UN clarifies role of Salvadoran troops in Haiti

The United Nations has clarified that most additional Salvadoran military personnel reportedly deployed to Haiti are not operating under the Gang Suppression Force (GSF), placing them outside the mandate of the UN Support Office in Haiti.

Responding to questions about Haiti and El Salvador, a UN spokesperson said the organisation was aware of reports of additional Salvadoran personnel being sent to the country but stressed that the majority were not deployed under the GSF framework.

“The vast majority of those are not deployed under the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) and, therefore, fall outside of the scope of the UN Support Office’s mandate and reporting,” the spokesperson said.

The UN Support Office provides logistical and operational assistance to personnel serving under the GSF, as well as support related to the organisation’s Human Rights Due Diligence Policy obligations.

The spokesperson also reiterated that all security operations in Haiti, whether conducted under the GSF or by Haitian authorities and their partners, must comply with international law, including international human rights law and international humanitarian law.

“Respect for these obligations, as well as transparency and accountability, remains essential to maintaining international support and ensuring the protection of the population,” the spokesperson said.

The UN also expressed continued concern about the impact of insecurity on Haitian communities, emphasising the need to protect civilians and pursue peaceful solutions.

In a separate part of the response, the spokesperson confirmed that the United Nations had received a letter bearing the signature of Wilson Joseph, identified as a representative of Gwoup Rebel 400, addressed to the UN secretary-general.

However, the spokesperson cautioned that receiving the correspondence did not amount to recognition of its author or endorsement of its contents.

“Receipt of such a letter does not constitute endorsement of its contents, recognition of its author, or a position by the United Nations,” the spokesperson said.

The clarification comes amid heightened international attention on security operations in Haiti and the role of foreign personnel in efforts to contain armed groups.

The UN said it remained focused on supporting efforts to restore security and stability in Haiti through a coordinated international response.

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