Speakers in Security Council Urge Fast Deployment of Support Mission, Sanctions Enforcement to Combat Worsening Gang Violence in Haiti
National Dialogue Key to Holding Inclusive, Credible Elections, Restoring Democracy, Special Representative Says
Speakers in the Security Council today called for the swift deployment and integration of the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti, the enforcement of renewed sanctions, and broad political dialogue, all as a means to provide the conditions for elections and to combat the situation of shocking and spiralling gang violence in the country.
“The security situation on the ground continues to deteriorate as growing gang violence plunges the lives of the people of Haiti into disarray and major crimes are rising sharply to new record highs,” María Isabel Salvador, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), said in her briefing to the 15-nation organ. Gangs carry out killings and sexual violence, including collective rape and mutilation every day and there is no support for victims or appropriate justice. Adding to the complexity are vigilante groups, she said, giving the example of BINUH registering the so-called Bwa Kale vigilante movement between 24 April and 30 September across all of Haiti’s 10 departments for lynching at least 395 alleged gang members.
Ms. Salvador said that she is engaging with political stakeholders to encourage a national dialogue as a path to credible and inclusive elections, and in turn the restoration of democratic institutions and the rule of law. However, differences between them persist, she noted. She hoped that the deployment of the non-UN Mission — that the Council authorized this month through resolution 2966 (2023) — to support the Haitian National Police will improve security conditions to a level conducive for polls and stated that further elements such as the adequate implementation of justice will be needed.
Ghada Fathi Waly, Executive Director of United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), observed that gangs have seized control of some areas and key infrastructure in Haiti, and are perpetuating horrific violence, enabled by sophisticated firearms brought into the country illegally. She identified four major sea and land routes for the illicit flows of firearms and ammunition, coming primarily from the United States. “Through these routes, traffickers are taking advantage of the Haitian security sector’s limited capacities, equipment and infrastructure for border and maritime control and surveillance,” she said. She underscored the need to halt the flow of arms and establish a robust regulatory framework for firearms. She noted that violence has displaced almost 200,000 people, insecurity is expanding from the capital Port-au-Prince to other departments and that Haiti remains a transit destination for drugs — primarily cocaine and cannabis.
The President of the High Transitional Council of Haiti, Mirlande Manigat, said that body was struck at its heart by the kidnapping of Anthony Virginie Saint-Pierre, its Secretary-General, on 18 October. This kidnapping did not happen by chance, she said, adding that each Haitian could tell the story of the tragedy of the country. Thousands of children are deprived of education; patients are succumbing to wounds because they cannot get to the hospital; market vendors have their goods pillaged by gangs; and young girls and boys are raped with impunity, she said. The only profitable business is gangsterism, she said, adding: “Suffering Haiti is speaking through me.” She called on the international community to provide the aid that has been pledged, saying it must stand in solidarity with Haiti’s patriots who are determined to change its destiny. She added that Haitians are awaiting the Mission’s support troops.
Catherine Russell, Executive Director of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) — also speaking as the designated Principal Advocate on the Humanitarian Situation in Haiti for the Inter-Agency Standing Committee — reported that half the population needs humanitarian relief, but the UN has received barely 25 per cent of the $720 million needed for the Humanitarian Response Plan. “Nearly a quarter of Haiti’s children are chronically malnourished,” she added, and those severely malnourished are five times more likely to die from cholera, which continues to plague the country.
She called on the international community to prioritize increasing flexible humanitarian funding and on all to urge international financial institutions and development partners to keep Haitian social sectors and services in operation.
In the ensuing debate, Member States noted the need for a strong working relationship between BINUH and the Mission, and called for securing humanitarian aid and international support in other areas, including combating illicit financial flows.
The representative of Brazil, Council President for October, speaking in his national capacity, hailed the authorization of the Mission and the renewal of the sanctions regime. He called on Member States contributing to the Mission to swiftly agree and submit to the Council the rules for engagement, to allow for its timely deployment. “It remains to be established how BINUH can better support the efforts of the Mission,” he said. He insisted that security assistance must be coupled with robust development assistance, as well as support for institutional strengthening, to address the root causes of violence, instability and poverty.
