A new report by the United Nations has confirmed that personnel serving under the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission in Haiti were implicated in four cases of sexual exploitation and abuse, all of which were substantiated following investigations.
The findings are part of a broader global assessment by the UN Secretary-General, which recorded 568 victims of sexual exploitation and abuse across UN-linked operations last year, including 158 children.
The report describes such violations as a “fundamental betrayal of trust” placed in international missions by the communities they are meant to protect.
According to the report, the four allegations involving MSS personnel were investigated by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and confirmed as credible.
The cases were subsequently referred to mission leadership, including the Gang Suppression Force command, for further action and remedial measures.
While the UN continues to support oversight processes, it emphasises that troop-contributing countries—such as Kenya—hold the primary responsibility for investigating misconduct and prosecuting those found culpable.
The report calls for greater transparency and timeliness in handling such cases, noting that accountability ultimately lies with member states.
Although specific details remain limited, external reporting indicates that the victims were between the ages of 12 and 18, with all four cases classified as corroborated.
Reports suggest that most cases are still pending action, raising concerns about delays in justice and redress for victims.
The Kenya-led MSS mission was deployed to Haiti in 2024 following authorisation by the UN Security Council, with the aim of supporting efforts to curb escalating gang violence.
While backed by the UN, the mission operates as a non-UN force, a distinction that has drawn attention to gaps in oversight and enforcement of conduct standards.
The UN notes that personnel assigned to the mission underwent both pre-deployment and in-mission training on preventing sexual exploitation and abuse.
However, it warns that evolving peacekeeping frameworks—especially those involving non-UN forces—require stronger and more consistent safeguards to ensure accountability and protect vulnerable populations.
These latest revelations add to longstanding concerns about misconduct by international security forces in Haiti, where previous peacekeeping missions have also faced allegations of abuse, further underscoring the urgent need for reform and stricter oversight in global operations.
