[2] It was created in February 1993, with a mandate focussed on protection of human rights and legitimate state institutions.
MICIVIH was the response to a request from deposed president Jean-Bertrand Aristide.
The mission assisted in the dismantling of the old military system and in the creation of a new police force, trained and aware of the respect for human rights.
A requirement to achieve future economic development desperately needed in this impoverished country.
It also contributed to the opening of the office for the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights,[4][failed verification] the bureau that oversees all activities of the UN system related to human rights.