U.S. Reaffirms Support, Aid to Haiti Amid Security Crisis

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WENY News) -- Following a recent visit to Haiti, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, “It is the Haitian people who will write Haiti's future.” 

During the visit, Blinken said the U.S is working to return Haiti, which continues to grapple with gang violence and government corruption allegations, to the path of growth and opportunity. 

To address the gang violence, last year the United Nations authorized a Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission. As a result, more than 380 Kenyan personnel have arrived to support the Haitian National Police. 

So far, the U.S. has delivered over $300 million to support the mission. 

“At this critical moment, we do need more funding, we do need more personnel to sustain and carry out the objectives of this mission,” said Blinken. 

The State Department is exploring ways to continue support for the mission, while also providing humanitarian aid. 

"We're continuing to marshal support with countries not just in the region, but countries around the world who share our commitment of doing everything we can to support the Haitian National Police, to make sure there's peace and stability for the Haitian people,” said State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel. 

During his trip, Blinken announced an additional $45 million dollars to Haiti for humanitarian relief. He also expressed support for the creation of a U.N. peacekeeping operation to secure funding to help fight gangs and promote security in Haiti. 

“That means more food, more water, more sanitation, more health and support services for one and a half million more Haitians,” said Blinken on Thursday. 

Blinken also traveled to the Dominican Republic, which is experiencing the impacts of the security crisis in nearby Haiti, including a migrant surge. 

Patel says the meeting reaffirmed U.S. support to an important ally. 

“The Dominican Republic is an incredible partner in a number of key areas- in the security space, in the economic cooperation place, when it comes to the work that was done earlier this year to support American citizens who were trying to depart Haiti- Dominican Republic was incredibly helpful,” said Patel. “It's an important bilateral relationship.”