The United Arab Emirates’ delegate expressed regret about the worsening security, economic and humanitarian conditions, adding that, “we must not allow ourselves to have Haiti fatigue”. He said the security track must work in parallel with the political track. He called for measures to combat trafficking of weapons and illicit financial flows. France’s representative welcomed the Council, in adopting resolution 2700 (2023) this month, renewing Haiti’s sanctions regime, saying that her country wants to work on sanctions against new people threatening peace in the country.
UNODC’s assistance to the Haitian authorities in combating illicit financial flows was welcomed by Mozambique’s representative, who added that the international community must pay the utmost attention to the humanitarian situation, including to famine and infectious diseases. The necessary resources must be provided for the humanitarian emergency response, for its effective functioning and provision of life-saving assistance. He also appealed to partner countries for funding for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)-managed Multi-Donor Fund.
China’s delegate welcomed the Council’s strong response to Haiti’s crisis and said the promotion of a political process is fundamental, as without a legitimate and accountable Government, external efforts will not have any lasting effect. Noting the country’s two-year-long political vacuum, he called on all parties and stakeholders to carry out consultations responsibly.
The representative of Jamaica, on behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), said it will continue helping, including through the CARICOM Eminent Persons Group, to facilitate engagements among Haitian stakeholders in a constructive political dialogue to work towards restoring security, re-establishing democracy and good governance, organizing free and fair elections, and successfully pursuing Haiti’s social and economic development aspirations.
Haiti’s delegate was present at the meeting but did not speak.
THE QUESTION CONCERNING HAITI (S/2023/768)
Briefings
MARÍA ISABEL SALVADOR, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), hailed the authorization of the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti and called for the updating of the list of individuals and entities targeted by sanctions. “The security situation on the ground continues to deteriorate as growing gang violence plunges the lives of the people of Haiti into disarray and major crimes are rising sharply to new record highs,” she said. She added that gangs carry out killings and sexual violence, including collective rape and mutilation, every day without support for victims or appropriate justice. Between 24 April and 30 September, BINUH registered the lynching of at least 395 alleged gang members across all of Haiti’s 10 departments by the so-called Bwa Kale vigilante movement.
She said that she is engaging with a wide range of stakeholders to encourage their full commitment to national dialogue to get onto a path to elections and to fully re-establish democratic institutions and the rule of law. She commended the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Eminent Persons Group for their support in promoting a Haitian-led, Haitian-owned dialogue out of the crisis, under whose auspices inter-Haitian consultations have resumed. But, significant differences persist, all of which are critical to placing Haiti on a clear path to elections. Efforts towards elections are not moving at a desired pace, she said. A majority of actors must engage in constructive and meaningful negotiations to overcome the current political stalemate and move forward towards allowing the holding of inclusive, credible and participatory elections as soon as security conditions permit, she said.
She hoped the Mission’s deployment will improve the security situation, which can in turn provide conditions allowing for the Haitian National Police to achieve results and for State functions to resume, leading to the holding of credible and inclusive elections. There must be efforts to establish effective coordination between the Haitian National Police and its partners through the Mission or bilaterally, so that duplication is avoided and the effect of assistance is optimized. Once National Police efforts are stepped up, there will be a need to address justice requirements, which must be supported by the international community, she said.
Justice and corrections institutions “continue to face significant challenges”, she said, and while some progress has been made, much more is needed to restore the rule of law, protect human rights and fight impunity. She noted the appalling conditions in Haiti’s prisons, and the need for coordination among stakeholders to improve this, with which BINHU can help. The restoration of democratic institutions through credible and participatory elections is fundamental to a sustainable rule of law, she said, adding that the representation and participation of all groups in Haiti is crucial to achieving sustainable solutions to the multidimensional crisis. Elections are the only path and the absolute requirement to restore democratic institutions, she stressed.
CATHERINE RUSSELL, Executive Director of United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), noting that she is also speaking as the designated Principal Advocate on the Humanitarian Situation in Haiti for the Inter-Agency Standing Committee, reported that half the population in Haiti needs humanitarian assistance, including nearly 3 million children. However, half of those in need of assistance are not getting it primarily because of insecurity and insufficient humanitarian funding. An estimated 2 million, including 1.6 million women and children, live in areas under the effective control of armed groups, who are expanding their operations outside of the capital, perpetrating extreme levels of violence in both Port-au-Prince and neighbouring Artibonite. Recalling her visit to the country in June, she said: “Children are being injured or killed in the crossfire, some even on their way to school. Others are being forcibly recruited, or they are joining armed groups.” Communities are being terrorized and women and girls are being targeted with extreme levels of gender-based and sexual violence, she added.
