S/2020/979 Security Council

I have the honour to enclose herewith a copy of a briefing provided by Ms. Helen Meagher La Lime, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Haiti and Head of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti, as well as the statements delivered by His Excellency Mr. Roberto Álvarez Gil, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic, and by the representatives of Belgium, China, Estonia, France, Germany, Indonesia, the Russian Federation, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (on behalf of the African members of the Security Council plus one — the Niger, South Africa, Tunisia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines), the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the United States of America and Viet Nam, in connection with the video-teleconference on “The question concerning Haiti” convened on Monday, 5 October 2020. In accordance with the procedure set out in the letter dated 7 May 2020 from the President of the Security Council addressed to the Permanent Representatives of the members of the Security Council (S/2020/372), which was agreed in the light of the extraordinary circumstances caused by the coronavirus disease pandemic, the enclosed briefings and statements will be issued as an official document of the Security Council.

It is an honour to have the opportunity to provide the Security Council with an update on the situation in Haiti, on the eve of the first anniversary of the departure of peacekeeping troops from the country and the creation of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH). During its first 12 months of operation, BINUH has strived to carry out its mandate by, among other actions, seeking to foster a favourable environment for key sectors of Haitian society to overcome the impasse in which the country is currently entrenched and set it on a path towards long-term stability and sustainable development. Nevertheless, as we meet today, Haiti is once again struggling to avert the precipice of instability. Apprehension about the future has become increasingly palpable, but especially since the shocking assassination, on 28 August, of the President of the Port-au-Prince Bar Association, Monferrier Dorval — a respected scholar whose murder epitomizes for many the weak state of the rule of law in the country. The slaying of Maître Dorval constitutes a tragic loss for Haitian society, as he represented an example of civic engagement and commitment to the promotion of the rule of law. In the past few months, unrest — sometimes in the form of violent protests — has become increasingly prevalent, and perceptions of insecurity have grown ever more acute. Gangs continue to challenge the authority of the State, especially in the more populous neighbourhoods of Port-au-Prince, and a fringe group of disaffected police officers calling themselves “Fantôme 509” has, along with its followers, brought disorder to the capital on several occasions. As the police and judicial authorities struggle to address the persistent challenges they face in meeting the Haitian population’s legitimate demands for security and accountability, violence persists, and human rights violations continue to be committed. The widespread perception of impunity these dynamics elicit can only be countervailed by ensuring that the rights of victims of human rights violations and abuses are upheld and that perpetrators are held to account. Although the Haitian National Police (HNP) has consistently proven its operational proficiency since assuming sole responsibility for providing security throughout Haiti’s territory, it would require at least an additional 10,000 well- trained and well-equipped police officers to meet internationally accepted policing standards and cement its capacity to deliver professional, human rights-compliant police services to the population. While, over time, it has proven successful in reversing such negative trends as the sharp increases in homicides and kidnappings observed in past months, the HNP needs to be adequately funded and equipped by its Government to overcome its recurrent shortcomings and continue developing so as to meet those international standards. Similarly, whereas progress has been made towards the operationalization of the National Commission for Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration — the State body charged with coordinating efforts to curb gang activity — continued support, steadfast political resolve and decisive action will be necessary to ensure that the Commission is capable of performing its tasks as the Government moves towards adopting a national strategy for disarmament, demobilization and reintegration and community violence reduction and steps up efforts to aimed at countering the proliferation of illicit weapons and ammunition. Haiti’s contemporary history has demonstrated time and again that acute political polarization and weak State institutions constitute catalysts for violence. Since I last addressed the Council in June (S/2020/568, annex I), several Government initiatives, including on economic and governance reform, have gained momentum despite running up against some internal criticism. A new penal code was enacted, certain elements of which will in the next two years provide an opportunity for finetuning to build consensus around a text all Haitians can embrace. Finally, the recent appointment by President Moïse of the new Provisional Electoral Council has elicited strong reactions from segments of Haitian society, including the Court of Cassation, purportedly because of the body’s lack of representativeness and the scope of the mission it was given. The continued lack of trust among political forces is impeding all but the slightest progress on priorities that had previously garnered a wide consensus across the political spectrum, such as the necessity to undertake constitutional reform to better reflect current Haitian realities and address key shortcomings of the 1987 Constitution prior to holding new elections. Even as the window to design a process acceptable to all is rapidly closing, many political stakeholders view the forging of a political consensus and the establishment of a Government of national unity as essential to an environment conducive to participatory elections. As the country prepares to enter a new electoral cycle, it is paramount that key aspects of the electoral process, such as the electoral framework and calendar, be addressed in order to reduce the risk of contested elections and further violence. While BINUH will continue to engage national stakeholders, I urge States Members of the United Nations to amplify their support for a process that, if properly managed, will contribute to ensuring that the overdue polls renew Haiti’s elected leadership, lead to a greater representation of women in political life and reinvigorate the social contract between Haitian citizens and the State. Though less virulent in Haiti than initially forecast, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic appears to have compounded the already debilitating effects of almost two years of sociopolitical unrest on the country’s economy. The onset of the health emergency in the spring stopped any potential economic recovery in its tracks, and, since then, the situation has only further deteriorated. Despite an increase in remittances and the recent success of measures to strengthen the national currency, households across the country have seen their incomes drop while prices of basic goods have risen sharply, thus leading to a further increase in food insecurity. Investments in the critical manufacturing and agriculture sectors have stalled, resulting in the loss of thousands of jobs. Overall, the domestic impact of the pandemic, as well as the effect it has had on the economies of essential trading partners, will likely contribute to Haiti experiencing another year of recession in 2020. To countervail the effects of the protracted multidimensional crisis and revitalize the economy, the Government intends to launch a three-year post-COVID-19 economic recovery plan premised on the stimulation of domestic production and exports through economic diversification, support to small and medium enterprises, and investment in the energy and agricultural sectors. Likewise, through the implementation of the recently adopted National Social Protection and Promotion Policy, the Government will seek to reinforce social safety nets and enhance the provision of relief to the most vulnerable, an undertaking that would unquestionably be bolstered by increased levels of donor funding for humanitarian assistance. Above all else, it is the ability of Haiti’s political and economic classes to compromise and resolve their differences without resorting to violence and the capacity of the country’s fledgling institutions to take the necessary steps that will determine whether free, fair and inclusive elections will be held in a favourable climate, whether attempts to restart the economy and put the country back on a positive development trajectory will succeed, and whether the perennial issue of impunity will finally be addressed. Leveraging the complementarity of the diverse expertise shared between BINUH and the United Nations country team, we stand ready to continue supporting authorities in the accomplishment of these endeavours and accompany Haiti as it strives to rekindle the sustainable development agenda. To effectively fulfil these roles, we will continue to transform the way in which we work, by making more efficient use of the political and programmatic resources of the United Nations to better address the intractable structural obstacles that prevent meaningful and tangible progress in Haiti.

I thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Haiti, Helen Meagher La Lime, for her detailed briefing, which clearly reflects the various crises Haiti is going through. We would like to begin by acknowledging the efforts made by the Haitian Government to counter the effects of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic in the country, under the leadership of its multisectoral commission for the management of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Dominican Republic is extremely concerned about the profound social, economic, health and political crisis in its sister Republic of Haiti, marked by the stagnation in the organization of the legislative elections and the lack of consensus on a shared political agenda to break the deadlock and set forth a new electoral cycle that will put the nation on a path of lasting stability. For this reason, in the first Dominican statement on the Haitian issue made in the Security Council last year, we warned of the danger of a premature departure of the United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti without first having achieved conditions conducive thereto (see S/PV.8502). We hope that this situation will serve as an example when the extension of the mandates of other missions is analysed, in order not to make the same mistake. This complex political and economic crisis has degenerated into an impossibility of good governance and is therefore of deep concern to the Dominican Republic. The economic situation and insecurity in the country — and the food crisis that, according to the World Food Programme, today affects approximately 5 million Haitians — significantly affect not only the operations of United Nations personnel, but all activities aimed at improving the situation in the country. The problem is multidimensional and requires interdisciplinary action. Although intentional homicides reported to the police decreased by 12 per cent between 1 June and 31 August, violence and impunity continue to wreak havoc and affect the normal course of daily life. Kidnappings have rebounded and ongoing clashes between gangs have recently led to the displacement of hundreds of families. In recent days, we have heard with astonishment how violence has cut short the productive lives of high-profile citizens, such as the professor, lawyer and President of the Haitian Bar Association, Monferrier Dorval, as well as the father of the Director of Haitian National Police, who was found dead inside a water tank. These actions have been interpreted as threats and expressions of rejection from minority sectors that prefer chaos and are betting against the constitutional reform process in the country. Hopefully, sooner rather than later, the perpetrators of these atrocious crimes will be brought to justice; both inaction and impunity are unacceptable. In this context, we call upon the United Nations to provide the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) with the necessary personnel to enable the mission to be effective and to fulfil its mandate. Mindful of the global economic downturn, it must be stressed that BINUH needs to be fully staffed in order to be effective, and, similarly, we call on BINUH, the international community and the Haitian Government to redouble their efforts in support of the Haitian National Police strategic development plan 2017-2021 and also to provide the judicial system with the resources and tools necessary to protect the rights of citizens, particularly the most vulnerable. It is paradoxical that one of the aspects in which the United Nations has achieved some success in Haiti since 2004, namely, generating a critical awareness of human rights among the population, does not find the institutional support to enforce human rights in the courts. There is a gap today between the expectations and demands of society and the capacity of rights holders to ensure that they are respected. The humanitarian situation in Haiti remains worrisome. Fifty-three per cent of Haitian households experienced hunger between May and June, and the number of children suffering from malnutrition is expected to increase by 25 per cent by the end of the year. A revised humanitarian response plan for 2020 was launched in June, aimed at reaching 2.3 million of the 5.1 million Haitians considered to be the most vulnerable. Including the response to COVID-19, the plan requires $472 million. However, disconcertingly, as of 10 September, only 16 per cent of the that amount had been funded. This situation could be exacerbated by the still-active hurricane season. To minimize these aggravating factors, it is necessary for the Haitian Government and its institutions to intensify their efforts in order to establish mechanisms for risk assessment and the designing of plans and strategies to strengthen the most affected sectors. Similarly, information and collaboration channels must be established with local communities to expand early-warning mechanisms that help in joint planning for the impact of climate shocks. The combination of the institutional crisis, COVID-19 and adverse climate phenomena could be devastating for a country that should not be left to fend for itself. The shared border between the Republic of Haiti and the Dominican Republic means that the political, social, health and economic processes of each country significantly impact the other. The success of health, security, defence and climate- change adaptation policies requires binational coordination. Given the situation in Haiti, to achieve this coordination, the support and assistance of the international community and multilateral organizations is essential — I repeat, essential. Instability in Haiti threatens the stability of the Dominican Republic and potentially that of the region. Inertia or avoidance can never be viable policies for the situation in Haiti. In that context, we once again echo the words of the Secretary-General, who said: “Absent additional financial support, the country will fall further behind in addressing its development