Haiti: Recent Developments and U.S. Policy

Changes from January 23, 2023 to June 5, 2023

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Haiti: Recent Developments and U.S. Policy
~~January 23~~June 5, 2023 , 2023
Haiti, located on the western third of the island of Hispaniola and bordering the Dominican Haiti, located on the western third of the island of Hispaniola and bordering the Dominican
Republic, Republic, ~~is in the midst of~~remains mired in interrelated political, security, and humanitarian crises. As of interrelated political, security, and humanitarian crises. As of ~~early~~June
Clare Ribando Seelke
2023, Haiti lacks an elected president, legislature, and mayors following the July 2021 2023, Haiti lacks an elected president, legislature, and mayors following the July 2021
Specialist in Latin Specialist in Latin
assassination of President Jovenel Moïse; the terms of the last assassination of President Jovenel Moïse; the terms of the last ~~ten~~10 elected senators expired in elected senators expired in
American Affairs American Affairs
January 2023. A political standoff between de facto Prime Minister Ariel Henry’s government January 2023. A political standoff between de facto Prime Minister Ariel Henry’s government

and rival political and civil society leaders, and rival political and civil society leaders, ~~many~~some of whom have backed a proposal (the of whom have backed a proposal (the
~~“Montana Accord”)~~Montana
Karla I. Rios
Accord) to form a transitional government, has prevented the country from to form a transitional government, has prevented the country from
scheduling elections Analyst in Latin American Analyst in Latin American
~~scheduling elections~~ to replace officials whose terms have expired.to replace officials whose terms have expired.
~~Affairs~~

It is yet unclear whether an agreement announced Affairs by Henry on December 21, 2022, will lead to elections in February 2024 as originally envisioned. The ongoing political impasse also has hindered Haiti’s ability to respond to worsening security The ongoing political impasse also has hindered Haiti’s ability to respond to worsening security
and humanitarian crises caused by rampant gang violence, food and fuel shortages, a resurgence and humanitarian crises caused by rampant gang violence, food and fuel shortages, a resurgence

of cholera, and an August 2021 earthquakeof cholera, and an August 2021 earthquake ~~that killed 2,000 people~~. In October 2022, Henry . In October 2022, Henry
asked for a foreign security force to help reestablish control and enable humanitarian aid deliveries; many Haitian civil asked for a foreign security force to help reestablish control and enable humanitarian aid deliveries; many Haitian civil
society groups oppose this request, and no country has offered to lead such a force. The society groups oppose this request, and no country has offered to lead such a force. The ~~Biden Administration and Congress~~
~~may look to assess potential policy options for addressing the~~ compound crises in Haiticompound crises in Haiti~~, which~~ continue to fuel instability and continue to fuel instability and
~~irregular U.S. bound-~~U.S.-bound migration. migration.
U.S. Policy
U.S. policy in Haiti has aimed to support U.S. policy in Haiti has aimed to support ~~Haitians in their~~Haitian efforts to restore security, the rule of law, democratic institutions efforts to restore security, the rule of law, democratic institutions
leading to free and fair elections, and economic and social stability. In FY2022, the Biden Administration allocated leading to free and fair elections, and economic and social stability. In FY2022, the Biden Administration allocated an
~~estimated $219.2~~$237.4 million in foreign assistance for Haiti million in foreign assistance for Haiti ~~to support those goals~~, including increased support for the Haitian , including increased support for the Haitian
~~National Police. Haiti also receives significant U.S. humanitarian assistance, including at least $79.2 million in FY2022~~National Police. The FY2023 budget request included $274.8 million for Haiti, and the FY2024 request included $291.5 million for Haiti. The Administration also has continued to provide humanitarian assistance to Haiti, including $79.2 million in FY2022 and $56.5 million to date in FY2023. In March 2023, the Administration released a 10-year strategic plan for preventing conflict and promoting stability in Haiti, 1 of 10 countries prioritized by the Global Fragility Act (P.L. 116-94). .
The Biden Administration’s approach toward Haiti has evolved from supporting the Henry government to working with the The Biden Administration’s approach toward Haiti has evolved from supporting the Henry government to working with the
United Nations United Nations ~~(U.N.)~~ and other international actors to push Henry, his rivals, and other stakeholders to reach an inclusive and other international actors to push Henry, his rivals, and other stakeholders to reach an inclusive
political accord. Since October 2022, the U.S. Treasury and State Departments have publicly sanctioned political accord. Since October 2022, the U.S. Treasury and State Departments have publicly sanctioned ~~five~~seven current current ~~and~~
or former Haitian officialsformer Haitian officials ~~and~~, including Laurent Lamothe, former prime minister for President Michel Martelly (2011-2016). The State Department has denied visas to dozens of additional individuals and their denied visas to dozens of additional individuals and their ~~family members.~~
families. The Administration also has sought to facilitate a broader international response to the deteriorating The Administration also has sought to facilitate a broader international response to the deteriorating ~~security and~~
~~humanitarian situations in Haiti. In response to worsening conditions and Henry’s request for international assistance, the~~
situation in Haiti. The United States and Mexico drafted a United States and Mexico drafted a U.N. Security Council resolution to sanction gang leaders in Haiti and their financial backersresolution to sanction gang leaders in Haiti and their financial backers~~; the U.N. Security~~
~~Council passed this resolution~~ that was adopted in October 2022. Separately, the United States and Mexico proposed, but did not in October 2022. Separately, the United States and Mexico proposed, but did not ~~yet draft~~make public, a , a
resolution to send a non-U.N.-led security resolution to send a non-U.N.-led security assistance mission to Haiti. Congressional Action Congress has set objectives for U.S. policy, appropriated foreign assistance, and engaged in oversight aimed at ameliorating the crises in Haiti. The~~assistance mission to Haiti. Since October 2022, the United States has supported~~
~~Canada’s sanctioning of additional politicians and business elites beyond those subject to U.S. sanctions, including former~~
~~President Michel Martelly (2011-2016).~~
~~Congressional Action~~
~~As in prior Congresses, the 117th Congress enacted legislation, appropriated and conditioned foreign assistance, and~~
~~conducted oversight of U.S. policy toward Haiti. Congress enacted the~~ Haiti Development, Accountability, and Institutional Haiti Development, Accountability, and Institutional
Transparency Initiative Transparency Initiative ~~(HAITI Act) as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY2022~~Act (P.L. 117-103, (P.L. 117-103, Division V), enacted during the 117th Congress, set goals for U.S. development policy in Haiti through 2025 and directed the Secretary of State to prioritize the protection of human rights and anti-corruption efforts. The act~~Division V).~~
~~The act withheld aid to the central government of Haiti, until certain conditions were met. It~~ also required U.S. agencies also required U.S. agencies to assessto
~~measure~~ the progress of post-disaster recovery the progress of post-disaster recovery ~~and efforts to address corruption, governance, rule of law, and media freedoms~~
~~in Haiti~~in Haiti and develop a strategy for achieving the act’s policy objectives. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, . The Consolidated Appropriations Act, ~~FY2023~~2023 (P.L. 117-328 (P.L. 117-328~~, Division K~~), did not designate a total funding level ), did not designate a total funding level
for Haiti but for Haiti but ~~includes similar~~placed democracy-related conditions on conditions on some foreign assistanceforeign assistance ~~as enacted in the HAITI Act~~. The explanatory statement . The explanatory statement
accompanying P.L. 117-328 urged the Secretary of State to use “every appropriate diplomatic tool to press for dialogue” accompanying P.L. 117-328 urged the Secretary of State to use “every appropriate diplomatic tool to press for dialogue”
~~among political leaders~~ and to take “strong legal action” against those engaged in human rights abuses, corruption, and other and to take “strong legal action” against those engaged in human rights abuses, corruption, and other
~~illicit activities. In addition, the 117th Congress held hearings on U.S. policy toward Haiti, U.S. treatment of Haitian migrants,~~
~~Haiti’s April 2022 selection as one of the priority countries of focus under the Global Fragility Act (P.L. 116-94), and~~
~~Haitian-led solutions to the country’s crises.~~
~~Moving forward, the 118th Congress may weigh in on U.S. foreign assistance, sanctions, and other policies aimed at~~
~~ameliorating the crises in Haiti. Congressional interest in Haiti also may be reflected in broader concerns about irregular~~
~~U.S.-bound migration~~illicit activities. The 118th Congress is now considering the Biden Administration’s FY2024 budget request for Haiti, as well as other legislative measures. The House Foreign Affairs Committee and Senate Foreign Relations Committee have reported bills (H.R. 1684/S. 396) that would require an annual State Department report on ties between gangs and politicians in Haiti and call for the imposition of sanctions on individuals engaged in such activities. Proposed legislation to renew trade preferences for Haiti (S. 552) also has been introduced in the Senate. Congressional oversight efforts have focused on the Administration’s policies to manage migration from Haiti, among other issues. .
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Introduction
Haiti, a Caribbean country that shares the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic (see Haiti, a Caribbean country that shares the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic (see
Figure 1), has been of ongoing interest to Congress and successive U.S. presidential , has been of ongoing interest to Congress and successive U.S. presidential
administrations because of its proximity to the United States, chronic instability, and vulnerability administrations because of its proximity to the United States, chronic instability, and vulnerability
to natural disasters.1 Although Haiti has endured corrupt, authoritarian leaders for much of its to natural disasters.1 Although Haiti has endured corrupt, authoritarian leaders for much of its
history, governance arguably had improved in the years prior to a 2010 earthquake.2 That disaster history, governance arguably had improved in the years prior to a 2010 earthquake.2 That disaster
killed more than 200,000 people and set development back decades. Despite extensive killed more than 200,000 people and set development back decades. Despite extensive
international support for Haiti’s recovery, democratic institutions remain weak and the country international support for Haiti’s recovery, democratic institutions remain weak and the country
continues to contend with extreme poverty; wide economic disparities; and both human-made and continues to contend with extreme poverty; wide economic disparities; and both human-made and
natural disasters, including an August 2021 earthquake that killed 2,000. natural disasters, including an August 2021 earthquake that killed 2,000.
The situation in Haiti further deteriorated after The situation in Haiti further deteriorated after
Haiti at a Glance
Capital: Port-au-Prince Port-au-Prince
the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021 led to uncertainty over who would
Population: 12.2 mil ion (2023, IMF est.) : 12.2 mil ion (2023, IMF est.)
~~July 2021 led to uncertainty over who would~~
succeed him. Two days before the succeed him. Two days before the
Languages: French (official), Creole (official) French (official), Creole (official)
assassination, Moïse named Ariel Henry to be assassination, Moïse named Ariel Henry to be
Area: 10,710 sq. miles, slightly larger than 10,710 sq. miles, slightly larger than
Massachusetts Massachusetts
prime minister, but Henry was not sworn in. prime minister, but Henry was not sworn in.
Since most legislators’ terms had expired at the GDP: $26.58 ~~GDP:~~ ~~$21.9~~ bil ion ( bil ion (~~2022~~2023, current prices, IMF est.) , current prices, IMF est.)
~~Since most legislators’ terms had expired at the~~
time of the assassination, the Haitian legislature time of the assassination, the Haitian legislature
Real GDP Growth: -1.8% (2021); -1.: -1.8% (2021); -1.27% (2022); % (2022);
0.0.53% (2023, forecast) (% change, constant prices, IMF) % (2023, forecast) (% change, constant prices, IMF)
lacked the quorum needed to select a president lacked the quorum needed to select a president
Per Capita GDP: $: $~~1,790~~2,170 (2023, current prices, IMF (2023, current prices, IMF
to serve out the remainder of Moïse’s term, as to serve out the remainder of Moïse’s term, as
est.) est.)
outlined in the Haitian Constitution. outlined in the Haitian Constitution.
Life Expectancy: 60.4/66.1 years (male/female) 60.4/66.1 years (male/female)
As of As of ~~early~~June 2023, Haiti still lacks an elected 2023, Haiti still lacks an elected
(UNDP, 2021) (UNDP, 2021)
president, legislature, and local government. A president, legislature, and local government. A
Maternal Mortality Ratio: 480/100,000 live births 480/100,000 live births
political standoff between de facto Prime political standoff between de facto Prime
(UNDP, 2022) (UNDP, 2022)
Minister Henry’s government and opposition Minister Henry’s government and opposition
Sources: International Monetary Fund (IMF); United : International Monetary Fund (IMF); United
Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
political and civil society leaders regarding political and civil society leaders regarding
how to form a transitional government to how to form a transitional government to
stabilize the country and convene elections persists. The standoff continues amid a worsening stabilize the country and convene elections persists. The standoff continues amid a worsening
security crisis. Following a September 2022 announcement by Prime Minister Henry that fuel security crisis. Following a September 2022 announcement by Prime Minister Henry that fuel
subsidies would end, protests and gang-led violence erupted.3 After gangs took over the ports, subsidies would end, protests and gang-led violence erupted.3 After gangs took over the ports,
highways, and main fuel terminal, the economy ground to a halt and humanitarian agencies lost highways, and main fuel terminal, the economy ground to a halt and humanitarian agencies lost
access to some areas. In October, cholera resurfaced after a three-year hiatus. Henry requested access to some areas. In October, cholera resurfaced after a three-year hiatus. Henry requested
international intervention in Haiti in October 2022, but the United Nations (U.N.) Security international intervention in Haiti in October 2022, but the United Nations (U.N.) Security
Council has not yet voted on a resolution responding to that request.4 Council has not yet voted on a resolution responding to that request.4
The 118th Congress may consider options for responding to the interrelated political, security, and The 118th Congress may consider options for responding to the interrelated political, security, and
humanitarian crises in Haiti and the Henry government’s request for international intervention. humanitarian crises in Haiti and the Henry government’s request for international intervention.
This report provides a brief overview of the situation in Haiti and U.S. policy responses to date. This report provides a brief overview of the situation in Haiti and U.S. policy responses to date.

