The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Canada implemented a recent United Nations Security Council (UNSC) sanctions resolution into Canadian law under the United Nations Act. The measures are in response to the egregious conduct of armed criminal gangs in Haiti.
The sanctions under UNSC resolution 2653 impose a dealings prohibition against Jimmy Chérizier, the leader of the so-called G9, an alliance of Haitian gangs. This effectively freezes any assets he may hold in Canada and imposes a travel ban and arms embargo.
Canada has reason to believe this individual has engaged in acts that threaten the peace, security, and stability of Haiti and has planned, directed, or committed acts that constitute serious human rights abuses. The sanctions Canada imposed are intended to stop the flow of illicit funds and weapons to weaken and disable criminal gangs.
These gangs and their supporters terrorize vulnerable populations in Haiti with impunity, and are precipitating a humanitarian crisis in Haiti that includes the resurgence of cholera. They are committing unspeakable violence, including widespread sexual violence, against affected populations and impeding the delivery of critical services.
UNSC resolution 2653 established a sanctions committee to identify additional individuals and entities that could be sanctioned. This will put pressure on those responsible for the violence and insecurity in Haiti. Any new individuals or entities identified by this committee will be automatically subject to the sanctions measures outlined in the Haiti regulations under Canada's United Nations Act.
