The UN Security Council has adopted a resolution to end gang violence in Haiti. The resolution was agreed upon by all council members unanimously. This is something of a novelty lately as the fifteen member countries have been quite divided by the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Sanctions will be given to individuals and groups who threaten peace in Haiti. One of the most prominent gang leaders in the country has already been sanctioned. Jimmy “Barbecue” Cherizier has blocked on oil terminal, which is making fuel shortages on the island worse. The sanctions that he faces will include the freezing of his assets, a travel ban, and an arms embargo.

Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. The levels of violence in the country have left some parents scared to send their children to school. There is a real shortage of clean water on the island and a real risk of a cholera outbreak.

It is hoped that by reducing the amount of gang violence and other criminal activity, any potential humanitarian crisis can be avoided. The resolution was welcomed by Antonio Rodrique, the Haitian Ambassador to the UN, but others believe that military intervention will be needed alongside the sanctions to make any progress.