1 For background, see Laurent DuBois, 1 For background, see Laurent DuBois, Haiti: the Aftershocks of History (New York, NY: Picador, 2013); Philippe (New York, NY: Picador, 2013); Philippe
Girard, Girard, Haiti: : The Tumultuous History: From Pearl of the Caribbean to Broken Nation (New York, NY: Palgrave (New York, NY: Palgrave
MacMillan, 2005, 2010). MacMillan, 2005, 2010).
2 International Crisis Group, 2 International Crisis Group, Consolidating Stability in Haiti, Latin America/Caribbean Report No. 21, July 18, 2007. Latin America/Caribbean Report No. 21, July 18, 2007.
3 U.N. Security Council, “Letter Dated 8 October 2022 from the Secretary-General Addressed to the President of the 3 U.N. Security Council, “Letter Dated 8 October 2022 from the Secretary-General Addressed to the President of the
Security Council,” S/2022/747, October 10, 2022. Hereinafter, Security Council, S/2022/747. Security Council,” S/2022/747, October 10, 2022. Hereinafter, Security Council, S/2022/747.
4 For a description of the type of resolution the United States and Mexico had envisioned in response to Henry’s 4 For a description of the type of resolution the United States and Mexico had envisioned in response to Henry’s
request, see United States Mission to the United Nations, “Remarks by Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield at a request, see United States Mission to the United Nations, “Remarks by Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield at a
U.N. Security Council Briefing on Haiti,” October 17, 2022. U.N. Security Council Briefing on Haiti,” October 17, 2022.
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Haiti: Recent Developments and U.S. Policy

Figure 1. Map of Haiti

Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS). Congressional Research Service (CRS).
Political Situation
Background
Haiti won independence from France in 1804, making it the second independent republic in the Haiti won independence from France in 1804, making it the second independent republic in the
Western Hemisphere (after the United States). Since then, the country has experienced long Western Hemisphere (after the United States). Since then, the country has experienced long
periods of authoritarianism and political fragility, punctuated by foreign interventions and natural periods of authoritarianism and political fragility, punctuated by foreign interventions and natural
disasters.5 After the fall of the brutal Duvalier dictatorship (1957-1986), attempts to consolidate disasters.5 After the fall of the brutal Duvalier dictatorship (1957-1986), attempts to consolidate
democratic rule have had limited success.6 In 1991, a military coup interrupted the term of Haiti’s democratic rule have had limited success.6 In 1991, a military coup interrupted the term of Haiti’s
first president elected in free and fair elections, Jean-Bertrand Aristide of the center-left first president elected in free and fair elections, Jean-Bertrand Aristide of the center-left Fanmi
Lavalas party (1991; 1994-1996; 2000-2004). The threat of a U.S. military intervention allowed party (1991; 1994-1996; 2000-2004). The threat of a U.S. military intervention allowed
Aristide to return three years later to complete his term. In 2000, Aristide began a second term Aristide to return three years later to complete his term. In 2000, Aristide began a second term

after the opposition boycotted the presidential election due to flawed parliamentary elections 5 Rocio Cara Labrador and Diana Roy, “Haiti’s Troubled Path to Development,” Council on Foreign Relations, 5 Rocio Cara Labrador and Diana Roy, “Haiti’s Troubled Path to Development,” Council on Foreign Relations,
September 2022 (hereinafter Labrador and Roy, “Haiti’s Troubled Path”). Haiti reportedly paid an indemnity to France September 2022 (hereinafter Labrador and Roy, “Haiti’s Troubled Path”). Haiti reportedly paid an indemnity to France
of some $560 million, which caused a significant drain on Haiti’s finances well into the 20th century. Concerns about of some $560 million, which caused a significant drain on Haiti’s finances well into the 20th century. Concerns about
the indebted country’s ability to pay its creditors prompted a U.S. intervention from 1915 to 1934. Lazaro Gamio et al., the indebted country’s ability to pay its creditors prompted a U.S. intervention from 1915 to 1934. Lazaro Gamio et al.,
“Haiti’s Lost Billions,” “Haiti’s Lost Billions,” New York Times, May 20, 2022; Hans Schmidt, , May 20, 2022; Hans Schmidt, The United States Occupation of Haiti: 1915-
1934 (Rutgers, NJ: Rutgers University Press, 1971). (Rutgers, NJ: Rutgers University Press, 1971).
6 Fearing communist rule and/or instability on the island, successive U.S. presidential administrations recognized the 6 Fearing communist rule and/or instability on the island, successive U.S. presidential administrations recognized the
regimes of François Duvalier (1957-1971) and his son, Jean-Claude Duvalier (1971-1987), despite concerns about the regimes of François Duvalier (1957-1971) and his son, Jean-Claude Duvalier (1971-1987), despite concerns about the
leaders’ authoritarian tendencies. See U.S. Department of State, Office of the Historian, “U.S. Relations with Haiti” in leaders’ authoritarian tendencies. See U.S. Department of State, Office of the Historian, “U.S. Relations with Haiti” in
Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958-1960, American Republics, vol. V, document 309, at , vol. V, document 309, at
https://history.state.gov/historicaldocuments/frus1958-60v05/d309; and U.S. Department of State, Office of the https://history.state.gov/historicaldocuments/frus1958-60v05/d309; and U.S. Department of State, Office of the
Historian, “Telegram from the Embassy in Haiti to the Department of State” in Historian, “Telegram from the Embassy in Haiti to the Department of State” in Foreign Relations, 1977-1980, Mexico,
Cuba, and the Caribbean, vol. XXIII, document 253, August 14, 1978, at https://history.state.gov/historicaldocuments/vol. XXIII, document 253, August 14, 1978, at https://history.state.gov/historicaldocuments/
frus1977-80v23/d253. frus1977-80v23/d253.
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~~after the opposition boycotted the presidential election due to flawed parliamentary elections~~
favoring favoring Fanmi Lavalas in May 2000. In 2004, Aristide—facing an armed uprising against his in May 2000. In 2004, Aristide—facing an armed uprising against his
rule as well as U.S. and international pressure—resigned and went into exile.7 rule as well as U.S. and international pressure—resigned and went into exile.7
From 2004 to 2017, the U.N. Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), a peacekeeping force From 2004 to 2017, the U.N. Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), a peacekeeping force
that grew to 13,000 at its peak, sought to restore order in the country; build the Haitian National that grew to 13,000 at its peak, sought to restore order in the country; build the Haitian National
Police (HNP); and, later, help with recovery after the 2010 earthquake. The legacy of Police (HNP); and, later, help with recovery after the 2010 earthquake. The legacy of
MINUSTAH is complicated, as troops introduced cholera into the country and committed human MINUSTAH is complicated, as troops introduced cholera into the country and committed human
rights and sexual abuses. This experience has led many Haitians to oppose the type of foreign rights and sexual abuses. This experience has led many Haitians to oppose the type of foreign
military involvement requested by the Henry government.8 military involvement requested by the Henry government.8
Haiti’s most recent presidents, Michel Martelly (2011-2016) and his chosen successor, Jovenel Haiti’s most recent presidents, Michel Martelly (2011-2016) and his chosen successor, Jovenel
Moïse (2017-July 2021), who represented the center-right Moïse (2017-July 2021), who represented the center-right Tèt Kale Party (PHTK), took office Party (PHTK), took office
after disputed elections and administered governments allegedly rife with corruption.9 Under after disputed elections and administered governments allegedly rife with corruption.9 Under
Moïse, Haiti experienced political and social unrest, high inflation, anti-government protests, and Moïse, Haiti experienced political and social unrest, high inflation, anti-government protests, and
gang violence. Like other Haitian politiciansgang violence. Like other Haitian politicians ~~from across the political spectrum~~, Moïse allegedly , Moïse allegedly
provided money and arms to gangs in exchange for favors, including suppressing anti-provided money and arms to gangs in exchange for favors, including suppressing anti-
government protests such as those that erupted in 2018 after announced fuel price hikes.10 government protests such as those that erupted in 2018 after announced fuel price hikes.10
~~Government instability~~A 2021 report by Harvard Law School’s International Human Rights Clinic documented state (primarily police) involvement in attacks on neighborhoods in which some 240 civilians died from 2018 to 2020.11 Instability increased in 2019 after Haitian auditors issued two reports to the increased in 2019 after Haitian auditors issued two reports to the
country’s chief prosecutor alleging Moïse and other country’s chief prosecutor alleging Moïse and other ~~current and former~~ officials had officials had
misappropriated and embezzled millions of dollars in public funds.misappropriated and embezzled millions of dollars in public funds.11
12 Political gridlock between the executive and legislative branches led to the government not Political gridlock between the executive and legislative branches led to the government not
organizing scheduled October 2019 parliamentary elections. The terms of the entire lower organizing scheduled October 2019 parliamentary elections. The terms of the entire lower
Chamber of Deputies and two-thirds of the Senate expired in January 2020, as did the terms of all Chamber of Deputies and two-thirds of the Senate expired in January 2020, as did the terms of all
local government posts, without newly elected officials to take these positions.local government posts, without newly elected officials to take these positions.1213 Thereafter, Thereafter,
Moïse ruled by decree, with some controversy over whether his term was to end in February 2021 Moïse ruled by decree, with some controversy over whether his term was to end in February 2021
or February 2022 (the State Department did not take a position on that dispute).or February 2022 (the State Department did not take a position on that dispute).13

14 7 Daniel P. Erikson, “Haiti After Aristide: Still on the Brink,” 7 Daniel P. Erikson, “Haiti After Aristide: Still on the Brink,” Current History, vol. 104, no. 679 (February 2005), pp. , vol. 104, no. 679 (February 2005), pp.
83-90. 83-90.
8 Carla King et al., “‘MINUSTAH Is Doing Positive Things Just as They Do Negative Things’: Nuanced Perceptions of 8 Carla King et al., “‘MINUSTAH Is Doing Positive Things Just as They Do Negative Things’: Nuanced Perceptions of
a UN Peacekeeping Operation Amidst Peacekeeper-Perpetrated Sexual Exploitation and Abuse in Haiti,” a UN Peacekeeping Operation Amidst Peacekeeper-Perpetrated Sexual Exploitation and Abuse in Haiti,” Conflict,
Security & Development, vol. 21, no. 6 (November 17, 2021), pp. 749-779. For how past interventions have influenced , vol. 21, no. 6 (November 17, 2021), pp. 749-779. For how past interventions have influenced
recent popular opinion in Haiti, see Rafael Bernal, “Human Rights Coalition to Biden: No Military Intervention in recent popular opinion in Haiti, see Rafael Bernal, “Human Rights Coalition to Biden: No Military Intervention in
Haiti,” Haiti,” The Hill, November 1, 2022. , November 1, 2022.
9 On Martelly and Moïse’s elections, see Georges Fauriol, “Haiti’s Problematic Electoral Dynamics,” 9 On Martelly and Moïse’s elections, see Georges Fauriol, “Haiti’s Problematic Electoral Dynamics,” Global
Americans, December 21, 2021. On Martelly and drug trafficking, see Jacqueline Charles and Michael Wilner, , December 21, 2021. On Martelly and drug trafficking, see Jacqueline Charles and Michael Wilner,
“Canada Sanctions Former Haiti President Michel Martelly, Two Former Prime Ministers,” “Canada Sanctions Former Haiti President Michel Martelly, Two Former Prime Ministers,” Miami Herald, November , November
21, 2022. On corruption in the Moïse government, see Maria Abi-Habib, “Haiti’s Leader Kept a List of Drug 21, 2022. On corruption in the Moïse government, see Maria Abi-Habib, “Haiti’s Leader Kept a List of Drug
Traffickers. His Assassins Came for It,” Traffickers. His Assassins Came for It,” New York Times, December 12, 2021. , December 12, 2021.
10 Chris Dalby, “International Sanctions Seek to Weaken Haiti’s Patronage System Between Politicians, Gangs,” 10 Chris Dalby, “International Sanctions Seek to Weaken Haiti’s Patronage System Between Politicians, Gangs,”
InSight Crime, November 24, 2022. For Moïse officials’ involvement in attacks on neighborhoods where protests , November 24, 2022. For Moïse officials’ involvement in attacks on neighborhoods where protests
occurred, see U.S. Department of the Treasury, “Treasury Sanctions Serious Human Rights Abusers on International occurred, see U.S. Department of the Treasury, “Treasury Sanctions Serious Human Rights Abusers on International
Human Rights Day,” December 10, 2020. Human Rights Day,” December 10, 2020.
11 11 Harvard Law School International Human Rights Clinic, Killing with Impunity: State-Sanctioned Massacres in Haiti, April 2021. 12 U.S. Department of State, “Appendix C: Major Corruption Cases in Haiti and Government of Haiti Efforts to U.S. Department of State, “Appendix C: Major Corruption Cases in Haiti and Government of Haiti Efforts to
Address Corruption,” November 10, 2022, at https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Appendix-C-Address Corruption,” November 10, 2022, at https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Appendix-C-
Developments-in-Haiti-004977.pdf. Developments-in-Haiti-004977.pdf.
1213 The 10 remaining senators’ terms expired on January 9, 2023. The 10 remaining senators’ terms expired on January 9, 2023.
1314 U.S. Department of State, “Appendix F: Alleged February 2021 Coup Against President Jovenel Moïse and U.S. and U.S. Department of State, “Appendix F: Alleged February 2021 Coup Against President Jovenel Moïse and U.S. and
International Partner Efforts to Support Free and Fair Elections in Haiti,” November 2022, at https://www.state.gov/International Partner Efforts to Support Free and Fair Elections in Haiti,” November 2022, at https://www.state.gov/
wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Appendix-F-Developments-in-Haiti-004977.pdf. wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Appendix-F-Developments-in-Haiti-004977.pdf.
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On July 7, 2021, armed assailants assassinated President Moïse in his private home in Port-au- On July 7, 2021, armed assailants assassinated President Moïse in his private home in Port-au-
Prince. Prince. ~~To this day, many details~~Details of the attack remain under investigation; however, the U.S. of the attack remain under investigation; however, the U.S.
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has ~~filed charges against three~~arrested 11 individuals for their role in a individuals for their role in a
~~plot to kidnap or kill Moïse.14 The FBI has also been supporting~~plot to kill Moïse. A federal judge sentenced one of those individuals to life in prison in early June 2023.15 The FBI also has supported Haitian authorities’ investigation Haitian authorities’ investigation
of the crime, although threats to the safety of those of the crime, although threats to the safety of those ~~authorities,~~authorities and turnover among the judges leading turnover among the judges leading
~~the investigation, and break-ins at judges’ offices have occurred. By the end of 2022,~~ the investigation have hindered their efforts. Haitian Haitian
police police ~~had~~have arrested arrested~~, but not charged,~~ at least 23 people accused of planning the plot, including 18 at least 23 people accused of planning the plot, including 18
former Colombian soldiers, members of Moïse’s security team, a former rebel leader, a former former Colombian soldiers, members of Moïse’s security team, a former rebel leader, a former
~~divisional~~ police inspector, and a Haitian-American pastor with police inspector, and a Haitian-American pastor with ~~long-standing~~ ties to Florida.ties to Florida.1516
The Aftermath of President Moïse’s Assassination
Moïse’s assassination gave rise to uncertainty about who would succeed him as president and Moïse’s assassination gave rise to uncertainty about who would succeed him as president and
who would serve as prime minister.who would serve as prime minister.16 Under the Haitian Constitution (Article 149), if a president Under the Haitian Constitution (Article 149), if a president
dies in the last two years of his term, the legislature should elect a provisional president to serve dies in the last two years of his term, the legislature should elect a provisional president to serve
out the term.17 As Haiti lackedout the term.17 As Haiti lacked ~~(and continues to lack)~~ a functioning legislature at the time of the a functioning legislature at the time of the
assassination, the choice of who would succeed Moïse could not follow the prescribed assassination, the choice of who would succeed Moïse could not follow the prescribed
constitutional order. constitutional order.
Three individuals laid claims to serve as prime minister: interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph; Three individuals laid claims to serve as prime minister: interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph;
Ariel Henry, a neurosurgeon nominated to be prime minister two days before Moïse’s death but Ariel Henry, a neurosurgeon nominated to be prime minister two days before Moïse’s death but
not sworn in; and Joseph Lambert, then-president of the Haitian Senate. On July 8, the Haitian not sworn in; and Joseph Lambert, then-president of the Haitian Senate. On July 8, the Haitian
government requested security and investigative assistance from the United States. In response to government requested security and investigative assistance from the United States. In response to
that request, an inter-agency delegation traveled to Haiti on July 11. U.S. officials that request, an inter-agency delegation traveled to Haiti on July 11. U.S. officials ~~also~~ met with met with
all three claimants to prime minister. After days of jockeying among the claimants over who all three claimants to prime minister. After days of jockeying among the claimants over who
would become prime ministerwould become prime minister ~~and who would fill key cabinet positions~~, Joseph agreed that Henry , Joseph agreed that Henry
would be prime minister and he foreign minister on July 12.18 Lambert separately gave up his would be prime minister and he foreign minister on July 12.18 Lambert separately gave up his
quest to be prime minister; the U.S. government later sanctioned him for drug trafficking. On July quest to be prime minister; the U.S. government later sanctioned him for drug trafficking. On July
17, the United States, United Nations, and other 17, the United States, United Nations, and other ~~international~~ donors issued a statement calling donors issued a statement calling
for the formation of an “inclusive government” and encouraging Prime Minister-designate Ariel for the formation of an “inclusive government” and encouraging Prime Minister-designate Ariel
Henry to form Henry to form ~~such~~ a government.19 a government.19
In September 2021, Henry dismissed Haiti’s electoral council. He and his supporters then In September 2021, Henry dismissed Haiti’s electoral council. He and his supporters then
proposed that Henry name a provisional electoral council to convene elections. They also proposed that Henry name a provisional electoral council to convene elections. They also
proposed that Henry remain the single head of government until a new elected government takes proposed that Henry remain the single head of government until a new elected government takes
office. office. ~~By early~~As of June 2023, Henry has yet to appoint that council, and many civil society and political 2023, Henry has yet to appoint that council, and many civil society and political
actors within Haiti have opposed this proposal. Henry’s irregular path to his position and actors within Haiti have opposed this proposal. Henry’s irregular path to his position and

