S/PV.10093 Security Council

In accordance with rule 37 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representatives of Barbados the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Mexico to participate in this meeting. In accordance with rule 39 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the following briefers to participate in this meeting: Mr. Carlos Ruiz Massieu, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti; and Mr. John Brandolino, Acting Executive Director, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. I wish to draw the attention of Council members to document S/2026/31, which contains the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti. I now give the floor to Mr. Ruiz Massieu. Mr. Ruiz Massieu: It is an honour to present the report of the Secretary-General to the Security Council (S/2026/31) and to brief the Council on the latest developments in Haiti. It is also an honour to be joined in this briefing by the Acting Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, and I also take this opportunity to greet and thank the Government of Haiti through its Ambassador here for all its support for the work of the United Nations and the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti, in particular. As we start a new year, there are high expectations for tangible progress on the political and security fronts in Haiti to bring the transition to a close. And to achieve this, political responsibilities must be assumed and security efforts sustained. In addition, international engagement must remain focused and coherent. Haiti has entered a critical phase in its process of restoring democratic institutions. The current transitional arrangements will come to an end on 7 February. It is imperative that national actors strive to contain political fragmentation, set aside their differences, preserve institutional continuity, and focus on organizing elections. Let us be clear: the country has no more time to waste on prolonged internal struggles. The situation requires that authorities, state institutions, political parties, civil society, the private sector, and religious and community leaders prioritize the national interest and act with responsibility and restraint. Convergence around effective governance arrangements beyond 7 February remains essential to advance and complete the transition, strengthen accountability and accelerate electoral preparations. At this critical juncture, I have continued to exercise the good offices of the Secretary-General in support of Haitian-led efforts to ease political tensions. Engagement with political stakeholders, civil society, women and youth groups, and institutional counterparts has focused on fostering inclusive exchanges around security, electoral priorities, governance challenges and impunity concerns. BINUH will continue to facilitate inter-Haitian consultations and encourage stakeholders to engage constructively on ways to create the necessary conditions to end the transition and restore democratic institutions. Steps taken in recent months to advance electoral preparations are particularly encouraging. The adoption of an electoral decree on 1 December and the publication of an electoral calendar on 23 December provide an operational framework for moving forward after years of delay. New legal provisions on voter registration, diaspora participation, women’s political inclusion and the decentralization of vote tabulation, if effectively applied, stand to contribute to credible and inclusive elections. In particular, the introduction of new requirements on women’s representation on candidate lists, coupled with financial incentives, constitutes an important step toward addressing longstanding barriers to political inclusion. The Prime Minister declared 2026 an electoral year. Achieving this goal will require sustained coordination among relevant institutions, predictable financing of the electoral process and security conditions that allow all voters and candidates to participate without fear. In this regard, the United Nations remains engaged in supporting the Provisional Electoral Council, to help ensure that preparations advance in a manner that is technically sound, inclusive and credible. I stand ready to further lead and reinforce the United Nations engagement on this front and coordinate international assistance to national efforts to hold elections. Gangs continue to demonstrate the capacity to mount coordinated attacks, exert control over key economic corridors and agricultural regions, force displacement, stretch humanitarian response capacity and push police resources to its limits. Intentional homicides in 2025 increased by nearly 20 per cent compared with more than 7,574 in 2024. At the same time, sustained pressure on gangs has yielded results. National security forces have intensified operations to reclaim territory and disrupt gang activity. In some parts of Port-au-Prince, as well as the Artibonite Department, police operations, supported by the Gang Suppression Force, have led to the reopening of some road networks. In the heart of the capital, Port-au-Prince, limited improvements are visible. State presence around the Champ de Mars, where the National Palace and several key ministries are located, is gradually being restored. The challenge now lies in expanding and sustaining security gains, as well as creating conditions for the delivery of basic services to communities. Without this, security improvements risk reversal. The transition of the Multinational Security Support Mission to the Gang Suppression Force, alongside the establishment of the United Nations Support Office in Haiti (UNSOH), as authorized by the Council in resolution 2793 (2025), represents a critical step to enhance international support to assist Haiti. I welcome the progress made for the establishment of UNSOH with the support of Haitian and Dominican authorities, as Under-Secretary-General Khare informed the Council last week. I also welcome the appointment of Mr. Jack Christofides as Special Representative for the Member State-led Gang Suppression Force, and I look forward to working closely with him to ensure coordination and complementarity in our joint support to Haitian institutions. Recognizing the positive momentum created by the force generation conference last December, I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate the urgent need for Member States to continue to provide the Gang Suppression Force with the necessary resources to execute its mandate, including through voluntary contributions to the United Nations-managed trust fund. At the same time, immediate security objectives must be balanced with longer- term strengthening towards the autonomy of national security institutions. The benchmarks annexed to the report of the Secretary-General provide a framework for progress, accountability and sustainability in this regard. Lasting stability will require renewed efforts to design and implement credible pathways for disengagement from violence and reintegration into society, particularly for youth and children. Gangs continue to recruit and exploit children by manipulating grievances and the daily suffering of ordinary citizens from marginalized neighborhoods. From this perspective, reinstating a national authority on disarmament, dismantlement and reintegration remains clearly a priority. A nationally led approach to disarmament, dismantlement and reintegration is essential to complement enforcement measures led by national security forces with the support of the Gang Suppression Force. BINUH, working alongside United Nations agencies, funds and programmes, will continue to support national authorities in designing and implementing safe exit; disarmament, dismantlement and reintegration; and community violence reduction initiatives, prioritizing children. The humanitarian situation remains a source of grave concern. Approximately 6.4 million people require humanitarian assistance in Haiti, placing the country among the largest humanitarian caseloads in the region. The humanitarian response remains underfunded. Last year, Haiti was one of the least funded global humanitarian appeals. In 2026, $880 million is required to help 4.2 million among the most vulnerable. The period ahead is crucial for Haiti. Managing the political calendar, supporting still fragile stabilization efforts, and addressing persistent humanitarian needs will directly determine the country’s ability to progress towards credible elections and a gradual return to normal institutional functioning. The developments we have observed demonstrate that progress is possible, but that it remains reversible. Such progress requires continued national commitment, unwavering international support, and close coordination among the security, political, humanitarian and stabilization components. Any disruption to this coherence would pose a real risk of setbacks. At this particular juncture, unwavering and timely support from the Security Council will remain as important as ever.

