A3+ Statement delivered by H.E. Carolyn Rodrigues- Birkett, Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations, at Security Council briefing on “The question concerning Haiti”
Thank you, Mr. President
I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the A3+, namely, Algeria, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, and my own country, Guyana.
The A3+ thanks SRSG Maria Isabel Salvador, for her briefing. We also welcome the participation of Hon. Dr. Garry Conille, Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior and Territorial Communities of Haiti in today’s meeting. We take this opportunity to congratulate him on his appointment and reaffirm our support to the transitional government and the Haitian people during this challenging, yet hopeful, time.
The A3+ welcomes the efforts being made to address the political and security crisis in Haiti. We underscore the need to resolve their root causes and underlying factors and stress the importance of inclusive political dialogue among Haitian stakeholders to build consensus on security and electoral reforms.
We also commend the ongoing support provided by BINUH and relevant UN agencies, often under challenging conditions, aimed at strengthening political stability, good governance, rule of law, and helping to create the conditions to advance sustainable development. We also acknowledge the contributions of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), working with the relevant Haitian stakeholders, and the support of other regional and international partners, toward those efforts.
Mr. President,
Inclusive stakeholder engagement is essential in creating a just, equitable, and progressive society. This includes empowering women and young people so they can participate equally in policy decision-making.
We welcome the appointment of 4 women to the Cabinet and the convening last week of a National Forum of Civil Society Organizations on the participation of women and young people in the transitional process. We hope that this and future engagements with civil society and women and youth organizations will help to define a path forward for their participation in decision-making.
On the security front, we are deeply concerned that gang violence continues to plague many communities, as noted in the Secretary General’s latest report which recorded 3,252 intentional homicides from January to May 2024. We also noted that the gangs have attacked police stations, schools, hospitals, and other public institutions thereby hampering the functioning of vital sectors and institutions.
The A3+ therefore reiterates its support for the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission and is pleased to note that the first contingent of Kenyan police officers arrived in Port-au-Prince last week. As we express our gratitude to Kenya for leading the MSS, and others who have pledged to contribute to it, we underscore the need to scale up tangible support, especially by contributing financially to the MSS Trust Fund, which is critical for the MSS to deliver on its mandate.
Over the past few months, we have witnessed the brave efforts of the Haitian National Police (HNP), to secure critical infrastructure. We regret that over 20 police officers have been killed by gangs in the line of duty since January. This situation underscores the need for the HNP to receive the required training and resources to effectively address all gang attacks and regain authority over gang-controlled neighbourhoods. We, therefore, call on development partners to continue supporting the security basket fund.
The Security Council must also do its part. We look forward to the expansion of the sanctions regime and to considering further appropriate measures. Preventing the illegal flow of weapons and ammunition into Haiti is critical to stabilizing the security situation. We call on Member States to continue to support measures to combat the trafficking and proliferation of illegal arms and illicit financial flows that enable criminal activity in Haiti and urge the Government to enhance efforts to implement the UNPoA (Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat, and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects) and CARICOM Firearms Roadmap.
Mr. President,
The A3+ further emphasizes the need for comprehensive support to undertake justice reforms and assist local authorities in their efforts to promote and protect human rights. Such efforts must include robust child protection measures and continuous training to prevent Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA). An alarming number of women and children have already been made victims of gang violence, including mass rape, kidnappings, forced recruitment, and trafficking.
The A3+ condemns the commission of such crimes and demands that the perpetrators be brought to justice. We call upon the authorities to ensure that the victims have access to legal and psychological support and urge BINUH and other UN agencies to continue working with relevant agencies in Haiti to prevent further violations.
Mr. President,
The A3+ remains concerned about the worrying levels of internal displacement, food insecurity, and cholera infections in Haiti. The Secretary General’s report highlights that only 18% of health institutions were functional as of June, with another 37% working at reduced capacity.
Meanwhile, the 2024 Humanitarian Response Plan for Haiti remains under 25% funded, underscoring the need to massively scale up funding for the humanitarian response. We applaud the work undertaken by local organizations, UN agencies, bilateral and regional partners and NGOs and urge further expansion of their efforts to address these critical needs.
The complex and multifaceted challenges facing Haiti require a coordinated and unified response from the international community. We urge all stakeholders, to work together in a spirit of solidarity and cooperation. Effective coordination mechanisms are essential to ensure that aid reaches those most in need and that efforts are aligned with the priorities of the Haitian government and people. By standing together, we can make a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of the Haitian people
Mr. President,
In closing, as we meet today to discuss the question of Haiti, one cannot help but reflect on Haiti’s journey. A country that has not only paid dearly for its independence but also paved the way for the independence of so many others in this hemisphere and beyond. The strength, determination, and resilience demonstrated by the people of Haiti then, and the years thereafter, and those of us who are benefactors of it, along with this Council’s responsibility for international peace and security, must motivate us and the entire international community to support Haiti to overcome the multidimensional challenges the country now faces.
In this light, the A3+ reiterates our firm support for the people of Haiti. While the country’s future lies in their hands, we - the international community have an important role to play in supporting their inherent right to live in peace and dignity. We are truly hopeful that the progress made in recent weeks marks the beginning of a new and positive chapter for Haiti; one where our Haitian brothers and sisters can achieve the peace, stability, and prosperity they deserve. The A3+ will remain fully engaged in the Council’s deliberations on the situation in Haiti.
I Thank You.