14 15 U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of State, Report to Congress on the Assassination of Former President of Haiti Jovenel Moïse,
, (Div. V, P.L. 117-103), November 10, 2022, at https://www.state.gov/haiti-reports/(Div. V, P.L. 117-103), November 10, 2022, at https://www.state.gov/haiti-reports/.
15 U.S. Department of Justice, “Four Florida Men Arrested in Plot to Kill Haitian President, Grand Jury Returns Indictment Against 11,” February 14, 2023; Chris Cameron, “Man Gets Life in Prison in Killing of Haiti Leader,” New York Times, June 4, 2023. 16 Jacqueline Charles, “Made in Miami: How a South Florida Plot to Oust Haiti’s Jovenel Moïse Led to His Murder,” Jacqueline Charles, “Made in Miami: How a South Florida Plot to Oust Haiti’s Jovenel Moïse Led to His Murder,”
Miami Herald, December 8, 2022; , December 8, 2022; ~~Jacqueline Charles,~~ “Ex-Rebel Leader Known as ‘the Torturer’ Is Arrested in Haiti “Ex-Rebel Leader Known as ‘the Torturer’ Is Arrested in Haiti
President’s Assassination,” President’s Assassination,” Miami Herald, December 21, 2022, December 21, 2022.
16 CRS Insight IN11699, Haiti: Concerns After the Presidential Assassination~~, by Maureen Taft-Morales~~. .
17 Haiti’s Constitution of 1987 with Amendments Through 2012 is available in English at 17 Haiti’s Constitution of 1987 with Amendments Through 2012 is available in English at
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Haiti_2012.pdf?lang=en. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Haiti_2012.pdf?lang=en.
18 CRS interview with State Department officials, January 9, 2023. 18 CRS interview with State Department officials, January 9, 2023.
19 U.N. Integrated Office in Haiti19 U.N. Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), “Core Group Press Release,” July 17, 2021. , “Core Group Press Release,” July 17, 2021.
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allegations of his possible involvement in Moïse’s assassination, allegations of his possible involvement in Moïse’s assassination, ~~however,~~ have eroded his have eroded his
credibility.20 Henry has fired officials who have sought to question him about the Moïse case.21 credibility.20 Henry has fired officials who have sought to question him about the Moïse case.21
As an alternative to Henry’s proposal, numerous civil society organizations and political parties As an alternative to Henry’s proposal, numerous civil society organizations and political parties
have sought to form an interim government. After months of broad consultations, the Citizen have sought to form an interim government. After months of broad consultations, the Citizen
Conference for a Haitian Solution to the Crisis (widely known as the Montana Group) came to an Conference for a Haitian Solution to the Crisis (widely known as the Montana Group) came to an
agreement in August 2021.22 The Montana Accord proposed a two-year interim government led agreement in August 2021.22 The Montana Accord proposed a two-year interim government led
by a president and prime minister, with oversight committees, to restore order, administer by a president and prime minister, with oversight committees, to restore order, administer
elections, and create a truth and justice commission to address past human rights violations. elections, and create a truth and justice commission to address past human rights violations.
Although many civic leaders and political parties signed the accord, some did not (including Although many civic leaders and political parties signed the accord, some did not (including
some business groups, churches, and the PHTK and allied parties).some business groups, churches, and the PHTK and allied parties). ~~U.S. officials have~~
~~periodically criticized the Montana Group, including after it signed an agreement with the PEN~~
~~coalition, a group whose signatories include U.S.-sanctioned former Senator Lambert.23~~
~~As of January 2023, Henry and the Montana Group have been unable to reach a negotiated~~
~~solution.~~ In October 2022, Henry and his advisers requested foreign intervention to address the In October 2022, Henry and his advisers requested foreign intervention to address the
worsening security and humanitarian crises.worsening security and humanitarian crises.2423 Many Haitian political and civil society groups Many Haitian political and civil society groups
opposed the request, and critics maintain that Henry wants an intervention to help him remain in opposed the request, and critics maintain that Henry wants an intervention to help him remain in
power and protect his and allied interests, power and protect his and allied interests, ~~much~~ as past Haitian leaders did.as past Haitian leaders did.~~25 Recent~~24 U.S. and U.S. and
Canadian sanctions targeting Haitian politicians and business leaders, some of whom have Canadian sanctions targeting Haitian politicians and business leaders, some of whom have
opposed negotiations or reportedly have benefitted from the unrest, opposed negotiations or reportedly have benefitted from the unrest, ~~could spur renewed efforts~~have sought to to
break the political impasse.break the political impasse.2625
Henry put forth a transition proposal Henry put forth a transition proposal inon December December ~~2022~~21, 2022, named the named the “National Consensus for an National Consensus for an
Inclusive Transition and Transparent Elections.Inclusive Transition and Transparent Elections.”26 His government His government ~~published a decree establishing~~
~~a high transition council~~established a three-member High Transition Council (HTC) to implement that transition plan in (HTC) to implement that transition plan in January 2023 and appointed judges to the country’s highest court in March 2023. An independent facilitation committee is carrying out consultations between the HTC, civil society, and donors on implementing the agreement. Discussions are also ongoing over how to improve security conditions and to select a new provisional electoral council. It is yet unclear whether the plan will receive broad enough support to enable Haiti to convene elections in February 2024 as originally envisioned~~the state’s official newsletter~~
~~on January 17, 2023. It is yet unclear whether the plan will receive broad support~~. .
Security Crisis
Since Moïse’s assassination, violent gangs have threatened to overwhelm the Haitian government Since Moïse’s assassination, violent gangs have threatened to overwhelm the Haitian government
and businesses, many of which have long been the gangs’ primary benefactors. The symbiotic and businesses, many of which have long been the gangs’ primary benefactors. The symbiotic
relationship between the gangs in Haiti and the country’s political and economic elite is well relationship between the gangs in Haiti and the country’s political and economic elite is well
established. Many of Haiti’s past presidents and other prominent politicians have used and established. Many of Haiti’s past presidents and other prominent politicians have used and
received support from gangs. Generally, gangs provide political elites with services such as received support from gangs. Generally, gangs provide political elites with services such as
campaign support, voter intimidation, bribery, fundraising, vandalism, and disruption (see campaign support, voter intimidation, bribery, fundraising, vandalism, and disruption (see
depiction in depiction in Figure 2).27 Former President Aristide relied on support from gangs known as ).27 Former President Aristide relied on support from gangs known as

20 Monique Beals, “Judge, Investigators say Haitian Prime Minister Involved in President’s Assassination,” 20 Monique Beals, “Judge, Investigators say Haitian Prime Minister Involved in President’s Assassination,” The Hill, ,
February 8, 2022. February 8, 2022.
21 As an example, see “Haiti’s PM Replaces The Prosecutor Who Wanted Him Charged In The President’s Slaying,” 21 As an example, see “Haiti’s PM Replaces The Prosecutor Who Wanted Him Charged In The President’s Slaying,”
Associated Press (AP), September 14, 2021. Associated Press (AP), September 14, 2021.
22 Georges Fauriol, “Haiti: Betting on the Montana Accord,” 22 Georges Fauriol, “Haiti: Betting on the Montana Accord,” Global Americans, February 9, 2022. , February 9, 2022.
23 23 ~~CRS interview with State Department officials, January 9, 2023.~~
24 Catherine Osborn, “Haiti’s Crisis Escalates,” Catherine Osborn, “Haiti’s Crisis Escalates,” Foreign Policy, October 14, 2022. , October 14, 2022.
2524 Jonathan M. Katz, “Haiti’s Elites Keep Calling for the U.S. Marines,” Jonathan M. Katz, “Haiti’s Elites Keep Calling for the U.S. Marines,” Foreign Policy, October 31, 2022. , October 31, 2022.
2625 David C. Adams, “U.S. and Canada Turn to Sanctions Against Haitian Politicians and Businessmen Accused of Ties David C. Adams, “U.S. and Canada Turn to Sanctions Against Haitian Politicians and Businessmen Accused of Ties
to Gangs,” UnivisionNews, December 19, 2022 (hereinafter Adams, “U.S. and Canada Turn to Sanctions”). to Gangs,” UnivisionNews, December 19, 2022 (hereinafter Adams, “U.S. and Canada Turn to Sanctions”).
26 U.N. Security Council, BINUH, Report of the Secretary General, April 13, 2023. 27 Global Initiative Against Organized Crime, 27 Global Initiative Against Organized Crime, Gangs of Haiti: Expansion, Power, and an Escalating Crisis, October October
2022. Hereinafter: Global Initiative, 2022. Hereinafter: Global Initiative, Gangs of Haiti. .
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chimères, and the Canadian government sanctioned former President Martelly for his role in , and the Canadian government sanctioned former President Martelly for his role in
financing gangs.28 financing gangs.28
The relationship between Haiti’s economic elite and gangs is less apparent but no less significant The relationship between Haiti’s economic elite and gangs is less apparent but no less significant
than the ties between politicians and gangs. Business owners assert they have to support certain than the ties between politicians and gangs. Business owners assert they have to support certain
gangs as a defensive measure to protect their businesses and enable them to move merchandise gangs as a defensive measure to protect their businesses and enable them to move merchandise
throughout the country and abroad.29 In throughout the country and abroad.29 In ~~addition, some of Haiti’s top economic elites allegedly~~
~~finance gangs to bolster both licit and illicit businesses. In~~ December 2022, the Canadian December 2022, the Canadian
government imposed sanctions on Gilbert Bigio, Reynold Deeb, and Sherif Abdallah, three elites government imposed sanctions on Gilbert Bigio, Reynold Deeb, and Sherif Abdallah, three elites
who reportedly provided “illicit financial and operational support to armed gangs.”30 who reportedly provided “illicit financial and operational support to armed gangs.”30
Figure 2. Criminal Dynamics in Haiti Source: CRS, based on a graphic from InSight Crime for the U.S. Agency for International Development, November 2021, at https://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PA00ZF3H.pdf. Gangs have expanded their power in the wake of Moïse’s assassination. They have exerted Gangs have expanded their power in the wake of Moïse’s assassination. They have exerted
control over territory, highways, ports, and the delivery of humanitarian aid, challenging the control over territory, highways, ports, and the delivery of humanitarian aid, challenging the
authority of the HNP and other state institutions. Gangs were responsible for an October 2021 authority of the HNP and other state institutions. Gangs were responsible for an October 2021
kidnapping of U.S. missionaries and a blockade of the country’s primary fuel terminal from kidnapping of U.S. missionaries and a blockade of the country’s primary fuel terminal from
September to early November 2022.September to early November 2022.31
~~Figure 2. Criminal Dynamics in Haiti~~

Source: CRS, based on a graphic from InSight Crime for the U.S. Agency for International Development,
~~November 2021, at https://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PA00ZF3H.pdf.~~

In 2021, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) estimated there were 200 gangs in Haiti, which reportedly controlled some 60% of Port-au-Prince.31 The G9 and Family (G9) and the G-PEP are two of Haiti’s most powerful gang federations. In 2022, homicides increased by 35.2% compared with 2021 as gangs vied for control of territory.32 More than 1,400 28 Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, 28 Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Haiti: The Chimères, Their Activities and Their Geographic Presence;
the Treatment of the Chimères by the Authorities and the Presence of Group Members Within the Government and the
Police (2006-May 2008), June 3, 2008; Harold Isaac and Brian Ellsworth, “Canada Sanctions Haiti Ex-President , June 3, 2008; Harold Isaac and Brian Ellsworth, “Canada Sanctions Haiti Ex-President
Martelly for Financing Gangs,” Reuters, November 20, 2022. Martelly for Financing Gangs,” Reuters, November 20, 2022.
29 Alberto Arce and Rodrigo Abd, “In Haiti, the Difficult Relationship of Gangs and Business,” Associated Press, 29 Alberto Arce and Rodrigo Abd, “In Haiti, the Difficult Relationship of Gangs and Business,” Associated Press,
October 21, 2021. October 21, 2021.
30 Government of Canada, “Canada Imposes Sanctions Against Haitian Economic Elites,” December 5, 2022. 30 Government of Canada, “Canada Imposes Sanctions Against Haitian Economic Elites,” December 5, 2022.
31 U.S. 31 U.S. ~~Department of Justice (DOJ), “Haitian Gang Leader Charged with Conspiracy to Commit Hostage Taking for~~
~~Kidnapping of 16 U.S. Missionaries in Fall 2021,” May 10, 2022; Henry Shuldiner, “From Negotiations to Sanctions, a~~
Busy Time for Crime in Haiti,” InSight Crime~~, November 11, 2022~~Agency for International Development (USAID), Mapping Haiti’s Criminal Dynamics, November 2021; Global Initiative, Gangs of Haiti. 32 U.N. Security Council, BINUH, Report of the Secretary-General, January 17, 2023. .
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~~As of late 2021, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) cited up to 200 gangs~~
~~in Haiti, which reportedly controlled some 60% of Port-au-Prince at that time.32 The G9 and~~
~~Family (G9) and the G-PEP are two of Haiti’s most powerful gang federations. From January to~~
~~August 2022, as gangs clashed, police recorded 25.5% more homicides than the same period in~~
~~2021. 33 Kidnappings reached a record level in May 2022 and remain elevated. A wave of gang-~~
~~related violence in Port-au-Prince in July 2022 resulted in more than 220 killings in one~~
~~neighborhood.~~ reported homicides occurred between January 2023 and April 2023.33 In 2022, kidnappings increased by 104.7% compared with 2021. Kidnappings escalated further during the first quarter of 2023, as gangs sought to find new revenue amid diminished support from elites who reportedly feared being subject to U.S. or Canadian sanctions.34 According to U.N. reports, gangs have used “collective rape” and other gender-According to U.N. reports, gangs have used “collective rape” and other gender-
based violence against women, children as young as 10, and the elderly to intimidate people based violence against women, children as young as 10, and the elderly to intimidate people 34
.
35 . From January 2023 to March 2023, at least 652 women and girls were victims of collective rape. Gender-based and sexual violence is more prevalent in zones contested by warring gangs in which many inhabitants lack access to basic health, education, and social services. Although the State Department asserted that the HNP ranked among the “most trusted and Although the State Department asserted that the HNP ranked among the “most trusted and
effective institutions in Haiti” after MINUSTAH left the country, the U.N. Secretaryeffective institutions in Haiti” after MINUSTAH left the country, the U.N. Secretary -General General
described the police force in 2022 as “spread thin” and lacking weapons, equipment, and described the police force in 2022 as “spread thin” and lacking weapons, equipment, and ~~the~~
~~capacity to use them.35~~capacity.36 Some studies also indicate the HNP has struggled with widespread Some studies also indicate the HNP has struggled with widespread
criminal cooptation and infiltration. criminal cooptation and infiltration. ~~For example, a~~A July 2022 International Crisis Group study July 2022 International Crisis Group study
estimated that 40% of the HNP has estimated that 40% of the HNP has ties to gangs.37 ~~ties to gangs.36 A 2021 report by Harvard Law School’s~~
~~International Human Rights Clinic documented state (primarily police) involvement in attacks on~~
~~neighborhoods, which it termed “massacres,” in which some 240 civilians died from 2018 to~~
~~2020.37~~
Even when police have sought to confront gangs and broader violence, the challenges have been Even when police have sought to confront gangs and broader violence, the challenges have been
daunting. In November 2022, daunting. In November 2022, criminals assassinated the director of the the director of the HNP’s training center at the center. In May 2023, a police officer died as gangs set two Canadian-provided armored vehicles on fire.38~~HNP’s training center was assassinated at that~~
~~facility.38 Also in November, the HNP temporarily lost control of a U.S.-delivered armored~~
~~vehicle during a firefight with gangs that resulted in two deaths.39~~
Furthermore, impunity prevails in Haiti’s weak justice system. In addition to failing to resolve Furthermore, impunity prevails in Haiti’s weak justice system. In addition to failing to resolve
Moïse’s assassination, Haitian authorities have yet to arrest Jimmy Chérizier, a former HNP Moïse’s assassination, Haitian authorities have yet to arrest Jimmy Chérizier, a former HNP
officer turned gang leader, or other Haitian officials implicated in the 2018 La Saline massacre of officer turned gang leader, or other Haitian officials implicated in the 2018 La Saline massacre of
71 people.71 people.4039 Gangs overtook several of Haiti’s main courthouses in summer 2022, and many of Gangs overtook several of Haiti’s main courthouses in summer 2022, and many of
the courthouses remain inoperable. Without functioning courts, Haitian prisons continue to hold the courthouses remain inoperable. Without functioning courts, Haitian prisons continue to hold