challenges.” (S/2020/537, para. 32) That should not be countenanced by the international community. Good-neighbourliness between the two countries can never undermine the principle of strict compliance with Dominican and international law. In the almost two years as a non-permanent member of the Council, the Dominican Republic has made consistent proposals with regard to the political process in Haiti and has abstained on resolutions that, while well-intentioned, did not taken due account of the reality in Haiti. We have worked bilaterally and multilaterally to advance the peace and security agenda in Haiti, offering our good offices. As this is our last engagement on this issue in the Security Council, just as BINUH celebrates its first year of deployment in Haiti and at a time when that country is facing more difficult political, socioeconomic and security conditions than last year, we wish to emphasize our ongoing concern that, despite the progress of the One United Nations plan, and even with the United Nations country team’s support to the Haitian authorities, the Council cannot afford to transfer the responsibilities of the mission to the Haitian Government while the current deep political instability and humanitarian crisis in that country continues. However, we must clearly state our firm belief that the well-being and future of the people are in the hands of the citizens. While providing additional and vital support, the international community cannot bring about the necessary changes in Haiti on its own. The meaningful participation of civil society and the Haitian political leadership is essential, including the active involvement of the diaspora, with common approaches and a joint agenda. That can be achieved only if the pending electoral process in Haiti is successful. We therefore urge the international community to take a more active role in organizing that process and to extend the BINUH mandate, providing it with the necessary resources for its proper functioning. BINUH must facilitate a comprehensive political agreement in Haiti, ensuring that legislative elections are held, which is the most urgent task. Finally, the Dominican Government calls on the international community to provide the Haitian people with much-needed humanitarian assistance and the resources necessary to invest in infrastructure and job creation. The Dominican Republic will continue a policy of openness to ongoing cooperation with the people of Haiti — cooperation that characterizes the deep sense of solidarity of our people — but also equally affirms that there is not, and cannot be, a Dominican solution to the situation in Haiti.

I thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Meagher La Lime for her briefing and her tireless efforts to create an atmosphere of trust and ownership in Haiti. I would like to address three aspects today: first, the importance of the elections, stability and political accountability; secondly, the need to promote human rights and to combat impunity and insecurity; and, thirdly, the role of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH). First, the political climate remains highly polarized and a common political agenda is lacking. Uncertainty over the electoral calendar, the composition of the new Provisional Electoral Council and the necessary constitutional reform remain factors of instability. We are concerned about the increase in violent gangs and their impact on State institutions. For the legitimacy of the political system, it is urgent to agree a realistic timetable for the holding of the elections. Women must be involved at all stages of the electoral process. Secondly, with regard to human rights and combating impunity and insecurity, we strongly condemn the shocking assassination of Monferrier Dorval, a highly respected lawyer. The active participation of civil society is, for us, particularly crucial. It cannot be silenced. We urge the authorities to spare no effort in bringing the perpetrators to justice. We remain deeply concerned that the perpetrators of large-scale massacres are still at large and that there are ongoing allegations of collusion between gangs and State agents. In that regard, we welcome the steps to increase the operational capacity of the General Inspectorate of the National Police. Policing should remain a primary concern of BINUH and major donors, who have invested heavily, including in the United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti, to achieve a more professional and reliable Haitian National Police. The gains in that area cannot be lost, particularly in the run-up to politically sensitive deadlines for the country. The pandemic has highlighted protection challenges, especially for women and girls, who face increased risks of sexual and gender-based violence. The United Nations-European Union (EU) Spotlight Initiative on gender supports the national response in that regard. The new penal code brings Haiti’s legal framework further in line with international legal and human rights standards. We hope that, among other things, this will lead to a more humane approach to law enforcement, help to reduce prison overcrowding and better protect the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons community. Finally, Belgium fully supports the work of BINUH in facilitating political dialogue in Haiti. Given the high level of polarization, it is now more important than ever to address the trust deficit and promote a more conducive political environment. We welcome the close cooperation between BINUH and the United Nations country team in implementing the integrated strategic framework. We encourage the Haitian authorities to approve the establishment of a stand-alone office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in the country, which could assist it in addressing the various challenges that I have discussed today. Haiti cannot face its challenges alone. Together with our EU partners, we are providing financial, technical and political support, and we call on all international partners to do the same.

