9 December 2005 – With a preliminary report indicating that United Nations peacekeepers used excessive force during incidents earlier this year in Haiti’s capital, the UN Stabilization Mission in the country (MINUSTAH) has empanelled a disciplinary commission of inquiry to investigate further.The incidents involving the “blue helmets” took place in the Sarthe/Cazeau area of Port-au-Prince on 31 October at and around the Larco drinks plant. Peacekeepers not only reacted in an excessive manner, but they then conducted inappropriate body searches of the population concerned, according to the early findings, which were based on interviews with presumed victims and others.

MINUSTAH stressed that it was resolute in applying the zero-tolerance policy in proven cases of bad conduct by persons serving under the UN flag.