~~32 U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), Mapping Haiti’s Criminal Dynamics, November 2021; Global~~
~~Initiative, Gangs of Haiti.~~
~~33 U.N. Security Council, U.N. Integrated Office in Haiti, Report of the Secretary-General, October 13, 2022.~~
~~34 U.N. Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH)~~inmates, 83% of whom were in pretrial detention in March 2023; prisons have a 286% cell occupancy rate.40 Many inmates lack access to food, water, and medical care. In April 2023, Haitian officials estimated that gangs control 80% of the capital and other major cities.41 In addition, corruption and a lack of control over the country’s ports and borders have made Haiti a hub for drug and arms trafficking. In August 2022, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security 33 Ibid; “Haiti: International Support Needed now to Stop Spiraling Gang Violence,” UN News, May 9, 2023. 34 U.N. Security Council, BINUH, Report of the Secretary General, January 17, 2023; U.N. Security Council, BINUH, Report of the Secretary General, April 13, 2023; Reuters, “Haiti Rights Group Records Three-Fold Rise in Kidnappings for Early 2023,” April 4, 2023. 35 This draws from BINUH and Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), and Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR),
Sexual Violence in Port-au-Prince: A Weapon Used by Gangs to Instill ~~Fea~~rFear, October 14, 2022, October 14, 2022~~. Hereinafter BINUH~~
~~and OHCHR, Sexual Violence.~~
35; OHCHR and BINUH, Human Rights Situation, Quarterly Report: January-March 2023; Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, Gang Control and Security Vacuums: Assessing Gender-Based Violence in Cité Soleil, May 2023. 36 U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, “Haiti Summary,” at U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, “Haiti Summary,” at
https://2017-2021.state.gov/bureau-of-international-narcotics-and-law-enforcement-affairs-work-by-country/haiti-https://2017-2021.state.gov/bureau-of-international-narcotics-and-law-enforcement-affairs-work-by-country/haiti-
summary/index.html; Security Council, S/2022/747. summary/index.html; Security Council, S/2022/747.
3637 International Crisis Group, International Crisis Group, New Gang Battle Lines Scar Haiti as Political Deadlock Persists, July 27, 2022. , July 27, 2022.
~~37 Harvard Law School International Human Rights Clinic, Killing with Impunity: State-Sanctioned Massacres in Haiti,~~
~~April 2021, at http://hrp.law.harvard.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Killing_With_Impunity-1.pdf.~~
~~38 Associated Press, “Head of Haiti’s Police Academy Killed at Training Facility,” November 25, 2022.~~
~~39 Evens Sanon and Megan Janetsky, “Haitian Police Briefly Lose Control of Armored Car,” Associated Press,~~
~~November 11, 2022.~~
4038 Jacqueline Charles, “Police Officer Is Killed in Haiti After Gang Sets Armored Vehicles Ablaze,” Miami Herald, May 18, 2023. 39 Chérizier, then-Minister of the Interior Fednel Monchery, and President Moïse’s Departmental Delegate Joseph Chérizier, then-Minister of the Interior Fednel Monchery, and President Moïse’s Departmental Delegate Joseph
Pierre Richard Duplan planned an attack carried out by gangs on protesters who had criticized the government. U.S. Pierre Richard Duplan planned an attack carried out by gangs on protesters who had criticized the government. U.S.
Department of the Treasury, “Treasury Sanctions Serious Human Rights Abusers on International Human Rights Day,” Department of the Treasury, “Treasury Sanctions Serious Human Rights Abusers on International Human Rights Day,”
December 10, 2020. December 10, 2020.
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~~inmates, 82% of whom were in pretrial detention in May 2021, in crowded conditions rife with~~
~~violence and disease. Many inmates lack access to food, water, and medical care.41~~
~~In addition, corruption and a lack of control over the country’s ports and borders have made Haiti~~
~~a hub for drug and arms trafficking. In August 2022, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security~~
~~(DHS) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)~~40 OHCHR and BINUH, Human Rights Situation, Main Trends, Quarterly Report: January-March 2023. 41 U.N. Security Council Meetings Coverage, “As Haiti Slides into Violence, Its People ‘Cannot Wait Any Longer’ for Assistance, Foreign Minister Tells Security Council,” April 26, 2023. Congressional Research Service 7 Haiti: Recent Developments and U.S. Policy (DHS) Homeland Security Investigations office in Miami, FL, announced new initiatives to office in Miami, FL, announced new initiatives to
counter reported spikes in armscounter reported spikes in arms ~~and munitions~~ trafficking to Haiti.42 In December 2022, the State trafficking to Haiti.42 In December 2022, the State
Department sanctioned Rommel Bell, former customs director in Haiti, for corruption after Department sanctioned Rommel Bell, former customs director in Haiti, for corruption after
Haiti’s anti-corruption unit launched an investigation Haiti’s anti-corruption unit launched an investigation ~~in early 2022~~ into Bell’s alleged into Bell’s alleged
participation in participation in ~~illegal~~ arms trafficking.43arms trafficking.43
The rampant violence in Haiti has left many Haitians hopeless and frustrated. Since April 2023, Haiti has experienced a rise in anti-gang vigilantism—the Bwa Kale movement.44 On April 24, Port-au-Prince residents confronted, lynched, and burned 10 alleged gang members. Anti-gang vigilantism has spiraled, with the Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights citing 164 “mob killings and lynchings of alleged gang members” in April 2023.45 Humanitarian Situation
Haiti is a fragile country that is highly vulnerable to natural disasters due to its location and Haiti is a fragile country that is highly vulnerable to natural disasters due to its location and
topography (exacerbated by deforestation and climate change), and the Haitian government’s topography (exacerbated by deforestation and climate change), and the Haitian government’s
capacity to respond to such disasters is limited. A decade after the devastating 2010 earthquake, capacity to respond to such disasters is limited. A decade after the devastating 2010 earthquake,
inadequate recovery efforts, combined with subsequent natural disasters (e.g., Hurricane inadequate recovery efforts, combined with subsequent natural disasters (e.g., Hurricane
Matthew, the 2021 earthquake) and disease outbreaks (e.g., cholera, Coronavirus Disease 2019 Matthew, the 2021 earthquake) and disease outbreaks (e.g., cholera, Coronavirus Disease 2019
[COVID-19]) have further weakened the state’s ability to protect and provide for its citizens.[COVID-19]) have further weakened the state’s ability to protect and provide for its citizens.44
46 Recent flooding has resulted in more than 40 deaths and left some 13,000 homeless.47 The Fund for Peace’s 2022 Fragile States Index ranked Haiti as the 11th most fragile state in the The Fund for Peace’s 2022 Fragile States Index ranked Haiti as the 11th most fragile state in the
world due to various factors, including the state’s lack of legitimacy and inability to deliver world due to various factors, including the state’s lack of legitimacy and inability to deliver
services, uneven economic development, and relatively low levels of social cohesion.services, uneven economic development, and relatively low levels of social cohesion.4548
In contrast to In contrast to ~~past~~some previous humanitarian crises Haiti has endured, a political and security crisis is the humanitarian crises Haiti has endured, a political and security crisis is the
primary driver of the current humanitarian emergency.primary driver of the current humanitarian emergency.4649 According to U.N. officials, as of According to U.N. officials, as of
~~December 2022~~March 2023, gang violence had displaced , gang violence had displaced ~~155,000 people in Port-Au-Prince and trapped~~
~~19,000 in communities such as Cité Soleil.47~~at least 160,000 people.50 Gang blockades of highways have limited Gang blockades of highways have limited
humanitarian access, particularly to the southern peninsula but also to communities to the east humanitarian access, particularly to the southern peninsula but also to communities to the east
and north of the capital. The G9 gang’s blockade of the Varreux fuel terminal from mid-and north of the capital. The G9 gang’s blockade of the Varreux fuel terminal from mid-
September to early November 2022 combined with broad unrest, caused businesses and hospitals September to early November 2022 combined with broad unrest, caused businesses and hospitals
to close. During that period, Haitians, fearful of encountering gang violence, sheltered in place to close. During that period, Haitians, fearful of encountering gang violence, sheltered in place
amid a lack of water and sanitation services, fuel, electricity, and food. The U.N. Office amid a lack of water and sanitation services, fuel, electricity, and food. The U.N. Office ~~for the~~
~~Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs estimated that 5.2 million Haitians were in need of~~
~~humanitarian aid as of the end of 2022.48~~

~~41 BINUH and OHCHR, “N Ap Mouri”: Report on Conditions of Detention in Haiti, May 2021.~~
42 U.S. Department of Homeland Security, “Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Announces Crackdown on 42 U.S. Department of Homeland Security, “Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Announces Crackdown on
Firearms, Ammunition Smuggling to Haiti, the Caribbean,” August 19, 2022. Firearms, Ammunition Smuggling to Haiti, the Caribbean,” August 19, 2022.
43 U.S. Department of State, “Combating Global Corruption and Human Rights Abuses,” December 2, 2022; Jacqueline 43 U.S. Department of State, “Combating Global Corruption and Human Rights Abuses,” December 2, 2022; Jacqueline
Charles, “U.S. Sanctions More Haitians, Including the Relatives of People Accused of Corruption,” Charles, “U.S. Sanctions More Haitians, Including the Relatives of People Accused of Corruption,” Miami Herald,
December 11, 2022. December 11, 2022.
44 44 Reuters, “Haitian Residents Lynch and Set Fire to Suspected Gang Members,” April 26, 2023. 45 OHCHR, “Haiti: UN Human Rights Chief Warns Against ‘Never-Ending Cycle of Violence,’” May 9, 2023. 46 On recovery and reconstruction~~On recovery efforts~~, see Jonathan Katz, , see Jonathan Katz, The Big Truck That Went by: How the World Came to Save Haiti and Left
Behind a Disaster (New York, NY: St. Martin’s Press, 2014); (New York, NY: St. Martin’s Press, 2014); ~~and Jacqueline Charles and José Antonio Iglesias, “Ten~~
~~Years After Haiti’s Earthquake: A Decade of Aftershocks and Unkept Promises,” Miami Herald, January 8, 2020. On~~
Government Accountability Office (GAO), Haiti: USAID and State Should Improve Management and Assessment of Reconstruction Activities, GAO-23-105211, March 2023. Hereinafter: GAO, March 2023. On subsequent disasters, see Labrador and Roy, “Haiti’s Troubled Path.” subsequent disasters, see Labrador and Roy, “Haiti’s Troubled Path.”
45 47 Jacqueline Charles, “At Least 42 Dead, Thousands Homeless in Haiti After a Weekend of Heavy Rains, Flooding,” Miami Herald, June 5, 2023. 48 The Fund for Peace, Fragile States Index, at https://fragilestatesindex.org/country-data/. The Fund for Peace, Fragile States Index, at https://fragilestatesindex.org/country-data/.
~~46 UNOCHA~~49 U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), “Seven Things to Know About the Humanitarian Crisis in Haiti,” October 26, 2022. , “Seven Things to Know About the Humanitarian Crisis in Haiti,” October 26, 2022.
~~47 Reuters, “U.N. Expects Haiti Sanctions Regime to be Running by January,” December 8, 2022.~~
~~48 U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), Global Humanitarian Overview 2023,~~
~~December 2022.~~
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50 OHCHR, Haiti- Gang Violence, March 21, 2023. Congressional Research Service 8 Haiti: Recent Developments and U.S. Policy for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs estimates that 5.2 million Haitians are in need of humanitarian aid.51
Some of the ongoing humanitarian concerns focus on food insecurity, health, protection, and Some of the ongoing humanitarian concerns focus on food insecurity, health, protection, and
education. In October 2022, the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization education. In October 2022, the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization ~~(FAO)~~ estimated that a estimated that a
record 4.7 million Haitians, roughly 50% of the population, faced acute levels of hunger and record 4.7 million Haitians, roughly 50% of the population, faced acute levels of hunger and
19,000 people were experiencing “catastrophic” (most urgent) levels of hunger.19,000 people were experiencing “catastrophic” (most urgent) levels of hunger.4952 In October In October
2022, cholera resurfaced in Haiti2022, cholera resurfaced in Haiti~~, causing 300 deaths by December.50~~; as of mid-April 2023, cholera had claimed 686 lives. 53 While cholera is While cholera is
preventable through vaccination and treatable with rehydration, gangs have reportedly prevented preventable through vaccination and treatable with rehydration, gangs have reportedly prevented
patient access to health facilities and denied medical staff entry to affected patient access to health facilities and denied medical staff entry to affected communities. In March 2023, BINUH reported that at least 21 health facilities had shut down or reduced their activities due to escalating violence—including Doctors Without Borders, which temporarily closed a hospital in Cité Soleil.54 Children in Haiti are extremely vulnerable to protection concerns, particularly gender-based violence. They have also lost years of schooling due to COVID-19; insecurity and cholera~~communities. Women~~
~~and children in Haiti are extremely vulnerable to protection concerns. An October 2022 report by~~
~~the U.N. Integrated Office in Haiti and the Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Human~~
~~Rights has described how gender-based violence by gangs against youth as young as 10 is~~
~~widespread and increasing.51 As of December 2022, due to increasing violence and cholera~~
~~outbreaks, hundreds of thousands of students, already years behind due to COVID-19~~-related -related
school closuresschool closures~~, had not returned to school.52~~; and, most recently, armed attacks on schools.55
U.N. Presence in Haiti and Recent Action
The U.N. has had a continuous presence in Haiti for almost 19 years, with strong support and The U.N. has had a continuous presence in Haiti for almost 19 years, with strong support and
funding provided by successive U.S. presidential administrations. Following the collapse of the funding provided by successive U.S. presidential administrations. Following the collapse of the
Aristide government in 2004, the U.N. Security Council established MINUSTAH to help restore Aristide government in 2004, the U.N. Security Council established MINUSTAH to help restore
order and train the HNP.order and train the HNP.5356 After the 2010 earthquake, the Security Council expanded After the 2010 earthquake, the Security Council expanded
MINUSTAH’s size and mission. MINUSTAH’s size and mission.
A Security Council resolution ended MINUSTAH in 2017, citing Haiti’s peaceful completion of a A Security Council resolution ended MINUSTAH in 2017, citing Haiti’s peaceful completion of a
long-delayed electoral process in February 2017 as a milestone; critics argue, however, that a long-delayed electoral process in February 2017 as a milestone; critics argue, however, that a
transitional government, not the U.N.-backed PHTK government, accomplished that goal.transitional government, not the U.N.-backed PHTK government, accomplished that goal.5457 The The
Security Council also praised MINUSTAH for supporting the political process, professionalizing Security Council also praised MINUSTAH for supporting the political process, professionalizing
the police, and improving security and stability in Haiti, achievements that proved short-lived. the police, and improving security and stability in Haiti, achievements that proved short-lived.
Haitian and international human rights and health experts criticized MINUSTAH for its role in Haitian and international human rights and health experts criticized MINUSTAH for its role in
introducing cholera to Haiti (a disease that had not been present in the country for more than a introducing cholera to Haiti (a disease that had not been present in the country for more than a
century) and for allegations of sexual abuse by some of its forces.century) and for allegations of sexual abuse by some of its forces.5558 In 2016, then-Secretary- 51 UNOCHA, Global Humanitarian Overview 2023, December 2022. 52 ~~In 2016, then-Secretary-~~
~~General Ban Ki-Moon apologized for the U.N.’s role in an outbreak that ultimately caused nearly~~
~~10,000 deaths; the U.N. also launched a $400 million fund to confront the epidemic.56~~