China thanks Special Representative Meagher La Lime for her briefing. Since the previous meeting on this issue in the Security Council in June (see S/2020/568), Haiti has been mired in a prolonged political impasse and continued constitutional crisis, with a deteriorating security situation that put its people in danger. The situation of women is a matter of particular concern. The economic reality is grim, and the coronavirus disease further aggravates the already difficult livelihoods of Haitians. The political, economic and social crises that Haiti is facing show no signs of lessening. To defuse the crises and achieve stability and development, Haiti ultimately has to rely on its own efforts, and the Haitian authorities bear the primary responsibility. However, it is regrettable that the Haitian Government’s governance capabilities are severely inadequate and that corruption has persisted despite repeated prohibitions. According to the Secretary-General’s report (S/2020/944), certain Government authorities have committed abuses. It is reported that some Haitian police officers took to the streets to protest over low salaries, and even exchanged fire with police officers on duty. The Haitian Government must effectively improve its governance capabilities, shoulder its own responsibilities and meet the people’s expectations. At the same time, the Haitian authorities and various domestic factions must put the interests of the people first, abandon personal interests, put aside their differences and commit themselves to inclusive dialogue and extensive consultation in order to reach a political solution. Haiti will hold a presidential election next year. Election preparations must be in compliance with Haiti's Constitution and laws and on the basis of broad consensus among various parties to ensure the legitimacy and credibility of the election. Haiti, the first country in Latin America to achieve independence, was once under foreign occupation and control for decades. Its national resources were plundered for far too long. Its people were plunged into misery and suffering. China sympathizes with the Haitian people about this unfortunate historical experience and has always called on the international community to scale up its assistance to Haiti. Over the past 10 years, Haiti has received billions of dollars in aid, but there has been no fundamental improvement in the lives of the Haitian people. The main donors to Haiti should pay earnest attention to the needs and priorities of Haiti and invest funds in the areas that are most urgent for the Haitian people, particularly the areas of poverty reduction and economic and social development. The Haitian Government should also use its aid in a rational and effective manner and continuously improve the effectiveness of the aid it receives. The mandate of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) will expire on 15 October. As a special political mission, BINUH, established a year ago, has made some efforts in promoting dialogue between the Haitian government and the opposition. However, there has been little progress. There is no external solution to the problems in Haiti. Unless all parties in Haiti truly demonstrate their political will, it would be impossible to break the deadlock. We therefore recommend the Security Council consider the future United Nations presence in Haiti in the light of the development of the situation, to make an assessment and take onboard the previous experiences and lessons learned.

I would like to thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Helen Meagher La Lime for her informative briefing. I would also like to express Estonia’s strong support for the activities of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti and for the work of the Special Representative. Estonia is concerned about the lack of political stability in Haiti. More progress is needed in setting a consensual reform agenda and ensuring free, fair and transparent elections. Moving forward with the political process requires a comprehensive dialogue that results in a national consensus. We urge that stronger measures be taken against insecurity and impunity. Despite some progress, justice has still not been met. The cases of the Raboteau massacre, Lilavois, Grand Ravine, La Saline and Bel Air prove the lack of accountability for human rights violations and abuses. Impunity is also a contributing factor to the increase in gang-related violence. We reiterate the importance of enhancing accountability and call on the Government of Haiti to modernize the justice system. Judicial institutions need to be strengthened to ensure that all cases are properly investigated and perpetrators are held accountable for their crimes. We welcome the appointment of a new Minister-delegate for Human Rights and the Fight against Extreme Poverty. That is a sign of the Government’s commitment to strengthening national policies on human rights. We encourage the authorities to support the establishment of an office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Haiti. In a long-term perspective, that would help to maintain what has already been achieved. We commend all measures taken by the Government of Haiti to combat the coronavirus disease pandemic. It is of the utmost importance to address the socioeconomic impacts of the pandemic, which has increased the vulnerability and inequality of the people of Haiti. Implementing the United Nations-supported assessment and recovery plan can be a great support for Haiti in dealing with the already dire situation. Haiti and its people deserve a stable State with democracy, the rule of law and sustainable development. That is what we hope the Government of Haiti will strive for. More important, that is what the Haitian people have the right to expect from their political leaders. In conclusion, we encourage all parties to continue to work in a constructive spirit. We remain hopeful that continued efforts will bring about a better future for Haiti.

I too thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Haiti, Ms. Helen Meagher La Lime, for her extremely comprehensive and enlightening briefing. Haiti is currently going through a crisis that is above all political. We observe with great concern the continued deterioration of the institutional situation. Indeed, I recall that, due to the lack of elections, the Parliament has not been able to sit since January and the Government appointed in March has not been installed. We deplore the fact that all dialogue initiatives have failed over the past two years. Yet, as we all know, the resolution of this crisis can be achieved only through an inclusive national dialogue among all political forces in the country, including the opposition, civil society and the private sector. That dialogue is essential to ensure the credible and transparent organization of the upcoming elections and the revision of the Constitution, if that is what Haitians indeed want. France urges President Jovenel Moïse to put an end to the deadlock. This call for political responsibility is all the more necessary since the credibility of the institutions has been deeply undermined in Haiti by cases of corruption. Haitian civil society has for many years demanded transparency in the face of such cases, which destroy the confidence of the population in their institutions. Taking such demands into account is an essential condition for rebuilding trust with the Haitian population. That is why the fight against corruption must be the top priority of the Haitian political class. Haitian society has quite legitimate demands in terms of security and respect for human rights, which must be heard by the authorities. We strongly condemn the assassination of Maître Dorval, President of the Port-au-Prince Bar Association, on 28 August. That murder is an extremely disturbing sign of the increasing insecurity since the beginning of the year and of the violence by gangs that are operating with impunity. I am also thinking of the massacres at La Saline and Bel Air, which have given rise to damning reports by the United Nations. Given that situation, it is essential that the Haitian State ensure the security of its citizens and guarantee that those responsible for such violence are brought to justice. The Haitian National Police is mobilizing to address the situation; it must be beyond reproach to ensure respect for the rule of law. In addition, as we know, the coronavirus disease pandemic has weighed heavily on an already extremely deteriorated economic, humanitarian and social situation. Millions of Haitians are living in a very vulnerable situation, and that trend is increasing. France and the European Union will continue to mobilize to provide all the humanitarian assistance needed to meet the most urgent needs. We are all aware that the multidimensional nature of the crisis in Haiti makes its resolution particularly complex. One year after its establishment, the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) has mobilized tirelessly, under the leadership of Ms. Meagher La Lime, to support Haiti. The work that BINUH is carrying out in support of political dialogue and governance and the strengthening of the rule of law is absolutely essential. It must be continued and BINUH must be given every means to fully implement its mandate. The Security Council will continue to maintain full vigilance and take appropriate measures, particularly if the situation in Haiti should continue to deteriorate. Finally, I wish to reaffirm that France stands more than ever alongside Haiti and the Haitians to meet the challenges of the current crisis and build the environment of stability and prosperity to which they quite legitimately aspire.