She recalled her recent visit to the Gheskio centre, which provides care for survivors of sexual violence in Port-au-Prince, where she met an 11-year-old girl who, late last year, had been abducted by five men from an armed group. Three of them took turns raping her and in June, when they met, she was eight months pregnant. Several women at the centre spoke of armed men breaking in, raping them — in one case, in front of her children — and then setting their homes on fire. “In some areas, such horrific abuses and crimes are now commonplace,” she added. Abductions for ransom have skyrocketed, while students, teachers and health workers are subjected to threats daily, she said, noting that, as a result, skilled workers, who are desperately needed to deliver essential services, are trying to flee their communities and even the country. Further detailing the consequences of armed groups’ activities, she stressed: “The life-threatening mix of conditions has caused an intensifying food security and nutrition crisis, especially for children.”
She reported an unprecedented 30 per cent increase since last year in the number of children suffering from severe wasting to over 115,000. “Nearly a quarter of Haiti’s children are chronically malnourished,” she said. Pointing to the ongoing cholera outbreak, she said severely malnourished children are five times more likely to die from cholera without urgent treatment. Although the violence is compromising the work of humanitarian actors on the ground, there are some positive outcomes: last week UNICEF and its partners were able to secure the safe release of nearly 60 children being held by armed groups occupying a school in Port-au-Prince. UNICEF is committed to staying on the ground to meet humanitarian needs, she affirmed. However, it has received barely a quarter of the $720 million needed to fund the Humanitarian Response Plan. She called on the international community to prioritize increasing flexible humanitarian funding and on all to urge international financial institutions and development partners to keep Haitian social sectors and services in operation.
Turning to the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti, she said it must prioritize the protection of civilians in all its operations and use only the least harmful means necessary and proportionate to legitimate law enforcement objectives. It must ensure special care and attention to the protection of vulnerable groups, and work with the Government to identify threats to them, and ensure their protection from abuses and other human rights violations. Preventing sexual exploitation and abuse will require thorough deployment and on-the-ground training, she stressed, adding that police-contributing countries must take all necessary steps to conduct investigations of allegations as expeditiously as possible, and to hold perpetrators of sexual exploitation and abuse accountable. The Mission must ensure that children who are or allegedly are associated with armed groups are regarded as victims of violations of international law. It must strive to facilitate humanitarian action, while remaining apart from humanitarian operations. Further, it must avoid impeding access to people in need according to humanitarian principles.
GHADA FATHI WALY, Executive Director of United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), observed that gangs have seized control of some areas and key infrastructure in Haiti, and are perpetuating horrific violence, enabled by sophisticated firearms brought into the country illegally. Therefore, she underscored the need to halt the flow of arms and establish a robust regulatory framework for firearms for Haitian authorities to re-establish normalcy, calling on Member States to take relevant measures and provide support, parallel to the deployment of the recently authorized Mission. She went on to outline the findings of her latest report, which provides updates on sources and routes of illicit arms and financial flows in Haiti, in line with Council resolution 2692 (2023). It presents an in-depth analysis of the movement of weapons, identifying four major sea and land routes for the illicit flows of firearms and ammunition, coming primarily from the United States.
This includes direct shipment in containers to Port-au-Prince and shipments into the northern regions, including Port-de-Paix, transported overland to coastal cities in Artibonite, then by small boats or by land to docks controlled by gangs or traffickers, eventually making their way to Port-au-Prince. Land shipments are made through the Belladère and Malpasse border crossings; primarily via the Dominican Republic, and through Cap-Haitien, where smaller quantities of weapons are hidden in the personal effects of individuals crossing the border by car or on foot. “Through these routes, traffickers are taking advantage of the Haitian security sector’s limited capacities, equipment and infrastructure for border and maritime control and surveillance,” she noted. While the Haitian police operate under a continuous state of emergency and with limited human and technical resources, private security companies are filling in the security vacuum. Their reported involvement in illicit firearms flows, further complicate the picture, she said, noting that, as a result, criminal groups are consistently outgunning security forces.
