As part of capacity building of the National Police of Haiti (PNH), a modern and brand new armory, a project of the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) and the Minustah was inaugurated last week at the Haitian Police Academy. Two other armories, that of SWAT and the one of National Palace has been completely renovated and given to the Haitian authorities on the same day.

These three armories that meet international standards, has been funded by the Minustah for a total amount of 90,000 USD and executed by UNMAS.

Built in reinforced concrete 250 mm thick, these armories provide a strong physical barrier to prevent theft and loss of weapons, and help to strengthen the responsibility of the police force towards weapons and ammunition. They also feature a ventilated space for the storage of ammunition.

in parallel to this work, the team of UNMAS gave training sessions to PNH officers on the management of arms and ammunition and on the standards of small arms control, and how to destroy weapons and ammunition obsolete or unusable. UNMAS also conducted a national needs assessment in secure storage in Haiti.

Serge Therriault, acting head of the UN Police in Haiti, declared "[...] this project will lead to other activities with PNH in consultation and cooperation with the Minustah, including the reduction in the proliferation of arms trafficking and the increase of controls both within the PNH and the civil societ," while acknowledging that "a long way still to go."

This joint pilot project UNMAS, MINUSTAH, PNH, lasting four months, is part of the support of the United Nations Police (UNPOL) to the development plan of the PNH, is funded by the UN Mission to the tune of 300,000 USD.

HL/ HaitiLibre