UNITED NATIONS, Nov 28,  (Xinhua): The United Nations, despite a "significantly deteriorating security" situation, is not abandoning its humanitarian role in violence-torn Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince, or the country, a UN spokesman said. "In light of the significantly deteriorating security situation in Port-au-Prince, including in neighborhoods where our offices are located, the United Nations is adapting its operations to ensure the continued delivery of critical humanitarian programs," said Farhan Haq, deputy spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

"We want to emphasize that the UN is not leaving Haiti," Haq said in response to reports the world body was moving personnel out of the country. "We continue supporting the Haitian people and authorities, with critical humanitarian assistance and political support." He said essential UN personnel from agencies and the UN political mission, known as BINUH, remain in Port-au-Prince to carry out critical activities while the world body continues to deliver programs outside the capital.

The Caribbean nation has been suffering from increasing gang violence and political unrest. Only last week, Guterres voiced support for efforts by the Haitian National Police, with the backing of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission to address the mounting violence. While the mission is endorsed by the United Nations, it is not a UN operation.