The Dutch contribution to Operation Support Democracy and Uphold Democracy, Haiti
The Netherlands supplied a frigate, the guard ship in the Caribbean, and a P-3C Orion patrol aircraft for Operation Support Democracy. They were ordered to fit the participation in the embargo against Haiti into their normal operational programme and were not, therefore, available on a fulltime basis.
Inspection of ships
The Orion and the frigate were placed under US operational command. The frigates had the task of inspecting the crew and cargo of ships destined for Haiti, all on a voluntary basis, although the boarding parties were permitted to carry weapons for self-defence. The Dutch ships operated to the west and north-west of Haiti. They were not allocated a permanent sector, as they were not available for Operation Support Democracy on a permanent basis.
Contribution to the multinational force
Halfway through 1994, the US asked the Netherlands to contribute to the multinational force, if only to fly the flag. The cabinet approved the participation of a frigate and an Orion patrol aircraft on 2 September 1994. A naval officer went to the MNF headquarters at the US base of Fort Drum in order to coordinate the Dutch contribution in the planning phase. On 9 September, the cabinet announced its intention to provide 15 Marechaussee personnel as International Police Monitors (IPM) for the MNF.
Belgian-Dutch unit
Given that Belgium was also planning to send police observers, cooperation seemed a logical step. The BE/NL Police Monitor Unit Haiti had 49 personnel and was under the command of a Belgian major, with a Dutch captain as deputy. The Belgian-Dutch cooperation did not always run smoothly, however.
On patrol with Haitian officers
The Marechaussee personnel arrived in Haiti on 7 November and was stationed in the coastal town of Port-de-Paix in the north-west of Haiti. The general calm in this town was in stark contrast to the unrest elsewhere in Haiti. The Marechaussee personnel were given the task of accompanying Haitian agents of the old, partially purged establishment as well as the Interim Public Security Force (IPSF) on patrols, in their Chevrolet Blazers or on foot, and ensuring that Haitian laws and universal human rights were observed and upheld.
The observers were authorised to carry weapons and to use force to defend themselves and others. The observers also had an important advisory and educational role. The Haitians received training in, for example, dealing with prisoners, handling complaints and conducting basic police investigations.
UN police
The United Nations Civilian Police (UNCIVPOL) arrived at the beginning of March 1995 to take over the tasks of the IPM, after a transition period of 2 weeks. The Belgian-Dutch detachment was thus able to return home on 17 March 1995.