S/PV.6303 Security Council

On behalf of the Council, I wish to extend a warm welcome to His Excellency Mr. Jean- Max Bellerive, Prime Minister of the Republic of Haiti. At the invitation of the President, the representatives of the other aforementioned countries took the seats reserved for them at the side of the Council Chamber.

In accordance with the understanding reached in the Council’s prior consultations, I shall take it that the Security Council agrees to extend an invitation under rule 39 of its provisional rules of procedure to Mr. Edmond Mulet, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH). It is so decided. I invite Mr. Mulet to take a seat at the Council table. I should like to inform the Council that I have received a letter from His Excellency Mr. Albert Ramdin, in which he requests to be invited, in his capacity as Assistant Secretary-General of the Organization of American States, to participate in the consideration of the item on the Council’s agenda. If I hear no objection, I shall take it that the Security Council agrees to extend an invitation under rule 39 of its provisional rules of procedure to His Excellency Mr. Albert Ramdin. There being no objection, it is so decided. I should like to inform the Council that I have received a letter from His Excellency Mr. Pedro Serrano, in which he requests to be invited, in his capacity as acting head of the delegation of the European Union to the United Nations, to participate in the consideration of the item on the Council’s agenda. If I hear no objection, I shall take it that the Council agrees to extend an invitation under rule 39 of its provisional rules of procedure to His Excellency Mr. Pedro Serrano. There being no objection, it is so decided. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. The Council is meeting in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations. I wish to draw the attention of Council members to document S/2010/200, which contains the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH). At this meeting, the Security Council will hear a briefing by Mr. Edmond Mulet, to whom I now give the floor.

Today, I come to the Council to deliver a message of hope. Last week marked the hundredth day since the earthquake of 12 January. These days have been among the darkest that Haiti has experienced in its tempestuous history. In less than 60 seconds, on 12 January, Port-au-Prince and neighbouring regions suffered greater damage than if an atomic bomb had been dropped. The losses are in the order of between 50 and 100 per cent of the country’s gross domestic product. More than a quarter of all civil servants — 18,000 public sector employees — died during the disaster. One person out of 10 in the capital was killed. Survivors, Haitians and citizens of other countries alike, found themselves unprepared, plunged into mourning, without shelter. Successive waves of announcements of horrible losses struck. At a personal level, those were among the darkest days of my life. I know that that was also the case for my friend, Prime Minister Jean-Max Bellerive. Today, however, I am more optimistic, and I believe that the Prime Minister shares that feeling. Although the humanitarian crisis is far from over, I believe that Haiti, in cooperation with friendly and neighbouring countries, has made significant progress in assisting the most vulnerable. The Secretary-General’s report (S/2010/200) describes the various ways in which the United Nations has responded to the crisis, and the role played by the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), which, despite its losses, continued to work in the hours following the earthquake to save lives and facilitate humanitarian assistance. I shall dwell on only a few of the Mission’s activities in order to give Council members an overview of the scale of the challenges we face today and of what has been achieved thus far. MINUSTAH troops and police provide security throughout the country and logistical support to facilitate the distribution of humanitarian assistance to over 1 million individuals. The provision of temporary shelter and sanitation facilities are the main priorities at a time when the rains are falling ever harder and the hurricane season is fast approaching. Over the past few weeks, our priority has been to assist the thousands of displaced persons in Port-au- Prince living at dangerous sites at risk of flooding and mudslides. Alongside the Government and humanitarian partners, we are helping those people urgently to find alternatives, either by returning to their homes, when these are certified as structurally sound, or by moving temporarily to new sites that are considered to be safer. In the past months, MINUSTAH military engineers have built two such sites, the largest of which can host over 25,000 people, in zones identified by the Government as secure. We provide transport and security support to assist our humanitarian partners to relocate those individuals. To date, some 3,500 persons have been moved to the Corail Cesselesse site in metropolitan Port-au-Prince, and a few hundred more have found refuge at the nearby Tabarre Issa. I shall now pause to screen a brief video illustrating the work of the MINUSTAH military engineers at Tabarre Issa.

At the same time, MINUSTAH engineers are working to rebuild the main roads between Port-au-Prince and the Dominican border and between the cities of Léogâne and Jacmel that were damaged by the earthquake. Those two roads are and will be important conduits for humanitarian assistance in the coming months. MINUSTAH police units, including those newly constituted and deployed, are patrolling 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to provide a visible presence, strengthen security and gain the trust of the population. We do not possess sufficient forces to deploy them in adequate numbers throughout the country, but in the regions where they work with the Haitian National Police (HNP) we have received positive feedback from the population. It is absolutely essential to ensure the recovery of the economy. Over 250,000 persons have participated to date in the cash-for-work programmes implemented by the United Nations and other partners. MINUSTAH has considerably stepped up its community violence reduction programme, which employs thousands of young people threatened by the violence of armed gangs. For example, we are implementing watershed management projects that will protect communities against new natural disasters. Three months after the earthquake, hundreds of thousands of Haitian continue to live in conditions of great vulnerability. However, the international community’s humanitarian efforts, alongside those of the Haitian Government and people, are beginning to make a difference. (spoke in English) I believe the next 12 to 18 months will be a period of great challenge and risk in Haiti, but one that we can help the Government to weather. Haiti’s path to stability depends above all on adherence to the political and electoral timetable to enable a constitutional handover of power in February 2011. This will require great effort, both in consensus-building across the political spectrum and in a massive technical and logistical endeavour to prepare for timely and inclusive elections. Falling behind on that track would seriously undermine the stability we have been working towards in Haiti for many years. At the same time, in the coming year we will continue to see new security pressures. Many dangerous criminals, whose capture helped stabilize Haiti over the past few years, are now again at large. Criminal networks will be looking for opportunities to take advantage of the weakened police and rule of law institutions. And people’s concerns about whether aid is adequate and being distributed fairly may be manipulated for political advantage. There are many economic risks with millions living in very vulnerable conditions. And of course there is the risk of new natural disasters: rains, hurricanes or even future earthquakes. However, I believe that there is good reason to think that Haiti and its international partners can manage and mitigate those risks. If we do so, I hope that within two years we may again be in the position we had reached in 2009 — a Haiti that is relatively stable and growing economically. We could then start planning again for the consolidation and drawdown of MINUSTAH. The need to manage this critical period of risk is why we have recommended the surge of effort, described by the Secretary-General in his report, based on an integrated United Nations approach across five areas of work. First, we will intensify the good offices role of the Mission to provide as much assistance as we can to Haiti in keeping to its political critical path. As I speak, a United Nations technical mission is in Haiti discussing with the Government feasible options to ensure that elections can be held on time. Secondly, the Mission will continue to support the lead role of the Government and humanitarian partners in meeting needs and reducing vulnerability to new disasters. Services and opportunities need not only to be delivered to the capital, but also to communities outside Port-au-Prince, to avoid a large-scale return of internally displaced persons (IDPs). Thirdly, MINUSTAH must step up its efforts to support security and the rule of law. While the Haitian National Police has responded admirably to the earthquake, its capacity has been reduced by the deaths of officers, the destruction of police stations and the loss of already scarce equipment. At the same time, it is facing a vast increase in policing needs. The training of the HNP, which had been progressing well for several years, has stopped since the earthquake. The force, which stands at just under 10,000 officers, must now restore the plan that was in place before January to build up to the target level of 14,000. We have requested a surge in the MINUSTAH police presence to help bridge the gap between the HNP’s current capacity and the minimum levels needed to ensure a visible presence on the streets and in IDPs camps. The additional officers we have requested will enable a presence in the seven largest camps 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The increase will also allow some United Nations police involved in emergency tasks after the earthquake to resume training of the new HNP officers. Fourthly, we recommend that MINUSTAH, working closely with the United Nations country team, provide some critical short-term assistance in the form of embedded advisors and logistical and operational help to some of our key Haitian partner institutions. That includes police stations and courts in the earthquake-affected area, and local officials at the departmental level who are hosting IDPs but lack basic facilities and capacity. Long-term assistance to and capacity-building for these institutions will come, but it will take time. By providing some additional advisors under our existing programmes of support, and in some cases offering United Nations assets to establish temporary office locations and equipment, we can provide an essential stop-gap solution to enable these institutions to deliver. I emphasize that these will be exceptional measures, which we believe will not add significantly to the overall cost of the Mission but will have a disproportionate effect in bolstering the capacity of our Haitian partners and reducing both political and humanitarian risks. Finally, in all these activities, MINUSTAH will continue to work in support of the broader United Nations effort to promote a balanced social agenda and to build the human capital that will make Haiti a more stable and equitable society. That is the progress we all want to see and that will lead to a stable environment in which MINUSTAH can safely withdraw. I have in my front office in Port-au-Prince a Haitian painting which depicts Haiti as a patient in a hospital. This patient is surrounded by international doctors and United Nations Blue Helmets, and by the bedside a row of friends and supporters are praying for recovery. The message of hope I want to communicate today is that, after three months back in Haiti, where I last served in 2007, I believe that the patient is stronger and more resilient than we might have thought. After two centuries of deep political and social division, and despite the tragedy that befell it in January, Haiti has a vision for State renewal that is clear, simple and broadly shared. That vision, which the Government has articulated in its national Action Plan, offers an approach to tackling the historical challenges of governance, to encouraging investment and confronting long-standing inequalities. Although much work remains to be done, there is remarkable consensus across the political spectrum, and between the public and private sectors in Haiti, on the broad lines of what must now be achieved. So I believe that, in the face of tragedy, this is a moment of historic opportunity for Haiti. If we can get through the next year of risks, there is a good prospect that 2010 could also mark the start of new era of stability. What Haiti needs now is the supporting arm of a companion on which it can lean as it gets back on its feet. That is the role which we, the international community, can play. Since 12 January, offers of assistance to the Haitian people have come from all continents. The challenge for the United Nations is to help create an environment in which this goodwill and generosity can be translated immediately into much- needed practical support. Its impact must be visible to give the psychological boost needed to face the tasks ahead. I believe that, with just a little more of the support that we are already providing, Haiti will make its own way forward. That would be the best end to the terrible story of 12 January and a necessary and fitting tribute to the lives of those we have lost. It is in that spirit that I ask for the Council’s support of the Secretary-General’s recommendations. Finally, I want to thank United Nations Member States and the Council for all the extraordinary support they have provided to MINUSTAH and to Haiti in the past few months. I would like to leave the Council with a promise of my own commitment to continuing to work with all my energy in the coming months to meet the challenges that are still before us.