As shootings and kidnappings rise, and violence displaces almost 200,000 people, she said that insecurity is expanding outside the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince to other departments. Meanwhile, criminal gangs, with their superior firepower, have expanded territorial control and targeted critical infrastructure including seaports, fuel terminals, airports, grain stores and key roads, enabling them to block critical goods, and secure trafficking routes. The demand for weapons is linked to the gangs’ need to enforce the illicit drug trade, as Haiti remains a transit destination primarily for cocaine and cannabis. Against this backdrop, she called for effective action, including through enforcing tighter controls at borders in Haiti and abroad, drastically improving maritime interdiction mechanisms and enhancing capacities to collect, analyse and use firearms-seizure data. As well, she called for a strengthening of the Haitian firearms-control regime, to empower Haitian institutions to detect, investigate and prosecute firearms trafficking and related offences, among other measures.
She went on to outline UNODC’s scaled-up work on the ground, noting that, last week, its experts joined the team in Haiti to support the Office’s programming at the Belladère land border and the Port-au-Prince port and airport, where they reported excellent cooperation with the Haitian customs, police, airport and port authorities. “We are working with them to establish a joint airport and port control unit, which will bring together officials from customs and police to better understand illicit flows and improve the effectiveness of interdictions,” she said. Training begins next month and equipment is already en route. Measures to control weapons and seize drugs must be paired with improved financial transparency and accountability, she said, noting UNODC’s work with emphasizing the Organization of American States (OAS) to strengthen Haiti’s operational capacity to detect economic crime and trace illicit financial flows and money-laundering schemes.
MIRLANDE MANIGAT, President of the High Transitional Council of Haiti, said that body was struck at its heart by the kidnapping of Anthony Virginie Saint-Pierre, its Secretary-General, on 18 October. This kidnapping did not happen by chance, she said, adding that each Haitian could tell the story of the tragedy of the country. Thousands of children are deprived of education; patients are succumbing to wounds because they cannot get to the hospital; market vendors have their goods pillaged by gangs; and young girls and boys are raped with impunity, she said. The only profitable business is gangsterism, she said, adding: “Suffering Haiti is speaking through me.”
Calling for the international community to provide the aid that has been pledged, she said it must stand in solidarity with Haiti’s patriots who are determined to change its destiny. The Council must move from words to action, she said, stressing that the High Transitional Council stands ready to support any United Nations initiative to enable the country to return to normalcy. The people of her country are awaiting support troops, she said, adding that it is crucial to ensure their protection and combat those who are profiting from weapons and munitions trafficking. Further, it is vital to establish a fund to rebuild roads, judicial infrastructure and agricultural land, she said, cautioning that “without this, we risk plunging back”.
Haiti has always fostered peaceful existence, she said, adding that the High Transitional Council will continue to support all efforts to ensure respect for the agreements in place. “I am 82 years old and I know the future is behind me,” she said, pledging that the rest of her days will be dedicated to a better Haiti. Pointing out that the High Transitional Council is the product of an extraordinary agreement that brought together thousands of voices that committed to reconstruct State institutions, she noted its many goals, including the creation of a credible electoral council and re-establishing public order. All its members are committed to bringing trust back to Haiti’s people, she said, adding that it is essential to conduct elections as soon as possible and install a freely elected Government.
Statements
MAURO VIEIRA (Brazil), Council President for October, speaking in his national capacity, hailed the authorization of the Mission and the renewal of the sanctions regime. He called on Member States contributing to the Mission to swiftly agree and submit to the Council the rules for engagement for the Mission, to allow for its timely deployment. “It remains to be established how BINUH can better support the efforts of the Mission,” he said. The work of BINUH has been important in areas such as promotion of dialogue, electoral reforms, police capacity-building, justice and prison systems improvement, and human rights protection, he said. BINUH and the Mission will need to establish "a mutually beneficial dynamic” to improve security conditions. He insisted that security assistance must be coupled with robust development assistance, as well as support for institutional strengthening, to address the root causes of violence, instability and poverty. Stakeholders need to agree on a credible framework for holding elections and the Mission should help bring about conditions for this.
