Canada announces an additional $5.7 million in funding to support the deployment of the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti

From: Global Affairs Canada

News release

June 26, 2024 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

Canada and Haiti share a positive, long-standing relationship, and Canada remains steadfast in its support for Haiti and its people. As the deployment of the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission began yesterday, Canada continues to believe that the best solution for ensuring security in Haiti is to support sustainable mechanisms for strengthening the Haitian National Police (HNP), as well as the security and justice sectors, in the long term.  

Today, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced that Canada will provide an additional $5.7 million to the United Nations Trust Fund for the MSS mission in Haiti. This is in addition to the $80.5 million announced for the Trust Fund in February of this year. This additional funding will directly support the deployment of the Kenyan-led MSS mission. Canada is also working with countries contributing to the MSS mission to provide training to officers being deployed and to establish mechanisms to prevent human rights abuses, including sexual and gender-based violence.

In addition to the $5.7 million announced today, Canada previously allocated $12.5 million to support three projects that will help strengthen the HNP and improve security conditions for the civilian population in Haiti; the amounts are as follows:

  • $5 million through the Canadian Commercial Corporation to support the Specialized Tactical Training Program for the Haitian National Police
  • $4 million for the Organization of American States for its Securing Marine and Land-Based Trade Program in Haiti
  • $3.5 million for the UN Office of Drugs and Crime for its Container Control Program in Haiti

These three projects are being funded through a $100 ‑million investment in the HNP that was previously announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in March 2023.

Canada remains committed to working with Haiti and international partners to respond to the most pressing needs of the Haitian people. Canada will continue to support long-term good governance and development that addresses the root causes of fragility and insecurity, as well as efforts to build the resilience of the Haitian population.

Quotes

“I am pleased to announce this additional funding, which will help strengthen the Haitian National Police and, in turn, help restore security in Haiti. I am also pleased that the deployment of the Kenyan-led MSS mission has begun, which is a critical step in restoring peace and prosperity in the country. Canada looks forward to collaborating with Kenya, as well as with other international partners, to support the security sector in Haiti.”

- Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs

Quick facts

  • For nearly 30 years, Canada has contributed to every UN peace mission to Haiti to support stabilization and reconstruction efforts. Contributions have included financial assistance and the deployment of members of the Canadian Armed Forces, the RCMP and over 30 Canadian partner police agencies, as well as correctional officers.

  • Since 2022, Canada has committed more than $400 million in international assistance funding to Haiti. This includes an investment of $86.2 million to directly support the MSS mission—$80.5 million of which was previously announced in February 2024—and the $100 million in support of the HNP over the last year.

  • In 2023, Canada established the International Security Assistance Coordination Group, a platform that serves as the interface between the Haiti security sector stakeholders and over 30 international partners to help bolster the HNP.

  • The Canadian Armed Forces provided training, as part of Operation HELIOS, to military personnel from CARICOM nations, including Jamaica, Belize and The Bahamas. The CARICOM battalion received training on peacekeeping skills and combat first aid and will deploy in support of the Kenyan-led MSS mission.

  • Canada is providing law enforcement training to specialized technical and investigative units in the HNP working to counter gang activity in Haiti.

  • Canada is also supporting measures to prevent conflict-related sexual violence and sexual exploitation and abuse through the provision of technical assistance and $18.4 million in funding to the HNP to prevent and respond to sexual violence and other related policing needs.

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