49 U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations ~~(FAO)~~, “Catastrophic Hunger Levels Recorded for , “Catastrophic Hunger Levels Recorded for
the First Time in Haiti,” October 14, 2022. the First Time in Haiti,” October 14, 2022.
~~50 USAID, “Haiti-Complex Emergency,” Fact Sheet #2, FY 2023, December 16, 2022.~~
~~51 BINUH and OHCHR, October 2022.~~
~~52 U.N. Children’s Fund (UNICEF), “UNICEF Haiti Humanitarian Situation Report: July-November 2022,” December~~
~~16, 2022.~~
5353 Pan-American Health Organization, “Cholera Epidemic in Haiti and the Dominican Republic,” May 19, 2023. 54 OHCHR and BINUH, Human Rights Situation, Main Trends, Quarterly Report: January-March 2023, March 8, 2023; Reuters, “Medecins Sans Frontieres Shuts Haiti Hospital amid Gang Violence,” March 8, 2023. 55 U.N. Children’s Fund, “Haiti: Armed Violence Against Schools Increases Nine-Fold in One Year,” February 9, 2023. 56 U.N. Security Council, “Resolution 1542 (2004)/Adopted by the Security Council at Its 4961st Meeting, on 30 April U.N. Security Council, “Resolution 1542 (2004)/Adopted by the Security Council at Its 4961st Meeting, on 30 April
2004,” S/RES/1542 (2004), June 1, 2004. MINUSTAH’s original mission aimed to restore security and stability, 2004,” S/RES/1542 (2004), June 1, 2004. MINUSTAH’s original mission aimed to restore security and stability,
promote political processes (including elections), strengthen institutions and rule-of-law-structures, and promote and promote political processes (including elections), strengthen institutions and rule-of-law-structures, and promote and
protect human rights. protect human rights.
5457 U.N. Security Council, “Resolution 2350 (2017)/Adopted by the Security Council at Its 7924th Meeting, on 13 April U.N. Security Council, “Resolution 2350 (2017)/Adopted by the Security Council at Its 7924th Meeting, on 13 April
2017,” S/RES/2350 (2017), April 13, 2017. Even with MINUSTAH present, Haiti experienced a constitutional crisis 2017,” S/RES/2350 (2017), April 13, 2017. Even with MINUSTAH present, Haiti experienced a constitutional crisis
after Michel Martelly failed to convene elections to choose his successor. Georges Fauriol, ‘A Cycle of Instability’: after Michel Martelly failed to convene elections to choose his successor. Georges Fauriol, ‘A Cycle of Instability’:
Haiti’s Constitutional Crisis,” Center for Strategic and International Studies, February 8, 2021. Haiti’s Constitutional Crisis,” Center for Strategic and International Studies, February 8, 2021.
5558 For background, see CRS In Focus IF10502, For background, see CRS In Focus IF10502, Haiti: Cholera, the United Nations, and Hurricane Matthew, by , by
Maureen Taft-Morales and Tiaji Salaam-Blyther. Maureen Taft-Morales and Tiaji Salaam-Blyther.
~~56 U.N. News, “U.N.’s Ban Apologizes to People of Haiti, Outlines New Plan to Fight Cholera Epidemic and Help~~
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Congressional Research Service 9 Haiti: Recent Developments and U.S. Policy General Ban Ki-Moon apologized for the U.N.’s role in an outbreak that ultimately caused nearly 10,000 deaths; the U.N. also launched a $400 million fund to confront the epidemic.59 In 2017, the U.N. Mission for Justice Support in Haiti (MINUJUSTH) took MINUSTAH’s place, In 2017, the U.N. Mission for Justice Support in Haiti (MINUJUSTH) took MINUSTAH’s place,
focusing on strengthening judicial institutions, protecting human rights, increasing the HNP’s focusing on strengthening judicial institutions, protecting human rights, increasing the HNP’s
professionalization, and reinforcing the rule of law. The mission also supported violence-professionalization, and reinforcing the rule of law. The mission also supported violence-
reduction projects and income-generating activities for youth. During MINJUSTH’s mandate, the reduction projects and income-generating activities for youth. During MINJUSTH’s mandate, the
number of HNP officers increased by 10% to 15,400 and courts reported a 300% increase in files number of HNP officers increased by 10% to 15,400 and courts reported a 300% increase in files
processed on the day of their reception.processed on the day of their reception.5760 However, Haitians continued to report increased sexual However, Haitians continued to report increased sexual
violence and widespread cholera cases.violence and widespread cholera cases.5861
In October 2019, the U.N. transitioned to a political office, the U.N. Integrated Office in Haiti In October 2019, the U.N. transitioned to a political office, the U.N. Integrated Office in Haiti
(BINUH), for an initial one-year period that the U.N. Security Council twice extended. BINUH’s (BINUH), for an initial one-year period that the U.N. Security Council twice extended. BINUH’s
mandate, which currently runs through July 2023,mandate, which currently runs through July 2023,5962 is to advise the Haitian government on how to is to advise the Haitian government on how to
establish an inclusive national dialogue on reestablishing stability, security, and the rule of law so establish an inclusive national dialogue on reestablishing stability, security, and the rule of law so
elections can be held, among other aims. The mission also emphasizes protecting and promoting elections can be held, among other aims. The mission also emphasizes protecting and promoting
human rights, including by documenting recent gender-based violence by gangs and producing human rights, including by documenting recent gender-based violence by gangs and producing
reports from Haiti for the U.N. Secretary-General and Security Council.reports from Haiti for the U.N. Secretary-General and Security Council.6063 BINUH coordinates BINUH coordinates
with other U.N. agencies, funds, and programs, ranging from humanitarian agencies such as the with other U.N. agencies, funds, and programs, ranging from humanitarian agencies such as the
World Food Program to a World Food Program to a ~~new~~newer U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime office in Haiti. U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime office in Haiti.
On October 6, 2022, Acting Prime Minister Henry and his ministers requested the deployment of On October 6, 2022, Acting Prime Minister Henry and his ministers requested the deployment of
an international force to help Haitian forces quell the security situation and allow humanitarian an international force to help Haitian forces quell the security situation and allow humanitarian
aid to flow. On October 8, aid to flow. On October 8, ~~2022,~~ U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres sent a letter to the U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres sent a letter to the
Security Council recommending various approaches to respond to that request. Such approaches Security Council recommending various approaches to respond to that request. Such approaches
included deploying a non-U.N. rapid action force (probably composed of some military forces) to included deploying a non-U.N. rapid action force (probably composed of some military forces) to
support the HNP, forming a multinational police task force, creating a multinational anti-gang support the HNP, forming a multinational police task force, creating a multinational anti-gang
force, expanding BINUH’s budget and mandate, bolstering the HNP and the justice sector, and force, expanding BINUH’s budget and mandate, bolstering the HNP and the justice sector, and
combating arms trafficking.combating arms trafficking.6164 On October 17, 2022, the Security Council discussed a proposed On October 17, 2022, the Security Council discussed a proposed
resolution by the United States and Mexico, which resolution by the United States and Mexico, which ~~would reportedly authorize~~reportedly would have authorized the deployment of the deployment of
a non-U.N. multinational force to Haiti.a non-U.N. multinational force to Haiti.6265 Few countries have publicly offered to send their forces Few countries have publicly offered to send their forces
~~to Haiti.63 Nevertheless, at the January 2023 North American Leaders Summit, Canadian Prime~~
~~Minister Justin Trudeau said that Canada, Mexico, the United States, and Caribbean leaders have~~
~~been in contact to “ensure that if the situation starts to deteriorate once again, we will have~~
~~options.”64~~
to Haiti, and Canada has reportedly declined U.S. requests to lead such a mission.66 On October 17, 2022, the Security Council also discussed a resolution sponsored by the United On October 17, 2022, the Security Council also discussed a resolution sponsored by the United
States and Mexico to establish a U.N. sanctions regime against gang leaders in Haiti and those States and Mexico to establish a U.N. sanctions regime against gang leaders in Haiti and those

59 U.N. News, “U.N.’s Ban Apologizes to People of Haiti, Outlines New Plan to Fight Cholera Epidemic and Help Communities,” December 1, 2016. By the end of 2021, donors had contributed only $21.8 million to support the Communities,” December 1, 2016. By the end of 2021, donors had contributed only $21.8 million to support the
pledged $400 million fund. See U.N. Haiti Cholera Response Multi-Partner Trust Fund, pledged $400 million fund. See U.N. Haiti Cholera Response Multi-Partner Trust Fund, 2021 Annual Report. .
5760 U.N. Mission for Justice Support in Haiti, “MINUJUSTH Completes Its Mandate, Putting an End to 15 Consecutive U.N. Mission for Justice Support in Haiti, “MINUJUSTH Completes Its Mandate, Putting an End to 15 Consecutive
Years of Peacekeeping in Haiti,” October 16, 2019. Years of Peacekeeping in Haiti,” October 16, 2019.
5861 International Justice Resource Center, “U.N. Transitions from Peacekeeping to Governance, Amid Crisis in Haiti,” International Justice Resource Center, “U.N. Transitions from Peacekeeping to Governance, Amid Crisis in Haiti,”
October 17, 2019. October 17, 2019.
5962 For background, see BINUH, “Mandate,” at https://binuh.unmissions.org/en/mandate. For background, see BINUH, “Mandate,” at https://binuh.unmissions.org/en/mandate.
6063 BINUH and OHCHR, BINUH and OHCHR, Sexual Violence.
6164 Security Council, S/2022/747. Security Council, S/2022/747.
6265 United States Mission to the United Nations, “Remarks by Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield at a U.N. Security United States Mission to the United Nations, “Remarks by Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield at a U.N. Security
Council Briefing on Haiti,” October 17, 2022. Security Council Report, “Haiti: Briefing,” in Council Briefing on Haiti,” October 17, 2022. Security Council Report, “Haiti: Briefing,” in What’s in Blue (blog), (blog),
December 21, 2022 (hereinafter Security Council Report, “Haiti”). December 21, 2022 (hereinafter Security Council Report, “Haiti”).
63 66 International Crisis Group, International Crisis Group, Haiti’s Last Resort: Gangs and the Prospect of Foreign Intervention, December 14, , December 14, ~~2022.~~
~~64 The White House, “Remarks by President Biden, Prime Minister Trudeau, and President López Obrador in Joint~~
~~Press Conference,” January~~2022; Richard Sanders, Canada, The United States and Haiti- Dilemmas of Foreign Policy and Immigration, Wilson Center, May 10, 2023. 10, 2023.
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who finance them. The Security Council unanimously approved the sanctions resolution who finance them. The Security Council unanimously approved the sanctions resolution
(Resolution 2653) on October 21, 2022(Resolution 2653) on October 21, 2022~~, and met on December 21, 2022, to follow up on~~
~~implementation of that resolution.65~~
; an expert committee is guiding its implementation.67 The Security Council has continued to receive regular briefings from BINUH and other U.N. agencies in Haiti but has not taken additional public actions. U.S. Policy and Issues for Congress
U.S. policy goals in Haiti under the Biden Administration include supporting Haitian-led efforts U.S. policy goals in Haiti under the Biden Administration include supporting Haitian-led efforts
to confront gangs and insecurity; resolving the political and constitutional to confront gangs and insecurity; resolving the political and constitutional ~~crisis~~crises; reviving the ; reviving the
economy; and addressing poverty and a lack of basic services (including health care and economy; and addressing poverty and a lack of basic services (including health care and
education), which have fueled irregular migration.education), which have fueled irregular migration.~~66 Diplomatically, the Biden Administration’s~~
~~approach to Haiti has evolved from supporting the Henry government to encouraging Henry, the~~
~~Montana Group, and others to engage in dialogue to reach an inclusive political accord while~~
~~addressing deteriorating conditions in the country.67 Biden Administration officials traveled to~~
~~Haiti in October 2022 to discuss how to respond to Henry’s request for international assistance~~
~~and to urge political actors to “rise above their differences” and chart a path to “improved~~
~~security” and “democratic order.”68 Secretary of State Antony Blinken also announced additional~~
~~assistance to address cholera, security assistance for the HNP, and new sanctions to hold Haitians~~
~~accountable for “instigating violence and unrest.”69~~
68 Since Moïse’s assassination, U.S.Since Moïse’s assassination, U.S. ~~Canada,~~, Canadian, and U.N. officials U.N. officials ~~and~~—among others others, criticized for past criticized for past
interventions in the countryinterventions in the country, —have emphasized their support for Haitian-led solutions to the have emphasized their support for Haitian-led solutions to the
country’s political and security challenges. As those solutions have yet to emerge and conditions country’s political and security challenges. As those solutions have yet to emerge and conditions
in Haiti have deteriorated, U.S. officials in Haiti have deteriorated, U.S. officials ~~reportedly have pursued several courses of action. The~~
have pursued several courses of action. The Biden Administration’s diplomatic approach to Haiti has evolved from supporting the Henry government to encouraging Henry and other key stakeholders to implement the December 21 agreement and address insecurity in the country. The U.S. government has sanctioned corrupt officials and encouraged other countries to do soU.S. government has sanctioned corrupt officials and encouraged other countries to do so;
, supported back-channel negotiations between Henry and other key stakeholderssupported back-channel negotiations between Henry and other key stakeholders~~; and assessed~~
~~whether~~, and sought a partner country a partner country ~~would be willing~~ to lead a non-U.N. “multinational force” funded by to lead a non-U.N. “multinational force” funded by
~~voluntary contributions to help stabilize the country.70 Presidents Biden and Prime Minister~~
~~Trudeau discussed Haiti during the North American Leaders Summit, during which they stressed~~
~~sanctions and other efforts to improve the situation in the country, but also potential other options.~~
~~Rather than focusing on organizing some type of intervention, many Haitian human rights experts~~
~~and civil society groups have asked U.S. officials to push Henry to reach a political agreement,~~
~~likely with the Montana Group, before considering intervention proposals.71~~
~~On many U.S. policy issues, Congress has had a direct role in shaping policy or conducting~~
~~oversight of policy development and implementation. Those policy issues include, but are not~~
~~limited to, foreign assistance, trade preferences, sanctions policy, and migration.~~

