From 15 to 31 January 2011, more than a thousand men of Haitian police and UN, backed by a strong logistics, conducted a series of operations in sensitive areas, including neighborhoods of Brooklyn, Cité de Dieu, Cité Soleil and Camp "Jean Marie Vincent" that houses displaced people.

These joint operations involving the peacekeepers, UN police and Haitian security forces are part of the mandate of the Minustah responsible for ensuring a secure and stable environment, but also contribute to the development and the professionalization of Haitian police.

"We have been seeking to capture prison fugitives, violent gang members and criminals sought for murder and rape, we have succeeded in seizing many criminals, arms and drugs" welcomed the deputy commander Major General Carlos Mezzano after a series of joint operations by the Minustah, the UN police (UNPOL) and the Haitian National Police (HNP).

The operations, also aimed to reduce the criminal activities in these areas that were formerly plagued by violence from armed gangs, have resulted in the arrest of more than 303 people, including many former prisoners of the Central Penitentiary of Port-au Prince, escaped during the earthquake.

"It is important that we, the military and police component of the UN, continue to work with the Haitian police to maintain order and security", stressed General Carlos Mezzano, indicating that such operations would continue in the future.

S/ HaitiLibre