Deadly Violence in Haiti at Record High, Some Worst Scenarios Now Realities, Special Representative Tells Security Council, Urging Deployment of Support Mission
The first quarter of 2024 was the deadliest for Haitians with around 2,500 people killed or injured in gang violence, a senior United Nations official told the Security Council, calling for the urgent deployment of the Multinational Security Support Mission authorized by the 15-member body in October 2023.
“Some of the worst scenarios for Haiti have become realities in recent months and weeks,” warned María Isabel Salvador, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), citing gang attacks targeting police stations, prisons, schools, hospitals, and religious sites in Port-au-Prince.
The first three months of 2024 saw a 53 per cent increase in casualties from the previous reporting period, the most violent period since BINUH’s Human Rights Section started recording statistics in January 2022, she reported. “The severity of the current crisis underscores the gaps in capacity within the national structures and the urgent need for international assistance, namely through the immediate deployment of the Multinational Security Support Mission,” she said.
On the political front, she noted the establishment of a Transitional Presidential Council and urged all Haitian stakeholders to promptly put in place the envisaged governance arrangements, especially the appointment of an interim Prime Minister and Government and the prompt nomination of the Provisional Electoral Council.
“At its heart, the crisis in Haiti is a protection crisis,” said Catherine Russell, Inter-Agency Principal Advocate for Haiti and Executive Director of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). “Years of political turmoil and devastating economic condition have led to the proliferation of armed groups.”
Highlighting the vulnerability of children, she reported that 30 to 50 per cent of armed groups have minors in their ranks, with the UN having verified over 400 grave rights violations against that population. In addition, more than 180,000 children are now internally displaced, with many in danger of severe malnutrition.
Humanitarian partners are creating a logistics platform in Cap-Haitien, where a secondary international airport and a port remain operational, and new supply lines outside of Port-au-Prince have been opened, she said. However, only 8 per cent of the 2024 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for Haiti has been funded. “Quite simply, we need more support,” she appealed.
Also briefing the Council was Ghada Waly, Executive Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), who detailed how firearms and ammunition continue to flow into Haiti. According to the United States Department of Justice, a former 400 Mawozo gang leader, Joly Germine, directed trafficking operations from his prison cell, she said.
Describing UNODC’s work in mapping the routes by which contraband is trafficked into north, east, and west Haiti, she said the latest report examines illegal activities in the south, a growing area of concern. “The Southern departments have become critical entry points for cocaine from South America and cannabis from the Caribbean, with Haiti being a transit hub for both,” she said, underlining the importance of building Haiti’s national capacity for firearms’ regulation, border and customs, especially in ports and at the Haiti-Dominican Republic border.
In the ensuing discussion, delegates called for the early deployment of the Multinational Security Support Mission led by Kenya, and also welcomed positive developments on the political front, including the announcement of a Transitional Presidential Council.
The representative of Guyana, who spoke also for Algeria, Mozambique and Sierra Leone, highlighted “the pressing necessity” for that Mission and vital support to the national police. In that regard, she welcomed the notifications received from Benin, Jamaica, the Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, and Chad of their intention to contribute their personnel. “We are hopeful that all remaining hurdles will soon be overcome, allowing Kenya to fulfil its commitment to leading this endeavour,” she said.
The speaker for the United States welcomed the announcement of a Transitional Presidential Council — which brings together most of the major political parties in Haiti, as well as key stakeholders from the private sector, religious communities, and civil society – as “a much-needed glimmer of hope” for the Haitians, who continue to suffer from indiscriminate violence and horrific human rights abuses.
On the contrary, his counterpart from the Russian Federation said that “the international community and the Security Council haven’t yet managed to prioritize the interests of the Haitian people,” he said, warning against “frantic behind-the-scenes attempts” to agree under external pressure on parameters that the Western countries prefer.
“We’d like to ring alarm bells,” said Haiti’s delegate, urging the international community to bolster its efforts in enforcing the arms embargo under Council resolution 2700 (2023). “It is absolutely vital to act quickly to avoid the genocide being implemented in the country” and the deployment of the support mission to aid the national police is particularly pressing, he emphasized.
