Haiti: UN Sanctions on Political and Economic Players Offer Hope for Ending Impunity and Reviving Democracy

The renewal of the mandate of the UN sanctions committee on Haiti is an encouraging sign in the fight against impunity. As the country seeks to regain stability and return to democracy, the prospect of sanctions against figures who finance or support gangs is an important step forward. No one can claim to defend democracy while contributing to the violence that terrorizes the population.

Sanctions to fight impunity in Haiti

The revelations in the UN experts’ report call for rigorous investigations and concrete, evidence-based action. Haiti needs a credible, transparent and secure electoral process. That means breaking with the practices that fuel insecurity and ensuring that those responsible for destabilizing the country enjoy no protection. Sanctions, if they are fair and actually enforced, can help restore trust.