The United Nations has confirmed multiple cases of sexual abuse involving members of the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support mission in Haiti, including incidents involving minors, raising serious concerns about accountability and oversight.
The findings, detailed in the UN Special Measures for Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse report, substantiate four separate rape cases reported in 2025. The victims were all female, aged 12, 16, 16 and 18.
Investigators from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights verified the allegations, categorising all four as violations corroborated, meaning sufficient evidence was found to confirm that the abuse occurred.
Despite the severity of the findings, the report indicates that most cases remain unresolved, with limited information on disciplinary action or criminal proceedings.
The Kenya-led Multinational Security Support mission began deploying police officers to Haiti in June 2024 after authorisation by the UN Security Council to support efforts to contain escalating gang violence.
However, the report shows that some personnel deployed to restore order instead committed serious human rights violations.
Three of the four substantiated cases remain listed as pending, with no clear indication of prosecution or disciplinary outcomes. In the case involving the 12-year-old victim, the mission conducted an internal investigation, but no further details were disclosed.
Because the mission was not a formal UN peacekeeping operation, responsibility for investigating and prosecuting misconduct lies with Kenya under the deployment agreement, raising concerns about gaps in accountability.
Accountability questions persist as mission ends
The report comes at a time of transition in Haiti’s security operations. A new contingent led by Chad began deploying on 1 April 2026, taking over responsibilities from the Kenyan-led force.
UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said stronger safeguards are necessary to prevent further abuse and ensure credibility in such missions.
He emphasised the need for robust mechanisms to prevent, investigate and publicly report abuses during international deployments.
The Kenyan mission has since withdrawn its final contingent, marking the end of its two-year deployment. However, victims remain without clear justice outcomes as the officers involved return home.
The latest revelations have also reignited concerns in Haiti, where previous international missions, including the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti, faced similar allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse.
For many Haitians, the recurrence of such cases reinforces perceptions of systemic impunity in foreign-led security operations.
Human rights advocates say the pattern undermines trust in international interventions meant to protect civilians in fragile states.
Kenya now faces increasing pressure to demonstrate accountability following the UN findings. While the mission was presented as a major international security effort, the abuse allegations present a significant challenge to that position.
Authorities have not publicly detailed any prosecutions or disciplinary measures linked to the substantiated cases.
Legal experts note that under international law, contributing countries are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes committed by their personnel abroad.
At the centre of the report are the victims, four young women and girls whose cases remain unresolved despite confirmed findings.
Advocates say meaningful accountability must include both justice processes and support for survivors, including medical care, psychological assistance and legal aid.
The UN maintains a zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse, but critics argue enforcement remains inconsistent, particularly in missions not directly managed by the organisation.
As Haiti continues to face instability and violence, the findings highlight a deeper challenge of ensuring that forces deployed to protect civilians are held accountable when they violate the same communities.
