The Jordanian policemen boarded the airplane that took them back home to reunite with their families and friends after a year of service in support of their HNP colleagues. The departure of the 140 police officers from this unit, which arrived in August 2018 and were deployed in Gonaïves, is part of the gradual withdrawal of the last two formed police units from MINUJUSTH before 15 October, 2019, date set by the United Nations Security Council for the planned closure of the mission. This will put an end to 15 years of United Nations peacekeeping operations in Haiti.
During the closure ceremony for the contingent, MINUJUSTH´s Police Commissioner, Serge Therriault, congratulated the Jordanian officers for its professionalism and dedication to serve Haiti and the United Nations mission. “I would like to express my deep gratitude to the contingent, that provided support to complex and some of the most difficult police operations. Keep pursuing your commitment to peace in the world”.
Following the departure of the Jordanian officers, The Senegalese contingent will be the last formed police unit to leave the territory. Starting 16 October 2019, with a new configuration without the presence of peacekeepers on the ground, the United Nations will continue to support the implementation of the HNP Strategic Development Plan 2017-2021 with technical and advisory support through the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) in close collaboration with the United Nations Country Team”.
5,000 Jordanian police officers standing side by side with the HNP since 2004Between 2004 and 2019, over 5,000 Jordanian policemen left their countries and families to serve alongside Haitian police in interventions such as law enforcement, joint patrols, checkpoints and the escort of humanitarian aid convoys in areas affected by natural disasters. As of 31 July 2019, Jordan had over 685 police and military officers deployed in various UN missions around the world.