I thank Mr. Ruiz Massieu for his briefing. I now give the floor to Mr. Brandolino. Mr. Brandolino: I thank Council members for the opportunity to brief them on behalf of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) on the situation in Haiti, pursuant to resolutions 2692 (2023), 2743 (2024) and 2785 (2025). Today I will present the findings of UNODC’s tenth report (see S/2026/32), which provides an overview of key developments from October to December 2025 on sources and routes of illegal arms, illicit financial flows and related United Nations activities and recommendations. In addition to this, the report builds on our cumulative reporting since 2022 to present a comprehensive assessment of the evolution of criminal networks, illicit markets and security dynamics in Haiti in the past three years. Taken together, the findings point to a crisis that has grown more violent, more systemic and more embedded. At the centre of this evolution is a profound transformation of Haiti’s security landscape. Groups that once operated as fragmented local gangs or vigilante forces have reorganized themselves into structured criminal networks with defined leadership, territorial ambitions and diversified revenue streams. Many have consolidated themselves into federated coalitions to coordinate their actions and in some cases now even frame their activities in political language. Viv Ansanm, one of the most prominent coalitions, has coordinated large-scale attacks against the police, prisons and key economic infrastructure. And while rivalries between some gangs persist, this consolidation has strengthened their resilience, allowing them to pool their resources, withstand leadership losses and expand their influence. As a result, armed groups have gained near-total control both within Port-au- Prince and along key corridors into Artibonite and Plateau Central. They have prioritized strategic points, such as ports, fuel depots, highways and border towns, to control supply chains and extract money from the local population. Extortion has thus become a core revenue stream, alongside illicit income generated by trafficking in things like drugs, weapons and ammunition. These criminal economies are directly fueling the violence faced by civilians. According to the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), more than 5,600 people were killed in 2024, and trends in 2025, as mentioned, indicate continued escalation, compounding deep humanitarian needs. Against this backdrop, it is important to note that Haitian authorities are taking action. Just a few days ago, the Haitian National Police conducted operations targeting gang leadership figures and weapons storage sites. This reflects the authorities’ continued determination to confront armed groups and restore State authority, and UNODC commends these efforts. The evolution of organized violence in Haiti is intrinsically linked to the arms- trafficking trade. Since 2022, UNODC has documented increased inflows of high- calibre and even military-grade weapons through adaptive maritime, air and land routes. These networks operate with notable flexibility. They rely on discrete consignments and rapidly shifting routes and intermediaries. When one corridor is disrupted, another quickly emerges and takes its place. In this respect, the response of the Dominican Republic has been instructive. After identifying that its territory was being used as a transit route, the authorities strengthened border controls and conducted joint operations, leading to significant seizures in 2025. And while smaller- scale trafficking persists, these actions disrupted established supply chains and reduced major flows. At the same time, traffickers have shifted towards weaker Haitian ports, offshore transfers and indirect routes to evade embargo controls. And meanwhile, private security companies and informal self-defence groups are driving the illicit firearms trade, taking advantage of weak oversight and diversion from legal sources. And underlying these flows is a money laundering architecture that involves cash smuggling, unregulated remittance channels, trade-based schemes and front companies. In 2025 alone, Haiti’s Financial Intelligence Unit processed nearly 1.5 million transaction reports. However, significant blind spots remain in key sectors, and enforcement outcomes continue to be limited. What these findings ultimately reveal is that the situation in Haiti has grown beyond a national crisis into a broader, interlinked supply chain challenge and regional security threat. Firearms, drugs, ammunition and illicit financial flows move along the same routes, compounded by corruption and collusion. They must therefore be addressed comprehensively, rather than as isolated offences. This requires continued and strengthened enforcement of the United Nations arms embargo, including tighter export controls, end-user verification, pre-shipment checks and systematic tracing of seized weapons. It also requires sustained efforts to address corruption for any hope of long-term stability. The effective functioning and protection of the specialized judicial units responsible for corruption and financial crime cases are critical to preventing interference and ensuring accountability, and we wish to commend the efforts of the Anti-Corruption Unit for continuing its work under exceptionally adverse security conditions. Lastly, it requires ensuring adequate funding resources and support for the Gang Suppression Force and the United Nations Support Office in Haiti to help to restore stability and the rule of law. In closing, I would like to express my gratitude for the close partnership with the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti under the leadership of Special Representative of the Secretary-General Carlos Ruiz Massieu, who just spoke, and with the wider United Nations country team in Haiti. UNODC remains committed to working with BINUH, the Haitian authorities and our international partners to help to bring peace, security and dignity back to Haiti and its people.

I thank Mr. Brandolino for his briefing. I shall now give the floor to those members of the Council who wish to make statements.

I thank today’s briefers. Haiti faces an unprecedented crisis, with gangs terrorizing communities, extorting families and recruiting young people to commit horrors on behalf of gang leaders. The effects of this violence threaten not only Haiti but also the stability of the wider Caribbean and the western hemisphere. Even as these real challenges continue, committed Haitians and numerous partners in the international community are stepping up to show their commitment to restoring order through financial donations, troop pledges, technical and humanitarian assistance and much more. This meeting is timely for many reasons; it is so for the United States, as we work closely with our co-penholder, Panama, and the members of the Security Council to renew the mandate of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti; it is so for the Standing Group of Partners and the numerous countries that have pledged troops to the Gang Suppression Force; and it is so for Haiti, as the Transitional Presidential Council steps down on 7 February. These partners of Haiti, along with the United Nations Support Office in Haiti, all play essential roles to ensure the security and stability of the Haitian State. We call on Member States to continue to contribute to the United Nations trust fund, which supports the Gang Suppression Force’s personnel costs. I thank those who have already made substantial contributions to further peace and security in Haiti. With the logistical and administrative backing of the United Nations Support Office, the Gang Suppression Force will be well positioned to take the fight to the gangs, recover lost territory and restore safety and security. The United States remains relentless in pursuing those who undermine Haitian security and arm or finance terrorist gangs. We will expand our use of all available tools, including financial sanctions, armed seizures, visas and other immigration restrictions, to counter the endemic impunity that robs Haitian children of their future. Further, we call on all relevant Member States and the Council to also sanction individuals at the United Nations. Collective action is essential to hold perpetrators accountable and restore hope to the Haitian people. The United States stands with Haiti, and we will continue to work with Haitians and international partners towards the stability of the country.

We are grateful for the briefings by Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Haiti Carlos Ruiz Massieu and Acting Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime John Brandolino. We also welcome the delegations from Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Mexico and Barbados, who are honouring us with their participation today. We stand at a critical juncture for the political stability of the sister Republic of Haiti, with the mandate of the Transitional Presidential Council set to end in just 18 days. This being so, we respectfully call on the political class and Haitian society as a whole to maintain a constructive dialogue and arrive at a consensual solution. The Haitian people need the national interest to take precedence over political differences and political appetites. In this connection, the priority, in Panama’s view, is for the work of United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), the Gang Suppression Force, the United Nations Support Office in Haiti and the international community to be accomplished in a concerted and coordinated manner so that elections, when they can be held, will take place in a secure, peaceful, fair, free and participatory climate. The persistence of violence and its spread to other departments of the country continues to be a matter of the utmost concern. Approximately 8,100 murders were reported between January and November 2025 alone. Likewise, we deplore the nearly 500 cases of sexual and gender-based violence reported between September and November 2025 alone and the unabated forcible recruitment of children in the thousands. Gangs are the main perpetrators of this violence. Accordingly, Panama unequivocally condemns those who commit these atrocities and seek to portray themselves as the ostensible political leaders and the saviours of their own victims, in a cowardly act of hypocrisy aimed solely at denying the unimaginable pain that they have inflicted on the population in a bid to bolster the impunity that they enjoy. Furthermore, Panama is equally alarmed at the rise in cases of extrajudicial killings and the increasing activity of self-defence groups. We also stand in solidarity with the families and loved ones of the children who lost their lives in various security operations in the country and during clashes between groups. In this context, we call on all actors seeking to restore peace and security in Haiti to proceed in a manner that is child-sensitive and consistent with human rights. Justice and security are intrinsically linked. In this regard, Panama highlights the need to make progress in strengthening the Haitian justice system and is closely monitoring the situation of the prison system, particularly when it comes to overcrowding and the high proportion of people in prolonged pre-trial detention. Concrete measures need to be taken, especially in relation to minor offences, to relieve congestion in detention centres. In this context, the renovation and construction of detention centres is particularly important, as is ensuring that existing centres comply with international standards, guaranteeing the adequate separation of persons deprived of their liberty through a gender-sensitive approach and ensuring the protection of children. The complexity of the crisis facing Haiti requires a comprehensive approach. In renewing BINUH’s mandate, it is essential to ensure an appropriate balance between the political, security and rule of law components. This involves strengthening support for the political and electoral process; supporting the justice and prison systems; strengthening disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programmes; and reinforcing the promotion and protection of human rights with a focus on gender and children. Only through a comprehensive mandate that is in line with the current context and people-centred will it be possible to establish the necessary conditions for Haiti to achieve peace and well-being for its people, once and for all.