I thank Mr. Mulet for his briefing. On this occasion, I would also like to express our gratitude for his leadership and exceptional dedication and to thank him for his service to the United Nations. I now give the floor to His Excellency Mr. Jean- Max Bellerive, Prime Minister of Haiti.

I would like to express my gratitude to the members of the Security Council for having agreed to listen, through me, to the voice of Haiti during their deliberations. My statement will be short, given the fact that it is in line with the views expressed in the Secretary- General’s report (S/2010/200) and the statement made by his Special Representative in Haiti. The Government of Haiti wishes to thank the members of the Security Council for the outpouring of solidarity towards the people of Haiti following the earthquake. We especially thank the Security Council for having authorized the deployment of additional military and police contingents within the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH). Among other initiatives, we welcome the deployment of engineers from Japan and the Republic of Korea in February to bolster the operational capacities of the Mission and to assist humanitarian actions. Given the major challenges posed by the management and establishment of displaced person camps in Port-au-Prince, as well as the rehabilitation of infrastructure destroyed by the earthquake, we urge Member States, as far as possible, to deploy further engineers, especially as MINUSTAH possesses the necessary space for the deployment of additional engineering equipment. We understand that the dispatch of additional trained police units is under discussion. In this connection, the Government of Haiti would welcome the foreseen strengthening of the Mission’s police component. The earthquake profoundly changed the context in which MINUSTAH supports the Haitian State. For the Government, the next 18 months will present new risks and heightened challenges to the management of the post-disaster response and the recovery, reconstruction and rebirth of the country. The presence of MINUSTAH remains necessary to consolidating the achievements of the stabilization process and to creating conducive conditions to initiate lasting sustainable socio-economic development. We consider the current mandate of the Mission to be adequate. However, it appears that a temporary adjustment of the mandate would be desirable to ensure that support for the Government should, in the short term, more efficiently and directly meet the needs of the post-disaster situation. All of this has been discussed broadly in Port-au-Prince with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General. We endorse the approach proposed by the Secretary-General and the minor adjustments to the mandate, as spelled out in his most recent report (S/2010/200), in the field of security, assistance to rule of law institutions and Government initiatives in favour of decentralization. On the topic of public security, the Haitian National Police (HNP) force suffered great losses in human life and equipment in the earthquake of 12 January. A strengthening of MINUSTAH’s police presence would promote the development of the capacity of the HNP to ensure the security of individuals, and especially of displaced populations, and to prevent a resurgence of armed groups. One of the Government’s priorities is to restore, through the Ministry of Justice and Public Security, the operational capacities of the judicial authorities and to guarantee access to justice within affected communities. We welcome the proposal to provide the Government with MINUSTAH facilities and equipment to enable rule of law institutions to better fulfil their duties. At the same time, increased logistical and technical support for the Ministry of the Interior and Territorial Collectivities in the 10 departmental delegations over the brief course of 18 months would enable the Government to progress in the implementation of a decentralization and regional development policy, which is one of the best possible responses to the causes and consequences of the scale of the disaster that resulted from the earthquake of 12 January. The consolidation of the democratic process and of political stability is crucial for the success of the reconstruction process as well as for efforts to attract investment and promote job creation. In this respect, the President has clearly reaffirmed his desire to organize general elections before the end of his term of office, on the basis of the conclusions of the electoral feasibility mission that the Secretary-General was gracious enough to send to Haiti. Given the current conditions, technical, logistic and security support by MINUSTAH will be necessary to ensure the holding of free and transparent elections according to timetable to be drawn up by the competent authorities. In the same vein, MINUSTAH should play a significant role in coordinating international electoral assistance to guarantee its effectiveness. The challenges on the road to the stabilization of Haiti were enormous before 12 January 2010. They are even greater today. However, the solidarity so clearly demonstrated by the international community, in particular by the United Nations, provides the people and Government of Haiti with the hope — indeed, the certainty — that a brighter future is possible. I would like to conclude by thanking the United Nations for having appointed this wonderful friend of Haiti, Mr. Edmond Mulet, to replace the late Hédi Annabi. I would like to pay tribute to the thousands of men and women who, within the framework of the Organization or in cooperation with it, struggle every day for the reconstruction of my country. We continue to require their assistance, and we will do everything to deserve it.

I thank Prime Minister Bellerive for his very important statement on behalf of his Government. We are very grateful to him. I shall now give the floor to the members of the Security Council.

Let me express our appreciation to you, Mr. President, for organizing this timely debate. I extend a warm welcome to Prime Minister Jean-Max Bellerive. His leadership is and will continue to be central to Haitian reconstruction efforts. My delegation is also grateful to Mr. Edmond Mulet, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, for his briefing and, more important, for his dedication and for the excellent work that the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) has been doing in rather difficult conditions. I reiterate Brazil’s unwavering support for Haiti. We share Mr. Bellerive’s vision for a transformed Haiti, as contained in the national Action Plan: one in which stronger institutions, decentralization and regional development help lay the foundations for a prosperous and stable country. We also share the clear vision just expressed by Mr. Mulet on behalf of the Secretary-General on how the United Nations can best support such a process. The 12 January earthquake struck at the political, social, economic and cultural heart of Haiti. Whatever figure one takes — the number of deceased people, the percentage points of gross domestic product wiped out in a few seconds, the institutional capacity lost for many years to come, or any other — it is painfully clear that the word “devastation” does not overstate what happened in the country. As pointed out by the Secretary-General in his report (S/2010/200), the statistics do not reveal the full human dimension of the disaster or of the efforts that will be required to cope with its consequences. Yet tragedy also creates opportunities. The successful conclusion of the Haiti reconstruction conference, held in New York on 31 March, is very promising, as billions of dollars were pledged to help Haitians build back better. Our greatest challenge now is to translate the world’s solidarity into reality. We urge donors and partners to disburse their pledges without delay and stress the need to expeditiously adopt the governance structures of the Haiti reconstruction fund. We welcome the recent adoption by the Haitian parliament of the legislation that establishes the Interim Haitian Reconstruction Commission. Political stability is of paramount importance for the country’s reconstruction. We call upon all actors in Haiti to work together to promote the long-term national interests of the country. We support the Government’s intention to hold general elections as soon as possible in 2010, so as to allow for the full reconstitution of both houses of parliament and the timely transfer of power to a new elected President by February 2011. Brazil supports the coordinating role of MINUSTAH in the organization of the future elections, in cooperation with other stakeholders such as the Organization of American States, whose assistance to Haiti continues to be of great value. MINUSTAH continues to be a central part of international efforts and strategies towards the reconstruction of Haiti. Its role in supporting stability, security and the rule of law is unique. Also unique is the environment in which it now operates, one that demands increased political, human and material resources across the whole spectrum of the Mission’s comprehensive mandate. We support the approach outlined in the Secretary-General’s report, including the recommendations contained in paragraphs 49 to 75 concerning the future role of MINUSTAH in support of the Haitian Government. We concur with the assessment that the earthquake has not destroyed the gains towards stabilization made in the past few years, but has created new obstacles. MINUSTAH will be instrumental in helping the Government preserve those gains and enabling a smooth transition to long-term reconstruction. In Brazil’s view, the role of MINUSTAH in the coming months will be particularly important in the following areas. In terms of security, the Mission should continue to support the Haitian National Police in maintaining security and public order, including in the camps for displaced persons, and to build the capacity of the Haitian National Police. We support the Secretary- General’s recommendation of an expansion of the police contingent, which was also mentioned by Prime Minister Jean-Max Bellerive. In terms of humanitarian assistance and recovery efforts, MINUSTAH should coordinate and, where needed, provide logistical support to humanitarian operations. We support the Secretary-General’s views on the critical enabling role that the Mission can play in the recovery efforts by making full use of its resources, including its military engineers, where required. Concerning political stability and elections, the Mission’s role in this regard will continue to be very important in assisting the Government, through the good offices of the Special Representative, and in providing support for the preparation of the elections. Concerning State capacity and transformation, we support the Secretary-General’s views regarding the need for a surge to restore and strengthen the operational capacity of Haitian institutions and the expanded assistance recommended in paragraph 71 of the report. If I had to single out one overarching priority among the many needs the international community must address in Haiti, I would mention State-building. For far too long, we have tried to assist Haitians without the direct involvement of the Government and State institutions. We now have the opportunity to gear our efforts towards supporting the vision of a renewed State capable of delivering services and opportunities for all its people, as presented by the Government of Haiti during the conference of 31 March. That is by far the most sustainable and cost-effective investment the international community can make in Haiti.