Roberto Álvarez, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic, a neighboring country, said that the Security Council has not sanctioned any of those who are truly financing and responsible for the widespread violence in Haiti. “If the sanctions regime is not rigorously implemented, if there are no consequences, those behind the financing of the criminal gangs can derail the delicate political process which Haiti is headed into,” he warned.
THE QUESTION CONCERNING HAITI
Briefings
MARÍA ISABEL SALVADOR, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), said that “some of the worst scenarios for Haiti have become realities in recent months and weeks.” In early March, gangs mounted coordinated attacks targeting key State infrastructure, including multiple police stations and two of the main prisons in Port-au-Prince, as well as educational and health facilities, and religious sites. During the first quarter of 2024, around 2,500 persons were killed or injured as a result of gang violence — a 53 per cent increase as compared to the previous reporting period, making that 3-month period the most violent since BINUH’s Human Rights Section started recording statistics in January 2022. “The severity of the current crisis underscores the gaps in capacity within the national structures and the urgent need for international assistance, namely through the immediate deployment of the Multinational Security Support Mission,” she said.
On the political front, she noted the commitment made on 11 March to establish a Transitional Presidential Council to pave the way towards democratic stability. Its priorities should include an action plan for near-term security and the organization of credible, participatory and inclusive elections. She also recognized Prime Minister Ariel Henry’s intention to resign after the installation of that Council. A month-long consultation finally led to the designation of its seven voting members and two observers. However, there is only one woman member. Noting that its non-renewable mandate runs up to 7 February 2026 by which a new President is to be inaugurated and all elected authorities to be sworn in, she stressed the need to ensure that women, youth and minority groups have their rightful participation in all decision-making bodies that will define the future of Haiti for years to come.
All Haitian stakeholders must put in place the envisaged transitional governance arrangements as swiftly as possible, especially the appointment of an interim Prime Minister and Government, and the prompt nomination of the Provisional Electoral Council. However, gang leaders and other spoilers have stated their intention to violently disrupt the current political process. “I cannot stress enough the need to assist Haiti with its efforts to reestablish security,” she said, calling for the urgent deployment of the Multinational Security Support Mission, which was authorized by the Security Council more than six months ago. The sanctions regime is also an effective tool to discourage destabilization attempts by spoilers and criminals. BINUH continues to be engaged with stakeholders, she said, urging Haitian stakeholders to put their differences aside and deliver for the people of Haiti through the implementation of a sustainable, time-bound and commonly accepted road map.
GHADA WALY, Executive Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), said that, since her last briefing to the Council, the already disastrous situation on the ground has further worsened in intensity and geographic scope, due to the continued inflow of firearms into Haiti, which is supported by corruption. Reports of gang attacks and burning of houses over the past hours suggest that ongoing escalation and rising insecurity continues to drive people to flee. International Organization for Migration colleagues report that since early March, almost 95,000 people have fled Port-au-Prince. Growing displacement and situations of extreme vulnerability are heightening risks of migrant smuggling as well as human trafficking. Urgent action is required to protect Haitians, especially as “dark” or untracked vessels continue to be present in Haiti’s maritime zones, possibly engaged in criminal activity.
Recent events suggest concerning signs of collusion between different gangs in Haiti, she continued. Yesterday, a series of simultaneous attacks took place in several locations of Port-au-Prince, although police and community responses repelled them and limited the damage. In the latest wave of violence, there was reported fighting between gangs, but also signs of collaboration between certain groups to carry out attacks. UNODC has observed this trend over the reporting period. The two main gang federations, the G9 and GPEP, joined forces to attack key infrastructure in March. “In addition to targeting transport and public service facilities, their assault on prisons in Port-au-Prince freed more than 4,600 inmates, including gang leaders and individuals suspected of involvement in the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse,” she recounted. Following the recent prison breaks gangs recruited thousands of former prisoners to their ranks, she said, underlining that the prison system needs urgent attention and support.
Detailing how firearms and ammunition continue to flow into Haiti, she said that according to the United States Department of Justice, a former 400 Mawozo gang leader, Joly Germine, directed trafficking operations from his prison cell. Via unmonitored mobile phone calls, he instructed the transfer of funds to criminal associates in Florida, who procured armaments from gun shops, acting as “straw buyers”. Describing UNODC’s work in mapping the routes by which contraband is trafficked into north, east, and west Haiti, she said the latest report examines illegal activities in the south, a growing area of concern. “The Southern departments have become critical entry points for cocaine from South America, and cannabis from the Caribbean, with Haiti being a transit hub for both,” she said. Since the entry into force of the country’s 2014 anti-corruption law, Haiti’s anti-corruption unit has reported dozens of cases of financial crimes involving government contracts and public funds. However, there have been very few convictions due to limited capacities, acute politicization, and arbitrary judicial fees, among other reasons.