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the African members of the Security Council (A3), namely Liberia, Somalia and my own country, the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The A3 thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Haiti and the Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime for their insightful presentations. We commend their continued commitment to peace in Haiti. We also welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of Haiti in today’s meeting. As the Security Council meets to review developments in Haiti and consider renewing the mandate of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), the A3 remain deeply concerned about the persistence and worsening of the multidimensional crisis in Haiti. While recognizing the resilience of the Haitian people, the scale of these challenges requires sustained internal efforts and the consistent and predictable support of the international community. The A3 reaffirm their commitment and unwavering support for peace and security in Haiti, as well as for respect for its territorial integrity and national unity. Recalling these principles, they also reaffirm the right of the Haitian people, who have been severely affected by years of political, economic and humanitarian crises, to well-being, stability and development. In this regard, the A3 welcome the commitment of the Haitian authorities to restoring constitutional order as defined in the political transition process led by the Transitional Presidential Council and based, especially, on the political agreement of 3 April 2024. The A3 noted with satisfaction the adoption by the Haitian authorities of a timetable setting out the main steps leading to the organization of general elections in 2026. Politically, the situation in Haiti remains worrisome and requires our collective attention. The mandate of the Transitional Presidential Council expires in February 2026. Haiti faces a risk that could further complicate the transition. Although steps have been taken to establish an electoral framework and elections are tentatively scheduled for late in 2026, persistent political divisions have undermined confidence in the process. The A3 emphasize that sustainable progress requires an inclusive, Haitian-led political dialogue that ensures institutional continuity, builds national consensus and creates the conditions for credible, peaceful and transparent elections. We urge all stakeholders to engage constructively, placing Haiti’s stability and future above partisan interests. In terms of security, the situation remains extremely worrisome and requires urgent and coordinated action. Armed gangs continue to exercise control over large areas of Port-au-Prince and have extended their influence to other regions. This expansion of gang activities has further destabilized communities and weakened State authority. The A3 note the Security Council’s decision to transform the Multinational Security Support Mission into a more robust Gang Suppression Force, reflecting the seriousness of the threat posed by armed gangs and the urgency of restoring public order. We emphasize that the effectiveness and credibility of this new security architecture will depend on clear rules of engagement, adequate oversight mechanisms and close coordination with the Haitian authorities. The establishment of the United Nations Support Office in Haiti is essential. This Office must be provided with sufficient resources to ensure transparency, operational coherence and the protection of civilians during this critical stabilization phase. To this end, the A3 stress the need to accelerate and revitalize security sector reform and call for enhanced and coordinated support from the United Nations and international partners, in particular for the National Commission for Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration. On the humanitarian front, the crisis in Haiti requires an immediate and sustained international response. Approximately 1.4 million people are internally displaced, including hundreds of thousands of vulnerable children, while food insecurity affects millions of people across the country. The A3 note with grave concern the significant underfunding of the humanitarian response plan and strongly urge international partners to increase their support in a timely, predictable and flexible manner in order to meet the overwhelming humanitarian needs and prevent further deterioration of the situation on the ground. As the Council considers the renewal of BINUH’s mandate, the A3 stress the importance of ensuring that the Mission has adequate resources and the necessary means to support governance initiatives, facilitate political dialogue, strengthen institutions and coordinate humanitarian responses, while respecting and strengthening Haiti’s ownership of the transition process. A balanced approach integrating security, political and humanitarian aid efforts remains essential to restoring stability and confidence. In conclusion, the A3 remain committed to supporting a coherent, balanced and Haiti-led approach that promotes stability, inclusive governance and sustainable recovery. We commend the dedication of United Nations staff working under extremely difficult conditions in Haiti and reaffirm our continued commitment to the Council’s deliberations on this critical issue.

At the outset, I would like to thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Massieu and the Acting Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Mr. Brandolino, for their briefings. I also welcome the presence of the representatives of Haiti, Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Barbados in the meeting. The adoption of resolution 2793 (2025) offers renewed hope for the stabilization of Haiti’s security situation. Alongside the efforts of the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) to dismantle gang violence, it is high time that Haitian authorities reached a political transitional agreement that will lead to the holding of free, fair and safe elections. In view of the aforementioned, I would like to make three points. First, we remain deeply concerned by the escalating armed violence and the expansion of gang activity beyond the capital, which have a devastating impact on Haiti’s economy and humanitarian situation. We condemn the human rights abuses perpetrated by armed gangs, most notably the use of gender-based and sexual violence as a punitive tactic against the population and the recruitment, use and trafficking of children. Against this grim backdrop, resolution 2793 (2025) offers a glimmer of hope. We commend the progress made so far in the establishment of the United Nations Support Office in Haiti (UNSOH) and the deployment of the GSF, including the force generation conference held in December 2025 and the appointment of Mr. Jack Christofides as the Special Representative of the GSF. We wish him all the best in his new role and reassure him of our unwavering support. We also thank all those Member States that have pledged personnel to the GSF. Secondly, we welcome the Secretary-General’s benchmarks for transitioning security responsibilities to Haiti’s national authorities, particularly regarding border management and combating trafficking in arms and narcotics. We encourage the Haitian authorities to enhance their capacities in these sectors and reaffirm our support for their commitment to police development, as well as justice and correctional reform. We reiterate our call for the establishment of a national institution on disarmament, demobilization and reintegration to provide safe exit strategies, especially for children. The role of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) remains critical to the success of these initiatives. Thirdly, we acknowledge the progress in electoral preparations, including the adoption of an electoral decree and the publication of the electoral calendar aiming for elections in 2026. We particularly applaud the gender quotas mandating at least 30 per cent women on party lists, with incentives for those reaching 50 per cent or more. The full, equal, meaningful and safe participation of women in the elections and the broader political process is of paramount importance. Nevertheless, with the 7 February deadline for democratic transition fast approaching and with no interim solution in sight, we urge all stakeholders to intensify the inter-Haitian dialogue to agree on new transitional governance arrangements until the holding of elections, leveraging the support of regional organizations and the good offices of BINUH. As we continue to aim for an improved security environment, we urge Haitian authorities to also focus on transitional governance arrangements, electoral preparations and institutional reform. For our part, we reiterate our unwavering support for BINUH and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for their tireless work. With the mission’s mandate set for renewal at the end of the month, we remain committed to a strong and clear framework that enables BINUH to facilitate the political process and stabilization of Haiti, while complementing the work of the GSF and UNSOH.

I thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Ruiz Massieu and Acting Executive Director Brandolino for their respective briefings and welcome the representatives of Haiti, Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Barbados to today’s meeting. In the year 2025 that just passed, Haiti did not achieve the transition from turmoil to stability. The country’s political transition remains uncertain: its governance is mired in crisis, its security situation has grown more complex, and the people are struggling to get by. For Haiti to truly break the cycle of crisis and achieve sustainable peace and development, it requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both the symptoms and root causes. Haiti itself must assume primary responsibility, while the international community should focus on the root causes of the crisis, learn from past experience and provide constructive assistance. Looking ahead to 2026, I wish to emphasize the following points. First, the top priority is to accelerate the political process. The fundamental solution to the Haitian crisis lies in establishing a legitimate, effective and accountable Government as soon as possible. The Secretary-General’s report (S/2026/31) notes that Haiti’s transitional authorities have failed to achieve the goal of establishing a legitimate Government on schedule. With less than three weeks remaining of the transitional authority’s term, Haitian stakeholders have yet to reach consensus on follow-up arrangements, thereby sparking widespread concern among all Haitian parties and the international community. The political transition is a way of reaching consensus and restoring order. It must not become an excuse for procrastinating or evading responsibility. All Haitian parties and factions must prioritize the nation’s future and the people’s interests, strengthen unity and expedite the Haitian-led, Haitian-owned political process. They must build consensus and form synergies to restore stability, advance elections and strengthen governance. The Security Council, the countries of the region and the international community must send a clear signal to all Haitian parties, urging them to advance the political process without delay. Secondly, the utmost priority is to strictly implement sanctions measures. The escalating gang violence in Haiti is inextricably linked to the large influx of illicit weapons and ammunition into the country. We urge all parties, especially the main sources of Haitian weapons and ammunition, to take concrete measures in border control and weapons regulation in a bid to sever the channels of illegal weapons and ammunition flowing to Haiti at the source and to promptly report progress to the Committee established pursuant to resolution 2653 (2022) concerning Haiti and the Security Council. We support strengthened oversight by the Sanctions Committee, the Panel of Experts and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in this regard. Thirdly, a crucial step is to comprehensively strengthen security governance. China notes the benchmarks submitted by the Secretary-General on promoting the security sector’s capacity-building in Haiti. We hope that the Haitian authorities will heighten their sense of urgency and take proactive measures to swiftly formulate and implement an effective security strategy, including addressing the internal corruption and collusion between police and criminals. When providing security support, the international community must fully respect Haiti’s sovereignty and strictly comply with international law. The use of force must always be exercised with utmost caution, and civilians, especially vulnerable groups such as children, must be effectively protected. The countries leading the relevant forces should demonstrate accountability to the Haitian people, the Security Council and the international community by promptly informing the Council of progress in force generation and deployment. The Security Council must maintain close attention and rigorous oversight and take the necessary actions to respond in a timely manner to the developing situation. Fourthly, the fundamental guarantee is to tangibly improve people’s livelihoods and development. Haiti’s socioeconomic conditions continue to deteriorate, with food and health crises intensifying and severe shortages in such basic services as education and healthcare, causing immense suffering to ordinary people, not least women and children. This not only exacerbates Haiti’s long-standing humanitarian crisis but also drives many people, children included, to join gangs out of desperation. Development is the fundamental guarantee for achieving lasting peace. China calls on the Haitian authorities to increase development inputs, strengthen public services and support the continued efforts of the United Nations development and humanitarian agencies, international financial institutions and regional organizations to help Haiti to advance development, improve livelihoods and eliminate the breeding grounds for violence. China commends Special Representative Ruiz Massieu for leading the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) in holding the fort in Haiti, supports the renewal of BINUH’s mandate and expects BINUH to continue to focus on its core mandate and help Haiti in promoting the political process and addressing the root causes of the crisis. Ultimately, the key to resolving the Haiti conundrum lies in the hands of the Haitian people. China stands ready to continue to work with the international community to support the Haitian people in finding the right path out of the crisis as soon as possible.

I thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Carlos Ruiz Massieu, and the Acting Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime for their briefings, and I welcome the Permanent Representative of Haiti and the representatives of the other delegations joining us today. As this is the first time that I have addressed the Security Council on this file, I would like to begin by expressing Colombia’s solidarity with the Haitian people and the commitment of the Government of President Gustavo Petro to supporting them resolutely in their quest for peace, stability and sustainable development. Our historical brotherhood was forged more than two centuries ago, and the shared aspiration for freedom of both peoples continues to unite us. The report of the Secretary-General (S/2026/31) confirms the deterioration of the security situation, which is alarming. Colombia notes with particular concern the disproportionate impact of violence on women and children, as well as the persistent recruitment of minors by armed groups. We trust that the deployment of the Gang Suppression Force will serve to improve security conditions and protect civilians. However, security gains will be sustainable only if they are matched by the effective strengthening of civilian institutions and the rule of law, justice sector reform and progress in tackling the structural causes of the conflict, including poverty, inequality, corruption and impunity. Our national experience has shown that there can be no peace without justice. In Haiti, the high levels of impunity and the barriers faced by victims in reporting crimes and accessing support services, in particular for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, constitute a grave challenge requiring urgent attention. In this regard, we welcome some positive developments during the reporting period, in particular the creation of specialized judicial units and progress in the implementation of the protocol for the handover and reintegration of minors. We encourage the authorities to further strengthen these efforts with the support of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) and the United Nations country team. Given the critical humanitarian situation, Colombia appeals urgently to donors to close the gap between needs and available resources. On the political front, Colombia welcomes the adoption of the electoral decree and the publication of the electoral calendar, notably the provisions aimed at promoting the political participation of women, including minimum percentage requirements for female candidates. However, we are concerned about the security conditions under which the voter registration process will take place. Elections will only be legitimate if they are conducted in a free, safe, inclusive and participatory manner. Against this backdrop, we urge all sectors of Haitian society to reach a transitional governance arrangement beyond 7 February that enjoys broad national consensus and guarantees institutional stability. International support, as requested by multiple Haitian stakeholders, will be essential to this process, and the Council must respond to that call. The multidimensional crisis facing Haiti demands a comprehensive, sustainable and long-term response. Purely military solutions will not stabilize the country. In this context, BINUH constitutes the main political pillar of international support and plays a key role in providing integrated, coordinated and sustained assistance to the Haitian authorities in line with their national priorities. At a decisive moment for Haiti’s future, we cannot afford to create institutional vacuums that could be occupied by violent actors, leaving civilians unprotected. Consolidating security gains requires a robust and sustained political mandate that complements the Gang Suppression Force. In conclusion, Colombia reiterates its solidarity with the people of Haiti and its readiness to continue contributing, through bilateral, regional and multilateral channels, to a comprehensive response based on solidarity, shared responsibility and full respect for Haitian sovereignty.