I would like to begin by welcoming Prime Minister Jean-Max Bellerive and thanking him for his leadership and his statement here today. I reaffirm my country’s solidarity with his country and Government, following the tragedy that occurred at the beginning of this year. I would also like to thank Mr. Edmond Mulet, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Haiti, for introducing the Secretary-General’s report (S/2010/200) and for his wonderful work. We are all aware of his commitment and professionalism in the work that he is carrying out. As Mr. Mulet has suggested, any challenge involves opportunities. We therefore acknowledge that the unparalleled tragedy that befell the people of Haiti provides an historic opportunity for the United Nations to review its comprehensive strategy to help the people of Haiti not just to tackle their country’s reconstruction making use of their own capacities and resources, but also to overcome structural problems concerning economic and social development and institutional issues. We should provide Haiti with a renewed and decisive impetus for its long-term development. That will be the great challenge that United Nations and the international community will have to face in the coming months. While the Haitian people and their institutions have demonstrated an admirable capacity to recover, it is nevertheless a fact that the earthquake has given rise to new needs and affected the State’s capacity to address them. Fortunately, we are able to count on the support of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) in assisting the Haitian Government and people in creating political, security, protection and recovery opportunities to allow the country to move towards an environment conducive to its reconstruction and development. MINUSTAH has a mandate that is well balanced among its peacekeeping, peacebuilding and development responsibilities. It also has the necessary experience and capacity to meet the needs associated with the humanitarian emergency, maintaining public order and the current reconstruction phase. Immediately after the earthquake occurred, my country pointed to the need to review MINUSTAH’s mandate and made a proposal to that end, so as to adapt the Mission to the needs on the ground in the areas of humanitarian assistance and maintaining the country’s stability and security, among others. We therefore welcome the review carried out by the Secretary-General, which the Security Council is now considering. We support overall the Secretary- General’s recommendations for the Mission’s future activities. My delegation recognizes the need to maintain social and political stability in order to make it possible to rebuild and to ensure the democratic transition of power in early 2011. My country reiterates its readiness to work with Haiti on elections once the Haitian Government has set out priorities, timelines and areas in which it may need such assistance. We support the Secretary-General’s proposal to strengthen MINUSTAH’s electoral assistance so that it can take on the main role in coordinating international electoral assistance and in preventing the duplication of effort. There is no doubt that the Mission’s assistance to Haitian electoral officials in the areas of planning and technical, logistical and security assistance — along with the support of the United Nations Development Programme, the Organization of American States and other relevant stakeholders — will be crucial in holding timely, free and fair elections. We believe that providing ongoing emergency assistance continues to have priority at this stage, given the scope and complexity of the crisis on the ground and the need to provide housing, food and basic services to the more than 1 million displaced persons who urgently need help in the face of the coming rainy season. In that connection, we commend the Secretary- General’s recommendation that the Mission act as facilitator in closely coordinating and planning humanitarian assistance with the Haitian Government and the national and international humanitarian actors on the ground. It is a fact that there is today a need for an effective and capable Haitian police to address the protection needs of displaced persons, women, children and disabled people, and to serve as a preventive force to deal with the potential emergence of disturbances to public order and violence by gangs made up of prisoners who escaped from jails following the earthquake. We therefore also support the Secretary- General’s proposal to strengthen MINUSTAH with additional police officers. MINUSTAH has both the mandate and the capacity to help the Haitian Government to achieve the goals that have been set out in its new policy in the areas of decentralization, the strengthening of institutions and regional development. Nevertheless, we recognize the need to strengthen the Mission’s advisory function vis-à-vis the police, the Ministry of Justice and Public Security and the main judicial and penal institutions, as proposed by the Secretary- General. Were the Haitian Government to request it, we could consider the Secretary-General’s proposal to temporarily provide Haitian institutions with technical assistance from MINUSTAH experts. In conclusion, I should like to refer to the issue of social development, which we believe to be a priority, as others have noted. My country believes that we should consider the recommendation of the Secretary- General that the United Nations further focus its efforts on social protection in order to help the Haitian people themselves to overcome such historical problems as poverty, unemployment and social and economic inequality. Those are structural elements that are often causes of violence and conflict, as well as obstacles to achieving sustainable development.

Let me start by warmly welcoming Prime Minister Bellerive. We appreciate his excellent statement and are particularly grateful for his Government’s views on the appropriate role of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) going forward. I would also like to thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Edmond Mulet for his comprehensive briefing, and above all for his extraordinary service in leading United Nations efforts in Haiti since the tragic earthquake of 12 January. We want to thank him and all the personnel of MINUSTAH for their dedication and selfless sacrifice. First Lady Michelle Obama visited Haiti a few weeks ago, three months following the earthquake. There, she reiterated the United States deepest condolences to the Haitian people for the immense losses they have suffered. She carried a clear message from President Obama that the United States would continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Haiti. The First Lady also had the opportunity to visit the United Nations compound during her trip, to thank Mr. Mulet and the entire United Nations family for their unwavering support to the people of Haiti, to praise their heroism in the face of the greatest single loss of life that the United Nations has ever suffered, and to underscore the importance of a truly international effort to help Haiti recover and rebuild. America’s gratitude for the contributions of troops, police and financial assistance made by the many countries represented here today is deep and abiding. We are proud to be working together as a unified international community in support of the Government and people of Haiti. At the donors’ conference on 31 March, the international community came together to pledge almost $10 billion in support for Haiti, of which $5 billion was pledged for 2010 and 2011. For our part, the United States will contribute $1.15 billion to Haiti’s recovery and reconstruction. That money will support the Government of Haiti’s plans to strengthen the areas of agriculture, energy, health, security and governance. Today, the Security Council is meeting to forge consensus on the future of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti, which of course faces a very different situation in the aftermath of the earthquake’s devastation. We share the Secretary- General’s assessment that the next 12 to 18 months will be a period of high risk in which we will need to pursue simultaneously political, security, protection and recovery objectives. We also agree that, during that period, the role of the United Nations and its Member States should be to support Haiti’s Government and institutions in delivering on their responsibilities, while respecting their authority, sovereignty and prerogatives. We are largely in agreement with the future role for MINUSTAH that the Secretary-General proposes in his latest report (S/2010/200). I would like to highlight our perspective on six recommendations in particular. First, we support MINUSTAH’s taking a lead role, specifically in technical assistance during the electoral process, in order to ensure efficiency and avoid duplication. We also encourage electoral support from key regional organizations, such as the Organization of American States, operating within the coordination framework of MINUSTAH. Secondly, we fully agree that the Special Representative must continue to oversee the activities of the whole United Nations system in Haiti and that MINUSTAH’s military, police and logistics components should provide, within their means and capabilities, full support to humanitarian and recovery efforts. Thirdly, the internally displaced persons (IDPs) continue to require assistance, in particular regarding their relocation to safer, less flood-prone areas. Although extraordinary work has been done to protect IDPs and to maintain a safe environment for them, MINUSTAH must now work with the Government of Haiti and its other partners to reach a more permanent solution and move towards a more community-based approach. Fourthly, we agree with the Secretary-General that there is a need to enhance MINUSTAH’s support for the Haitian National Police, especially to ensure a more sustainable and visible police presence throughout areas affected by the earthquake, including protecting citizens in IDP camps. My Government is prepared to support a further increase of 680 police officers for MINUSTAH on the understanding that the Secretariat will provide us with a detailed police-to- task analysis of how this figure was reached. We would also appreciate additional information on the revised concept of operations for MINUSTAH’s police component, including the underlying assumptions about how long the increased police capacity will be needed. We want to ensure that MINUSTAH has enough police to take on critical tasks in its mandate, but we also hope to ensure that all authorized police personnel are being used as effectively as possible. Of course, the Secretariat depends on Member States to provide the additional police authorized by this Council, including well-trained and well-equipped formed police units. We commend the countries that have already deployed such formed police units, and we encourage others that can contribute them to MINUSTAH to do so as soon as possible. Fifthly, we applaud the instinct of the United Nations to reject a business-as-usual approach in these dire circumstances. We understand that it can put a strain on MINUSTAH staff and put staff in an awkward situation when they have functioning offices, computers and vehicles that their local Haitian counterparts may lack. We therefore entirely understand the desire of the Mission leadership to provide direct logistical support to the Haitian institutions they are mandated to assist, and we understand that special representatives in many other missions have had similar impulses and faced similar frustrations when not allowed to do so. That said, we must ask how the Secretariat will propose to handle maintenance costs and legal liability in cases when United Nations equipment and vehicles are loaned to Haitian officials. We wonder whether it might be more cost-effective and sustainable for other actors in the development community to purchase the equipment and vehicles through voluntary contributions and donate them directly. Since these proposals are presumably stop-gap measures, pending longer-term assistance coming on line, how would the functionality of the Mission be affected if it depleted its logistical capacity for this purpose, even in the short term? We hope the Secretariat and MINUSTAH will address such issues before proceeding down the proposed path. We fully share the Secretary-General’s assessment of the need to invest in building State capacity and human capital. In that context, we see the value of imbedding MINUSTAH advisers in Haitian institutions and offices where requested by the Government of Haiti. Such a step certainly makes sense where MINUSTAH is already provided considerable advice and assistance, consistent with its existing mandate, such as in the rule of law sector. At the same time, as MINUSTAH considers branching into other areas of governance support where it has not been working to date, we would welcome a better appreciation of the rationale for doing so via MINUSTAH rather than turning to the United Nations Development Programme, relevant international financial institutions or other bilateral and multilateral actors. Finally, the Secretary-General has provided us with a series of proposals to enable MINUSTAH to provide the best possible support to the Government of Haiti in this ongoing time of dire need. We will continue to support the people and Government of Haiti and work together with other partners in this crucial cause. Accordingly, the United States remains open to considering appropriate adjustments to MINUSTAH’s mandated strength and approach.