ROBERT A. WOOD (United States), recalling the Council’s recent efforts to support the work of the Special Representative, said the differences in mandate between a UN special political mission and a non-UN mission focused on security are clear, but there is a direct link between the success of BINUH and that of the Multinational Security Support Mission to Haiti. He echoed the Special Representative’s call for close cooperation between BINUH and the Support Mission, which will help facilitate the latter’s work. He called on the international community to provide direct support to the Multinational Security Support Mission, including personnel, funding, training and in-kind support, stressing that its ability to support the Haitian National Police in restoring security to the country will require sustained resources. He urged continued discussions on how to best ensure that BINUH is fit for purpose before its mandate is further expanded.
HERNÁN PÉREZ LOOSE (Ecuador), welcoming the adoption of three resolutions on Haiti over the past 100 days, stressed that, nonetheless, a lot more has to be done to address the humanitarian, political, security and economic crises in the country. In this context, he underlined the need to support BINUH’s efforts in assisting the progress of inter-Haitian dialogue, and help authorities re-establish democracy and the rule of law. As well, the international community must speed up efforts to support the judicial and prison systems in combating corruption and impunity. Ecuador calls on countries to intensify and deploy humanitarian aid and economic cooperation to alleviate the food insecurity faced by the country. As well, he encouraged States to provide staff and equipment for the Multinational Security Support Mission, in line with Council resolution 2699 (2023), noting its emphasis on specialized expertise in child protection. He went on to call on Haiti an “existential test” of the Council’s credibility, stressing the need to move from deliberation to action.
AHMED ABDELRAHMAN AHMED ALI ALMAHMOUD (United Arab Emirates), expressing regret about the worsening security, economic and humanitarian conditions in Haiti, said, “we must not allow ourselves to have Haiti fatigue.” Stressing the need for preventing sexual and gender-based violence, he said the international community must pay special attention to the situation of children. Gangs are exploiting the absence of education and safe spaces, he said, welcoming the adoption of the Council resolution authorizing the deployment of the Multinational Security Support Mission to address gang violence. This step must be complemented by holistic approaches and close coordination with United Nations bodies on the ground, such as BINUH, UNODC and the Panel of Experts. The security track must work in parallel with the political track, he said, adding that CARICOM and BINUH have critical roles to play in the latter. Also calling for measures to combat trafficking of weapons and illicit financial flows, he said this undermines the stability of Haiti and the region.
NATHALIE BROADHURST ESTIVAL (France) condemned gangs’ attacks on humanitarian-aid deliveries. She welcomed BINUH’s work and the authorization of the Mission. “This commitment shows the desire to swiftly bring aid that Haiti so desperately needs,” she said. She called on all States to support the Mission and the Haitian National Police. She also welcomed the renewing of the sanctions regime, which, she noted, expanded the arms embargo. She said her country wants to work on sanctions against new people threatening peace in Haiti. “For the multidimensional crisis in Haiti to be resolved in the long-term, the country must resolutely commit to an inclusive political dialogue,” she said. She supported the efforts of Prime Minister Ariel Henry and the work of the High Transitional Council to find a political agreement, with a view to organizing free and open elections, and restoring the country's political institutions and good governance. She also supported CARICOM in its mediation efforts.
PEDRO COMISSÁRIO AFONSO (Mozambique), speaking also on behalf of Gabon and Ghana, called once again on all Haitian stakeholders to participate constructively in the ongoing dialogue between Prime Minister Ariel Henry and the political actors who are signatories and non-signatories of the agreement. He commended the CARICOM countries for their continued support to Haiti, including through the facilitation of political dialogue by the Group of Eminent Persons. Calling on all partners to contribute to the Multinational Security Support Mission to Haiti, he welcomed CARICOM States’ expressed willingness to join this effort. He also called for the operationalization of the Mission and its deployment on the ground as soon as possible to enable Haiti to regain control of the entire territory and ensure the protection of the civilian population. Efforts aimed at addressing the security and political situation in Haiti must be accompanied by other levers of action, including enhanced action to promote social and economic development, he added.