~~65 Security Council, “Resolution 2653 (2022), October 21, 2022; Security Council Report, “Haiti.”~~
~~66 U.S. Department of State, Integrated Country Strategy: Haiti, approved March 18, 2022, at https://www.state.gov/~~
~~wp-content/uploads/2022/04/ICS_WHA_Haiti_Public.pdf (hereinafter State Department, Integrated Country Strategy).~~
~~67 Brian A. Nichols, “U.S., Other Nations Can Redouble Efforts for a Democratic Haiti,” Miami Herald, July 6, 2022.~~
~~68 U.S. Department of State, Office of the Spokesperson, “Media Note: Assistant Secretary Brian A. Nichols to Visit~~
~~Haiti,” October 12, 2022.~~
~~69 U.S. Department of State, Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State, “Steps to Address the Humanitarian and Security~~
~~Situation in Haiti,” October 12, 2022.~~
70voluntary contributions to help stabilize the country.69 In March 2023, the Biden Administration issued a 10-year plan for Haiti, as mandated by the Global Fragility Act (P.L. 116-94), with a long-term, interagency goal of helping “Haiti’s citizens and government advance a shared vision and a permissive environment for long-term stability.”70 On many U.S. policy issues, Congress has had a direct role in shaping policy or conducting oversight of policy development and implementation. Those policy issues include, but are not limited to, foreign assistance, trade preferences, sanctions policy, and migration. Foreign Assistance Bilateral Assistance Congress has appropriated foreign assistance to support Haiti’s recovery from recurrent natural disasters and foster long-term stability. In addition to significantly expanding such assistance in the aftermath of a massive 2010 earthquake, Congress has closely monitored the implementation and impact of U.S. assistance activities.71 Congress also shapes U.S. policy toward Haiti through appropriations, conditions on appropriations, and reporting requirements linked to the obligation of U.S. assistance. 67 Security Council, “Resolution 2653 (2022), October 21, 2022; Security Council Report, “Haiti.” 68 U.S. Department of State, Integrated Country Strategy: Haiti, approved March 18, 2022, at https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/ICS_WHA_Haiti_Public.pdf (hereinafter State Department, Integrated Country Strategy). 69 Adams, “U.S. and Canada Turn to Sanctions”; International Crisis Group, Adams, “U.S. and Canada Turn to Sanctions”; International Crisis Group, Haiti’s Last Resort: Gangs and the
Prospect for Foreign Intervention, briefing no. 48, December 14, 2022. , briefing no. 48, December 14, 2022.
~~71 Pierre Espérance, “As Haiti’s Last 10 Lawmakers’ Terms Expire, Political Transition Must Take Priority over~~
Military Intervention,” Just Security~~, December 15, 2022~~70 U.S. Department of State, The U.S. Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability 10-Year Strategic Plan for Haiti, March 24, 2023. 71 See, as an example, GAO-23-105211, March 2023. .
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link to page 16 link to page 16 ~~link to page 16~~ ~~Haiti: Recent Developments and U.S. Policy~~

~~Foreign Assistance~~
~~Bilateral Assistance~~
~~Congress has appropriated foreign assistance to support Haiti’s recovery from recurrent natural~~
~~disasters and foster long-term stability, with a particular spike in assistance in the aftermath of a~~
~~massive 2010 earthquake. Congress shapes U.S. policy toward Haiti through appropriations,~~
~~conditions on appropriations, and reporting requirements linked to the disbursement of U.S.~~
~~assistance.~~
Haiti: Recent Developments and U.S. Policy Congress enacted the Haiti Development, Accountability, and Institutional Transparency Initiative Congress enacted the Haiti Development, Accountability, and Institutional Transparency Initiative
Act (HAITI Act; H.R. 2471/S. 1104) as part of the FY2022 Consolidated Appropriations Act (P.L. (HAITI Act; H.R. 2471/S. 1104) as part of the FY2022 Consolidated Appropriations Act (P.L.
117-103117-103~~). P.L. 117-103 did not designate an appropriations level for Haiti. The act required the~~
~~State Department to withhold any funding for the central government of Haiti until a new~~
~~president and parliament have taken office following free and fair elections or the Secretary of~~
~~State has determined a transitional government representative of Haitian society is in place and it~~
~~is in the U.S. interest to provide assistance. Notwithstanding those requirements, the act allowed~~
~~U.S. agencies to provide assistance to support elections, anti-gang police and justice~~
~~administration, public health, food security, water and sanitation, education, disaster relief and~~
~~recovery, and other programs to meet basic human needs. The act prohibited U.S. funding for the~~
~~Haitian army.~~
, Division V). The HAITI Act stated that U.S. policy should support sustainable rebuilding and development efforts in Haiti that recognize Haitian independence, are led by the people and government of Haiti, and contribute to international efforts to support broad and inclusive dialogue to restore democratic institutions and legitimacy in the country.72 The HAITI Act also required U.S. agencies to measure the progress of post-disaster recovery and The HAITI Act also required U.S. agencies to measure the progress of post-disaster recovery and
efforts to address corruption, governance, rule of law, and media freedoms in Haiti. The State efforts to address corruption, governance, rule of law, and media freedoms in Haiti. The State
Department submitted the reports required Department submitted the reports required ~~in P.L. 117-103~~by the act and made them public on November and made them public on November
10, 2022.10, 2022.7273
Over the last five years, U.S. bilateral assistance to Haiti has ranged from a low of $180.3 million Over the last five years, U.S. bilateral assistance to Haiti has ranged from a low of $180.3 million
in FY2020 to in FY2020 to ~~an estimated $219.2~~$237.4 million million ~~provided~~ in FY2022 (sin FY2022 (see Table 1). In March 2022, the . In March 2022, the
State Department and USAID adopted a two-year Integrated Country Strategy to guide U.S. State Department and USAID adopted a two-year Integrated Country Strategy to guide U.S.
foreign assistance to Haiti for FY2022-FY2024.foreign assistance to Haiti for FY2022-FY2024.7374 The Administration requested $274.8 million in The Administration requested $274.8 million in
assistance for Haiti in assistance for Haiti in FY2023~~FY2023, up from the estimated FY2022 allocation. Most of the FY2022~~
~~allocation funded health and other development activities, but it also increased support for the~~
~~HNP (see Table 1). In the FY2023 budget proposal, the Administration requested funding~~ to help to help
Haiti recover from external shocks by Haiti recover from external shocks by ~~making investments~~investing in the HNP, combating corruption, in the HNP, combating corruption,
strengthening civil society, and providing services for marginalized people.strengthening civil society, and providing services for marginalized people.74
75 The FY2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act (P.L. 117-328), enacted in December 2022, does The FY2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act (P.L. 117-328), enacted in December 2022, does
not specify a comprehensive appropriations level for Haiti. The accompanying explanatory not specify a comprehensive appropriations level for Haiti. The accompanying explanatory
statement designates $8.5 million for reforestation efforts and “not less than” $5.0 million to help statement designates $8.5 million for reforestation efforts and “not less than” $5.0 million to help
meet the sanitary, medical, and nutritional needs of Haitian prisoners. The act requires the State meet the sanitary, medical, and nutritional needs of Haitian prisoners. The act requires the State
Department to withhold any aid to support the Haitian government until the Secretary of State Department to withhold any aid to support the Haitian government until the Secretary of State
certifies that a new president and parliament have taken office following free and fair elections or certifies that a new president and parliament have taken office following free and fair elections or
that a broadly representative transitional government is in place and it is in the U.S. interest to that a broadly representative transitional government is in place and it is in the U.S. interest to
provide such assistance. The withholding requirement does not apply to aid intended to support provide such assistance. The withholding requirement does not apply to aid intended to support
free and fair elections; anti-gang police and justice administration; disaster relief and recovery; free and fair elections; anti-gang police and justice administration; disaster relief and recovery;

72and education, public health, food security, and other basic human needs. As in prior years, the act prohibits assistance for the armed forces of Haiti. The explanatory statement accompanying P.L. 117-328 urges the Secretary of State to use “every appropriate diplomatic tool to press for dialogue” among key stakeholders and to take “strong legal action” against those engaged in human rights abuses, corruption, and other illicit activities.76 The Administration has requested $291.5 million for Haiti in FY2024, with the largest increase in funding requested for International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement (INCLE) to support the HNP and other justice sector actors. This prioritization of restoring security and justice coincides with the phase one activities outlined by the Global Fragility Act of 2019 (GFA; P.L. 116-94, Division J, Title V) plan for Haiti. 72 Other elements of U.S. policy cited in the act include building the long-term capacity of the government, civil society, and private sector to foster economic development in Haiti; fostering collaboration with the Haitian diaspora and the business community in Haiti; supporting anti-corruption, press freedom, and human rights protection, including through the imposition of sanctions; restoring the natural resources of Haiti; promoting political stability and free and fair elections; providing comprehensive reporting on the goals and progress of the Haitian government and the U.S. government, and promoting the participation of Haitian women and youth in U.S. assistance programs. 73 U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, “Haiti: Reports,” November 10, 2022, at U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, “Haiti: Reports,” November 10, 2022, at
https://www.state.gov/haiti-reports/. https://www.state.gov/haiti-reports/.
7374 State Department, State Department, Integrated Country Strategy. .
7475 White House, Budget of the U.S. Government, FY2023, p. 91. 76 “Explanatory Statement Submitted by Mr. Leahy, Chair of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Regarding H.R. 2617, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023,” Congressional Record, vol. 168, no. 198—book II (December 20, 2022), p. S9299. Congressional Research Service 12 link to page 16 link to page 16 link to page 16 link to page 16 Haiti: Recent Developments and U.S. Policy Table 1. U.S. Foreign Assistance to Haiti by Account: FY2018-FY2024 (appropriations in thousands of current U.S. dollars) FY2023 FY2024 Account FY2018 FY2019 FY2020 FY2021 FY2022 (Request) (Request) DA 32,000 51,000 51,000 52,000 59,000 111,000 113,200 ESF 8,500 — — 14,800a 20,500b — — FFP 3,244 11,719 7,996 3,110 — — — GHP (State) 99,386 103,011 78,765 99,822 103,081 100,000 100,000 GHP 24,200 24,500 24,500 24,500 24,500 34,500 33,000 (USAID) INCLE 12,000 15,000 18,000 13,000 30,300 29,000 45,000 IMET 233 241 96 255 47 255 255 FMF 5,000 — — — — — — Total 184,563 205,471 180,357 207,487a 237,428b 274,755 291,455 Sources: U.S. Department of State, Congressional Budget Justification, Supplementary Tables-Foreign Operations, FY2020-FY2024 ~~White House, Budget of the U.S. Government, FY2023, p. 91.~~
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~~Haiti: Recent Developments and U.S. Policy~~

~~and education, public health, food security, and other basic human needs. As in prior years, the~~
~~act prohibits assistance for the armed forces of Haiti.~~
~~The explanatory statement accompanying P.L. 117-328 also urges the Secretary of State to use~~
~~“every appropriate diplomatic tool to press for dialogue” among political leaders and key~~
~~stakeholders. In addition, it urges the Secretary of State to take “strong legal action” against those~~
~~engaged in human rights abuses, corruption, and other illicit activities.75~~
~~Table 1. U.S. Foreign Assistance to Haiti by Account: FY2018-FY2023~~
~~(appropriations in thousands of current U.S. dollars)~~
~~FY2022~~
~~FY2023~~
~~Account~~
~~FY2018~~
~~FY2019~~
~~FY2020~~
~~FY2021~~
~~(Estimate) (Request)~~
DA
~~32,000~~
~~51,000~~
~~51,000~~
~~52,000~~
~~56,000~~
~~111,000~~
~~ESF~~
~~8,500~~
—
—
~~14,800a~~
~~5,500~~
—
~~FFP~~
~~3,244~~
~~11,719~~
~~7,996~~
~~3,110~~
—
—
~~GHP (State)~~
~~99,386~~
~~103,011~~
~~78,765~~
~~99,822~~
~~103,081~~
~~100,000~~
~~GHP (USAID)~~
~~24,200~~
~~24,500~~
~~24,500~~
~~24,500~~
~~24,500~~
~~34,500~~
~~INCLE~~
~~12,000~~
~~15,000~~
~~18,000~~
~~13,000~~
~~30,000~~
~~29,000~~
~~IMET~~
~~233~~
~~241~~
96
~~255~~
~~107~~
~~255~~
~~FMF~~
~~5,000~~
—
—
—
—
—
~~Total~~
~~184,563~~
~~205,471~~
~~180,357~~
~~207,487~~
~~219,188~~
~~274,755~~
Sources: U.S. Department of State, Congressional Budget Justification, Supplementary Tables-Foreign
~~Operations, FY2020-FY2023; and U.S. Department of State, FY2022 Estimate Data, August 16, 2022~~..
Notes: DA = Development Assistance; ESF = Economic Support Fund; FFP = Food for Peace; GHP = Global DA = Development Assistance; ESF = Economic Support Fund; FFP = Food for Peace; GHP = Global
Health Programs; INCLE = International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement; IMET = International Military Health Programs; INCLE = International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement; IMET = International Military
Education and Training; FMF = Foreign Military Financing.Education and Training; FMF = Foreign Military Financing. ~~Additional FY2021 funding provided by~~ a. This sum includes $14.8 mil ion of ESF appropriated through the American the American
Rescue Plan Act Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (P.L. (P.L. 117-2).117-2).
b. This sum includes $15.0 mil ion of ESF appropriated through the Additional Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2022 (P.L. 117-128). Humanitarian Assistance
The United States The United States ~~generally~~often provides provides ~~various forms of~~additional humanitarian assistance to Haiti. USAID’s humanitarian assistance to Haiti. USAID’s
Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) provided more than $92.1 million in humanitarian Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) provided more than $92.1 million in humanitarian
assistance to Haiti in FY2021 and assistance to Haiti in FY2021 and ~~at least~~ $79.2 million in FY2022$79.2 million in FY2022 ~~through July 8, 2022.76~~. Of the Of the
total amount of humanitarian assistance provided over the past two fiscal years, $152.8 million total amount of humanitarian assistance provided over the past two fiscal years, $152.8 million
represented emergency funding, much of which responded to humanitarian needs (i.e., concerns represented emergency funding, much of which responded to humanitarian needs (i.e., concerns
about food; health; water, sanitation, and hygiene; and protection) exacerbated by an August 2021 about food; health; water, sanitation, and hygiene; and protection) exacerbated by an August 2021
earthquake that killed some 2,250 people earthquake that killed some 2,250 people and damaged 115,000 homes and other structures. ~~and damaged 115,000 homes and other structures. BHA~~

