United Nations Support Mission in Haiti (UNSMIH)

International Information

International Operation Name: United Nations Support Mission in Haiti (UNSMIH)

International Mission Name: United Nations Support Mission in Haiti (UNSMIH)

Mandating Organization: United Nations

Region Name: Central America

Location: Haiti

Mission Date: 28 June 1996 - 31 July 1997

Mission Mandate: To carry on with the work UNMIH had started by helping the Haitian government to professionalize the national police force, providing security and stability in Haiti, and supporting the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in various UN support programmes.

Mission/Operation Notes: On 5 June 1996, the Secretary-General made a number of recommendations regarding the role of the United Nations in Haiti after the United Nations Mission in Haiti (UNMIH) mandate expired. The Secretary-General agreed with Haitian authorities that the presence and assistance of the international community continued to be required to support the Haitian National Police (HNP), and to consolidate the progress achieved by the Haitian people after the restoration of democracy. According to the Secretary-General, it was clear that HNP was still not in a position to ensure, on its own, the stable and secure environment required for the consolidation of democratic rule. He further suggested that the complete withdrawal of the United Nations military and police presence could jeopardize the success achieved until then. He therefore recommended the establishment of a new mission with a limited mandate. Subsequently on the 28 June 1996, the Security Council passed Resolution UNSCR 1063 establishing the United Nations Support Mission in Haiti (UNSMIH).

The Council decided that UNSMIH would initially be composed of 300 civilian police personnel and 600 troops. In addition, 700 voluntarily funded military personnel were provided to serve with UNSMIH. UNSMIH's initial mandate period extended until 30 November 1996.

On 13 November 1996, the President of Haiti, Mr. René Préval, requested the extension of the UNSMIH mandate. The Secretary-General had already reported to the Council that there had been some improvement in the security situation in Haiti and in the capacity of the HNP to confront challenges. However he felt the HNP had not yet reached the level of experience and confidence required to control and defeat threats posed by subversive groups. It was clear that the presence of the UNSMIH military element was still a key factor in the ability of the Haitian authorities to contain the danger of destabilization by forces threatening democracy. The Secretary-General agreed.

The Security Council subsequently passed Resolution 1086 (1996) to extend UNSMIH's mandate until 31 May 1997 with a maximum strength of 300 civilian police personnel and 500 troops. The Council later decided that since UNSMIH was making a contribution to the consolidation of democracy in Haiti and the revitalization of the country's system of justice, it would extend its mandate for a final time until 31 July 1997.

Canadian Forces (CF) Information (STABLE)

Name: STABLE

Date: 1 October 1996 - 31 July 1997

CF Mission/Operation Notes: The UN had extended United Nations Mission in Haiti’s (UNMIH’s) mandate from April to June 1996 when it was replaced by the United Nations Support Mission in Haiti (UNSMIH). Operation STANDARD began in April 1996 during the UNMIH mandate, and continued through to September 1996 thus providing a transition operation between UNMIH and UNSMIH.

The Canadian role in UNSMIH was altered from that of UNMIH to include civilian police to assist with the training of the Haitian National Police Force. Tasked with peace support duties as well as humanitarian assistance operations, Canada provided 750 military personnel.

The Canadian contribution to UNSMIH included a headquarters unit to run the Canadian operation, a reconnaissance battalion (including soldiers from the 1e and 3e bataillons, Royal 22e Régiment and 5e Régiment d’artillerie légère du Canada) to carry out patrol operations, an engineer troop (formed by 4 Engineer Support Regiment and 5e Régiment du génie de combat) to work on field and construction engineering projects, a Utility Tactical Transport Helicopter squadron (formed jointly by 408 and 427 Tactical Helicopter Squadrons) provided with six Twin Huey aircraft to carry out transportation and emergency duties, a logistics group to support the Canadian operation, a military police platoon to enforce the peace and a military information support team to distribute necessary information to the civilian population. Brigadier-General J.R.P. Daigle remained as the Force Commander throughout the duration of UNSMIH, from July 1996 through July 1997.

UNSMIH’s mandate came to an end at the end of July 1997 when it was replaced by the United Nations Transition Mission in Haiti (UNTMIH).