France aligns itself with the statement to be delivered by the observer of the European Union. I acknowledge the presence of the Prime Minister of Haiti, Mr. Jean-Max Bellerive. As President of the French Republic Nicolas Sarkozy said during his visit to Haiti in February, it is up to the Haitian people and to the Haitian people alone to determine the path their nation will take. Mr. Bellerive has, together with President Préval, worked vigorously and effectively to present this plan, which received the support of the international community at the conference in New York. I should also like to pay tribute to the Special Representative and, through him, to all the staff of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) and the United Nations system, who work tirelessly in extremely difficult conditions. Despite the terrible losses, MINUSTAH has faced the situation with remarkable effectiveness. The security situation remains under control. The political process has not been interrupted. Humanitarian aid depends on MINUSTAH’s operational mechanisms. Mr. Mulet has played an indispensable role in ensuring the continuity of United Nations action. He enjoys the respect and trust of the Haitian people, as Prime Minister Bellerive said, and should have the full support of the Security Council. The tragedy that befell Haiti has become an opportunity to invent a new political, economic and social model for Haiti based on a fairer redistribution of resources through political, institutional and economic decentralization. MINUSTAH has an essential role to play in this context — aiding in the establishment of a favourable political and security environment. This role has not changed since the earthquake, but the scale of the needs and challenges has increased. We underscore our support for the approach set out in the report of the Secretary-General (S/2010/200). The political good offices, the maintenance of order, the promotion of human rights and the strengthening of the rule of law must, more now than ever, be at the core of MINUSTAH’s mandate. We also believe, like the Special Representative, that it is time to develop a new approach that makes strengthening the Haitian State the priority. We therefore support the concept of strengthening MINUSTAH involvement in providing support to Haitian institutions. This is a pragmatic response to an extraordinary situation. The priority is to strengthen institutions related to the rule of law, in particular the justice sector. This action should, of course, be carried out in full respect for Haitian institutions and sovereignty, with MINUSTAH acting as a matter of last resort and on a temporary basis. The New York conference was a financial and political success. The reforms that were announced — regular follow-up on the sums allocated and the status of progress projects — will be indispensable. We therefore welcome the adoption by the Haitian Parliament of the law establishing the Interim Haitian Reconstruction Commission, which will make it possible to implement the Action Plan developed by the Haitian Government. However, while ground needs to be broken in reconstruction efforts, we must not neglect the continuing urgency of assisting the hundreds of thousands of displaced persons threatened by the hurricane and rainy season. For Haiti, there is a great deal at stake in the upcoming legislative and presidential elections. France commends the determination of the Government of Haiti to hold these elections within the established time frame so that the constitutional transfer of power can take place on 7 February 2011 as planned. Creating the practical and political conditions for the holding of credible elections within the electoral calendar will be another priority for MINUSTAH in the coming months. That will require, inter alia, the active engagement of the Special Representative on the issue of the reform of the Conseil Electoral Provisoire. We also encourage Mr. Mulet to use his good offices to promote consensus within the Haitian political class and civil society on the modalities of constitutional reform. France is strongly committed to MINUSTAH; our contingent of 200 police officers has made our country one of the top police contributors to the Mission. Additionally, in cooperation with our partners, we will be supporting the deployment of French-speaking African police. France will also provide 110 vehicles in direct support to the Haitian National Police and fire service. In coordination with MINUSTAH, France has also deployed military engineers to assist in clearing Port-au-Prince and other areas requiring urgent efforts. France will continue its efforts and commitment alongside the Haitian people and Government and in close cooperation with the United Nations as part of the global effort involving the State as well as local groups, in particular the French Departments in the Caribbean, non-governmental organizations and the Haitian diaspora living in France.

I thank you, Sir, for convening today’s meeting. I also thank Mr. Edmond Mulet, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) for his briefing. I welcome Mr. Jean-Max Bellerive, Prime Minister of Haiti, to the Council’s meeting. The powerful earthquake that struck Haiti on 12 January caused unprecedented destruction and damage and raised new difficulties and challenges to the Council’s efforts to stabilize Haiti. My country was saddened by the heavy losses suffered by MINUSTAH staff during the earthquake. We pay tribute to Mr. Mulet and all MINUSTAH personnel for their courage, dedication and sacrifice. There is a Chinese saying that, when trouble occurs in one place, help arrives from all sides. The past three months have witnessed a continuous outpouring of international support, sympathy and generous aid for Haiti. Following the earthquake, the Chinese Government lost no time in providing various kinds of assistance to Haiti and has continued its vigorous efforts to help the Haitian Government and people weather their difficulties. It is gratifying to note that the post-disaster security situation in Haiti has remained calm and that steady progress has been made in the relief and recovery efforts. China is convinced that, under the leadership of the Haitian Government and with the international community’s support and assistance, the Government and people of Haiti will soon rebuild their homes, heal their wounds and create a bright future of peace, stability and sustainable development. International attention is focused on the post- disaster situation in Haiti and its reconstruction. We support ongoing assistance of the United Nations and the international community to Haiti in its efforts to achieve stability and rebuild as soon as possible. The post-disaster recovery and reconstruction process in Haiti will be long, arduous and challenging. All parties must fully respect Haiti’s sovereignty and insure that the Haitian Government and people play a leading role in the stabilization and reconstruction process. The United Nations should continue to play an important coordinating role in the stabilization process and in international efforts to assist Haiti in its post-disaster reconstruction. China appreciates the report recently submitted by the Secretary-General (S/2010/200) and take note of its recommendations on the future role of MINUSTAH. China also understands that some parties concerned hope that the United Nations will provide greater assistance and support to promote political stability, maintain security, support elections, strengthen the rule of law and rebuild Haiti’s State capacities. China’s view is that the major organs and agencies of the United Nations, regional organizations and major donors should perform their respective duties pursuant to their mandates. At the same time, there should be a clear division of labour and enhanced coordination to avoid duplication and wasted resources. For more than five years, MINUSTAH has made significant contributions to the security and stability of Haiti. In the current circumstances, MINUSTAH’s important role in Haiti’s stabilization process is self- evident. China favours strengthening MINUSTAH’s capacity so that it may better fulfil its current mandate. As a peacekeeping mission, MINUSTAH’s core function is to maintain security and stability in Haiti. With respect to promoting political stability in Haiti, restoring State capacity, supporting elections and strengthening the rule of law, the Mission may provide appropriate support and assistance within its mandate and capacity, but should refrain from taking on every activity while at the same time deviating from its central task of peacekeeping. As authorized by the Council in its resolution 1908 (2010), the force level of MINUSTAH has been increased by a total of 3,500 personnel. The full deployment of the additional forces will take some time. On the issue of increased police personnel and the reconfiguration of MINUSTAH’s military component, China deems it necessary for the Security Council and the Department of Peacekeeping Operations to carry out a comprehensive assessment and take a prudent approach in decision-making. China also hopes that the United Nations will soon rebuild MINUSTAH’s facilities to ensure the safety and security of its staff.