Recalling the UNODC’s previous recommendations to the Council, she underlined the importance of building Haiti’s national capacity for firearms’ regulation, border and customs, especially in ports and at the Haiti-Dominican Republic border. Anti-corruption frameworks and investigative capacities must also be improved, although this is extremely challenging in the current context. Detailing its cooperation with BINUH to deliver assistance on the ground, she said UNODC has provided training to national practitioners on anti-corruption and financial investigations, as well as asset recovery, including in partnership with UNDP. She commended the valiant efforts of Haitian law enforcement, warning, however, that “in the absence of international action to improve Haiti’s security, through the deployment of the multinational security support mission […] alongside a long-term political solution, the circumstances will remain enormously challenging”. “We must stand with Haiti’s institutions and citizens in confronting violence, corruption, and chaos, and in working for a more stable and secure future for the people of Haiti,” she urged.
CATHERINE RUSSELL, Inter-Agency Principal Advocate for Haiti and Executive Director of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), described the situation in Haiti as “catastrophic”, and noted that the humanitarian situation grows worse and worse. Five and half million people, including 3 million children — need humanitarian assistance. In many areas, essential services have collapsed while people lose access to food and safe drinking water, and in some communities, life is more dangerous than it has ever been. “At its heart, the crisis in Haiti is a protection crisis,” she said. “Years of political turmoil and devastating economic condition have led to the proliferation of armed groups.” Today, an estimated 2.7 million people live in areas under their effective control. She recounted seeing first-hand how horrific violence and fear are tearing apart the fabric that binds communities together. Children are recruited or are joining armed groups out of desperation. Thirty to 50 per cent of armed groups have children in their ranks, she said, adding that women and girls continue to be targeted with extreme levels of gender-based and sexual violence.
Since the start of the war, more than 2,500 people have been killed, injured or kidnapped, and the UN has verified over 400 grave rights violations against children, she said. More than 180,000 children are now internally displaced — with many cut off from life-saving aid as the Martissant road, the only humanitarian corridor from Port-au-Prince to the southern regions, is blocked — and in danger of severe malnutrition, she said, adding cholera has also reemerged. The UN’s access to the port of Port-au-Prince has been cut off because of armed groups operating in the area — leaving nearly 300 containers with lifesaving humanitarian supplies stranded — including 17 UNICEF containers. The capital is now almost completely sealed off because of air, sea and land blockades.
Despite these constraints, the UN and its aid partners are still reaching the most vulnerable children and families. “Together we are doing our utmost to provide nutrition and health services, to respond to the cholera outbreak, and to support mobile child protection teams,” she said. Humanitarian partners are creating a logistics platform in Cap-Haitien, where a secondary international airport and a port remain operational, and new supply lines outside of Port-au-Prince have been opened. However, only 8 per cent of the 2024 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for Haiti, which requires $674 million to reach 3.6 million people, has been funded. “Quite simply, we need more support,” she said, calling for donors and Member States to urgently increase flexible funding that will help provide life-saving aid and longer-term solutions for development and resilience-building.
She asked the Council to use its leverage with State actors and armed groups to protect human rights and to create safety and security for the Haitian people. “We can only reach all people in need across the country through sustained humanitarian dialogue with all armed actors,” she said. The humanitarian response must be perceived as being independent from political and security objectives. The Support Mission must avoid using force in and around populated areas, and it must only use the least harmful means required and proportionate to legitimate law enforcement aims. Preventing sexual exploitation and abuse will require thorough pre-deployment and on-the-ground training. All children associated with armed groups encountered by security forces must be treated primarily as victims and safely handed over to child protection actors. “The time for action is long overdue,” she said. “The Haitian people need an immediate scale up in both regional and international support, without which the situation could become unrecoverable.”
