Protection of Minors (BPM) has only one large room and no suitable center to care for these children, whether in terms of detention or reintegration. The police are therefore calling for a multidimensional response, involving the State, the Institute for Social Welfare (IBESR), and partners such as UNICEF to address the educational and social aspects.

Finally, the High Command assured the delegation that strict mechanisms are in place to guide interventions and respect human rights. Briefings on the rules of engagement are systematically provided before each operation, and the Inspector General's Office (IGPNH) is actively investigating 174 allegations of violations. As proof of this transparency, the Commander-in-Chief invited the UN delegation to accompany specialized units in the field to witness firsthand the complexity of combat in a dense urban environment.

HL/ HaitiLibre