Current:Home > BackHaiti pushes forward with new program to boost police department overwhelmed by gangs-LoTradeCoin
Haiti pushes forward with new program to boost police department overwhelmed by gangs
View Date:2024-12-23 17:01:22
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — Prime Minister Ariel Henry met for the first time Tuesday with officials from various countries who are part of an international steering committee aimed at boosting the country’s beleaguered police department as it awaits the potential deployment of a foreign armed force to help it fight gangs, according to Haiti’s government.
The committee responsible for overseeing the program includes officials from the United States, Canada, Japan, Germany, the United Nations and the European Union, according to the office of Haiti’s prime minister.
The office did not provide further details, except to say the program is for the operational and institutional reinforcement of Haiti’s National Police.
A government official who was not authorized to speak to the media told The Associated Press the program aims to generate more money for an existing basket fund created to help Haiti’s National Police. The official said he didn’t know how much additional money, if any, each country pledged or what the money would be used for specifically.
The meeting comes just days after a court in Kenya ruled that deploying police officers to Haiti as part of a U.N.-backed mission approved last year is unconstitutional.
Haiti’s police department has long been overwhelmed by violent gangs estimated to control up to 80% of the capital of Port-au-Prince, with only some 10,000 officers on duty at a time in a country of more than 11 million people.
Last year, gangs attacked more than 45 police stations across Haiti, forcing police to abandon some of them. Dozens of officers also were reported killed, according to the U.N.
While the police budget for the current fiscal year was increased by 13%, a recent U.N. report found that “the appropriation falls short of needs” and noted that donor funding has provided basic items such as vehicles and personal protective equipment.
___
Associated Press reporter Dánica Coto in San Juan, Puerto Rico contributed.
veryGood! (588)
Related
- Sports are a must-have for many girls who grow up to be leaders
- How Gigi Hadid Is Honoring Karl Lagerfeld at Met Gala 2023
- Ryan Seacrest Reacts to Mark Consuelos’ First Week on Live With Kelly & Mark
- What Chilli's Son Tron Thinks of Her Romance With Matthew Lawrence
- Kennesaw State football coach Brian Bohannon steps down after 10 seasons amid first year in FBS
- The Lip Gloss Cheek Makeup Trend Is the Easiest Way to Elevate Your Blush Game
- How to Watch the 2023 Met Gala
- Danny Trejo’s Kitchen Must-Haves Include a Pick Inspired by His Movies
- Arbitrator upholds 5-year bans of Bad Bunny baseball agency leaders, cuts agent penalty to 3 years
- Blake Lively Pens Congratulatory Message to Ryan Reynolds After Fairytale Wrexham Promotion
Ranking
- Over 1.4 million Honda, Acura vehicles subject of US probe over potential engine failure
- Proof Pregnant Rihanna Had Met Gala 2023 on the Brain With Chanel Look
- Kylie Jenner Has the Best Plus-One in Daughter Stormi for Met Gala Night 2023
- Amazon Reviewers Call These Hydrating Under Eye Patches Magic
- Skiing legend Lindsey Vonn ends retirement, plans to return to competition
- Jerry Springer’s Cause of Death Revealed
- Extreme heat will smother the South from Arizona to Florida
- Chris Appleton and Lukas Gage's Wedding Included Officiant Kim Kardashian and Performer Shania Twain
Recommendation
-
GreenBox Systems will spend $144 million to build an automated warehouse in Georgia
-
Swimming pools and lavish gardens of the rich are driving water shortages, study says
-
Met Gala 2023: Cardi B Makes a Quick Outfit Change From Hotel to Red Carpet
-
Everything You Need to Achieve the Quiet Luxury Trend Without Breaking the Bank
-
Chipotle unveils cilantro-scented soap, 'water' cup candles in humorous holiday gift line
-
Today’s Climate: April 23, 2010
-
Ant Anstead Shares New Photos With Renée Zellweger as They Celebrate Two Years of Magic
-
Kate Middleton Gives a Clue on Her Coronation Outfit for King Charles III's Regal Celebration