Statements
The representative of the United States welcomed the announcement of a Transitional Presidential Council, which brings together most of the major political parties in Haiti, as well as key stakeholders from the private sector, religious communities, and civil society. “This announcement is a much-needed glimmer of hope for the Haitian people, who continue to suffer from indiscriminate violence and horrific human rights abuses,” he said. The deployment of a Multinational Security Support Mission will help prevent, mitigate and address human rights abuses while engaging with Haitian civil society and communities to build trust. It will help stabilize security and humanitarian conditions, while the Transitional Presidential Council works to pave the way for free and fair elections. But to succeed, the Mission needs financial and in-kind support. Expressing support for the renewal of the BINUH mandate, he urged: “Let us work to not only address the crisis facing Haiti today, but tackle its root causes, encouraging wider participation and engagement.”
The representative of Ecuador, voicing concern about the increasing coordination of criminal gangs in Haiti, urged the rapid deployment of the Support Mission. The international community’s support is also vital, both in contributions to the Trust Fund and in personnel. The sanctions list must be updated in line with Council resolutions 2653 (2022) and 2700 (2022), and States must adopt the necessary measures to prevent the supply, sale or transfer of arms to non-authority actors in Haiti. The judicial system and the capacity of Haitian security forces must be strengthened to bring perpetrators of crimes to justice. Gang threats against human rights defenders, journalists and people affiliated with State institutions must be investigated and punished as well. He welcomed the recent adoption of the decree that formally established the Transitional Presidential Council and appointed its members. All dialogue processes must ensure the active, meaningful participation of women and young people, he said, underscoring BINUH’s efforts in that regard.
The representative of Ecuador, voicing concern about the increasing coordination of criminal gangs in Haiti, urged the rapid deployment of the Support Mission. The international community’s support is also vital, both in contributions to the Trust Fund and in personnel. The sanctions list must be updated in line with Council resolutions 2653 (2022) and 2700 (2022), and States must adopt the necessary measures to prevent the supply, sale or transfer of arms to non-authority actors in Haiti. The judicial system and the capacity of Haitian security forces must be strengthened to bring perpetrators of crimes to justice. Gang threats against human rights defenders, journalists and people affiliated with State institutions must be investigated and punished as well. He welcomed the recent adoption of the decree that formally establish the Transitional Presidential Council and appointed its members. All dialogue processes must ensure the active, meaningful participation of women and young people, he said, underscoring BINUH’s efforts in that regard.
The representative of Slovenia said Haiti once again finds itself trapped in an endless cycle of human suffering, condemning in the strongest possible terms the coordinated gang attacks against state institutions and critical infrastructure. “These attacks have not only severely challenged the State’s authority but also fostered unprecedented chaos and terror within the civilian population,” she said, echoing the call for the Support Mission’s swift deployment and enhancement of the Haitian criminal justice sector to ensure accountability for serious human rights violations and abuses. She added progress is simultaneously critical on both the political and security front. She urged all actors to hold nationwide dialogue and to cooperate with the goal of achieving peace and noted the recent establishment of the Transitional Presidential Council, encouraging its swift operationalization. She also condemned in the strongest possible terms any sexual or gender-based violence, and she expressed alarm over the increased recruitment of children to perpetuate crimes.
The representative of Guyana, speaking also for Algeria, Mozambique and Sierra Leone, highlighted “the pressing necessity” for the deployment of the Multinational Security Support Mission to Haiti and vital support to the national police. In that regard, she welcomed the notifications received from Benin, Jamaica, the Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, and Chad informing of their intention to participate in that Mission. “We are hopeful that all remaining hurdles will soon be overcome, allowing Kenya to fulfil its commitment to leading this endeavour,” she said, also encouraging States to contribute to the Trust Fund established to support the Mission. Stabilizing the security situation in Haiti is necessary for progress on both humanitarian and political fronts. Noting that the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and other international partners are instrumental in facilitating a solution to Haiti’s political crisis, she called upon the Security Council and the wider United Nations System to maintain their attention to that country.
The representative of Japan acknowledged CARICOM’s continuous efforts in supporting Haiti’s political process. She urged close coordination between the Transitional Presidential Council and Kenya on a prompt deployment of the Support Mission to assist the Haitian National Police and emphasized the need for the international community’s timely financial and logistical contributions to the Mission. She called on the leadership of the Mission and that of participating Member States to utilize knowledge and experiences of other relevant UN entities, such as those of BINUH and the UN sanctions regime, and collaborate with them in its operations on the ground. Highlighting the Haitians’ cooperative commitments to improve the situation in the country, she encouraged them to continue their efforts comprehensively, including through inclusive political dialogue towards holding elections to restore democratic institutions and the rule of law.