At the outset I welcome His Excellency Mr. Jean-Max Bellerive, Prime Minister of Haiti, and thank him for his statement. I thank Mr. Edmond Mulet for his message of hope. Allow me to make the following comments. My delegation again expresses its solidarity with the Haitian people following the humanitarian disaster caused by the earthquake of 12 January, which left 220,000 people dead, 1.5 million without shelter, and $11.5 billion in damage. It is unfortunate to note that Haiti will require a great deal of time before it is in a position to overcome this crisis. Faced with this disaster, we can only reiterate the statement of the Secretary-General in his report that “our best tribute to [the people of Haiti] is to continue their work, to transform Haiti and build anew out of tragedy (S/2010/200, para. 80). Lebanon welcomes the Action Plan for the Reconstruction and the Development of Haiti presented by the Government of Haiti at the pledging conference held in New York on 31 March. We welcome the positive results of the pledging conference, which raised $9 billion. The donors’ generosity reflected the international community’s solidarity with the Haitian people and highlighted the importance of collective efforts when facing the disasters that regularly confront humankind. The challenge now lies in continuing our work to ensure that all of the assistance is transformed into tangible services on the ground. We fully support the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), which lost 101 staff members, including the head of Mission and his deputy. We welcome the additional efforts of the Mission in the areas of emergency assistance, assisting civilians and reopening roads. My country understands the difficult circumstances under which the Mission is operating and therefore welcomes the response of States to the United Nations appeal aimed at strengthening troop levels pursuant to resolution 1908 (2010) of 19 January. The people and Government of Haiti must play a primary role in determining the future of their country. Lebanon supports national and human capacity- building efforts in Haiti through its assistance in the fields of education, information-sharing, equal opportunity, the strengthening of equitable development, and respect for human rights. The report refers to this as an “investment in human capital”. We therefore express our satisfaction at the security and political stability in the country. We support MINUSTAH’s technical assistance for the upcoming elections. In the light of the report of the Secretary-General, upon the approval of the Haitian Government and in line with Mr. Mulet’s proposal, we express our readiness to work with the other members of the Council to adapt MINUSTAH’s mandate to the changes on the ground, including to provide technical, operational and logistical assistance, in full respect for the authority and competence of the Government of Haiti.

We welcome the participation in today’s meeting of Prime Minister Bellerive of Haiti. We thank Mr. Edmond Mulet, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, for his comprehensive briefing on recent developments in Haiti and his introduction of the Secretary-General’s report (S/2010/200). Immediately after the natural disaster, Edmond Mulet resumed leadership of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), skillfully and professionally leading it in extraordinary circumstances. We thank the Special Representative and all United Nations personnel for their selfless efforts to assist Haitians in difficult and tragic times. We support the main conclusions and assessments of the Secretary-General’s report. We agree that international assistance to Haiti should primarily be provided directly through the Government of that country, since the primary responsibility for reconstruction ultimately lies with the Haitians themselves. The role of the United Nations should be to coordinate international assistance and to strengthen the capacities of the national authorities. We support the decision of President Préval to hold municipal, presidential and parliamentary elections by the end of 2010. We agree with the Secretary-General’s view that MINUSTAH must play a leading role in coordinating international assistance to the upcoming electoral campaign. It was extremely important that the post- earthquake security situation in Haiti was successfully kept under control. The Security Council decision to expand the Mission’s military and police components by 3,500 troops was an effective and timely response. The report quite rightly indicates that new challenges to the maintenance of security have taken centre stage, linked above all to the possibility of increased criminal activity. Maximum efforts should be made to prevent the resurgence of violence in Haiti. We cannot allow the recent progress in stabilization achieved by the Mission in recent years to be undermined. Public order and human rights, in particular those of women and children, must be upheld in the temporary housing sites for internally displaced persons. We have closely considered the Secretary- General’s proposals for MINUSTAH’s future. We support these recommendations and agree that, in view of the situation, MINUSTAH’s tasks can be accomplished within the framework of the Mission’s existing mandate. Some of the recommendations in the report — for example, the proposed increase in the size of the Mission’s police force by 680 officers by the end of this year — require further consideration in the context of the comprehensive implementation of the Security Council’s decision to strengthen MINUSTAH’s military and police components by 3,500 troops. There is also a need to further analyse the idea of involving MINUSTAH in social issues. The peacekeeping Mission, the main purpose of which is to uphold stability and the rule of law, may not have the necessary knowledge and experience in that field, which lies within the competence of other specialized bodies. The elements have wrought unprecedented destruction and loss of human life in Haiti. The United Nations suffered the greatest loss of life in its history. We honour the memories of former head of MINUSTAH Hédi Annabi and the other United Nations staff who died in the earthquake. The assistance being provided to Haiti by the international community, led by the United Nations, is of vital importance. Alongside other countries, Russia has contributed to assisting Haiti. From the very onset of humanitarian operations, Russian emergency search- and-rescue detachments, canine rescue teams and medico-psychological units have worked at the very epicentre of the disaster. An aero-mobile hospital has been deployed. The Russian Government further decided to provide $8 million, through the various channels offered by international organizations, in particular the United Nations system, for Haiti’s reconstruction.

I would like to thank His Excellency Mr. Jean-Max Bellerive, Prime Minister of Haiti, for his presence here today. I would also like to thank Mr. Edmond Mulet, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, who has acted in that position from the very beginning of the crisis. We wish him every success in further performing his duties in Haiti. We also congratulate all those who have worked to respond to the emergency after the devastating earthquake in January. Bosnia and Herzegovina aligns itself with the statement to be made by the observer of the European Union. Since the earthquake, the Government of Haiti has made commendable efforts to address the challenges faced by its nation. Nevertheless, the continued attention and support of the international community to the people of Haiti in their efforts to rebuild the country are also indispensable. In that context, we are encouraged by the results of the Haiti donor conference held on 31 March, and we would like to take this opportunity to express our appreciation to all international donors for their generous pledges. Bosnia and Herzegovina strongly supports the Government of Haiti’s efforts to carry out its duties effectively and in the best interests of Haiti’s people, including its ambitious plan to proceed with elections that will allow for a presidential transition in early 2011. We also consider it important that, in a very sensitive atmosphere, the Government of Haiti and all political actors come together to address the issue of the transitional phase and find a way to bridge the legislative gap from May to the elections. In that regard, we welcome the dispatch of a United Nations mission to evaluate requirements and assess options with regard to a timetable for general elections. Bearing in mind the importance of international assistance in preparations for the elections, we support the Secretary-General’s recommendations concerning the lead role that the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) should play in coordinating electoral assistance. We hope that these efforts will enable timely, free and inclusive elections, with the full participation of women in that important process. Furthermore, we consider the rebuilding and strengthening of the security sector and the judicial and penal systems to be fundamental to recovery and development. Assistance to the Haitian National Police (HNP), which has played an important role in providing security side by side with MINUSTAH, as well as in developing a strategic framework for assistance in line with its reform plan, is of utmost importance. Cooperation between MINUSTAH and the HNP in providing the widest possible coverage to the camps and in addressing violence against women and children will be essential. With regard to the judicial and penal systems, we support MINUSTAH’s efforts to provide assistance to the Government of Haiti in that field, which was also severely affected by the earthquake. Bosnia and Herzegovina welcomes the Government of Haiti’s Action Plan and the establishment of the Interim Haiti Reconstruction Commission, which will coordinate financial aid until a Haitian development authority and a Haiti reconstruction fund are in place. In the aftermath of a disaster of such proportions, the main precondition for rebuilding and vigorous economic recovery is the restoration of the fabric of society, above all that of local communities in the affected areas. Therefore, in anticipation of measures to rebuild local communities, international stakeholders and the Government of Haiti should keep in mind that only programmes and projects that correspond to the needs of the local community and are supported by it will be beneficial and sustainable. In addition to the long-term recovery efforts, bearing in mind the humanitarian situation, it is essential that humanitarian aid to the people of Haiti continue to be delivered. Providing shelter and sanitation during the rainy and hurricane season has to be a priority. Bosnia and Herzegovina welcomes the efforts of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, humanitarian agencies and non-governmental organizations to provide assistance to the population in need. We urge the Government to make every effort to further address the issue of the difficult conditions in the camps for internally displaced persons. We also support the appeal of the Secretary-General addressed to MINUSTAH to provide additional technical, operational and logistical support that will assist the Government of Haiti in meeting its responsibilities in this regard. The United Nations continues to play a vital role in Haiti, and, on behalf of my Government, I would like to commend United Nations and MINUSTAH personnel for the important work they have carried out to date. Since the earthquake, MINUSTAH has exercised its mandate in a changed environment. During that exceptionally hard time, MINUSTAH, itself severely hit by the earthquake, provided essential support for rescue and relief operations. At this stage, which marks a transition from relief to reconstruction, MINUSTAH must continue to provide technical, operational and logistical assistance to the Government of Haiti. Finally, Bosnia and Herzegovina commends the Haitian people for their admirable dignity and resilience, and the Government of Haiti and political and civil society actors for their constructive efforts to build consensus and ensure political stability, despite the scale of loss and suffering. We are convinced that, with the support of the international community, the Government and people of Haiti will overcome all challenges and build a stronger and viable Haiti.