I would like to make four points. One is on the political crisis, one on gang- related violence, one on the police and justice sectors and the last point is on the work of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH). I will start with the political crisis. Let me say, first of all, we are disappointed that Haitian stakeholders have still not reached a minimum consensus over a political agenda addressing the root causes of the problems that Haiti has been facing for a long time. We encourage all stakeholders to reach an agreement on the revision of the Constitution, on the implementation of reforms and on a realistic electoral framework for credible and transparent elections. We condemn in the strongest possible terms the assassination, on 28 August, of Monferrier Dorval. This has been a major setback, and we join the Secretary- General’s call to the Haitian authorities to spare no effort to bring the perpetrators of this crime to justice. On gang-related violence, we remain highly alarmed by the resurgence of this kind of gang activity, which has a long and terrible tradition in Haiti. We are particularly concerned to learn that certain political actors and businessmen have close ties with criminal gangs. We strongly condemn all actions that undermine democratic processes and the rule of law, and we call on all stakeholders to refrain from acts that could contribute to instability. It is important that the Government continue to support the National Commission for Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration. We deplore, once again in this context, the scant progress made in pursuing accountability for human rights violations, such as the events in La Saline, Bel Air and Grand Ravine, and the same goes for corruption scandals. We encourage the Government to support the establishment of a standalone Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Haiti to safeguard continued collaboration with State authorities on human rights issues. My third point is on police and justice, on which we see some hopeful developments. We hope that these positive signs of the continued professionalization of the Haitian National Police, in an environment that is becoming even more challenging, will gain momentum. In this context, accountability for members of the police forces for their actions is of the utmost importance, as it will make confidence grow in the police as an institution. At the same time, we remain worried that the limited amount of resources provided to the Haitian National Police over the past several years is beginning to erode not only the organization’s operational capacity but also public confidence in the country’s sole functioning nationwide public safety institution. We are also concerned about the growing trend of polarization within the police forces, especially with regard to a violent group of mostly former, but also active, policemen named Fantôme 509. We are also worried about support for a group called “G9 an fanmi”. Major challenges also persist in the justice and corrections sectors. It is most illustrative of this that the occupancy rate in prisons has risen 338 per cent, mainly owing to rising numbers of pretrial detainees resulting from bottlenecks in the judicial sector. We welcome the support provided by the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund in order to achieve a reduction in prison and detention centre inmates in the context of the coronavirus disease pandemic. My last point is on the work of BINUH. We reaffirm our continued support for the work of a mission and the 19 United Nations agencies, funds and programmes in Haiti that are working and delivering as One United Nations. We are in favour of an extension of the mandate of BINUH, which will be negotiated over the next couple of days. All components of the mandate still remain relevant to us, and we, of course, continue to fully support the important work of Special Representative of the Secretary-General Helen Meagher La Lime and her entire team on Haiti.

At the outset, I would like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Her Excellency Ms. Helen Meagher La Lime, for her comprehensive briefing. Indonesia is deeply concerned about the lack of progress in the country as demonstrated in the report of the Secretary-General (S/2020/944). Sadly, the people of Haiti continue to pay the price for the instability and insecurity, confronting growing inflation, poverty and hunger. On that note, I would like to bring the following three points to the attention of the Council. First, political stability is a key factor, and the political polarization and impasse in Haiti can only make the situation worse. To that end, I reiterate my call to all stakeholders to set their differences aside and work together to find common ground through national dialogue towards a free, fair and successful election. Once again, the responsibility is on the Haitian authorities, who have the obligation to provide a peaceful and stable environment. It is their duty to set the table for progress. Secondly, with regard to the security situation and community violence, Indonesia commends the continued efforts of the National Commission for Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration in consolidating security as the leading national institution on community violence reduction. Nonetheless, we are concerned that, despite several important developments, major challenges persist in the police, justice and corrections sectors. In that regard, we urge the Haitian authorities to make more meaningful efforts to uphold the rule of law and combat corruption and impunity, especially during the pandemic. Gang-related criminal activities are also on the rise. This may be a signal that the situation is getting even more out of control, and bold action needs to be taken. Thirdly, with regard to the economic and social challenges, as I previously mentioned, the people of Haiti are suffering the most. The political havoc is driving prosperity away from them. The dire economic and social challenges need to be addressed accordingly, even as a political solution is being pursued. A robust recovery effort will be required to reverse the negative trends and reinvigorate the economy. On this note, my delegation encourages the Haitian authorities to support the United Nations-supported socioeconomic impact assessment and recovery plan. In conclusion, we support the Secretary-General in urging the Haitian authorities to establish a fully functional provisional electoral council to ensure free, fair and transparent elections that will lend legitimacy to the political system and strengthen State institutions and good governance. Indonesia commends the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti, the United Nations country team and United Nations personnel on the ground for their remarkable dedication to assisting the Haitian people in the pursuit of their right to live in peace and stability. The situation is critical. International support is needed more than ever, but the Haitian authorities must take the lead.

