The European Council has decided to prolong the European Union’s (EU) framework for restrictive measures against those responsible for threatening the peace, stability and security of Haiti or undermining democracy and the rule of law in the country until July29 next year.
The Council said that the decision comes following the annual review and in view of the gravity of the situation in the French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country, as the EU remains concerned about the persistent and destabilising criminal activities, including the high levels of gang violence, that undermine the stability of the country and the region.
It said that those listed under the sanctions regime -nine individuals and one entity- are subject to an asset freeze, and it is prohibited to provide them with funds or economic resources, either directly or indirectly. Additionally, a travel ban to the EU applies to all persons listed.
Among the individuals are former president Michel Joseph Martelly, the former president of the Senate, Youri Latortue as well as gang leaders Jimmy Chérizier, alias ‘Barbecue’, Micanor Altès, Jeff Larose, Jonel Catel and Ferdens Tilus alias ‘Zion’.
On November 25, 2022, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2022/2319 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Haiti ans on July 28, 2023, the Council amended its sanctions regime, allowing the EU to autonomously impose restrictive measures on individuals and entities responsible for threatening the peace, security or stability of Haiti, or for undermining democracy or the rule of law in Haiti.
The COuncil said that this framework complements the sanctions imposed by the United Nations Security Council in October 2022.
‘Haiti remains firmly on the agenda of the EU. The EU’s support is aimed to both strengthen Haiti’s institutional capacity and facilitate the access to basic public services to the population in the very insecure and volatile context. The EU support entails macroeconomic assistance as well as assistance to education, food security and nutrition, disaster preparedness, protection and stability, including to the Haitian National Police.’
The European Union says it is a long-standing political and development partner of Haiti and ‘will continue to play its part alongside other regional partners, to help face the dire situation, including humanitarian crisis in the country’.