We thank Mr. Carlos Ruiz Massieu, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Haiti, and Mr. John Brandolino, Acting Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, for their comprehensive briefings. We also welcome the presence at this meeting of the representatives of Haiti, Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Barbados. With regard to the report of the Secretary-General (S/2026/31) and to recent developments in Haiti, I would like to highlight three points. First, we note with concern the lack of significant improvement in the security situation and the expansion of the influence of armed gangs beyond Port-au-Prince. Latvia condemns in the strongest possible terms the persistent gang violence and the widespread human rights violations in Haiti, including kidnappings, sexual violence, human trafficking, homicides and extrajudicial executions, as well as the recruitment, abduction and exploitation of children — often very young children — by gangs. This situation demands a radical change. We therefore support the rapid deployment of the Gang Suppression Force and the establishment of a United Nations logistics office, in accordance with resolution 2793 (2025). We encourage all international and national security forces present in Haiti to cooperate closely to improve security conditions, in full respect of international human rights law. Secondly, we welcome the important steps taken by the Haitian authorities towards a political transition. However, we note with deep concern that efforts to establish a legitimate transitional governance framework have, to date, not yielded concrete results. The deadline of 7 February is fast approaching. At this decisive juncture for Haiti’s democratic future, we urge all Haitian parties to set aside their differences and agree on a solution that enjoys broad consensus. In Haiti, the absence of a governance framework agreed by political actors would result not only in political instability but also in a lack of protection for society, in particular for women and children. It would mean unpunished violence, hunger without assistance and anguish without relief. With more than 8,000 deaths caused by gang violence between January and November last year, 1.4 million displaced persons and 5.7 million people living in food insecurity, Haiti cannot afford further chaos, violence or humanitarian despair. Thirdly, the Haitian authorities must address a number of urgent and critical challenges. Holding free, fair and secure elections is fundamental to the restoration of the rule of law in Haiti. We therefore welcome the publication of the electoral calendar last month and underscore the imperative of creating the necessary security conditions to hold credible and legitimate elections throughout the territory of Haiti. This includes technical and logistical preparations, notably the establishment of electoral rolls, voter registration and the organization of the electoral campaign, all of which will require enhanced coordination between local, regional and international institutions. Urgent action is therefore required, underscoring the importance of the rapid deployment of the Gang Suppression Force. In this context, we strongly encourage the Haitian authorities and stakeholders to do everything possible to promote an inclusive electoral process that guarantees the full, equal and meaningful participation of women, young people and civil society as a whole. Furthermore, the Transitional Presidential Council has committed to making justice reform a pillar of national stability. We encourage the Haitian authorities to seize this opportunity to strengthen regional and international support to combat corruption, impunity and organized crime, and to match these efforts with a firm determination to bring to justice all perpetrators of crimes, including serious human rights violations against children. In conclusion, I wish to assure you that Latvia will continue to support the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti and the implementation of all measures stipulated in resolution 2793 (2025). We once again encourage the Haitian authorities to honour their commitments to improve security, ensure a credible political transition and stabilize the humanitarian situation.

I thank Mr. Carlos Ruiz Massieu, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Haiti, and Mr. John Brandolino, Acting Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, for their briefings, and I welcome the Permanent Representatives of Haiti, Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Barbados to the Chamber. The United Kingdom remains deeply concerned about the expansion and intensification of violence in Haiti. Children are the victims at the forefront of this crisis. They face extreme food insecurity, are unable to access education and are increasingly exposed to forced recruitment by gangs, as well as sexual exploitation. We condemn the actions of armed gangs, which bring daily suffering to the Haitian population. The United Kingdom looks forward to the deployment of the United Nations Support Office in Haiti and the rapid scaling up of security support. We thank the troop-contributing countries for their pledges and look forward to their deployment to bolster personnel on the ground. We hope the Gang Suppression Force will restore the rule of law, protect civilians and create the conditions necessary for credible elections. Enhanced security efforts alone will not be enough to address Haiti’s broader governance problems. We call on all Haitian political actors to put their differences aside and to work together in good faith. This includes efforts to tackle corruption and ensure accountability. We echo the Secretary-General’s call for all parties to act swiftly and responsibly on transitional governance arrangements. An agreement should be reached without delay given the expiry of the mandate of the Transitional Presidential Council next month. We welcome the Haitian Government’s efforts to agree on an electoral timetable this year, which sets out a path to much-needed elections. A return to constitutional order through free, fair and safe elections is essential for Haiti’s future. The United Kingdom fully supports the continuation of the vital work of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH). This includes its efforts to facilitate inclusive political dialogue, strengthen democratic institutions and promote respect for human rights. It is vital that the Mission have the capacity and capability to address women and child protection issues, given that those vulnerable groups bear the brunt of gang- related violence, including sexual violence. We also expect the Mission to continue its work in promoting the full, equal, meaningful and safe participation of women in political processes. The United Kingdom will continue to work constructively with all Council members towards a timely adoption of BINUH’s mandate this month.

I thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Ruiz Massieu and Acting Executive Director Brandolino for their briefings. As we begin the new year, 2026 must turn the tide on Haiti’s prolonged, multifaceted crisis and set Haitians on the path to peace, stability and democracy. Allow me to focus on three points. First, tackling the security crisis is necessary for progress on all other fronts. Denmark welcomes the implementation of resolution 2793 (2025), which established the Gang Suppression Force, aided by a United Nations support office. We are hopeful that this will mark a turning point in Haiti’s fight against the gangs, and we welcome pledges of support by Member States. We reiterate that the Gang Suppression Force must operate with the highest standards of conduct and discipline, with robust oversight and transparency and in strict compliance with international human rights law. We also stress the need to significantly strengthen the capacity of the Haitian National Police in line with the benchmarks set out by the United Nations. The focus must remain on paving the way for a transition of security responsibilities to national institutions. We further underscore the urgency of judicial and prison reform. This is necessary to bring accountability for serious crimes and end rampant impunity. It must also address the high number of pretrial detainees currently serving indefinite sentences in dangerously overcrowded prisons. Accelerated progress in setting up the two specialized judicial units to handle cases of human rights violations, corruption and financial crimes is paramount. We underscore the importance of the full implementation of United Nations sanctions on Haiti — in particular the arms embargo — to stem the illicit flow of arms and ammunition into the country. Secondly, Denmark remains alarmed by Haiti’s mounting humanitarian and human rights crises. Internal displacement has reached more than 1.4 million people, aggravated by forced returns. Humanitarian needs are acute, and we call on Member States to support Haiti’s humanitarian response plan. Women and girls face disproportionate harm, particularly from widespread and persistent acts of sexual and gender-based violence. We call on the Haitian authorities to take immediate and sustained action to prevent and address sexual violence and to ensure gender-responsive access to basic services for the survivors. Addressing grave violations against children must also be a priority. In the light of the alarmingly high number of children recruited into gangs, ensuring safe exit, disarmament, demobilization and reintegration is crucial. We believe the United Nations should take a larger role in coordinating, designing and implementing disarmament, demobilization and reintegration initiatives, and we call on the Haitian Government to urgently designate a national institution to lead the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration to facilitate this cooperation. Thirdly, on the political front, it is regrettable that elections have not been held to instate a democratic government by the 7 February deadline. National stakeholders must urgently find a common path forward to continue a political transition and preparations for elections and guard against any challenges or threats to the transition. Haiti’s political future must be Haitian-led and Haitian-owned, through a credible, democratic and inclusive process, with the full, equal and meaningful participation of women, as well as youth and civil society. In closing, in this fragile time, the role of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) will be indispensable for supporting the Haitian authorities in facilitating civic dialogue and in the organization of elections. Denmark expresses its full support for BINUH and looks forward to the renewal of its mandate at the end of the month.