We are grateful to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms. Helen Meagher La Lime, for her briefing on the situation in the country and the work of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH). The months-long increase in tension in Haiti raises the most serious concerns. The root cause of instability is the lack of progress in the internal dialogue between political forces and society, which has led to the de facto paralysis of the legislature. In turn, that has affected the ability of the State to effectively deal with urgent daily tasks, primarily that of ensuring the safety of the population. As a result, criminal elements have become more active. All this has been complicated by the coronavirus pandemic. Its second wave will soon present a new challenge to the health-care system, the state of which is not difficult to imagine given the deplorable economic situation in the country. The report of the Secretary-General (S/2020/944) gives us an ambiguous impression. On the one hand, the assessments it contains leave no doubt about the need to extend the United Nations mission to maintain international support in such a difficult period for the country. On the other hand, it is obvious that its key task of assisting in establishing a national dialogue remains unresolved. Haitians run the risk of taking the path of unilateral decisions, and that, as is known, only increases the risks of escalation. We see that the proposal to overcome the crisis by changing the basic law of the country received a mixed reception, including from the judicial branch of Government. Significantly, the Haitian Supreme Court refused to swear in the members of the provisional electoral council. Society has split. However, there are those who believe that the time is ripe for changes to the Constitution, and if the Haitians so decide, the United Nations invariably stands for compliance with the current legislation, no matter what country it is. All of this, of course, is an internal affair of the Haitians themselves, who must sit down at the negotiating table and overcome their differences. Therefore, we understand the position to those in Haiti who were outraged by the statement by a United States State Department official who threatened consequences for those who disagree with American ideas about democracy. In the United States, for some reason, it is considered normal to insist on elections in one country and to call on politicians to ignore the elections and demand the resignation of the legally elected head of State in another. With such double standards, it is no surprise that the number of crises around the world is on the rise, despite United Nations efforts to resolve them. The complex of problems that has accumulated in Haiti must be urgently addressed, starting with the main thing — political stabilization. That is possible only through dialogue based on current legislation, which should lead to elections and increase confidence and support from the general population. If that is not done, the country risks returning to its darkest past, and then recovery and development will be postponed for many years. We call on Haitians to urgently engage in internal dialogue to find a solution to the crisis. The United Nations mission should help with that. Port-au-Prince needs responsible international assistance in order to avoid further division of society and a slide into a humanitarian crisis of a regional scale. Russia, as a member of the Security Council, will continue to work to ensure that the United Nations international assistance results in genuine normalization of the situation in Haiti and the strengthening of its sovereignty and self-sufficiency.

At the outset, permit me, on behalf of the African members of the Security Council — namely, the Niger, South Africa and Tunisia — and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (A3+1) to thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms. Helen Meagher La Lime, for her comprehensive briefing. We further commend Special Representative of the Secretary-General Meagher La Lime and her team for their efforts in helping to advance the peacebuilding process in Haiti during the first year of operation of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH). The situation in Haiti is extremely complex. It has been approximately eight months since the fiftieth legislature concluded its tenure, and parliamentary elections have not yet been held. The ensuing institutional vacuum created by the absence of a parliament has further impeded the socioeconomic and political stability of the country. Coupled with the multidimensional challenges of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and Haiti’s long-standing vulnerabilities, the current situation may spiral out of control. The A3+1 takes note of the marginal progress on BINUH’s six benchmarks, as highlighted in the latest report of the Secretary-General (S/2020/944), and commends the Government of Haiti for its response to the pandemic under the leadership of the COVID-19 multisectoral commission and in cooperation with the United Nations. While the pandemic has moderately impacted Haiti, our sister Caribbean country is still far from being out of the proverbial woods — both in responding to the pandemic and tackling outstanding challenges. In this regard, the A3+1 offers the following perspective. First, on the political front, the uncertainty surrounding the elections and the constitutional crisis are of great concern. It is incumbent that all Haitian stakeholders engage in inclusive and constructive dialogue and assume their collective responsibilities towards resolving the current political impasse. We wish to take this opportunity to stress, in line with our previous interventions regarding Haiti, that dialogue remains the only viable means of achieving a peaceful settlement to the political stalemate. In this respect, we urge all Haitian political leaders to convene a national dialogue and refrain from acts that may trigger further violence and compromise the country’s gains under the guidance of the United Nations. Importantly, therefore, we call on the Haitian political leaders to forge ahead with the urgent formation of a Government in order to enable the State to undertake its mandate, including service delivery to its people, as well as to attract more bilateral and multilateral support. Secondly, the A3+1 reiterates its support for the role of the National Commission for Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration in reducing community violence. We encourage the Government to urgently undertake the necessary measures to adopt the draft national strategy on community violence reduction, as it represents a critical opportunity to curb the crime and