I am grateful to you, Mr. President, for having organized this important debate on the situation in Haiti. Like previous speakers, I welcome the presence of His Excellency Mr. Jean-Max Bellerive, Prime Minister of Haiti. My delegation is pleased to participate in this important debate on the situation in Haiti, specifically on the work of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), described in the report of the Secretary-General (S/2010/200). A key point about the report is that it was written at a time when the international community’s solidarity with respect to the reconstruction of Haiti is at its apex. The day 12 January 2010 will live in our collective memory as a day on which humankind faced one of the most devastating tragedies in its history. Many dreadful and poignant images remain etched in our minds and remind us of the unimaginable scale of the human and material losses caused by the terrible earthquake. This unspeakable disaster reduced to nought all the country’s development efforts. My delegation wishes to focus on three main points: the international community’s response to the tragedy; the reconstruction of Haiti; and the role of MINUSTAH in this new, evolving political, institutional and security environment. On the first point, my delegation wishes first and foremost to pay tribute to the memory of the 101 United Nations staff members who died when the Mission’s headquarters collapsed. We think in particular of Mr. Hédi Annabi, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, and Mr. Luiz Carlos da Costa, his Deputy. Their heroism in death obliges us to continue their mission: to work for the transformation and development of a new Haiti, a Haiti looking towards the future. The international community’s response to the tragedy was swift and proactive. In particular, my delegation welcomes the leadership shown by the United Nations on the ground in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake. Here, we hail the efforts undertaken by the United Nations team in Haiti, in particular by Mr. Edmond Mulet, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, who is working tireless in sometimes extremely difficult conditions. We also appreciate the role of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in having so diligently deployed a team to identify priorities and coordinate logistical support for humanitarian efforts. Hundreds of humanitarian aid agencies and national and international non-governmental organizations, along with a great many individuals, have worked tirelessly with the United Nations to meet the needs of victims, especially of vulnerable individuals such as children, women, the elderly and the disabled. Those efforts have been complemented by the financial and in-kind contributions that a great many countries, including my country, Gabon, have made to Haiti. This generosity, expressed on a global scale towards the Government and the people of Haiti, demonstrates not only the solidarity of the whole world, but also the determination of the international community to bring Haiti into a process of political, economic, institutional and security reconstruction. My country welcomes the Action Plan for the Reconstruction and the Development of Haiti, developed by the Government with the assistance of international institutions such as the World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank and the European Union. The Action Plan, which will require an estimated $11.5 billion, was presented to international donors on 31 March in New York. As part of an unprecedented wave of solidarity, donors have pledged some $9 billion for the comprehensive Haitian reconstruction effort, including $5 billion for the period 2010-2011. This international commitment, to which Gabon fully subscribes, augurs a better future for that country, which continues to face a very fragile political, security and humanitarian situation. The political environment was marked by President Préval’s 27 January decision to postpone the legislative elections that had been scheduled for February 2010. Even though this is temporary, my delegation welcomes the Senate’s adoption on 15 April of a law extending the state of emergency for a period of 18 months and creating the Interim Haiti Reconstruction Commission. My delegation considers that, to create a climate conducive to free, fair and transparent elections in Haiti, different conditions must exist. In that regard, we await the return from Haiti of the assessment mission led by the Department of Political Affairs, jointly with the United Nations Development Programme and the Department of Peacekeeping Operations. Overall, the security situation remains stable, in spite of some incidents that have had an impact on humanitarian efforts in the field. The report of the Secretary-General refers to an increase in crime, including kidnappings, sexual violence and drug trafficking and in new threats by armed gangs, whose members escaped from Haitian prisons following the earthquake. Here, we welcome the decisive role that MINUSTAH has played in efforts to reduce security threats in that country. The Security Council’s increase of military and police personnel, by its resolution 1908 (2010) of 19 January 2010, responds to these concerns. Indeed, MINUSTAH has thus far fulfilled its mandate by providing security support for humanitarian operations; conducting a preliminary damage assessment; providing support for State institutions such as the judicial system; ensuring respect for human rights, especially the protection of women and children; and integrating the HIV/AIDS dimension into the emergency response. But the role of MINUSTAH must be redefined in the light of new challenges in the way of the reconstruction of Haiti. Security, protection and reconstruction issues are likely to have an impact on the future of Haiti in coming months. The international community should support the Government and Haitian institutions as they fully shoulder their responsibility as part of the development process. The efforts of the United Nations and other major international actors must focus on strengthening political stability, continuing the coordination of humanitarian efforts and supporting the rule of law, respect for human rights and justice. MINUSTAH has a central role to play in realizing that vision. Indeed, as recommended in the Secretary- General’s report, MINUSTAH must lend greater technical, operational and logistical assistance to the Government and institutions of Haiti. It must especially work on the country’s preparations for presidential, legislative and municipal elections. The organization of these elections will determine the future political stability of Haiti and the reconstruction process in a country that was so cruelly affected by the tragedy of 12 January. I would be remiss to conclude without expressing our profound admiration for the dignity and stoicism with which the people of Haiti have dealt with this terrible tragedy. That people has demonstrated to all humankind its fighting spirit and inextinguishable faith in the future. Sir Mark Lyall Grant (United Kingdom): I would like to join my colleagues in welcoming Prime Minister Bellerive to the Security Council today and to extend again the United Kingdom’s sincere condolences to the people of Haiti for the loss of over 200,000 lives in January’s devastating earthquake. I also welcome Mr. Edmond Mulet, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, to this meeting and thank him for his briefing today. I would like to express our ongoing support for the United Nations efforts in assisting the Haitian people. Mr. Mulet and the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) are making an invaluable contribution to the post-earthquake recovery effort, which is particularly commendable given the very challenging circumstances that the Mission is working under, including dealing with the loss of so many United Nations lives, including among MINUSTAH’s leadership. Mr. Mulet and his team have worked tirelessly to rebuild the lives and hopes of the Haitian people. A productive partnership between the Haitian authorities and the international community is vital to achieving progress. We underline the significant contribution that international donors continue to make to improving Haiti’s economy, and stress the importance of well-organized donor coordination. In this regard, we welcome the pivotal role that former President Clinton is playing as United Nations Special Envoy for Haiti in overseeing this work, including in preparing the March conference, which showed the international community rallying in support of the people of Haiti. Before January’s devastating earthquake, the Security Council discussed the need to establish a clear strategy for international engagement in Haiti, setting the country on the path to lasting stability so that its economy could grow and broader development needs could be met. It is even more important now that we pursue this strategy. That includes ensuring that those donors, international organizations or parts of the United Nations family that are best placed to provide support are engaged and able to help Haiti to deliver. We are confident that MINUSTAH’s current mandate enables it to play an important role in supporting the wider reconstruction efforts, while ensuring that its core duties are maintained. In our view, MINUSTAH’s primary focus should remain the provision and maintenance of a peaceful and secure environment. The aftermath of January’s earthquake has seen the emergence of new security challenges, such as the need to protect the vulnerable inhabitants of displacement camps, recapture escaped criminals and combat an increase in drug trafficking. Haiti remains dependent on MINUSTAH to maintain law and order. We agree that MINUSTAH should continue to play this role for the immediate future, and we shall look carefully at the Secretary- General’s proposals for further enhancements in this light. MINUSTAH should also continue to aid the rehabilitation and development of local policing capabilities, which will be key to MINUSTAH’s meeting its goal of establishing a secure environment. We are committed to the long-term engagement of the United Nations in Haiti. We must ensure that, if we are to help Haiti through this challenging period, we have the right people with the right skills for the tasks at hand. We support the efforts of MINUSTAH troops to maintain a secure environment. We also wish to ensure that the longer-term reconstruction effort is performed by those best qualified in the wider United Nations family and beyond.

I would like to thank His Excellency Mr. Jean-Max Bellerive, Prime Minister of Haiti, for his participation in this meeting. In welcoming Mr. Edmond Mulet, we congratulate him on his new position as Special Representative of the Secretary- General in Haiti and thank him for his comprehensive briefing. The contribution he has made since assuming his new position is highly commendable. The latest report of the Secretary-General (S/2010/200) indicates that remarkable progress has been made in the provision of emergency aid with the identification of such priority needs as water, food, health care, sanitation and relief shelters. Nevertheless, a great deal remains to be done, as initial relief is only a first step in the long reconstruction efforts to rebuild lives in Haiti and the infrastructure of the country’s institutions. We commend the international community and non-governmental organizations for their swift reaction to the earthquake in providing emergency relief support, including technical operations. The exemplary role played by the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) in providing initial specialized assistance to alleviate immediate humanitarian needs and address the effects of the disaster deserves the utmost commendation. MINUSTAH continues to provide technical support and advice to State institutions, focusing its priorities on the Government Action Plan for the Reconstruction and the Development Of Haiti. The Action Plan encompasses the long-term reconstruction of Haiti through economic stimulation, social reform, and the strengthening of State and local institutions that will ensure better lives for all. In this regard, we commend the outcome of the international donor conference held in New York, which raised more than $5 billion to assist in financing the expenses of the various reconstruction efforts. Nigeria will continue to give its full support to the aspirations of the Government and the people of Haiti. It is in this regard that Nigeria made an initial donation of $1.5 million and pledged the sum of $5 million for reconstruction efforts in Haiti. At this crucial stage in the country’s reconstruction, the international community should assist Haiti in taking full ownership of its governance and State institutions in order to promote balanced overall development and stability in the country in all their aspects. We agree with the Secretary-General’s proposal to review the role of MINUSTAH, including adjustments to its mandates, in the light of post- earthquake circumstances. We support the recommendation, which has the approval of the Government of Haiti. It offers a unique opportunity to the Haitian Government to transform the demographic structure of the country, strengthen institutions and accelerate the economic development of the people. Most importantly, these efforts will help Haiti to deliver on its promises, as contained in the Action Plan. We call for concerted efforts by the international community to enable the Government of Haiti to provide an integrated approach in the areas of constitutional reform, human rights, the fostering of political stability, the strengthening of the rule of law, electoral institutions, the judiciary and law enforcement agencies. MINUSTAH has a crucial role to play in the electoral process in order to ensure the advent of a new democracy come February 2011. It is in this regard that Nigeria supports the Secretary-General’s recommendation that there be an increase in the number of police personnel above the force levels authorized in resolution 1908 (2010) in order to enhance security in Haiti during the presidential, parliamentary and municipal elections to be held in September 2010.

