Statement delivered by H.E. Jérôme Bonnafont, Permanent Representative of France and Security Council President, on behalf of signatories of the shared commitments on Women, Peace and Security, on Haiti

We, Denmark, Greece, Guyana, Panama, the Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, the United Kingdom and my own country France – also signatories of the Shared Commitments on Women, Peace and Security – express our unwavering support for all the women and girls of Haiti.

The unprecedented levels of violence across the country, notably gang violence, threatens peace and security, and the stability of the Transitional Presidential Council. Human rights violations remain rampant and the humanitarian situation dire.

We condemn in the strongest words the pervasive sexual and gender-based violence, including mass rape, that targets women and girls in Haiti. This violence is exacerbated by famine and displacement and is systematically used by gangs as a tactic of subjugation and terror, particularly in the Artibonite and Nord-Ouest regions.

We must take concrete steps.

First, we must work to strengthen the Haitian National Police’s capacity to respond effectively to this violence and to regain control of areas affected by gangs – in line with international human rights standards.

We commend the Member States contributing personnel and funding to the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti and to the Multinational Security Support mission, which play a critical role in this regard. We call upon others to contribute as well.

In line with the arms embargo, we must better combat the illicit trafficking of small arms and light weapons, which are used in the vast majority of incidents of sexual violence in the country.

We support additional targeted Security Council sanctions against perpetrators of sexual violence, in the continuity of the designations approved by the Haiti Sanctions Committee in September 2024.

All efforts must be made to fight impunity and to ensure that survivors have access to justice and care.

Second, we need to increase our support for women’s participation on the ground.

Women’s full, equal and meaningful participation in governing bodies and decision-making is key in the efforts to set up an inclusive political process and to hold free and fair elections.

Women’s organizations play a vital role in deescalating tensions and fostering dialogue among Haitian stakeholders.

Third, we must further promote an approach based on accountability, the rule of law, and the full respect for human rights in Haiti.

We urge all Member States to strengthen their support for Haiti in this regard.

The Secretary General’s letter dated 24 February 2025 underscores the urgent need to address the multidimensional crisis in Haiti. We believe that continued discussion within the Council and timely action are needed.

Thank you.