He welcomed UNODC’s assistance to the Haitian authorities in combating illicit financial flows, among others, and urged all to unite around Haiti and provide the country with the support and solidarity it needs. Voicing concern about the humanitarian situation, he also urged the international community’s utmost attention, including to famine and infectious diseases. The humanitarian emergency plan must be provided with the necessary level of resources for its effective functioning and provision of life-saving assistance, including to the tens of thousands of internally displaced persons and returnees, he stressed. He appealed once again to partner countries for the funding of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)-managed Multi-Donor Fund. He encouraged all political actors to give high priority to dialogue and consultation, to overcome their differences with a view to restoring peace, security and stability in Haiti.
SHINO MITSUKO (Japan) voiced concern over the ongoing violence and human rights violations by gangs, as well as the emergence of vigilante groups in Haiti, undermining access to basic services and deteriorating humanitarian situation. Against this backdrop, she welcomed the Council’s authorization of the deployment of the Multinational Security Support Mission to support the Haitian National Police, underscoring the need for participating countries to have a deep understanding of its mandate and the situation on the ground, and for an appropriate command and operational structure. In parallel, she called for the continued strengthening of the National Police’s capacity to provide humanitarian relief, highlighting her country’s $12 million assistance last year. On the political front, she said the country’s institutions and its society’s resilience must be strengthened. On that, she welcomed the establishment of peace and mediation committees, voicing hope that the Haitian people, including women, can play a vital role in mediation and peacebuilding.
ADRIAN DOMINIK HAURI (Switzerland), noting the constant deterioration of the security situation and alarming human rights violations in Haiti, said the expansion of gang violence is accompanied by increasing systematic sexual violence. The Multinational Security Support Mission is a strong signal of solidarity from the Council, he said, also welcoming the sanctions regime and reinforced arms embargo. The vulnerability of young Haitians continues to grow, he said, noting that the start of the new school year remains uncertain as schools remain closed and children find refuge in makeshift camps. On the political front, inter-Haitian dialogue must continue, he said, highlighting the key role of regional support, under the auspices of the CARICOM Eminent Persons Group. Noting that nearly half the population is food insecure, he said that at a time when conflicts and humanitarian needs are increasing, “we must not forget Haiti”.
VANESSA FRAZIER (Malta) noted reports of an increase in violence in Haiti, with major crimes surging at unprecedented rates. The authorization of the Mission to support the Haitian National Police “must be a lifeline for Haiti to stem the escalating violence”. “Stabilizing the security conditions is a critical step towards addressing Haiti’s multidimensional crisis,” she said. She added that a broad political agreement to restore democratic institutions through credible, participatory and inclusive elections is indispensable to advancing stability, good governance and the rule of law. She called on stakeholders to set aside their differences and commit to meaningful dialogue to broaden consensus and re-establish democratic institutions. She said there is a need for more humanitarian aid and for international support, not only for the National Police, but also for corrections, the justice system, customs control and border management, all to improve security. She called for the updating of the Sanctions List. She welcomed the establishment of three networks of women mediators and peacebuilders, in the context of significant sexual and gender-based violence.
ALBANA DAUTLLARI (Albania) expressed support for the Secretary-General’s call to strengthen the capacities of BINUH and the expedited deployment of the Multinational Security Support Mission to effectively combat the escalating violence in Haiti. On the political front, she said, inclusive dialogue and the implementation of transitional arrangements are crucial preconditions for restoring democratic institutions through credible, participatory and inclusive elections. Noting BINUH’s commitment to support the High Transitional Council in fostering national dialogue on security and electoral reforms, she also commended regional efforts, in particular that of CARICOM and its Eminent Persons Group. The international community must work in synergy with Haitian authorities to strengthen the national police, judiciary, and corrections institutions, alongside initiatives to curb small arms trafficking, he said.
ANNA M. EVSTIGNEEVA (Russian Federation) underscored the importance of the due drafting of and submission to the Council of the Mission’s blueprint, including rules for the use of force and its exit strategy. Stressing that the Mission must be a “feedback loop for Haitian society”, she noted that Haiti is the Latin American country that has suffered the most from the colonial yoke, even after it gained its independence from France, its “former colonial master”. Welcoming the Council’s approval of the expanded arms embargo to all non-State actors in Haiti, she noted that there has been no significant process in countering the illegal transfer to Haiti of light weapons, including from the region’s largest weapons producer, the United States. She urged all Member States “to right that deplorable situation”, stressing that her delegation advocates for a well thought through targeted use of the sanctions regime without “a blind copying and pasting of unilateral coercive measures that are introduced by a number of countries”.