violence plaguing Haiti. Equally, the draft strategy can assist in bolstering the State security apparatus. In addition, we applaud the contribution of the United Nations through its Peacebuilding Fund initiatives geared towards minimizing community violence and strengthening the capacity of the Haitian National Police. Adequate resources need to be devoted to the Haitian National Police so that this critical institution can effectively execute its mandate, including an intensive recruitment drive and training. We also urge the Government to effectively implement the 2017-2021 Haitian National Police Strategic Development Plan. We further appreciate the efforts to enhance the role of women in the Haitian National Police. The full participation of women in Haiti’s political and economic life is crucial for advancing peace and security. Women are an integral constituent in Haiti and, as such, empowering them through appropriate mechanisms and facilitating their equitable participation in formal and informal processes must be priorities. We remain concerned about the scourge of violence resulting from gang activities across Haiti. The expansion of their networks and the amalgamation of others, such as the recently formed G9, have the potential to worsen the country’s security situation. Therefore, the A3+1 welcomes the efforts of the Haitian National Police in combating these plagues. Peace and security, the central pillars of the Security Council, cannot be divorced from the fight against human rights violations. We urge the authorities to address the lack of accountability and the impunity for instances of human rights violations, including sexual and gender-based violence. We note that the Government of Haiti has appointed the Minister for Human Rights and are therefore hopeful that this will assist the nation in improving its record regarding human rights. We reiterate the importance of respecting international human rights law and call for all perpetrators to be held accountable. Allow me to come to our third point. The socioeconomic realities remain dire and, in addition to the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic, Haiti continues to grapple with the existential threat of climate change, as exemplified with this year’s devastating tropical storm, which claimed 31 lives and left many homeless and in distress. Acute food insecurity and a gloomy economic outlook further compound these challenges, and it is heart-wrenching and most concerning that children continue to suffer from malnutrition. Accordingly, the A3+1 appeals to the international community to continue providing humanitarian support to the people of Haiti. We also repeat our call for debt forgiveness and debt relief to help Haiti address its economic challenges. We maintain that debt relief based on the magnitude of exogenous shocks is an unavoidable element of any serious Haitian-centred development discussion. Haiti’s development and economic health must also include a structured evaluation of its vulnerability and resilience. The A3+1 impresses on the Council that, as long as the legacy of underdevelopment in Haiti is not fundamentally addressed, stability and sustainable development in Haiti will remain elusive. Consequently, it is our conviction that, during this International Decade for People of African Descent, the initiation of a dialogue process for proper recompense for the legacies of underdevelopment in Haiti must be undertaken. The historic importance of the Haitian Revolution and its symbolic meaning of triumphing over adversity in the pursuit for liberty, equality and the control of one’s fate continues to be an inspiration to all. In conclusion, the A3+1 reaffirms its support for BINUH and emphasizes the importance of adequate funding in order for it to effectively carry out its mandate. Accordingly, we renew our support for BINUH’s mandate extension. Haiti’s needs are long-term, but its current socioeconomic and political challenges are very immediate. Haitian-ownership remains central to resolving existing challenges. Now is not the time for dithering or continued divergence of opinions on the elections or constitutional reform, but for Haitians to band together, in the spirit of compromise, to overcome their challenges. We call on the United Nations, the Caribbean Community, the Organization of American States and the wider international community to continue accompanying Haiti in attaining political and socioeconomic stability.

I will be brief this morning. I thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for her comprehensive update. The United Kingdom recognizes the challenging circumstances faced since the Secretary-General’s last report (S/2020/944) — as the Special Representative and others have described today — and we welcome the progress made. The people of Haiti deserve an end to the dysfunction that has plagued State institutions and governance in that country for so long. I would like to start by joining others in calling for credible and transparent legislative elections as soon as possible. They are necessary to put Haiti on a path towards stability and prosperity. Concurrent progress on human rights is critical to underpin stability. The United Kingdom welcomes the appointment of a Minister-delegate for Human Rights and the Fight against Extreme Poverty. This is an important step in demonstrating the political will to safeguard human rights. However, we are concerned that the national action plan for human rights is yet to be adopted by the Council of Ministers. I also wanted to express our grave concern over the assassination of the President of the Port-au-Prince Bar Association, Monferrier Dorval. The United Kingdom calls for a prompt and transparent investigation into this and welcomes the commitment by President Moïse to hold the perpetrators to account. The establishment, almost one year ago, of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) reflected the Security Council’s conviction that the international community’s engagement with Haiti needed to rest on a new model of cooperation, with Haitians firmly in the lead. The United Kingdom welcomes the finalization of the United Nations Integrated Strategic Framework that supports and underpins Haiti’s national priorities. We are pleased to see the United Nations country team stepping up, and instruments such as the Peacebuilding Fund — to which the United Kingdom is wholeheartedly committed — being deployed strategically. As we approach discussions on mandate renewal, the United Kingdom continues to be supportive of BINUH’s work. But it is political commitment — from all leaders — that is needed to overcome national divisions and give Haiti the chance to break through the cycles of instability and to begin a new chapter.

