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North & Central America and Caribbean
Haiti |
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Country information
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Haiti is one of the original members of the United Nations and several of its specialised and related agencies, as well as a member of the Organisation of American States (OAS), the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). It maintains diplomatic relations with 37 countries. The International Community rallied to Haiti's defence during the 1991-94 period of illegal military rule. 31 countries participated in the US-led Multinational force (MNF) which, acting under UN auspices, intervened in September 1994 to help restore the legitimate government and create a secure and stable environment in Haiti. Six months later, the UN Mission in Haiti (UNMIH) was charged with maintaining the secure environment. A total of 38 countries participated in UNMIH. Since then, UNMIH has been succeeded by UNSMIH, UNTIMH and MIPONUH. In general terms, all these missions have been mandated to help establish a professional police force; and to promote institution building, national reconciliation and economic rehabilitation in Haiti.
Canada, the US and France were 3 main contributors of personnel to the original MIF on Aristide’s departure. The MINUSTAH force (see the 'politics' section above) is multinational, but predominately made up of Latin American troops and led by a Brazilian general.
The May 2000 electoral crisis resulted in the blockage of most multilateral and bilateral assistance, but since the departure of eg Aristide the US and other have resumed a bilateral assistance programme. Major donors are led by the United States, with the largest bilateral assistance programme, and also include Canada, France, Germany, Japan and Taiwan. Multilateral aid is co-ordinated through an informal grouping of major donors under the auspices of the World Bank and includes the Inter American Development Bank (IDB) and the European Union. Millions of dollars continue to flow into NGO and civil society projects all around the country, including EU money.
Relations with the UK
The British Embassy based in Santo Domingo has responsibility for British interests in Haiti. Historically there has not been a close relationship between the UK and Haiti and intrinsic UK interests in Haiti are limited. But the Ambassador visits regularly from Santo Domingo. The UK also maintains a locally engaged Vice-Consul in Port-au-Prince - although the Consulate's public operations are currently temporarily suspended due to the poor security situation. The UK continues to support EU and other multilateral and regional efforts to implement a sustainable development programme that aims to alleviate the considerable levels of poverty that exist in Haiti and the Embassy keeps in close contact with EU, US and Canadian colleagues.
Our main concern is the well being of the Haitian population. In addition, problems in Haiti can spill over into the wider Caribbean, posing a threat to regional stability. For example,illegal Haitian immigrants are a challenge in the British Overseas Territory of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI). Less than 24 hours sailing time from Haiti, TCI has attracted steady numbers of Haitians, in un-seaworthy sloops, looking for employment in the TCI tourist and construction industries. With a tiny population and limited resources, TCI has welcomed this source of cheaper labour. But increasing numbers brought unsustainable social strains, particularly on health, education and housing.
