Canada implements United Nations Security Council sanctions against Haitian gang leader

From: Global Affairs Canada

News release

November 14 – Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Canada implemented a recent United Nations Security Council (UNSC) sanctions resolution into Canadian law under the United Nations Act. The measures are in response to the egregious conduct of armed criminal gangs in Haiti.

The sanctions under UNSC resolution 2653 impose a dealings prohibition against Jimmy Chérizier, the leader of the so-called G9, an alliance of Haitian gangs. This effectively freezes any assets he may hold in Canada and imposes a travel ban and arms embargo.

Canada has reason to believe this individual has engaged in acts that threaten the peace, security, and stability of Haiti and has planned, directed, or committed acts that constitute serious human rights abuses. The sanctions Canada imposed are intended to stop the flow of illicit funds and weapons to weaken and disable criminal gangs.

These gangs and their supporters terrorize vulnerable populations in Haiti with impunity, and are precipitating a humanitarian crisis in Haiti that includes the resurgence of cholera. They are committing unspeakable violence, including widespread sexual violence, against affected populations and impeding the delivery of critical services.

UNSC resolution 2653 established a sanctions committee to identify additional individuals and entities that could be sanctioned. This will put pressure on those responsible for the violence and insecurity in Haiti. Any new individuals or entities identified by this committee will be automatically subject to the sanctions measures outlined in the Haiti regulations under Canada’s United Nations Act.

Quotes

“Canada welcomes the United Nations Security Council sanctions resolution. It is important for Canada and the international community to do everything we can to help Haitians. These sanctions will send a clear message that countries around the world will put pressure on gangs and their supporters to end this senseless violence.”

- Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs

Quick facts

  • This is the first UNSC sanctions regime established since 2017 and includes a targeted assets freeze, travel ban and arms embargo measures.

  • On November 4, 2022, Canada issued sanctions against two individuals in response to the egregious conduct of Haitian political elites who provide illicit financial and operational support to armed gangs.

  • In October 2022, a Canadian government delegation carried out consultations in Haiti with regional partners, the United Nations, CARICOM and other partners.

  • In partnership with U.S. armed forces, Canada airlifted a commercial delivery of specialized vehicles to Haiti on October 15, 2022.

  • On September 21, 2022, Prime Minister Trudeau announced Canada’s contribution of CAD $20 million to help reconstruction in Haiti following the 2021 earthquake.

Associated links

Contacts

Adrien Blanchard
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
Adrien.Blanchard@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
media@international.gc.ca
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