At the outset, I extend my thanks to the Secretary-General for his report (S/2026/31) and to Mr. Carlos Ruiz Massieu, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Haiti and Head of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), for his briefing. I express the appreciation of the Kingdom of Bahrain for the efforts of BINUH to support the reaching of a sustainable solution in Haiti. I also extend thanks to Mr. John Brandolino, Acting Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, for his briefing. The Kingdom of Bahrain shares the international community’s deep concern regarding the deterioration of the political, security and humanitarian situations in Haiti. In that context, the Kingdom of Bahrain affirms the importance of comprehensive and constructive national dialogue among all Haitian stakeholders as the optimal way to reach broad consensus on the path leading to free and transparent elections, ensure institutional stability and consolidate democratic governance. The Kingdom stresses the necessity for this dialogue to be under purely Haitian leadership and ownership, with the support of the international community for these efforts in a way that respects the sovereignty and independence of Haiti. The Kingdom of Bahrain follows with grave concern the continued deterioration of the security situation in various regions of the country and the resulting grave suffering of the civilian population and the violation of its rights. The Kingdom affirms that the achievement of political and institutional progress will not be possible without achieving tangible improvements in the security situation and ensuring the protection of women and children from violence and forced recruitment. In this framework, the Kingdom of Bahrain affirms the importance of resolution 2793 (2025), adopted in September, which authorized the transformation of the Multinational Security Support Mission into the Gang Repression Force. While the briefings and reports have clarified the deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Haiti, which was exacerbated following Hurricane Melissa, and the food and water insecurity, mass displacement, spread of epidemics and collapse of basic services witnessed in the country, the Kingdom of Bahrain affirms the importance of concerted international efforts and joint work with the United Nations to support Haiti and assist its people in facing these challenges in a way that preserves its security and stability and enhances the path of development and peace therein. In conclusion, the Kingdom of Bahrain expresses its solidarity with the transitional Government and the friendly people of Haiti, and renews its firm commitment to humanitarian principles and to working jointly with the international community and the United Nations to support Haiti and enable it to overcome current challenges and achieve a more secure and stable future for the friendly Haitian people

We would like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Carlos Ruiz Massieu, and the Acting Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Mr. John Brandolino. We are grateful for their briefings on the situation in Haiti. The country is at a pivotal juncture. The decisions to be taken in the coming months will determine whether Haiti will be in a position to transition to democratically elected institutions and embark on a constitutional path for the development of the State. We call on Haitian political forces to promptly agree on a future configuration of the transitional authorities, which will be able to prevent the situation in the country from further deteriorating, and to hold general elections. It is important for the decisions on both the model of governance after 7 February and the electoral process to be made without external interference, which has been all too common in Haiti's history. The pre-election period is very fragile, owing not only to the criminal activity of Haitian gangsters and their sponsors but also to the interests of external forces. Guided by tired colonial narratives, they will certainly take the opportunity to cleanse the country's political landscape and advance their protégés, paying no regard to the interests of the Haitian people. We hope that the patriotically minded political forces and the people of the country, who rightly take great pride in Haiti's history of independence, will not allow for that to happen. Needless to say, there can be no talk of elections until the extremely dire security situation in the country has stabilized. So far, we see quite the opposite. Armed gangs are expanding their activity beyond Port-au-Prince, and there are reports of intensified violence in such regions as the Artibonite and Centre departments. We also cannot fail to note that the Haitian National Police, despite being under intense pressure from criminal groups, has not only preserved its capabilities but also managed to replenish its ranks with new recruits and retain critical areas and infrastructure under State control. Against this backdrop, what is noteworthy is Haiti's cooperation with private military companies to combat crime. Drone strikes carried out with the participation of United States private military companies failed to eliminate a single gang leader, but they have already resulted in the deaths of several dozen civilians, including children. We believe that it would be far more effective for the United States to take tangible steps to stem the trafficking of weapons and ammunition, which continue to flow unhindered into Haiti from Florida, despite the current arms embargo in effect and all other measures announced by Washington. Both the Haitians and the international community have a right to expect greater progress in the deployment of the Gang Suppression Force, which was established by the Security Council. It has been four months since the adoption of resolution 2793 (2025), but there have still been no real steps to reformat the predominantly Kenyan contingent on the ground into a larger multinational mission with the mandate to use force. The Council has not received any official information about that deployment. However, the United Nations office established by the same resolution and funded from the regular budget is being made fully operational. This raises the logical question of who the Office will support until the new contingents arrive and how much Member States will have to pay for this. The Russian Federation takes a responsible approach when it comes to implementing the decisions adopted by the Security Council. We demand that the Gang Suppression Force and the Standing Group of Partners coordinating it be fully accountable to the Council. International assistance to Port-au-Prince should not be limited merely to the security sphere. Without addressing the root causes of the crisis, which lie in the areas of national governance and national economy, it will be difficult for Haiti to sustain any progress in stabilizing the country. What we also deem important is the role of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti in promoting Port-au-Prince's priorities in the political realm. We support the extension of the mandate of the special political mission and the activities of its head, Carlos Ruiz Massieu, who has already made considerable efforts to ensure that the mission in Port-au-Prince operates in the most calibrated and effective manner possible.

I thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Carlos Ruiz Massieu, and Acting Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime John Brandolino, for the comprehensive briefings. I welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of Haiti in this meeting, along with the representatives of Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Barbados. The multi-dimensional challenges faced by Haiti, first and foremost by the Haitian people, require sustained and consistent support from the international community, including the Council. We regret that the quagmire of political instability, security predicaments, humanitarian crises, issues of governance and the downturn in socioeconomic indicators continue to plague the country. Haiti’s future hinges on the decisive choices of its leadership, backed by adequate global support and regional solidarity. These decisions must be meticulously calibrated, keeping in view the goal of a safe, secure and dignified future for all Haitians and protecting future generations against further instability and deprivation. We take note of the impending deadline of 7 February. It will be vital for all stakeholders in the country to demonstrate unity and a sense of purpose, not allowing political expediencies to override the goal of achieving stability. We also take note of the new electoral calendar published by the Haitian authorities. While acknowledging the challenging timelines proposed, we remain hopeful that the Haitian authorities, with support from the United Nations and other international partners, will be able to hold national elections and ensure a smooth transfer of power to elected representatives. We are concerned to see continued gang violence in the country and the long- term effects of protracted violence on Haitian society. We strongly condemn the recruitment and exploitation of children by gangs and in this context appreciate the role of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) in supporting disarmament, demobilization and reintegration and community violence reduction strategies to address these vital issues. We also commend the United States and Panama, the penholders, for their focus on this aspect in the upcoming renewal of the Office’s mandate. Pakistan welcomes the role of countries of the region and international partners in extending political and security support to Haiti. We hope that the arrangements put in place by resolution 2793 (2025) will help Haiti to overcome the security challenges in an effective and sustainable manner. Long-term stability in Haiti requires a comprehensive and responsive Haitian-owned and -led process — one that caters to the security and socioeconomic needs of all Haitians. International support remains only a means to that end and cannot be a substitute for intra-Haitian solutions. Towards this end, external assistance must therefore be well coordinated and aimed at building the capacity of the Haitian State, in line with Haitian needs. In conclusion, what Haiti needs today, perhaps more than ever, is unity of purpose, not divisive politics. This, backed by well-conceived and executed international and regional support, can help usher in long-term stability, progress and prosperity in the country. Pakistan stands ready to play a constructive role towards this goal.

