Secretary-General Gravely Concerned about Security, Health Situation in Haiti

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:

The Secretary-General remains gravely concerned about the situation in Haiti, which is facing an outbreak of cholera amid a dramatic deterioration in security that has paralysed the country.

The blockage of the Varreux fuel terminal has brought critical services required to prevent the rapid spread of the disease to a stand-still, including the distribution of potable water.  Again, the most vulnerable sectors of the Haitian population are those hit the hardest.  The priority must be to save lives.

The Secretary-General urges the international community, including the members of the Security Council, to consider as of matter of urgency the request by the Haitian Government for the immediate deployment of an international specialized armed force to address the humanitarian crisis, including securing the free movement of water, fuel, food and medical supplies from main ports and airports to communities and health-care facilities.  The Secretary-General today submitted to the Security Council a letter with options for enhanced security support to Haiti, as requested by the Council in its resolution 2645 (2022).

The Secretary-General calls on Haitian stakeholders to rise above their differences and to engage, without further delay, in a peaceful and inclusive dialogue on a constructive way forward.  The United Nations stands by the people of Haiti and will support efforts to build consensus, reduce violence and promote stability in the country.