The representative of the Russian Federation said there are two parallel realities under way in Haiti. The first reality involves endless political wrangling and frantic behind-the-scenes attempts to come to an agreement under external pressure, with parameters that the Western players like. The second reality is the horrific daily life for ordinary Haitians who are now accustomed to living without State authority and basic services, he said, adding that true power is in the hands of armed groups. The political process hasn’t produced any results and the current Administration has lost all credibility. People are tired of waiting for change and they’re taking responsibility for their own lives, he said. “The international community and the Security Council haven’t yet managed to prioritize the interests of the Haitian people,” he said. “We are constantly distracted by yet another, externally imposed, ambitious political agreement. Whether these agreements can be implemented, whether they are legitimate, that remains questionable.”
The representative of the United Kingdom warned that “criminal armed gangs cannot be allowed to hold the country hostage”. Noting chilling accounts of girls facing collective rape by gangs on their way to school, he said that “no child should have to choose between their safety and education”. The Security Council should use its sanctions to change the behaviour of those who are destabilizing Haiti. Commending CARICOM for securing an agreement on a new power-sharing transitional government, he said that this body should be in place as soon as possible to begin its work towards inclusive, free, and fair legislative and presidential elections. His country has pledged over $6 million to the UN Trust Fund in support of the rapid deployment of the Multinational Security Support Mission, he added.
The representative of the Republic of Korea encouraged all Haitian stakeholders to accelerate relevant processes, including the formal appointment of the interim Prime Minister, to pave the way for a free and fair presidential election. He called for the immediate cessation of gang violence and all heinous criminal acts and stressed that Member States must take the necessary and effective measures to implement the arms embargo in accordance with Council resolutions 2699 (2023) and 2700 (2023). He also urged once again the prompt deployment of the Support Mission and voiced hoped that the recently established Transitional Presidential Council will serve as a catalyst in that regard. Given the armed groups’ fresh attacks on Haiti’s capital in response to the establishment of the Transitional Council, the Haitian National Police clearly require critical support from the Mission, he emphasized, encouraging Member States to provide further assistance.
The representative of France noted the wave of violence unleashed by gangs since the end of February is unprecedented in both its intensity and its targets, which include the very authority of the State. She welcomed the establishment of the Transitional Presidential Council on 12 April, and she expressed support for the inter-Haitian process. “To respond to the deep crisis Haiti is going through, it is imperative to restore democratic institutions,” she said. “There is also a need to guarantee humanitarian access to all those in need and to combat impunity and to protect human rights.” She also noted her country’s support for sanctions against those destabilizing the country and participating in illicit trafficking. In the immediate term, the priority should be to establish humanitarian access and to combat food insecurity, she said, and, in conclusion, she applauded the work done by BINUH.
The representative of China said that external partners must stay impartial in advancing the political process in Haiti, welcoming the efforts of CARICOM and regional countries. Drawing attention to large quantities of weapons and ammunition flowing into that country unimpeded, he said that the United States is one of the main sources. Effective implementation of the arms embargo is an essential step in the fight against gang violence. In this connection, the Panel of Experts should expedite its investigations to trace the sources of arms and ammunition. Haitian authorities must also assume their responsibilities by requiring all departments to tighten control over inflows of illicit weapons and close loopholes in domestic regulation and oversight. BINUH can also step up its advocacy to enable all segments of Haitian society to better understand and implement Council resolutions.
The representative of Switzerland urged a significant increase in humanitarian aid for the Haitian population. Humanitarian workers must be always protected and enjoy freedom of movement, he emphasized, noting that his country is authoring a resolution aimed at recalling the protection of all humanitarian and UN personnel providing assistance and protection, including national and locally-recruited staff. Switzerland is also continuing to respond to the situation on the ground, for example by supporting the World Food Programme’s (WFP) emergency response, he added. BINUH must continue to work with the Haitian authorities to re-establish a judicial and penitentiary system that guarantees the rule of law. In addition, to cut off the gangs’ sources of supply, a follow up on the cases previously reported by the 2653 Committee's Expert Panel is needed. This must not be hindered by political considerations, he stressed, calling on all States, particularly in the region, to redouble their efforts to put an end to the proliferation of weapons in Haiti.
