Haiti

On October 21, 2022, the United Nations imposed an arms embargo targeting individuals and entities engaged in or supporting / criminal activities and violence, involving armed groups and criminal networks in Haiti (Resolution 2653 (2022)). Since October 1, 2023, this sanctions regime has been modified, and the measures no longer concern only non-state actors (Resolution 2699 (2023)). In October 2024, the embargo on the supply of small arms and light weapons was expanded to include arms and related equipment of all types (Resolution 2752).

1. Conventional weapons

Prohibitions

The current sanctions regime, as detailed in Resolution 2699 (2023), reaffirmed in Resolution 2700 (2023) and completed by Resolution 2752 (2024), decides that, « for a period of one year from the date of adoption of the resolution 2752, all Member States shall take the necessary measures to prevent the direct or indirect supply, sale, or transfer to Haiti, from or through their territories or by their nationals, or using their flag vessels or aircraft, of arms and related materiel of all types, including weapons and ammunition, military vehicles and equipment, paramilitary equipment, and spare parts for the aforementioned; and technical assistance, training, financial or other assistance, related to military activities or the provision, maintenance or use of any arms and related materiel » (Resolution 2699, para. 14 and Resolution 2752, para. 2).

Furthermore, Member States shall take appropriate steps to prevent the illicit trafficking and diversion of arms and related materiel in Haiti (Resolution 2752, para. 3).

Exceptions

 Requiring no prior approval from or notification to the UN Sanctions Committee on Haiti :

• « The supply, sale, or transfer of arms and related materiel, or provision of related assistance, training, or personnel to or by the UN or a UN-authorized mission and to or by a security unit that operates under the command of the Government of Haiti, intended to be used by or in coordination with those entities and intended solely to further the objectives of peace and stability in Haiti » (Resolution 2752, para. 2 (a)). This exemption « applies to, inter alia, the UN, BINUH, the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission authorized by resolution 2699 (2023), the HNP, and the Armed Forces of Haiti » (Resolution 2752, para. 6).
• Supplies of non-lethal military equipment intended solely for humanitarian or protective use, and related technical assistance or training, when intended to further the objectives of peace and stability in Haiti (Resolution 2752, para. 2 (c))

Requiring prior approval by the United Nations Sanctions Committee on Haiti :

• « Other supplies, sales, or transfers of arms and related materiel, or provision of related assistance, training, or personnel to Haiti as approved in advance by the Committee established pursuant to resolution 2653 (2022) to further the objectives of peace and stability in Haiti » (Resolution 2699, para. 14 (b) and Resolution 2752, para. 2 (b)).

Others

The duration of the sanctions regime is one year, and must be re-evaluated no later than October 1, 2025 (Resolution 2752, para. 14).