JAMES KARIUKI (United Kingdom) voiced concern over the deteriorating political and security situation in Haiti, with gangs continuing to take over entire neighborhoods on which they unleash killing, burning, kidnapping and severe restriction of movement. While the Mission mandated by the Council is an important step to help the Haitian National Police address the deteriorating security situation, it will not solve the country’s multidimensional crisis by itself, he said, underscoring the need for political progress that allows the Haitian people to choose their next leaders through free, fair and credible elections. To this end, he called on all political actors to agree a road map that commits all parties to working towards a return to long-term stable governance. Noting the chilling accounts of the widespread use of sexual violence and recruitment of children by armed gangs in Haiti, he welcomed the renewal of sanctions targeting those responsible for armed criminal violence in the country and said his Government is ready to consider further sanctions against gangs and their backers.
ZHANG JUN (China), while welcoming the Council’s strong response to the crisis in Haiti, said the solution cannot be achieved through mere talks. The promotion of a political process is fundamental because without a legitimate and accountable Government, external efforts will not have any lasting effect. Noting the two-year-long political vacuum, he called on all parties and stakeholders to carry out consultations responsibly. Stressing that curbing gun violence is key, he said the Sanctions Committee must monitor the effective implementation of the sanctions, and all countries must resolutely implement it and cut off the sources from which Haitian gangs are procuring weapons. Noting that the illegal flow of weapons into Haiti comes mainly from the United States, he said that country must strengthen control measures. The Haitian people did not create the current chaos, he said, and noting that a regional Power has been repatriating a large number of Haitian migrants, he called on that country to protect the dignity and human rights of Haitian migrants.
JOSÉ ALFONSO BLANCO CONDE (Dominican Republic) welcomed the authorization of the Mission and CARICOM’s help in providing Haitian solutions to the crisis. “The humanitarian situation is growing ever worse” due to criminal gangs, felt particularly in the capital Port-au-Prince. This has been a contributing factor to people abandoning the capital, risking their well-being even further. He added that the food security situation continues to be alarming but sustained humanitarian support has meant that some people are no longer experiencing acute food insecurity. He said there is now a need to implement the Mission and he appreciated support for it and the extension of the sanctions regime. He hoped that the implementation of the Mission and sanctions extension through the sustained commitment of the international community will help to restore economic and social stability and put an end to “this living nightmare experienced by these brotherly people”. He additionally hoped that it would create conditions so that Haitians are able to elect freely and democratically their authorities and engage on the path of prosperity and lasting peace.
BRIAN WALLACE (Jamaica), speaking on behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), voiced appreciation for the work of BINUH and the Special Representative, noting that the Secretary-General's report underscores the need to accelerate global action and support to bring peace, stability and sustainable development to Haiti. He voiced concern about the increase in indiscriminate killings, kidnappings, sexual abuse and spread of violence, as well as the limited availability of opportunities for the youth, which could make them more vulnerable to crime, and detailed other disturbing developments captured in the Secretary-General's report. He expressed disappointment that, of the $720 million estimated for the 2023 Humanitarian Response Plan for Haiti, only 28 per cent of its funding requirements have been received, with food security only 18 per cent funded. He called on the international community to redouble efforts to provide the resources and support needed to assist the people of Haiti.
His bloc renews its thanks to Kenya for its offer to lead the Multinational Security Support Mission to Haiti and looks forward to a speedy completion of the domestic procedures in Kenya to implement the Council’s mandate, given the urgency of the situation on the ground, he said. It also looks forward to the operationalization of the trust fund to be established pursuant to Council resolution 2699 (2023), as well as to the additional support of other Member States and stakeholders in cash or in kind to facilitate the rapid deployment of the Mission and to ensure its success, he added. Reaffirming his bloc’s solidarity with the Government and people of Haiti, he said it will continue to assist, including through the CARICOM Eminent Persons Group, in facilitating engagements among Haitian stakeholders in a constructive political dialogue with a view to restoring security, re-establishing democracy and good governance, organizing free and fair elections, and successfully pursuing Haiti’s social and economic development aspirations.