~~75 “Explanatory Statement Submitted by Mr. Leahy, Chair of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Regarding H.R.~~
~~2617, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023,” Congressional Record, vol. 168, no. 198—book II (December 20,~~
~~2022), p. S9299.~~
~~76 USAID, Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, “Haiti Assistance Overview,” August 2022.~~
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~~also provided $18.6 million in early recovery, risk reduction, and resilience programming.77 The~~
~~Department of Defense (DOD) worked with USAID to deliver some 600,000 relief supplies.78~~
As the humanitarian situation in Haiti worsened, USAID sent a Disaster Assistance Response As the humanitarian situation in Haiti worsened, USAID sent a Disaster Assistance Response
Team (DART) team to the country in October 2022. The DART is coordinating the delivery of Team (DART) team to the country in October 2022. The DART is coordinating the delivery of
relief supplies to a portion of the estimated 5.2 million Haitians in need of humanitarian relief supplies to a portion of the estimated 5.2 million Haitians in need of humanitarian
assistance.assistance.7977 Since October, USAID/BHA has helped transport Since October, USAID/BHA has helped transport ~~278~~450 metric tons of relief supplies metric tons of relief supplies
to to ~~Port-Au-Prince.~~
~~U.S. agencies also are helping~~help Haiti respond to the cholera outbreak. Total USAID humanitarian funding for Haiti in FY2023 stood at $56.5 million as of May 2023. U.S. agencies also helped Haiti respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and Haiti respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and ~~other~~related health needs. The United States has donated nearly 1.1 million COVID-19 vaccines to Haiti.78 In FY2022, USAID 77 USAID, “Haiti-Complex Emergency,” Fact Sheet #4, FY2023, May 3, 2023. 78 U.S. Department of State, “COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution,” at https://www.state.gov/countries-areas/haiti/#covid_map_link. Congressional Research Service 13 Haiti: Recent Developments and U.S. Policy provided $51.3 million to help Haiti address the health and humanitarian impacts of COVID-19.79 ~~health needs.~~
~~Through June 2022, USAID and the State Department had provided at least $49 million in aid to~~
~~help Haiti address the health and humanitarian impacts of COVID-19.80 The United States has~~
~~donated nearly 1.1 million COVID-19 vaccines to Haiti; 2.1% of Haitians had completed the~~
~~recommended COVID-19 vaccination schedule as of December 2022.81~~ In December 2022, DOD In December 2022, DOD
deployed the U.S. Naval Shipdeployed the U.S. Naval Ship Comfort to deliver medical care to Haitiansto deliver medical care to Haitians ~~for several days~~ as part as part
of a multi-country deployment.of a multi-country deployment.82
Global Fragility Act Implementation
The 116th Congress enacted the The 116th Congress enacted the ~~Global Fragility Act of 2019 (GFA; P.L. 116-94, Division J, Title~~
V)GFA, which directed the executive branch to develop a 10-year strategy to prevent conflict globally , which directed the executive branch to develop a 10-year strategy to prevent conflict globally
and stabilize conflict-affected areas. It also directed the executive branch to select priority and stabilize conflict-affected areas. It also directed the executive branch to select priority
countries or regions to execute such efforts through 10-year plans. In April 2022, the Biden countries or regions to execute such efforts through 10-year plans. In April 2022, the Biden
Administration announced one region and four priority countries for GFA implementation; Haiti Administration announced one region and four priority countries for GFA implementation; Haiti
was among them. The GFA also authorized three distinct funds: the Prevention and Stabilization was among them. The GFA also authorized three distinct funds: the Prevention and Stabilization
~~Fund~~Fund (PSF), the Complex Crisis Fund, the Complex Crisis Fund (CCF), and the Multi-Donor Global Fragility Fund. These funds support , and the Multi-Donor Global Fragility Fund. These funds support
the updated the updated ~~prologue of the~~ Global Fragility Strategy put forth by the Biden Administration and Global Fragility Strategy put forth by the Biden Administration and
~~country implementation plans, which were due to Congress in December 2022.~~
~~Development experts have urged U.S. agencies to focus GFA efforts in Haiti on bolstering a~~
~~Haitian-led solution that ensures citizen security, addresses Haiti’s escalating impunity, and~~
~~provides humanitarian and economic support for those affected by the country’s interrelated~~
~~political, economic, and security crises.83~~
country implementation plans, summaries of which the Administration released in March 2023.80 Haiti received a total of $15 million in FY2021 PSF resources to carry out activities in support of the GFA, including the development of the country strategy.81 Some Members of Congress have debated whether Haiti should receive some types of GFA- Some Members of Congress have debated whether Haiti should receive some types of GFA-
related funding. This debate may reflect, in part, the absence of viable government entities with related funding. This debate may reflect, in part, the absence of viable government entities with
whom to execute the GFA country plan (§505(a)). whom to execute the GFA country plan (§505(a)). ~~Although it did not appear in the FY2023~~
~~Omnibus Appropriations Act, the FY2023~~ For example, the explanatory statement accompanying the Senate-introduced version of the FY2023 Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations measure, S. 4662, would have directed that PSF assistance not be made available for Haiti. That provision was not included in the final legislation or explanatory statement. ~~Senate-introduced version of the FY2023 State and~~

~~77 U.S. Department of State, “COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution,” at https://www.state.gov/countries-areas/haiti/~~
~~#covid_map_link; Pan American Health Organization, “COVID-19 Vaccination in the Americas,” at~~
~~https://ais.paho.org/imm/IM_DosisAdmin-Vacunacion.asp.~~
~~78 U.S. Southern Command, “USNS Comfort Arrives in Haiti,” December 13, 2022.~~
~~79 USAID, “Haiti-Complex Emergency,” Fact Sheet #1, FY2023, October 21, 2022; USAID, “Haiti-Complex~~
~~Emergency,” Fact Sheet #2, FY2023, December 16, 2022.~~
~~80 USAID, “COVID-19: Latin America and the Caribbean,” Fact Sheet #5, FY2022, June 30, 2022.~~
~~81 U.S. Department of State, “COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution,” at https://www.state.gov/countries-areas/haiti/~~
~~#covid_map_link; and Pan American Health Organization, “COVID-19 Vaccination in the Americas,” at~~
~~https://ais.paho.org/imm/IM_DosisAdmin-Vacunacion.asp.~~
~~82 U.S. Southern Command, “USNS Comfort Arrives in Haiti,” December 13, 2022.~~
~~83 Roger Mitchell, “Why the Global Fragility Act Matters for Haiti,” Modern Diplomacy, August 25, 2022.~~
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~~Haiti: Recent Developments and U.S. Policy~~

~~Foreign Operations Appropriations measure, S. 4662, would not have made Prevention and~~
~~Stabilization funds available to Haiti.~~
Donor Coordination
The United States is the leading bilateral donor in Haiti, and Congress has encouraged U.S. The United States is the leading bilateral donor in Haiti, and Congress has encouraged U.S.
executive agencies to coordinate foreign assistance priorities with key countries and international executive agencies to coordinate foreign assistance priorities with key countries and international
organizations represented in Haiti. Active since 2004, the “Core Group” has shaped international organizations represented in Haiti. Active since 2004, the “Core Group” has shaped international
responses to key events in Haiti, as when it called on Henry to form a “consensual and inclusive responses to key events in Haiti, as when it called on Henry to form a “consensual and inclusive
government” in July 2021.government” in July 2021.8482 In addition to the U.S. Ambassador, the Core Group comprises the In addition to the U.S. Ambassador, the Core Group comprises the
Special Representative of the U.N. Secretary-General; the Ambassadors of Brazil, Canada, Special Representative of the U.N. Secretary-General; the Ambassadors of Brazil, Canada,
France, Germany, Spain, and the European Union (EU); and the Special Representative of the France, Germany, Spain, and the European Union (EU); and the Special Representative of the
Organization of American States. Organization of American States.
Many members of the Core Group (including the EU, Spain, and France) have expressed interest Many members of the Core Group (including the EU, Spain, and France) have expressed interest
in contributing to a multi-donor basket fund on security that aims to support the long-term in contributing to a multi-donor basket fund on security that aims to support the long-term
development of the HNP; Canada and the U.N. Development Program (UNDP) administer the development of the HNP; Canada and the U.N. Development Program (UNDP) administer the
fund. UNDP fund. UNDP ~~estimates~~estimated the fund needs at least $28 million over two years to achieve its aims. the fund needs at least $28 million over two years to achieve its aims.
~~Thus far~~As of February 2023, the U.S. government , the U.S. government ~~has~~had donated $3 million and Canada donated $3 million and Canada ~~has~~had donated donated C$10 10 million (about $7.4 million); total donations stood at $19 million83 79 USAID, “COVID-19: Latin America and the Caribbean,” Fact Sheet #6, FY2022, September 30, 2022. 80 U.S. Department of State, The U.S. Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability 10-Year Strategic Plan for Haiti, March 24, 2023. 81 Email from State Department official, May 30, 2023. 82 BINUH, “Core Group Press Release,” July 17, 2021. 83 U.S. Department of State, “United States and Canada Joint Statement on Support for the Haiti Security Basket Fund,” September 23, 2022; Global Affairs Canada, “Canada-Haiti Relations,” February 15, 2023. Congressional Research Service 14 Haiti: Recent Developments and U.S. Policy ~~million~~
~~Canadian dollars in support of the fund.85~~
In October 2022, the U.S. and Canadian governments In October 2022, the U.S. and Canadian governments ~~sped up~~accelerated the delivery of armored vehicles the delivery of armored vehicles
and other tactical equipment purchased by the Haitian government for the HNP.and other tactical equipment purchased by the Haitian government for the HNP.~~86 Canada~~
~~delivered additional armored vehicles in January 2023.~~
~~Trade Preferences~~84 In March 2023, Canada pledged to provide C$100 million (about $74 million) in additional aid for the HNP.85 Trade Preferences86
Congress has extended unilateral trade preferences to Haiti through several trade preferences Congress has extended unilateral trade preferences to Haiti through several trade preferences
programs enacted since 1975. The Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (P.L. 98-67, programs enacted since 1975. The Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (P.L. 98-67,
subsequently amended, with no expiration), for example, provides limited duty-free entry of subsequently amended, with no expiration), for example, provides limited duty-free entry of
selected Caribbean products as a core element of the U.S. foreign economic policy response to selected Caribbean products as a core element of the U.S. foreign economic policy response to
uncertain economic and political conditions in the region. The current Haiti-specific preference uncertain economic and political conditions in the region. The current Haiti-specific preference
program, which expires in 2025, provides unilateral preferences to the country’s apparel sector.87 program, which expires in 2025, provides unilateral preferences to the country’s apparel sector.87
~~In 2021, $751.3 million (67.9%) of total U.S. imports from Haiti entered under the Haiti-specific~~
~~preference program and $260.4 million (23.6%) entered under P.L. 98-67.88~~
~~During the 117th Congress, measures that would have extended duty-free treatment from 2025 to~~
~~2035 with respect to imports from Haiti under the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act were~~
~~introduced as the Haiti Economic Lift Program Extension Act of 2021 (S. 3279 in November~~
~~2021; H.R. 6136 in December 2021 and H.R. 9461 in December 2022).~~

~~84 BINUH, “Core Group Press Release,” July 17, 2021.~~
~~85 U.S. Department of State, “United States and Canada Joint Statement on Support for the Haiti Security Basket~~
~~Fund,” September 23, 2022.~~
~~86 Reuters, “U.S., Canada Deliver Armored Vehicles to Haitian Police to Fight Gangs,” October 15, 2022.~~
~~87 For a description of how the Haiti-specific preference programs have evolved and have affected Haitian exports and~~
~~Haitian workers, see U.S. International Trade Commission,~~ ~~U.S.-Haiti Trade: Impact of U.S. Preference Programs on~~
~~Haiti’s Economy and Workers, December 2022.~~
~~88 Ibid.~~
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~~Haiti: Recent Developments and U.S. Policy~~

~~Sanctions: U.S. and Multilateral~~
~~In 2020, as part of its policy toward Haiti, the United States government began to impose~~
~~sanctions against those responsible for significant human rights abuses, corruption, and drug~~
~~trafficking. In December 2020, pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13818, which built upon and~~
~~expanded the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act (P.L. 114-328), the Treasury~~
~~Department imposed asset blocking and visa restrictions on Chérizier (the gang leader and former~~
~~HNP officer) and two former Moïse Administration officials for involvement in the La Saline~~
~~massacre.89 In November 2022, the Treasury Department imposed sanctions pursuant to E.O.~~
~~14059 on Joseph Lambert, then-president of the Haitian senate, and former Senator Youri~~
~~Latortue for involvement in drug trafficking.90 Treasury imposed the same sanctions on Senator~~
~~Rony Celestin and former Senator Richard Lenine in December 2022.91~~The value of imports entering under Caribbean preference programs increased from $25 million in 2000 to $253.3 million in 2022, an increase of over 900%.88 Those imports accounted for about 31.9% of total U.S. merchandise imports from Haiti. Over 90% of U.S. imports from Haiti in 2022 consisted of apparel items or clothing: knitted or crocheted apparel imports totaled $807.0 million, while other apparel items or clothing totaled $155.0 million. The Haiti Economic Lift Program Extension Act of 2023 (S. 552), introduced in the Senate in February 2023, would renew U.S. trade preferences for Haiti through 2035. Sanctions: U.S. and Multilateral In 2020, as part of its policy toward Haiti, the U.S. government began to impose sanctions against those responsible for significant human rights abuses, corruption, and drug trafficking. In December 2020, pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13818, which built upon and expanded the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act (P.L. 114-328), U.S. Department of the Treasury imposed asset blocking and visa restrictions on Chérizier (the gang leader and former HNP officer) and two former Moïse officials for involvement in the La Saline massacre.89 The United States has expanded targeted sanctions on current and former Haitian officials since autumn 2022. In November 2022, the U.S. Department of the Treasury imposed sanctions pursuant to E.O. 14059 on Joseph Lambert, then-president of the Haitian senate, and former Senator Youri Latortue for involvement in drug trafficking.90 Treasury imposed the same 84 Reuters, “U.S., Canada Deliver Armored Vehicles to Haitian Police to Fight Gangs,” October 15, 2022. 85 White House, “Remarks by President Biden and Prime Minister Trudeau of Canada in Joint Press Conference,” March 24, 2023. 86 For additional information, see CRS Report R47432, Caribbean Trade Preference Programs, by Liana Wong and M. Angeles Villarreal. 87 For a description of how the Haiti-specific preference programs have evolved and have affected Haitian exports and Haitian workers, see U.S. International Trade Commission, U.S.-Haiti Trade: Impact of U.S. Preference Programs on Haiti’s Economy and Workers, December 2022. 88 Compiled by CRS using data from U.S. International Trade Commission DataWeb. 89 E.O. 13818, “Blocking the Property of Persons Involved in Serious Human Rights Abuse or Corruption,” December 20, 2017; U.S. Department of the Treasury, “Treasury Sanctions Serious Human Rights Abusers on International Human Rights Day,” December 10, 2020. 90 E.O. 14059, “Imposing Sanctions on Foreign Persons Involved in the Global Illicit Drug Trade,” December 15, 2021; U.S. Department of the Treasury, “Treasury Sanctions Corrupt Haitian Politicians for Narcotics Trafficking,” November 4, 2022. Congressional Research Service 15 Haiti: Recent Developments and U.S. Policy sanctions on Senator Rony Celestin and former Senator Richard Lenine in December 2022.91 In April 2023, the Treasury Department sanctioned Gary Bodeu, former head of Haiti’s Chamber of Deputies, for corruption.92 Pursuant to Section Pursuant to Section
7031(c) of P.L. 117-103, Division K, the State Department imposed visa restrictions on Senator 7031(c) of P.L. 117-103, Division K, the State Department imposed visa restrictions on Senator
Lambert for corruption and involvement in a gross violation of human rights.Lambert for corruption and involvement in a gross violation of human rights.9293 The State The State
Department also imposed visa restrictions on former Haitian Customs Director Rommel Bell and Department also imposed visa restrictions on former Haitian Customs Director Rommel Bell and
Senator Celestin for corruption.Senator Celestin for corruption.9394 In June 2023, Secretary of State Blinked announced visa restrictions on Laurent Salvador Lamothe, former prime minister and minister of planning and external cooperation for Michel Martelly, for significant corruption.95 Those subject to recent public sanctions represent a range of Those subject to recent public sanctions represent a range of
political parties. Dozens of officials and their families have privately had their visas revoked. political parties. Dozens of officials and their families have privately had their visas revoked.
The United States has encouraged other international partners and the U.N. to sanction the The United States has encouraged other international partners and the U.N. to sanction the
financial backers of Haitian gangs, recognizing that targeted sanctions imposed in a multilateral financial backers of Haitian gangs, recognizing that targeted sanctions imposed in a multilateral
manner may have a better chance of affecting change than unilateral sanctions.manner may have a better chance of affecting change than unilateral sanctions.9496 U.S. sanctions U.S. sanctions
have been closely coordinated with those announced by the Government of Canada, which also have been closely coordinated with those announced by the Government of Canada, which also
imposed sanctions on former President Martelly for drug trafficking—a move U.S. officials have imposed sanctions on former President Martelly for drug trafficking—a move U.S. officials have
“welcomed“welcomed~~” but not yet replicated.95~~.”97 In October 2022, the U.N. Security Council unanimously In October 2022, the U.N. Security Council unanimously
approved Resolution 2653 imposing sanctions on Jimmy Chérizier for “engaging in acts that approved Resolution 2653 imposing sanctions on Jimmy Chérizier for “engaging in acts that
threaten the peace, security, and stability of Haiti.”threaten the peace, security, and stability of Haiti.”~~96 It also mandated the creation of~~98 The Security Council named a panel of a panel of
experts to recommend further individuals and entities to be subject to travel bans, asset seizures, experts to recommend further individuals and entities to be subject to travel bans, asset seizures,
and an arms embargo. and an arms embargo.
~~Toward the end of the 117th Congress, similar legislative measures,~~The House and Senate are considering the Haiti Criminal Collusion the Haiti Criminal Collusion
Transparency Act of Transparency Act of ~~2022~~ 2023 (H.R. (H.R. ~~9147/S. 5083), were introduced in both chambers~~1684/S. 396), aimed at identifying and penalizing ties between Haitian political and economic elites and criminal gangs. The bills . The bills
~~would have required the presidential administration to produce and release publicly an annual list~~
ofwould require the Secretary of State, in coordination with the intelligence community, to produce an unclassified annual report, which may have a classified annex, to specific congressional committees identifying Haitian political and economic elites tied to gangs. They also would Haitian political and economic elites tied to gangs. They also would ~~have required the~~