The representative of Malta, Council President for April, welcomed the establishment of the Transitional Presidential Council, and she urged all Haitian stakeholders to continue making progress regarding transintestinal governance arrangements. “It is critical for the political and security tracks to advance in parallel,” she said, and called for the swift deployment of the Support Mission to support the Haitian National Police and for funding for the Mission’s Trust Fund. She also expressed support for sanctions, particularly targeting those supporting or financing gang activity. Alarmed by the unprecedented human rights abuse committed by gangs, who have reportedly abducted children to be used on the front lines, she said the international community must urgently scale up support for State institutions including the police, judiciary, and penitentiaries. With Haiti’s food security among the worst in the world, increased support for the Humanitarian Response Plan is crucial. “Haiti urgently needs international solidarity and support to address the political, security, and humanitarian challenges,” she concluded.
The representative of Haiti, pointing to the continuing deterioration of the security situation in his country due to gang violence, said Haitian security forces despite their extensive efforts lack material and human resources to undertake the task of immediately restoring security. He reported that this week, gangs engaged in piracy in the country's inland seas, attacking maritime trade and boats transporting goods to other parts of the country. The humanitarian situation also continues to deteriorate, with almost five million Haitians facing famine. Moreover, 362,000 people reportedly are now internally displaced and struggling to feed themselves. The main factors behind the current food insecurity are increasing gang violence, rising prices, low agricultural production, as well as political turmoil, civil unrest, crushing poverty and natural disasters, he said.
Armed gangs continue to systematically pillage private companies, particularly those in the medical sector, causing a serious shortage of medicines and medical equipment, he continued, welcoming UN agencies’ efforts to help certain hospitals that remain open. “We’d like to ring alarm bells,” he said, urging the international community to bolster its efforts in enforcing the arms embargo under Council resolution 2700 (2023). “It is absolutely vital to act quickly to avoid the genocide being implemented in the country,” he stressed. The deployment of the support mission to aid the National Police is particularly pressing, he emphasized.
Spotlighting “glimmers of hope”, he noted the significant progress on the political front thanks to the Caribbean Community’s efforts, which include the publication of a decree establishing the transitional presidential council, as well as the publication of a decree appointing members of that council, which will be established later this week. Nonetheless, the security issue remains the top priority and a sine qua non for the holding of general elections in the country and to re-establish the rule of law, he said. He urged the international community to step up its efforts to promote the deployment of the support mission, so that the national police can consolidate political gains, strengthen security in the country, and return Haiti to the path of democracy and the rule of law.
ROBERTO ÁLVAREZ, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic, welcomed the recent formation of the Transitional Presidential Council in Haiti, which suggests a new and positive trajectory and, he hoped, a return to normality. “Haiti is facing a historic challenge,” he said. “Its leadership must be commensurate with this enormous challenge.” He noted that it is almost two years since the Security Council adopted resolution 2653 (2022), establishing a sanctions regime targeting those responsible for financing the violence and chaos in Haiti. “It is unconscionable that, thus far, this Council has only sanctioned four recognized criminals without identifying or sanctioning yet any of those who are truly financing and responsible for the widespread violence in Haiti,” he said. “If the sanctions regime is not rigorously implemented, if there are no consequences, those behind the financing of the criminal gangs can derail the delicate political process which Haiti is headed into.”
He noted the urgent need to implement the embargo on arms, munitions and equipment which are flooding into Haiti. The widespread violence and insecurity have forced the Dominican Republic to take exceptional measures to fight the arms trafficking, diverting resources otherwise needed by the Dominican people, he said, urging exporting countries to take effective measures to halt this illegal traffic. Against the backdrop of insecurity, the Dominican Republic has continued to cooperate, most recently with the evacuation of personnel from the United Nations and other organizations, and of diplomats and nationals from over a dozen countries. “The Dominican Republic has stood in solidarity with Haiti, despite the sacrifice which this involves,” he said. “However, we cannot go beyond our own material means. Still less can we adopt measures which impinge upon the stability and security of our own country. We simply will not allow that to happen.”