The sanctions regime was imposed in 2022 and includes a travel ban, an asset freeze and an arms embargo.
Panama and the United States drafted the resolution, which also renews the mandate of the panel of experts supporting the sanctions committee.
It comes just weeks after the Council authorized a Gang Suppression Force (GSF) in Haiti to replace the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) that supports the national police in their efforts to combat the violence.
“These measures will restore security to Haiti and bring gangs to their knees,” the U.S. representative said.
Name of attachment
Resolution 2794 (2025) expresses serious concerns about “the extremely high level of gang violence and other criminal activities,” such as kidnappings, murders, human trafficking, murders and sexual violence, as well as continued impunity.
In an annex, the Council also identified two people who have been “involved in acts that threaten the peace, security and stability of Haiti.”
Dimitri Herard, former head of the security unit of assassinated ex-president Jovenel Moïse, has supported the Ti Bwa gang and is also involved “in facilitating the trafficking of arms and ammunition, which has fueled gang violence and destabilized the country.”
Kempes Sanon is the leader of the Bel Air gang which “has been involved in systematic human rights violations, including extortion, kidnappings and illegal taxation.”
The US representative said their appointment complements action taken by Washington earlier that day regarding the two men.
“While we applaud the Council for naming these individuals, the list is not complete. There are more factors that enable Haiti’s insecurity and avoid accountability.”
‘Remove the fuel’
The representative of Panama said effective implementation of the arms embargo is crucial in efforts “to remove once and for all the fuel fueling this conflict.”
He added that “there is a symbiotic relationship between certain economic and political elite sectors and the gangs.”
Regarding the annex, he regretted that “there is no consensus to include people who meet the criteria of those who cause so much damage to Haitian society.”
He expressed hope that the renewal of sanctions, along with other efforts by the UN Support Office in Haiti and the GSF, “will enable us to achieve a Haiti free of weapons, more secure and in peace.”
Deterrence and justice
The representative of Haiti said the sanctions regime “can be an effective tool for deterrence and justice if properly applied and respected by all Member States.”
It serves as “a complementary pillar” to the Multinational Security Support Mission, which was recently transformed into the GSF.
He said the results of efforts to quell the violence so far have been mixed, as gangs continue to be supplied with heavy weapons and ammunition from abroad.
He further stated that the Haitian government has noted the names of the individuals in the attachment and that their cases will be handled in accordance with national law.
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