First, I wish to thank Mr. Carlos Ruiz Massieu, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Haiti, and Mr. John Brandolino, Acting Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, for their briefings. I welcome the presence of the Permanent Representative of Haiti, as well as the participation of the Permanent Representatives of Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Barbados. Engaged in a decisive and steadfast effort to free Haiti from the tyranny of gangs, we are at a critical juncture for the future of the country, and we must collectively rise to this occasion. First, the Security Council, at the initiative of the Secretary-General and the States in the region, in particular the United States, has shouldered its responsibilities by taking important decisions to support the people of Haiti in the manner they need. The establishment of the Gang Suppression Force and the United Nations Support Office in Haiti, the initial components of which will be deployed by early April, is making good headway. France welcomes the announcements by States willing to provide troops and is contributing to this effort through financial contributions to the United Nations trust fund and to the peacekeeping budget. We must spare no effort to overcome this challenge and to demonstrate the ability of the international community to push back against the gangs and retake the territories they control. For this to succeed, a renewed commitment by Haiti to strengthen its security forces and combat trafficking is needed. This is a prerequisite to facilitate, when the time is right, the transfer of security-related responsibilities to the national authorities and to establish long-term stability. France welcomes the benchmarks proposed by the Secretary-General in this regard. We will continue to contribute through training and equipment donations to the national police, customs authorities and the armed forces of Haiti. Secondly, in the immediate term, the priority is for Haitians themselves to works towards the political transition and preserving institutional stability. France calls on Haitian stakeholders to pursue dialogue on the country’s governance following the end of the transitional period on 7 February 2026. We reiterate the importance of rebuilding democratic institutions and the rule of law. This is essential to end massive human rights violations, which affect women and children in particular, and to address the humanitarian crisis, as more than half of the Haitian population is suffering from food insecurity, as recalled today. France takes note of the decision of the Provisional Electoral Council of Haiti to set the date for presidential and legislative elections in 2026, once security conditions have been restored. Thirdly, security efforts alone will not suffice unless they are accompanied by complementary measures to combat organized crime and impunity. We have been well briefed on the functioning of the criminal economy. The efforts of the international community will be in vain if we fail to deprive criminal gangs of the support they receive. France will continue its efforts to encourage Council members to add to the United Nations sanctions list any individual providing economic or political support to these gangs. Lastly, it is incumbent upon the Council to ensure that the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti can assist the Haitian authorities in combating impunity and corruption. In addition to supporting the political process, the Office has a role to play in strengthening the Haitian judicial and penitentiary systems, with a view to enabling authorities to deal effectively with individuals apprehended in future police operations. This also includes combating financial crimes and offences, as well as mass crimes and sexual and gender-based violence, through the operationalization of new specialized judicial centres. In conclusion, France will work to ensure that the Office is granted the mandate necessary to carry out its tasks. We reiterate our full support for the Special Representative in his efforts, in particular in coordinating the various United Nations actors, and in supporting the Gang Suppression Force to restore stability and civil peace in Haiti.

I now give the floor to the representative of Haiti.

On 1 January, Haiti celebrated the 222nd anniversary of its independence. I wish to take this opportunity to thank the ambassadors who kindly conveyed their best wishes to Haiti on that occasion. I welcome the presidency of Somalia for the month of January and wish you, Mr. President, every success in conducting your work during your tenure. I also wish to convey to all Security Council members my most sincere wishes for peace, prosperity and success in this new year. I extend my best wishes to the new members of the Council: the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Bahrain, Latvia, Liberia and Colombia. I hope their work here in the Council will be fruitful. I welcome the presence of colleagues from Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Barbados. We listened with great attention to the briefing delivered by Mr. Carlos Ruiz Massieu, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Haiti and Head of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH). I wish to commend his leadership at the helm of BINUH. I also welcome the clarity of the report presented by Mr. John Brandolino, Acting Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. We take note of the concerns expressed by members of the Council and reaffirm our Government’s intention to pursue constructive and open dialogue with all our partners in order to meet the legitimate aspirations of the Haitian people. I often recall the unique role of Haiti in world history and the immense price it has paid in upholding the values of human dignity and freedom. I also sometimes recall the deep wounds which continue to hinder the destiny of our people. Nevertheless, the Haitian people will triumph over their trials. History will forever remember the land of Haiti as a land of hospitality and universal asylum for all victims, the oppressed and peoples seeking solidarity. Today’s Security Council meeting on Haiti takes place at a particularly important juncture, as the Council considers the renewal of the mandate of BINUH. We wish to express our appreciation to the penholders, Panama and the United States of America, for their efforts in shaping the draft resolution. We also thank all members of the Security Council for the constructive spirit that has prevailed during the initial consultations. It is also important to note that this meeting is being held at a time when the international community is actively seeking to implement the decisions adopted by the Security Council. In this regard, the Haitian Government takes note of the progress achieved in the implementation of resolution 2793 (2025), in particular with respect to the transition of the Multinational Security Support Mission into the Gang Suppression Force, as well as the establishment of the United Nations Support Office in Haiti. It is also important to emphasize that this meeting is being held as the political agreement of 3 April 2024 approaches its expiration on 7 February, placing the Haitian transition at a delicate and decisive phase. This moment calls for a balanced assessment of the efforts made in the framework of that Agreement, while taking into account the persistent challenges, in particular those linked to the security environment and institutional constraints. In that perspective, it appears essential to approach this deadline with a sense of responsibility and a spirit of anticipation in order to preserve the continuity of the State and avoid any discontinuity liable to affect the functioning of national institutions. It is in that spirit that the Transitional Presidential Council has taken steps to foster a new framework of inclusive dialogue, involving all political and institutional actors and civil society. The objective remains to arrive, in an atmosphere of consultation and consensus, at another political agreement allowing for an orderly transition, preventing any institutional vacuum and consolidating the conditions for a credible return to constitutional order. The Government reaffirms that only a solution founded on national ownership, supported by coherent and respectful international support, will be able to guarantee institutional stability, restore the confidence of the population and create sustainable conditions for peace and democracy. The Haitian National Police, with limited resources, is gradually regaining control of certain key localities, breaking the hold of criminal gangs over strategic areas. I take this opportunity to commend the courage and determination of those police officers. This fight against organized crime has also been made possible thanks to the support of the Armed Forces of Haiti, which play a decisive role in supporting security efforts in the most critical areas. However, despite this progress, Haiti continues to face major challenges, which threaten more than ever the security of its population. The violence of armed gangs, marked by massacres, kidnappings and systematic rights violations, remains an existential threat. Those groups, equipped with weapons of war, operate with total impunity, imposing their law and paralysing the country's economy. We appreciate the continued engagement of the Security Council towards the Haitian people. We commend once again the determination of the Council in the transformation of the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) into a Gang Suppression Force. This action by the Council testifies to an understanding of this crisis, which has lasted far too long, and of its impact on the Haitian nation and the region. Haiti will remain forever grateful to Kenya for its efforts leading the MSS, and we are grateful to all the countries that have made pledges for the Gang Suppression Force, whether in funding, equipment, materiel or personnel — that is to say, contingents. We must, however, underline that, while the Gang Suppression Force has a strictly security-focused objective, the Haitian crisis requires a truly holistic approach. In that regard, the role of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti remains essential to support the Haitian State in peacebuilding, institution-building and the restoration of trust between citizens and public institutions. In the continuation of those efforts, it is also imperative to recognize the importance of the support of Integrated Office for the organization of general elections, which remain a stated priority of the Haitian Government and a prerequisite for the restoration of stable democratic governance and institution-building. We deem it necessary for BINUH to strengthen its support to national authorities in the implementation of a comprehensive disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) policy adapted to the realities on the ground in Haiti. Such a policy must go beyond the security dimension alone and integrate credible mechanisms for socioeconomic reintegration in order to offer young people and vulnerable populations true alternatives to violence and the criminal economy. In the same spirit, we call for increased support from BINUH for the development and implementation of a community violence reduction (CVR) policy centred on violence prevention, the strengthening of social cohesion and the empowerment of local communities. The sustainable recovery of Haiti cannot be achieved without the active involvement of the affected communities, nor without an approach centred on resilience, prevention and social reconciliation. Moreover, we call on BINUH to continue and strengthen its technical support to the Haitian judicial authorities in order to combat prolonged detention, which constitutes one of the most worrying challenges for the rule of law in Haiti. Strengthening the judicial system remains a fundamental pillar of any sustainable stabilization strategy. The support of BINUH in the field of justice is crucial to contribute to the fight against impunity, guarantee access to justice and create the necessary conditions for the success of DDR and CVR policies. Without a credible and functional justice system, no sustainable peace can be envisaged in Haiti. Finally, in the framework of the renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti, these priorities will have to be taken into account. The renewed mandate must reflect the current realities on the ground and endow BINUH with technical and operational resources commensurate with the stakes to effectively support the Haitian authorities in these structural areas, which are essential to the sustainable stabilization of the country and the re-establishment of the rule of law.

