"Global Action Urged to Combat Haiti's Armed Gangs and Vigilantism"

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for the deployment of a robust international force to combat armed gangs in Haiti and restore security in the country. Guterres emphasized that the force should not be military or political in nature but should assist the Haitian National Police in dismantling the gangs. The U.N. chief's call comes after a U.N. expert estimated that Haiti needs up to 2,000 additional anti-gang police officers. Guterres highlighted the dire humanitarian conditions in Haiti and urged donors to respond to the U.N.'s appeal for $720 million in funding. The U.S. has expressed support for the deployment of a multinational force, but another country would need to take the leading role.