I am pleased to welcome today Foreign Minister Álvarez Gil of the Dominican Republic. And I thank Helen Meagher La Lime for her comprehensive update on the situation in Haiti, both today and during our meeting on Friday with Sancho and Laura. I thank her as well for the work she and the team from the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) have undertaken in support of stability and reform in Haiti. The United States — and I personally — remain committed to working closely with all stakeholders in the service of a secure and prosperous Haiti. During my conversation on Saturday with President Moïse, I urged him and the Government of Haiti to hold legislative elections as soon as technically feasible in order to re-establish Haiti’s Parliament. The United States continues to encourage the Government of Haiti to take the necessary steps to organize these overdue legislative elections and to exit the current period of rule by decree. While the Haitian Government’s announcement of the members of the Provisional Electoral Council was a necessary step in that direction, there is much more work to be done, including the approval of an electoral law, an electoral budget and an electoral calendar. The people of Haiti deserve peace, prosperity and stability, which can come only through partnership between a Government responsive to its citizens and a functioning legislature. We are deeply concerned, as is President Moïse, that armed gangs continue to violate the human rights of residents of vulnerable communities throughout Haiti and have displaced hundreds of families. We urge the Haitian Government to protect its most vulnerable citizens by implementing a comprehensive anti-gang strategy to undermine support for gangs and hold the perpetrators of violence and their accomplices accountable. Haiti’s justice system has taken no concrete action to prosecute human rights abuses in recent months, and the lack of accountability for perpetrators of human rights abuses reinforces an environment of impunity. The assassination of Monferrier Dorval, on 28 August, was an attack on civil society and on all of those working for a better future in Haiti. We call on the Government of Haiti to investigate and prosecute those responsible, and we will continue to advocate for the strengthening of the rule of law in Haiti. I conveyed to President Moïse that the United States remains committed to working with the Haitian National Police to strengthen its capacity to disrupt armed gangs and violence and to provide citizen security. We recently reprogrammed $5 million in assistance towards anti-gang efforts and will provide additional advisers to the Haitian National Police to help address human rights and police conduct concerns. However, the Haitian National Police continues to face budgetary constraints and increasing operational pressures. Without timely and sufficient funding and a long-term commitment from the Government of Haiti, the Haitian National Police cannot effectively fulfil its public safety mandate. Haiti continues to face the threat of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), as we all do. But as the Secretary-General’s report notes (S/2020/944), the Government of Haiti’s performance in limiting the impact of the crisis has been laudable. We commend the Moïse Government for its implementation of the National COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Plan, and we pledge to continue assisting the Haitian people to fight this pandemic. To date, the United States has committed over $16 million in combined assistance to support Haitian efforts to fight COVID-19 and transferred ownership of 37 ventilators to the Haitian Government to assist in its efforts. As we approach the end of BINUH’s first year, we affirm the essential role of the good offices of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and BINUH’s vital work in the service of good governance and reform. We also note the enhanced cooperation between BINUH and the United Nations country team over the past year. It is essential to continue these coordinated efforts, and the country team’s distinct areas of expertise and responsibilities, to ensure the most effective United Nations support for Haiti. Just a year ago, I met with President Moïse and a cross section of Haiti’s political and economic leaders to discuss a path forward. And I must tell Council members that, on Saturday, I felt cautiously optimistic during my conversation. And, just to be very transparent, if members do not know, the President’s father passed away on Sunday. And due to the death of his beloved father, the meetings with the opposition parties will be delayed for four or five days. It is long past time for Haiti’s stakeholders to resolve their prolonged political impasse, build strong institutions and enact necessary reforms. The United States will continue to stand with Haiti as it works to build a secure and prosperous future. And, again, our thoughts and prayers are with President Moïse at this time.

I would like to thank the Secretary-General for his report (S/2020/944) on United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), and his Special Representative, Ms. Helen Meagher La Lime, for her insightful briefing and her work on the ground at this very challenging time. I would also like to welcome the presence and statement of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic at our meeting today. We are concerned that Haiti continues to face extreme political, economic and social uncertainty, which has been exacerbated by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The continued violence, especially the gang-related criminality, over parts of the country has contributed to the existing instability. The political impasse and unscheduled electoral framework agenda remain the biggest challenges hindering the constitutional reforms. On the matters under discussion today, I would like to stress the following three points. First, on political progress, we share the concerns about the difficulties noted in the report of the Secretary-General, especially the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The political uncertainty and impasse are the main causes of the multifaceted difficulties and instability in Haiti, which harm the livelihoods of the Haitian people and their enjoyment of their human rights. In this context, we call on the Government, political parties and other stakeholders in Haiti to set aside their differences and engage in constructive dialogue. It is high time for a compromise and political consensus to be struck on constitutional and broader reforms. There is no other way to address the root causes of the country’s problems for the sake of its sustained stability and development. Secondly, on the electoral process, we are concerned about the absence of consensus on key aspects of election preparations, including an electoral framework, calendar and a fully functional Provisional Electoral Council. In this regard, we call for timely and credible elections acceptable to all Haitian stakeholders in 2021. We also urge all related parties to make further efforts to engage in inclusive dialogue to reach a political agreement on the new composition of the Provisional Electoral Council and the modalities and timing of the elections, including the political representation of women and youth. We call on the United Nations and the international community to increase technical assistance and measures needed to protect Haitian citizens and political parties on the road ahead. Thirdly, regarding threats of violence, Haiti continues to face a number of long-standing threats and challenges. Gang violence has increasingly challenged State authority over parts of Haiti. The fighting among gang groups targeting local communities has had adverse impacts on the livelihoods of Haitians. Women, children and other vulnerable groups remain risk of violence and continue to be marginalized in the political life of the country. We condemn such violence and attacks. We urge the Haitian Government and local authorities to uphold their responsibilities, take more decisive actions in improving the country’s legal framework as well as undertake all security measures needed to stop violence and to protect civilians, especially women and children. To conclude, we commend the unceasing work and tireless efforts of BINUH. We reiterate our support for the extension of its mandate. We would like to reaffirm our support for the Secretary-General’s call for long-term and structural changes in Haiti geared towards putting the country on the path to sustainable development.