Due to the deterioration of the security situation and political turmoil in Haiti since the beginning of 2004, Mr. Jean-Bertrand Aristide, President of Haiti, departed from the country on 29 February in the same year. The United Nations established the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) for the maintenance of security, political process assistance, and coordination of human rights and humanitarian assistance in Haiti on 1 June 2004.

At 4:53 pm on 12 January 2010 local time, an earthquake of magnitude 7.0 occurred in a suburb area, approximately 15 km from Port-au-Prince, the capital city of Haiti. After the earthquake, minor-quakes continued intermittently. The earthquake destroyed infrastructure in the area, and created a lack of water and food. Supply of basic necessities became urgent issues for the local people. Some pillaging sporadically occurred after the earthquake hit the area. Although a state of emergency was declared by the government, safety was maintained by the efforts of international community to keep peacekeeping operations, including the MINUSTAH. Therefore, organized crime and massive turmoil was prevented.