I now give the floor to the representative of Mexico.

Mexico appreciates the briefing by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Haiti and Head of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), Mr. Carlos Ruiz Massieu. The persistent violence among criminal gangs in Haiti has generated a crisis of enormous proportions. Since 2022, the conflict has caused the internal displacement of approximately 1.4 million persons, which is equivalent to close to 12 per cent of the Haitian population. This figure illustrates with clarity the gravity of the situation and the urgency of a sustained response on the part of the Security Council and the international community as a whole. Mexico recognizes the Security Council’s adoption of resolution 2793 (2025), which established the United Nations Support Office in Haiti (UNSOH), as well as the Gang Suppression Force. These decisions reflect the commitment to support the Haitian Government in the face of the pressure exerted by the activity of criminal groups. However, such external support will only yield results if the Haitian authorities make use of it to implement a clear plan, with precise objectives and realistic strategies, that permits them to advance in their institution-building and assume, in a reasonably short time, effective control of their entire national territory. Furthermore, the plan must go beyond a purely repressive approach. In order for the population of the territories rescued from gang control to regain hope and trust in State institutions, it will be indispensable to deploy basic services that address the current grave humanitarian situation and offer dignified living conditions to the victims and survivors of the violence of recent years. Mexico will continue to cooperate bilaterally with Haiti in strengthening its armed forces and in building capacity for the organization of elections, two key areas for overcoming the current crisis. Likewise, my country will continue to support regional initiatives and organizations that serve the interests of the Haitian people and are fully respectful of its sovereignty, such as the Organization of American States, the Association of Caribbean States and the Caribbean Community. Mexico calls for efforts to avoid dispersing efforts, unnecessarily increasing bureaucracy or duplicating initiatives. We believe that the situation in Haiti must be addressed through a balanced combination of humanitarian, peacebuilding and development initiatives. Therefore, we call on the Council to renew the mandate of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti. BINUH is indispensable at this juncture to prevent an institutional collapse and to coherently guide the efforts of all actors present in the country towards peace. Community violence reduction programmes and disarmament, demobilization and reintegration initiatives are key elements for building the conditions for lasting peace. Finally, Mexico emphasizes that the work of the United Nations should be oriented towards consolidating the Haitian State and facilitating the emergence of a new social pact, one that allows for overcoming the historical inequalities and injustices suffered by a significant portion of the Haitian population.

I give the floor to the representative of the Dominican Republic.

We congratulate Somalia on its assumption of the presidency of the Security Council. We thank Mr. Ruiz Massieu and Mr. Brandolino for the comprehensive briefings presented. We also wish to take this opportunity to acknowledge the appointment of Mr. Jack Christofides, to whom we extend our best wishes for success, and to reaffirm the full support and cooperation of the Dominican Republic. We are at a decisive moment. The mandate of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) expires on 31 January; the mandate of the Transitional Presidential Council expires on 7 February, as has been stated; and the international security architecture is undergoing a full reconfiguration, with the establishment of the Gangs Suppression Force and the United Nations Office in Haiti (UNSOH). Concrete steps have been taken to implement resolution 2793 (2025), and the electoral calendar projects elections for 30 August 2026. We thank the countries that made commitments at the force generation conference, in particular El Salvador, Guatemala and Chad. The Dominican Republic will continue to provide medical evacuation support, has committed $10 million for medical care and logistical support, and has facilitated the establishment of an UNSOH operations and resource management office in Dominican territory. The reports we have heard confront us with a reality that remains critical. More than 8,100 documented deaths in 2025, and more than 80 per cent of Port-au-Prince under gang control, with expansion into Artibonite and the Central Plateau. Gangs have consolidated territorial control structures that regulate the population’s access to areas, services and livelihoods. Arms trafficking must be addressed from a regional perspective. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) report documents Dominican efforts: border infrastructure with sensors and drones, seizures at ports, the destruction of 3,945 confiscated weapons and cooperation in financial intelligence. Regional cooperation produces results, but no country can face this challenge alone. Two decades of international presence have taught us that security gains are fragile and reversible without a comprehensive approach. The Secretary-General has been clear: security efforts alone will not be sufficient to address the broader governance problems that triggered the crisis. The renewal of the BINUH mandate must consider the strengthening of the judicial and penitentiary system and effective disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programmes. Alongside security action, it is essential to open concrete pathways for economic development and job creation. Haitian youth need real opportunities for education and decent work that offer a more promising horizon than that offered by criminal networks. Existing mechanisms and new approaches can achieve this in the short term. Without legitimate economic alternatives, any security gain will be fragile and ephemeral. We echo the call of the Secretary-General: it is imperative to avoid a political or constitutional vacuum. We support a robust renewal of the BINUH mandate that maintains the good offices and political advisory components, preserves human rights monitoring capacities, articulates support for the justice system and reintegration programmes, and ensures coordination with the Gangs Suppression Force and UNSOH. The Haitian people have demonstrated extraordinary resilience. Their strength must inspire us to sustain a truly comprehensive approach that allows for the building of the peaceful and prosperous future they deserve.

I give the floor to the representative of Barbados.

I have the honour to deliver today’s statement on behalf of the 14 Member States of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). CARICOM commends the hard work of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), which has often been achieved under very difficult circumstances. In the light of this, we thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Ruiz Massieu for his comprehensive and insightful report, which provides, inter alia, a clear assessment of the political, security and humanitarian challenges confronting Haiti. The report underscores the urgency of the current situation and the importance of sustained international engagement that is coordinated and responsive to the priorities of the Haitian people. We also thank Acting Executive Director Brandolino for his briefing. We note that 2026 will be a critical year for Haiti, particularly with the implementation of the Gang Suppression Force, which was established by the Council in late 2025. We underscore the importance of this Force in restoring a measure of safety and stability for the people of Haiti. CARICOM also looks forward to the holding of long-awaited free and fair elections in Haiti in 2026, as an essential step in the restoration of Haiti’s political infrastructure, democratic governance and public trust in State institutions. We believe that the achievement of transparent, inclusive and credible elections is the key to returning the country to the path towards long-term stability. In this vein, CARICOM strongly supports the renewal of BINUH’s mandate and calls for the mission to be adequately resourced to support the critical work of strengthening and consolidating the security and government structures in Haiti. As I conclude, CARICOM reaffirms its sustained support and unwavering commitment to the people of Haiti as they work to overcome these challenges. We remain fully engaged in supporting Haitian-led solutions that strengthen institutions, uphold the rule of law and improve the lives of all Haitians. Within this context, we encourage the international community to continue to stand with Haiti, in solidarity and partnership, as the country advances toward peace, stability and democratic renewal, and in meeting the 2026 humanitarian appeal.