Events

Quebec City: Security and Rule of Law: UN Peacekeeping in Haiti, November 7, 2006

Panelists for Public Dialogue:

  • Chief Supt. Dave Beer, DG, International Police Services, Royal Canadian Mounted Police
  • Sgt. Gilles Brunet, International Police Services, RCMP
  • Marlye Gelin-Adams, Regional Consultant for Latin America & Caribbean, CARE USA
  • Major Robert Otis, Operations Officer, Canadian Forces - Valcartier
  • Marc Perron, President, UNA-Canada Quebec City Branch, Moderator

Overview of Discussion

The participants of the closed experts’ roundtable and the panelists of the public dialogue event discussed the situation of security and rule of law in Haiti, within the context of the present United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH). Participants explored strengths and weaknesses of the mission and examined several possible scenarios for the future. Overall, the discussion pointed to the lack of security and the limited institution building as key factors affecting the ability of the mission to move forward.

It was noted that within the UN Mission the forces have a lack of experience, communication with the local population, and of understanding of local culture. There seems to be a disconnect between the international community and the local population, as expressed by the perception of UN forces by the local population as ‘tourists.’ Violence and insecurity has proven detrimental for development projects and risky for peacekeepers. Armed gangs continue to dominate impoverished areas surrounding the capital city, and pose a threat to peace. Disarmament, demobilization and reintegration efforts have so far not generated the anticipated results and have failed to reach the majority of rural and urban armed groups. In the end, nation-building in Haiti is a long-term proposition, which necessitates long-term commitment and engagement by the international community.

Sample of Recommendations

  • Strengthen local institutions in recognizing their sovereignty and cultural specificities.
  • Work towards developing a judiciary system in parallel with the police system.
  • Involve more members of the Diaspora in the design of development strategies for Haiti.
  • Strengthen the radio/TV to spread messages and to build foundations for national dialogue.
  • Build local capacity, including the reinforcement of civil society and anti-corruption projects.
  • Reinforce cooperation of MINUSTAH forces and members of the Haitian national police.
  • Work towards rebuilding investor confidence and encourage investments in Haiti.

Media coverage of the events included:

  • A radio interview on CHYZ 94.3 FM (Dave Beer, RCMP), November 7, 2006
  • Radio interview, Radio Canada (Marc Perron, ACNU Quebec City President), Nov 7, 2006
  • University of Laval newspaper, “A-06-307 Forum de l’ACNU,” par Micheline Brûlé