Security Council Presidential Statement Notes Contributions by United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti During 13-Year Mandate

As the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) completed its mandate on 15 October, the Security Council welcomed the notable progress made by Haiti towards stability and democracy.

In presidential statement S/PRST/2017/20, read by François Delattre (France), its President for October, the Council recognized the contribution MINUSTAH had made in restoring security and stability throughout its 13‑year tenure and expressed appreciation of the efforts of the United Nations Country Team.

Recalling that the primary responsibility for ensuring stability lay with the Government of Haiti, the Council reaffirmed the need for political dialogue to help defuse tensions between competing groups.  Also reaffirming the need for addressing ongoing socioeconomic grievances, the Council emphasized the importance of prioritizing strengthening the rule of law, judicial reform, respect for human rights, including the empowerment of women and their full participation in decision-making, and further developing the capacity of the Haitian National Police.

The Council also recognized the United Nations “New Approach to Cholera in Haiti” and its continued progress in reductions of suspected cases of cholera.  In addition it reaffirmed its support for the United Nations zero‑tolerance policy on all forms of sexual exploitation and abuse.

Further to the presidential statement, the Council underscored the importance of continued support to Haiti and welcomed the work of the United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti (MINUJUSTH) to consolidate progress made as the country transitioned to a non-peacekeeping United Nations presence.  It emphasized the importance of MINUJUSTH developing a clearly benchmarked projected two‑year exit strategy to a non‑peacekeeping United Nations presence to continue supporting the efforts of the Government of Haiti in sustaining peace and peacebuilding.

At the outset of the meeting, the President expressed deepest sympathy and condolences to the people of Somalia and the families of the victims of the terrorist attack in Mogadishu.  The Council then observed one minute of silence.

The meeting started at 10:11 a.m. and ended at 10:18 a.m.

Presidential Statement

The full text of presidential statement S/PRST/2017/20 reads as follows:

“As the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) completes its mandate on 15 October 2017, the Security Council recognizes the achievements made by Haiti since 2004.

“The Security Council takes note of the report from the Secretary‑General of 5 October (S/2017/840) and the assessments, recommendations, and lessons learned contained therein.  The Security Council expresses its intention to take them into account in the framework of its ongoing work to enhance the overall effectiveness of United Nations peacekeeping and transitions.

“Recalling resolutions 2350 (2017) and 2313 (2016), the Security Council welcomes the notable progress made by Haiti towards stability and democracy.  It underlines the improvements in strengthening the security and humanitarian situation.  The Security Council also welcomes the presidential elections held in 2016 and 2017, which have paved the way to consolidate Haiti’s democratic institutions through a peaceful transfer of power.

“The Security Council recognizes the contribution of MINUSTAH in restoring security and stability in Haiti throughout its thirteen years.  The Security Council expresses its appreciation for the efforts of the United Nations Country Team, under the leadership of the Special Representatives of the Secretary‑General, and MINUSTAH personnel for their dedication.  The Security Council also expresses its gratitude to the troop- and police‑contributing countries for their support over the years.

“The Security Council recalls the primary responsibility of the Government of Haiti for ensuring stability in Haiti and reaffirms in particular the need for political dialogue as a peaceful resolution to help defuse tensions between competing groups and to address ongoing socioeconomic grievances.  It emphasizes the importance of prioritizing strengthening the rule of law, judicial reform, the respect for human rights, including the empowerment of women and their full participation in decision-making, and further developing the capacity of the Haitian National Police (HNP) to enable it to improve Haiti’s security environment, all of which are critical to achieving long‑term stability.  Further, the Security Council expresses confidence that the new mission will work closely with the Government of Haiti and calls upon the Government to facilitate the mission’s mandate and functioning.

“The Security Council recognizes the United Nations ‘New Approach to Cholera in Haiti’ and continued progress in reductions of suspected cases of cholera.

“The Security Council reaffirms its support for the United Nations zero‑tolerance policy on all forms of sexual exploitation and abuse and affirms the importance of supporting victims of sexual exploitation and abuse.

“The Security Council stresses that there is important work ahead to further advance Haiti’s long-term security, democratic consolidation, and sustainable development.  The Security Council underscores the importance of continued support to Haiti as it embarks on the next stage of the United Nations’ engagement, and welcomes the work of the United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti (MINUJUSTH) to consolidate progress made as Haiti transitions to a non‑peacekeeping UN presence.

“The Security Council welcomes the use of a range of different tools to support Haiti as it seeks to address its political, economic, social, and security challenges.  It emphasizes the importance of MINUJUSTH developing a clearly benchmarked projected two‑year exit strategy to a non‑peacekeeping UN presence in Haiti to continue supporting the efforts of the government of Haitian in sustaining peace and peacebuilding.”