At the outset, I should like to thank Prime Minister Bellerive of Haiti for having addressed the Council today. We welcome the efforts of the Government of Haiti to address the many challenges posed by the earthquake, despite the very difficult circumstances. The Action Plan for the Reconstruction and the Development of Haiti presented by the Government is the basis for the country’s reconstruction and a guide for the international community’s efforts. I should also like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Haiti, Mr. Edmond Mulet, for his introduction to the Security Council today of the semi-annual report of the Secretary-General (S/2010/200) on the implementation of the mandate of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), and for having agreed to continue his work as head of MINUSTAH, which he has so conscientiously pursued since the tragic events of 12 January. I wish to thank all United Nations personnel in Haiti for their excellent work in difficult conditions. We owe them every possible support. We also express our administration for the exceptional tenacity of the people of Haiti in the face of the terrible catastrophe of 12 January, and assure them that we will continue to help them to overcome this challenge. We further thank Mr. Bill Clinton, United Nations Special Envoy for Haiti, for the dynamic and proactive way in which he has discharged his mandate to coordinate reconstruction activities in that country. Austria associates itself with the statement to be made by the observer of the European Union later in this debate. Allow me to make the following comments on behalf of my delegation. MINUSTAH’s role in response to the tragic events of 12 January has been exemplary. Even as it suffered its own losses in the earthquake, it was able to fulfil its mandate and to make a decisive contribution to managing the crisis, ensuring security and stability, and facilitating humanitarian assistance, in support of the Haitian authorities. Austria recognizes in particular the Mission’s efforts in the promotion of human rights and the rule of law and the protection of civilians, especially women and children. Austria shares the Secretary-General’s assessment that the coming 12 to 18 months will be a period of high risk for Haiti, during which security and protection objectives will need to be pursued as vigorously as the organization of the presidential, municipal and legislative elections and the reconstruction and development of the country. In the coming months, the coordination of humanitarian assistance will be of primary importance. Austria believes that the United Nations must continue to play a key role in that regard, in close cooperation with the Haitian authorities. Issues requiring MINUSTAH’s special attention in this critical phase will include the rule of law, good governance and the protection of internally displaced persons (IDPs). In that context, we welcome the various proposals made by the Secretary-General in his semi-annual report on the future role of MINUSTAH. It will be essential to preserve the United Nations integrated approach in the five fields identified as critical. Austria supports the recommendation that MINUSTAH lead the international community’s efforts in the area of electoral assistance. We also support the role of the Special Representative of the Secretary- General in coordinating and supervising the activities of the United Nations system as a whole. We note the Secretary-General’s request for an increase of 680 in the ceiling of police personnel, which would ensure a visible police presence in IDP camps. That measure will help to protect the civilian population and to maintain a safe and stable environment conducive to the conduct of free and fair elections. Austria therefore supports that request. The police component of MINUSTAH plays a key role in the protection of civilians and the promotion of human rights. It is Austria’s view that special attention will have to be paid to the needs of the most vulnerable, including women and children, and to measures to prevent sexual violence. With respect to the promotion of the rule of law and the fight against impunity, we back the Secretary-General’s proposal to make MINUSTAH staff and seconded experts available to assist the Government of Haiti in its policing, judicial and correctional functions. It is essential that we pursue our efforts in this critical area, despite the losses and difficulties resulting from the earthquake. The approach advocated by the Secretary- General will allow us to strengthen the rule of law and to guarantee the successful provision of State services, despite the current challenges. We also welcome the Secretary-General’s proposal to renew and step up MINUSTAH’s commitment to mainstreaming. This will involve, inter alia, the establishment of a social security network, the protection of human rights, gender equality and the implementation of resolutions 1325 (2000), 1820 (2008), 1888 (2009) and 1889 (2009). With respect to reconstruction efforts, I pay tribute to the generosity of donor countries extended at the conference held on 31 March to cover the financing requirements of the Haitian Government’s Action Plan. Austria has provided $8 million in financial and humanitarian contributions, while Austrian citizens have donated $45 million to Haiti. I conclude by expressing my conviction that the people and Government of Haiti will be able to overcome the terrible tragedy that struck them on 12 January and to build the new Haiti for which we all yearn. I assure them that the international community will stand with them and help them in that very important work.

I would first like to thank the Secretary-General for his report (S/2010/200) and Special Representative Edmond Mulet for the comprehensive briefing he has just provided. To Mr. Mulet, let me also add our sincere gratitude for the strong leadership he displays at the helm of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH). Indeed, Mr. Mulet assumed his duties at Haiti’s most difficult hour, and he and his staff have done a most commendable job in support of the Haitian people and Government since then. I would also like to extend a warm welcome to Prime Minister Bellerive and to thank him for his insightful presentation. His views and comments provide most valuable guidance to our collective efforts to help Haiti recover and rebuild. It has been more than three months since Haiti was struck by one of the worst natural disasters of its history, but the enormous suffering there is still vividly present in our minds and hearts. Indeed, the magnitude of the earthquake, and the loss of human life and infrastructural damage it has yielded, are neither forgettable nor easily surmounted. The pictures we have been shown today speak volumes about the tragedy in a way that no words can better describe. In fact, an earthquake of that magnitude would have caused serious problems for any nation, but given Haiti’s long-standing struggle for development and stability, it had an even bigger impact. As such, the resilience of the Haitian people in the face of this terrible event is all the more praiseworthy. As Mr. Mulet confirmed, Haitians have proved to be much stronger and braver than anyone could have imagined. In particular, it is quite admirable that the security situation has remained relatively calm, although most of the people have lost the little they had in the way of savings and belongings. At this point, let me praise once again the excellent job done by MINUSTAH police and troops. In fact, the international community in its broadest sense has responded quickly and quite effectively to the emergency situation in Haiti. Many countries participated in the donors’ conference held last month in New York and made generous offers for the reconstruction of Haiti. On our part, Turkey has also contributed to this process. That said, draconian tasks remain in Haiti and the international community should continue to assist the Haitian people in the relief efforts and to support the Haitian Government in the reconstruction phase. The pledges made at the donors’ conference should be made readily available whenever and wherever they are needed, particularly in view of the upcoming hurricane season and the critical importance of the next 12 to 18 months to relief and reconstruction efforts. It is equally important to be able to translate the generosity of the international community into concrete peace and projects that will make the most needed difference in the daily lives of Haitians and return them to normalcy. In this context, the holding at the earliest possible stage of the elections that were scheduled for February is also of vital importance to the future of Haiti and to the consolidation of the institutions that are required for sustainable development and the reconstruction effort. The United Nations is at the heart of our collective efforts in Haiti. We support the approach of the Secretary-General, articulated around the five key areas mentioned in his report. Within this vision, MINUSTAH has a crucial role to play, as it has in Haiti thus far. Indeed, despite the fact that the Mission itself was badly impacted by the earthquake and lost many valuable members, it continues to serve the Haitians with great professionalism and dedication. MINUSTAH should continue to implement its mandate in all relevant areas, in particular in ensuring a secure and safe environment, coordinating humanitarian assistance and providing support to institutions. In this regard, we endorse the recommendations of the Secretary-General concerning the future role of MINUSTAH and his call for a surge in its capabilities and the scaling up of its activities within its mandate. Crises often come with opportunities for new beginnings. In Haiti, too, we have an opportunity to emerge even stronger from the catastrophe that has befallen the Haitians and to turn this dark moment into a bright prospect. In this respect, we firmly support the endeavours of the Haitian Government. In this respect, I have to say that the Action Plan proposed by the Haitian Government is a valuable tool in the long-term reconstruction efforts and has to be thoroughly examined. After all, there is no doubt that the Haitian people and Government are and should be in the driving seat in this endeavour. Our responsibility is to help them advance in the right direction without any further setbacks.

