Allegations of Sexual Abuse in Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti

A United Nations report released in February 2026 has revealed serious allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse involving personnel from the Multinational Security Support (MSS) forces, a Kenyan-led and U.S.-backed military mission in Haiti. The report details four substantiated allegations, including one involving a 12-year-old child. The MSS was established to combat escalating gang violence in Haiti, which has seen a significant increase since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021.

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According to the UN report, three of the victims were children, while the fourth was an 18-year-old. Investigations conducted by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) confirmed the allegations, which have since been referred to the MSS and its successor organization, the Gang Suppression Force (GSF), for further investigation and remedial measures. The MSS was transitioned into the GSF in late 2025, with a broader mandate to address armed groups in Haiti.

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The MSS mission was initiated in response to a request for international military support from then-Prime Minister Ariel Henry in 2022, as gangs took control of much of Port-au-Prince. However, the mission has faced criticism for its perceived ineffectiveness, characterized by funding shortfalls and personnel shortages. The UN report adds to the scrutiny of the MSS, which struggled to support local police in addressing rampant gang violence.

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Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, emphasized that the MSS mission operates independently of UN supervision. William O’Neill, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights’ Designated Expert on Haiti, stated, “Four cases is four too many,” calling for independent investigations and prosecutions if warranted, alongside maximum transparency and justice for the victims.

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Critics of the MSS mission have pointed to a history of misconduct by international peacekeeping forces in Haiti, including previous allegations against UN peacekeepers following the 2010 earthquake. Réginald Fils-Aimé, a Haitian doctor with Zanmi Lasante, expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the MSS, stating, “Nothing has changed,” and highlighting the ongoing violence that has forced many healthcare facilities to close.

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The allegations of sexual abuse within the MSS mission raise significant concerns about the accountability of international forces operating in Haiti. The report underscores the need for rigorous oversight and independent investigations to ensure justice for victims and to restore trust in international interventions aimed at stabilizing the country.

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The UN report on the MSS mission's alleged sexual abuses highlights the urgent need for accountability and reform in international military operations in Haiti. As the GSF takes over the mission's responsibilities, the focus will be on addressing these serious allegations and ensuring the protection of vulnerable populations in a country grappling with severe violence and instability.

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