OTTAWA –
Canada is committing $80.5 million to a mission to improve security conditions in Haiti, where rampant gang violence has led to an ongoing crisis.
According to Global Affairs Canada, the money will benefit a multinational security mission led by Kenya to support the efforts of the Haitian National Police.
It is expected to support the training, communications and logistics of police officers deployed to the mission, as well as expertise in areas such as human rights due diligence.
The international mission is not a United Nations operation, but was approved by the UN Security Council in October.
After the president's assassination in 2021, gangs have filled a power vacuum in Haiti, and the United Nations warned earlier this month that the situation is getting worse.
Haiti is suffering from widespread hunger, a collapse in basic health services and disturbing reports of sexual violence.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 22, 2024