UNMIH was originally established by Security Council resolution 867 (1993) of 23 September 1993, to help implement certain provisions of the Governors Island Agreement signed by the Haitian parties on 3 July 1993. Its mandate was to assist in modernizing the armed forces of Haiti and establishing a new police force. However, due to non-cooperation of the Haitian military authorities, UNMIH could not be fully deployed at that time and carry out that mandate.

After the restoration, in October 1994, of the Haitian Constitutional Government with the help of a multinational force led by the United States and authorized by the Security Council, UNMIH's mandate was revised by the Security Council [resolutions 940 (1994) and 975 (1995)] to enable the Mission to assist the democratic Government of Haiti in fulfilling its responsibilities in connection with: sustaining a secure and stable environment established during the multinational phase and protecting international personnel and key installations; and the professionalization of the Haitian armed forces and the creation of a separate police force. UNMIH was also to assist the legitimate constitutional authorities of Haiti in establishing an environment conducive to the organization of free and fair legislative elections to be called by those authorities.

UNMIH assumed its functions in full on 31 March 1995. Democratic legislative elections were held in summer 1995. The Presidential elections were held successfully on 17 December 1995 and the transfer of power to the new President took place on 7 February 1996. Upon the receipt of the request of the President of Haiti, UNMIH's mandate was extended by Security Council resolution 1048 (1996) for the final period until 30 June 1996.

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