Statement delivered by H.E. Carolyn Rodrigues- Birkett, Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations, on behalf of the A3+, during the 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, Sierra Leone, Somalia and my own country, Guyana.
We thank SRSG Salvador and Executive Director Waly for their sobering briefings and welcome the participation of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Colombia in today’s meeting.
Mr. President,
The A3+ is deeply concerned about the deterioration of the security situation in Haiti as highlighted in the Secretary General’s report and echoed by today’s briefers. The reported human rights abuses being perpetuated are disturbing. We are particularly alarmed at the many cases of abuses against children including the more than 1000 percent increase in verified cases of rape and other forms of sexual violence committed against children in 2024 compared to 2023, as reported by the Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict.
The children of Haiti are facing increasingly daunting challenges and we call on all Haitian stakeholders to take concrete actions to prevent all form of violence against children and to ensure their access to comprehensive response systems. There must be adequate measures to ensure the protection of children, including those recruited by gangs.
We commend the unwavering commitment and efforts of UN agencies, and international and local NGOs in responding to the pressing humanitarian needs of the Haitian population, especially as the number of internally displaced people continues to rise and food insecurity remains a serious concern. We also call for increased support by the international community to meet the growing humanitarian needs.
The A3+ reiterates our commitment to supporting the efforts of the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) as they work alongside the Haitian National Police to address the violence that is plaguing the country and to reinstate law and order. While progress has been minimal, we believe it is crucial for this Council to remain steadfast in our support for the HNP and the MSS and continue to seek solutions that can enhance their collective actions.
Therefore, we reiterate that the full deployment of the MSS personnel is essential in this regard. We commend Guatemala and El Salvador for the recent deployment of their security forces to join the MSS and welcome the deployment of the third contingent of Kenyan personnel.
We reiterate our call for continued support to the MSS Mission and urge those who have made pledges to the MSS Trust Fund to urgently fulfil their commitments. We also reiterate our call for Member States to scale up funding, personnel and other material support to the Mission to achieve its operational objectives.
Mindful of the current situation, the A3+ awaits the Secretary General’s response to the Council’s request for strategic-level recommendations and a full range of options for the UN's possible role in sustaining security and stability and addressing the root causes of the crisis.
Mr. President,
The A3+ stresses that all aspects of Haiti’s multi-dimensional crisis must be addressed simultaneously. In particular, it is clear that sustained progress in the security situation cannot be achieved without significant advances in the political process. In this context, we support the call to the leaders to focus on dialogue and inclusivity by facilitating the meaningful involvement of all segments of society including women and youth, to guarantee national unity in achieving the goals of the transitional objectives.
Moreover, we highlight that the strengthening of Haiti's institutions for justice, restoring the rule of law and strengthening the police and justice systems are essential for achieving sustainable peace. We also emphasize the need for resolute action in support of the Haitian Government's efforts to combat the trafficking and proliferation of illegal arms and illicit financial flows that enable criminal activity in Haiti.
The rebuilding of the country’s democratic institutions and a return to constitutional order are urgent and essential. We strongly urge the transitional government to continue its efforts towards a transparent, Haitian-led and inclusive process that will lead to free and fair elections within the established timeframe. We urge them and all stakeholders to put Haiti first.
In this regard, we commend the finalisation of the composition of the Provisional Electoral Council and urge their steadfast action in accelerating the process towards organizing credible elections. We note that in combination with elections, constitutional reform is an essential element in advancing the restoration of Haiti’s democratic institutions and applaud the ongoing consultations with key sectors being conducted by the Steering Committee of the National Conference for the constitutional revision process.
We take positive note of the United Nations Electoral Needs Assessment Mission which was conducted in November 2024 and have since produced recommendations for continued United Nations assistance to the electoral process.
We also commend CARICOM’s continued support to Haiti, including through the provision of resources for the continued functioning of the Eminent Persons Group. The EPG’s ongoing engagement with Haiti’s political stakeholders provides an essential mechanism for regional leadership in finding solutions to this crisis.
Mr. President,
While the situation faced by the Haitian people continues to be tragic and at times appears bereft of progress, this Council cannot resign itself to accepting the status quo. The people of Haiti are no less deserving than any other people of peace, stability and economic prosperity. It is therefore our duty, and responsibility to continue to pursue long-term, sustainable solutions that will allow the people of Haiti to restore peace, rebuild their country and forge pathways to a prosperous future. The A3+ is committed to this pursuit.
I Thank You.
