The 31st Planning Session of Haiti’s Task Force on the National Strategy of Disarmament, Demobilization, Reintegration, and Community Violence Reduction (SNDDR-CVR) took place at Hotel Karibe, featuring broad participation from stakeholders across various sectors.
Background
The SNDDR-CVR Task Force, established on April 6, 2021, is composed of nine members and led by Inspector General (IG) Ralp Stanley Jean Brice, who serves as the Secretariat Coordinator. The Task Force includes legal experts, representatives from human rights organizations, and members of civil society. Its objective is to reduce armed violence and promote reintegration and stability across Haiti.
Research and Consultations
The Task Force presented findings from extensive research and consultations conducted across all ten departments of Haiti. This process included special forums and comparative studies on violence reduction strategies, drawing lessons from similar initiatives in countries like Jamaica and Colombia.
Presentations and Discussions
Several sub-groups associated with SNDDR-CVR, including representatives from Security and Justice, UNICEF, and VIVARIO, provided updates on their ongoing projects supporting Community Violence Reduction (CVR). The discourse highlighted the importance of integrating community-based approaches to reduce violence and support reintegration efforts.
Law Enforcement Insights:
Inspector General Frantz Thermilus of the Haitian National Police (PNH) emphasized the need to address systemic issues like income inequality, which contribute to violence and instability. He called for collaborative efforts from the government, private sector, and NGOs to tackle these underlying challenges to ensure the long-term success of the SNDDR-CVR initiatives.
MSSM Update
Mr. Godfrey Otunge, the Force Commander of the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM), outlined the mandate, roles, and responsibilities of the MSS. He detailed the four phases of the MSS Concept of Operations. He outlined the Multinational Security Support Mission’s (MSSM) phases as:
Deployment Phase: Ongoing, started with the first Kenyan contingent on June 25, 2024.
Decisive Operations Phase: Upcoming; aims to target high-value gang members.
Stabilization Phase: Focus on maintaining order.
Transition Phase: Shift responsibility to local authorities.
Otunge noted the ongoing support from both local and international partners, highlighting the recent acquisition of crucial equipment and vehicles. He signaled the commencement of the Decisive Operations Phase, marking a pivotal escalation in the mission’s efforts against organized gangs.
Action Points
The session concluded with key action points presented by:
• IG Ralph Stanley Jean Brice, Task Force Secretariat Coordinator
• Mr. Sancho Coutinho, representing the RSSG, BINUH
• Mr. Godfrey Otunge, MSS Force Commander
• Inspector General Frantz Thermilus, Chief of HNP
These discussions underscored the commitment to a coordinated, multi-stakeholder approach to reducing violence and promoting sustainable reintegration efforts in Haiti.
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