Port-au-Prince, April 13, 2015- Today, a Chilean soldier of the United Nations Mission for Stabilization in Haiti (MINUSTAH), Second Sergeant RODRIGO ANDRÉS SANHUEZA SOTO,succumbed to fatal injuries from a gunshot wound received while traveling to Ouanaminthe on administrative duty, when his military vehicle was fired upon by violent protesters in the area.  A UN team has been dispatched to the location to ascertain the facts and circumstances of the shooting. 

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Haiti (SRSG), Sandra Honoré, condemns in the strongest terms the use of violence during a demonstration, resulting in the killing of a peacekeeper. She has asked the Haitian authorities to ensure that a thorough investigation is conducted, offering UNPOL support in this regard and calling for the perpetrator to be brought to justice without delay. 

The SRSG recalls that all citizens have the right to demonstrate peacefully and reiterates that all persons also have the right to conduct their legitimate activities without hindrance.  “Armed violence is a criminal act which not only endangers people’s security but also the gains in peace and stability which the Haitian population has achieved so far. The Mission continues to urge all Haitian stakeholders, civil society, political, religious and community leaders to continuously work against violence in all its forms.  As Haiti enters the electoral period 2015, a climate of peace is in the interest of all”, reiterated the SRSG. 

The SRSG’s thoughts are with the late peacekeeper’s family and his contingent to whom she extends her deepest sympathies and those of the United Nations Mission for Stabilization in Haiti.