~~89 E.O. 13818, “Blocking the Property of Persons Involved in Serious Human Rights Abuse or Corruption,” December~~
~~20, 2017; U.S.~~require the Secretary of State to impose visa restrictions and sanctions on those individuals pursuant to Section 7031(c) of annual Department Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations legislation, Section 1263 of the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act (Title XII, Subtitle F of P.L. 114-328), or any other legal provision. The President could waive those sanctions requirements if the Secretary of State certifies that said waiver is in the U.S. national interest or is necessary for the delivery of humanitarian or related assistance. 91 U.S. Department of the Treasury~~of the Treasury, “Treasury Sanctions Serious Human Rights Abusers on International~~
~~Human Rights Day,” December 10, 2020.~~
~~90 E.O. 14059, “Imposing Sanctions on Foreign Persons Involved in the Global Illicit Drug Trade,” December 15, 2021;~~
~~Treasury Department, “Treasury Sanctions Corrupt Haitian Politicians for Narcotics Trafficking,” November 4, 2022.~~
~~91 Treasury Department~~, “U.S. Sanctions Additional Corrupt Haitian Politicians for Drug Trafficking,” December 2, , “U.S. Sanctions Additional Corrupt Haitian Politicians for Drug Trafficking,” December 2,
2022. 2022.
92 U.S. Department of State, 92 U.S. Department of State, “Treasury Sanctions Former President of Haiti’s Chamber of Deputies,” April 5, 2023. 93 U.S. Department of State, Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State, “Designation of Haitian Senate President, Joseph Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State, “Designation of Haitian Senate President, Joseph
Lambert, for Involvement in Significant Corruption and a Gross Violation of Human Rights,” December 4, 2022. Lambert, for Involvement in Significant Corruption and a Gross Violation of Human Rights,” December 4, 2022.
9394 U.S. Department of State, “Combating Global Corruption and Human Rights Abuses,” December 9, 2022. U.S. Department of State, “Combating Global Corruption and Human Rights Abuses,” December 9, 2022.
~~94 Treasury Department, Treasury 2021 Sanctions Review, October 2021.~~
9595 The State Department asserts that LaMothe misappropriated some $60 million in PetroCaribe funds provided to Haiti by the Venezuelan government, The State Department, Anthony J. Blinken, Secretary of State, “Designation of Laurent Salvador Lamothe – Former Haitian Prime Minister and Minister of Planning and External Cooperation – for Involvement in Significant Corruption,” June 2, 2023. 96 U.S. Department of the Treasury, Treasury 2021 Sanctions Review, October 2021. 97 Government of Canada, “Sanctions: Grave Breach of International Peace and Security in Haiti,” updated December Government of Canada, “Sanctions: Grave Breach of International Peace and Security in Haiti,” updated December
19, 2022, at https://www.international.gc.ca/campaign-campagne/haiti-sanction/index.aspx?lang=eng; Jacqueline 19, 2022, at https://www.international.gc.ca/campaign-campagne/haiti-sanction/index.aspx?lang=eng; Jacqueline
Charles and Michael Wilner, “Canada Sanctions Former Haiti President Michel Martelly, Two Former Prime Charles and Michael Wilner, “Canada Sanctions Former Haiti President Michel Martelly, Two Former Prime
Ministers,” Ministers,” Miami Herald, November 21, 2022. , November 21, 2022.
9698 U.N. Security Council, “Security Council Committee Established Pursuant to Resolution 2653 (2022) Concerning U.N. Security Council, “Security Council Committee Established Pursuant to Resolution 2653 (2022) Concerning
Haiti,” at https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/2653. Haiti,” at https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/2653.
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~~Secretary of State to identify which of those individuals may be subject to visa restrictions and~~
~~sanctions pursuant to Section 7031(c) of annual Department of State, Foreign Operations, and~~
~~Related Programs Appropriations legislation and Section 1263 of the Global Magnitsky Human~~
~~Rights Accountability Act. Congress did not take further action on either bill. Similar legislation~~
~~could be introduced and considered during the 118th Congress.~~
Indictments
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has assisted Haitian officials investigating the Moïse The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has assisted Haitian officials investigating the Moïse
assassination and selected cases involving those complicit in arms trafficking, gang violence, and assassination and selected cases involving those complicit in arms trafficking, gang violence, and
drug trafficking in and through Haiti. DOJ has secured the extradition of two individuals drug trafficking in and through Haiti. DOJ has secured the extradition of two individuals
allegedly complicit in Moïse’s assassination, as well as a gang leader responsible for the 2021 allegedly complicit in Moïse’s assassination, as well as a gang leader responsible for the 2021
kidnapping of U.S. missionaries. In November 2022, DOJ indicted seven leaders of five Haitian kidnapping of U.S. missionaries. In November 2022, DOJ indicted seven leaders of five Haitian
gangs, including additional individuals involved in the 2021 missionary kidnappings.gangs, including additional individuals involved in the 2021 missionary kidnappings.9799
Migration Issues
Migration issues continue to be a high priority for U.S. policy and Congress. U.S. government Migration issues continue to be a high priority for U.S. policy and Congress. U.S. government
apprehensions of Haitian migrants have risen notably, both at sea and on the U.S. Southwest apprehensions of Haitian migrants have risen notably, both at sea and on the U.S. Southwest
border. In FY2022, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) encountered roughly 53,910 border. In FY2022, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) encountered roughly 53,910
Haitians on the Southwest border, up from 47,255 encountered in FY2021.Haitians on the Southwest border, up from 47,255 encountered in FY2021.98100 Many of those Many of those
Haitians had resided in third countries (particularly Brazil and Chile) since the 2010 earthquake Haitians had resided in third countries (particularly Brazil and Chile) since the 2010 earthquake
and had few ties to Haiti.and had few ties to Haiti.99101 CBP placed a majority of those individuals (77%) into Title 8 removal CBP placed a majority of those individuals (77%) into Title 8 removal
proceedings under immigration code, and many were released into the United States to await their proceedings under immigration code, and many were released into the United States to await their
immigration court proceedings. CBP expelled the other 22% of Haitians from the United States immigration court proceedings. CBP expelled the other 22% of Haitians from the United States
under Title 42 of the under Title 42 of the U.S. Code..102 In FY2022, the Coast Guard interdicted more than 7,175 Haitian In FY2022, the Coast Guard interdicted more than 7,175 Haitian
migrants, compared with 1,527 Haitian migrants in FY2021.migrants, compared with 1,527 Haitian migrants in FY2021.~~100 Through September 2022, the~~
~~International Organization for Migration assisted more than 21,215 Haitians repatriated to Haiti~~
~~(69% of which were from the United States), many with few ties to the country.101~~103
On January 5, 2023, On January 5, 2023, ~~the Department of Homeland Security~~DHS announced the expansion of a set of announced the expansion of a set of
new immigration policies to Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Cubans, which started in October 2022 new immigration policies to Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Cubans, which started in October 2022
for Venezuelans.for Venezuelans.~~102 After January 5, 2023,~~104 Haitians who have a U.S. sponsor can apply for Haitians who have a U.S. sponsor can apply for
immigration parole and fly directly into the United States immigration parole and fly directly into the United States after U.S. vetting. As of April 2023, some 580,000 Haitians had reportedly applied for the program (of some 1.5 million applicants from the four countries), overwhelming the program’s pledge to accept a monthly aggregate of 30,000 parolees from the four countries.105 ~~after U.S. vetting.~~ In contrast, Haitians In contrast, Haitians
apprehended apprehended crossing the U.S. Southwest border between ports of entry between ports of entry ~~are now~~ were subject to the public health-related Title 42 policysubject to the public health-related Title 42 policy,
~~which allows~~ until it ended on May 11, 2023. Title 42 allowed DHS to expel migrants back to Mexico (in coordination with the government of DHS to expel migrants back to Mexico (in coordination with the government of

97Mexico). Following the end of Title 42, Haitians encountered by DHS are likely to be deemed ineligible for 99 U.S. Department of Justice, “Criminal Charges Unsealed Against Gang Leaders for Kidnappings of U.S. Citizens,” U.S. Department of Justice, “Criminal Charges Unsealed Against Gang Leaders for Kidnappings of U.S. Citizens,”
November 7, 2020. November 7, 2020.
98100 U.S. Customs and Border Protection, “Nationwide Encounters,” calculated by CRS using data available at U.S. Customs and Border Protection, “Nationwide Encounters,” calculated by CRS using data available at
https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/stats/nationwide-encounters. Nearly 46% of migrants were encountered at ports of https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/stats/nationwide-encounters. Nearly 46% of migrants were encountered at ports of
entry and 53% between ports of entry. entry and 53% between ports of entry.
99101 Caitlyn Yates, Caitlyn Yates, Haitian Migration Through the Americas: A Decade in the Making, Migration Information Source, , Migration Information Source,
September 30, 2021. September 30, 2021.
~~100 Skyler Shepard, “Coast Guard Repatriates 180 People to Haiti, 46 Children,” CBS12, November 25, 2022.~~
~~101 International Organization for Migration, “Migrant Returns and Reception Assistance in Haiti: Air & Sea,~~
~~September 2022.~~
~~102 DHS, “DHS Implements New Processes for Cubans, Haitians, and Nicaraguans and Eliminates Cap for~~
~~Venezuelans,” January 6, 2022.~~
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~~Haiti: Recent Developments and U.S. Policy~~

~~Mexico). Mexico has agreed to receive up to a total of 30,000 migrants from those three countries~~
~~per month.103~~102 Title 42 was a public health measure invoked in March 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that enabled U.S. authorities to restrict entry into the United States of foreign nationals lacking “proper travel documents” to help prevent the spread of disease. On May 11, 2023, the federal COVID-19 public health emergency declaration expired and the Biden Administration ended the use of Title 42. 103 Skyler Shepard, “Coast Guard Repatriates 180 People to Haiti, 46 Children,” CBS12, November 25, 2022. 104 Department of Homeland Security (DHS), “DHS Implements New Processes for Cubans, Haitians, and Nicaraguans and Eliminates Cap for Venezuelans,” January 6, 2022. 105 Camilo Montoya-Galvez, “1.5 Million Apply for U.S. Migrant Sponsorship Program with 30,000 Monthly Cap,” CBS News, May 22, 2023. Congressional Research Service 17 Haiti: Recent Developments and U.S. Policy asylum, deported to Mexico under Title 8 expedited removal procedures, and banned from reentry for at least five years.106
The United States also has taken steps to provide legal migration and protection pathways for The United States also has taken steps to provide legal migration and protection pathways for
some Haitians. Some 155,000 Haitians may be eligible for relief from removal under the some Haitians. Some 155,000 Haitians may be eligible for relief from removal under the
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation announced in May 2021, and additional Haitians Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation announced in May 2021, and additional Haitians
are eligible under the extension announced in December 2022.are eligible under the extension announced in December 2022.~~104~~107 In July 2022, the Biden In July 2022, the Biden
Administration said it would resume the Haitian Family Reunification Parole Program, allowing Administration said it would resume the Haitian Family Reunification Parole Program, allowing
certain U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents to seek parole for family members in Haiti. certain U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents to seek parole for family members in Haiti.
Outlook
The 118th Congress The 118th Congress ~~is likely to maintain~~has maintained a keen interest in developments in Haiti, as deteriorating a keen interest in developments in Haiti, as deteriorating
security and humanitarian conditions in Haiti intersect with a broad range of U.S. interests and security and humanitarian conditions in Haiti intersect with a broad range of U.S. interests and
policy responses. As noted earlier, Congress has directly engaged with U.S. policy approaches policy responses. As noted earlier, Congress has directly engaged with U.S. policy approaches
toward Haiti in relation to foreign assistance, trade preferences, sanctions policy, and migration. toward Haiti in relation to foreign assistance, trade preferences, sanctions policy, and migration.
Should the current crisis in Haiti continue, Congress may choose to consider and assess new Should the current crisis in Haiti continue, Congress may choose to consider and assess new
policy approaches to address the situation in Haiti, including the potential for U.S.-backed policy approaches to address the situation in Haiti, including the potential for U.S.-backed
international intervention, or other new engagements in Haiti. international intervention, or other new engagements in Haiti.

Author Information

Clare Ribando Seelke Clare Ribando Seelke
Karla I. Rios Karla I. Rios
Specialist in Latin American Affairs Specialist in Latin American Affairs
Analyst in Latin American Affairs Analyst in Latin American Affairs

Acknowledgments
This report draws from the past work of Maureen Taft-Morales, Specialist in Latin American Affairs. This report draws from the past work of Maureen Taft-Morales, Specialist in Latin American Affairs.

~~103 Government of Mexico, “Mexico Welcomes the Announcement of new US Actions to Achieve Orderly, Safe,~~
~~Regular and Humane Migration,” January 5, 2023.~~
~~104~~ 106 CRS Insight IN12159, Post-Title 42: U.S. Foreign Policy Initiatives to Manage Regional Migration, by Clare Ribando Seelke, Peter J. Meyer, and Ramon Miro. 107 See CRS Report RS20844, See CRS Report RS20844, Temporary Protected Status and Deferred Enforced Departure, by Jill H. Wilson. , by Jill H. Wilson.
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