A self-fulfilling prophecy -- First contact with Haiti : exploring the paratroopers' landing area -- At the preparation area -- Green light at the gate -- First steps on the ground -- Same old story : international interventions in Haiti -- MINUSTAH -- Chilean blue helmets in Haiti -- Violence in Haiti -- The Haitian National Police and the judicial system -- The military force in action -- Parliamentary and presidential elections -- A wrongful accusation -- A terrible blow : the death of General Bacellar -- The first few months of Préval's government -- Putting my backpack away
Summary
Backpacks Full of Hope: The UN Mission in Haiti describes the experience of a Chilean general as Deputy Force Commander of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) during the particularly turbulent year September 2005 to September 2006. It details the realities of commanding more than 7,000 men from eleven countries while working to fulfill the mandate of the United Nations in Haiti-to ensure a secure and stable environment, to support the transitional government in a democratic political process, and to promote and protect the human rights of the Haitian people. Despite