I would like to thank you, Sir, for organizing this debate. I thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), Mr. Edmond Mulet, for his elaborate briefing and outstanding leadership. I also thank Jean- Max Bellerive, the Prime Minister of Haiti, for his statement on behalf of the people of Haiti. We commend the Special Envoy, President Clinton, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and the staff of MINUSTAH for their efforts in assisting the Government and the people of Haiti in delivering basic services, disaster recovery and preparedness, and mobilizing critically needed international support in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake. The Government and people of Haiti face challenges in the task of reconstruction and recovery. They have demonstrated remarkable resilience, and we salute them for that. The international community has given and pledged to significant support towards this effort. It is critical that the pledges made be honoured in order to help the Government of Haiti finance critical expenses in the public sector. In this regard, we welcome the formulation of the Action Plan for the Reconstruction and the Development of Haiti worked out by the Government of Haiti with the support of the international community. We also welcome the $5 billion pledged during the international donors’ conference. At this critical phase of recovery and reconstruction, we would also like to emphasize the importance of effective coordination among the United Nations agencies and international actors. The role of the Government will remain central, and it is important that the United Nations and international actors work closely with the Government. I was happy to hear the Prime Minister give his compliments to the excellent relationship between the Government and the people of Haiti on the one hand, and the international community, and especially the United Nations, on the other. We commend the launching of cash-for-work programmes shortly after the earthquake by the United Nations Development Programme and its implementing partners. This is a positive step towards creating short- term employment for the unemployed, especially young people. We welcome MINUSTAH’s community labor-intensive watershed and canal rehabilitation projects. We note that the most pressing need at this time is for the provision of shelter and housing for over 1 million people, especially during the rainy season. It is important to undertake adequate planning to establish more durable shelter solutions and early warning systems. We note that, although the security situation in the country remains generally calm, significant new threats have arisen as a result of the earthquake, including from former gang leaders who escaped from prisons. There is a need for support for the strengthening of the capacity of the Haitian security forces to deal with these new emerging threats and challenges. We salute MINUSTAH’s efforts, in collaboration with UNICEF, in improving security and protecting camps for internally displaced persons, providing educational facilities and promoting awareness of child trafficking. We are grateful to the men and women of MINUSTAH who, despite their difficulties and the tragedy that befell them, have continued to play an indispensable role in maintaining a secure and stable environment. Finally, we support the Secretary-General’s recommendation for the increase of 680 police personnel, in addition to the force levels authorized in resolution 1908 (2010).

I shall now make a statement in my capacity as representative of Japan. I, too, would like to extend a warm welcome to the presence of Prime Minister Bellerive of Haiti and to convey the strong solidarity of my Government and people to him. I would also like to express my appreciation to Mr. Mulet, Special Representative of the Secretary- General, for his informative briefing. We applaud his courage and determination and that of his colleagues in Haiti to stand and face the challenge of stabilizing and reconstructing Haiti after the earthquake’s devastation. The focus of the international support in Haiti is now moving from the emergency stage to recovery and reconstruction, but enormous challenges must be met before full-scale reconstruction is launched. Such tasks as removing debris, improving drainage, preparing alternative sites for at-risk settlements and ensuring access routes are prerequisites for reconstruction activities and should be completed in an expeditious manner. There are high expectations of MINUSTAH in terms of securing a safe and stable environment for Haiti’s reconstruction efforts. We encourage MINUSTAH to utilize its maximal capacity, within its current mandate. In response to the call to strengthen the engineering capacity of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), Japan dispatched a Self-Defense Forces engineer squadron of 350 people. They have been engaged in such tasks as building facilities in internally displaced persons camps, repairing the road to the border with the Dominican Republic, and removing debris from the street. We are very pleased that the activities of the Japanese engineering squadron are contributing to the acceleration of the reconstruction process. It is clear that we cannot reconstruct Haiti in the absence of a safe security situation. We commend MINUSTAH for its efforts in maintaining calm in the country. We are grateful to troop- and police- contributing countries and financial contributors. At the same time, we are concerned about instances of sexual and gender-based violence in and around internally displaced persons camps. The presence in society of escaped inmates is also a source of concern. We hope that MINUSTAH will make every possible effort to improve the security environment and support the capacity-building efforts of the Haitian National Police. We appreciate the Secretary-General’s report (S/2010/200). In view of the importance of maintaining security, we support the recommendation of increasing by 680 the number of police personnel. The Secretary- General’s report emphasizes the need to scale up the activities of MINUSTAH, including support to the electoral process. We all support this effort. Effective cooperation between the Government of Haiti, the United Nations country team and the international community is essential to implementing the broader areas of the mandate of MINUSTAH. We welcome the success of the donor’s conference held one month ago, and we congratulate in particular the Government of Haiti and the host Government and organizations. The sustained and long-term engagement of the international community is essential to realizing Haiti’s reconstruction. Japan will continue to support Haiti’s own efforts for self-sustaining development. Our support will place particular priority on the areas of education, human resource development, health, medical care and employment in rural areas. I now resume my functions as President of the Council. I give the floor to the representative of Uruguay.

The Uruguayan delegation, speaking on behalf of the Group of Friends of Haiti, thanks Japan for its initiative to organize this debate on the situation in Haiti and for taking time to noting the progress carried out in the area through the efforts of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH). The Group of Friends of Haiti welcomes the presence of the Prime Minister of Haiti, Jean-Max Bellerive, and reiterates the commitment of States members of the Group to the reconstruction and stabilization of the country. This debate highlights the continued strong commitment of the Security Council and the wider international community to the stabilization process of Haiti. The Group of Friends of Haiti wishes to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ambassador Edmond Mulet, for his leadership and outstanding work, as well as for his comprehensive briefing on MINUSTAH’s activities. The report of the Secretary-General (S/2010/200) enables us to better understand the impact of the devastating earthquake of 12 January, and underlines the extraordinary efforts deployed by MINUSTAH and the United Nations in Haiti. The Group of Friends of Haiti recognizes that MINUSTAH will play a critical role in creating the necessary conditions to provide humanitarian assistance, stability and the infrastructure needed for the total reconstruction of the country. The Group of Friends of Haiti shares the Secretary-General’s assessment of the impact of the 12 January earthquake on the progress made in previous years in the process of economic and political stabilization. The earthquake not only destroyed the infrastructure that had been built, but also generated new obstacles to overcome. The Group recognizes that the devastation has also presented opportunities in the form of the support offered by the international community and of the Government’s vision for a decentralized and strengthened State, with improved institutions and regional development. The Group of Friends of Haiti welcomes the Secretary-General’s report, which highlights the ongoing contribution of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti to the stabilization and peacebuilding in the country. Finally, the Group wishes to reiterate its commitment to the future of Haiti and to its Government and people as they embark on the path of reconstruction, peacebuilding, stabilization, recovery and sustainable development.

I now give the floor to Mr. Albert Ramdin, Assistant Secretary General of the Organization of American States. Mr. Ramdin: I thank you very much, Mr. President, for allowing the Organization of American States (OAS) to take part in this debate. I thank members of the Council and give special recognition to the Prime Minister of Haiti, Mr. Jean- Max Bellerive, who, together with President René Préval, symbolizes the hope for the future of the Haitian people. I thank, of course, our good friend Ambassador Edmond Mulet for his statement. The Organization of American States and the Republic of Haiti, which was a founding member of the Organization of American States, have had a very long and meaningful relationship that has covered many decades. Of course, in the current circumstances, this relationship has taken on extra meaning, and we are therefore very committed and ready to support Haiti in overcoming some of the difficulties that it is encountering at this point. I want to share today more about the electoral process and what the role of the Organization of American States will be. Let me say from the beginning that we very much appreciate the collaboration that exists between the United Nations and the Organization of American States, especially in the areas in which we have exchanged views over the past couple of weeks in terms of the mission that is currently in Haiti and the mission I led there a couple of days ago. In that sense, there is a lot of synergy being built up, which can only bode well for the whole process. We stand ready to play a role in this process. We believe it is a role that is going to be complementary to what the United Nations role has been in the past, and I will come back to that in much more detail. The role of the Organization of American States, as agreed with the Government of Haiti, is basically in three areas: governance, the strengthening and modernization of State institutions, and capacity- building. In the first phase of this objective, there are three very concrete areas in which we will provide support on the basis of our own expertise. The first is electoral support and assistance to the provisional electoral council. The second is the continuation of the project on civil registry, which is going to be critical in that it will make available a voter list that will be credible and acceptable to all political parties in Haiti. The third is the modernization and establishment of the cadastre. But as I said, I will speak today more on the issue of the elections. We welcome the statements made by President Préval and Prime Minister Bellerive on many occasions that, to avoid the establishment of a transitional Government without the Parliament, there is a need for the presidential, legislative and local elections to be held in accordance with the Constitution. In our mission from 8 to 10 April, we had the opportunity to speak on this matter with many stakeholders in society, and we have already shared these views with the President. I would like to share with the Council, if I may, an element of the perspectives that we received and that was shared by all the stakeholders. While there is no discussion or debate on whether the elections should be held, there is apparently a need for more information and dialogue with regard to the process. I think this is one of the factors in creating that platform, so that challenges do not take place after the elections, which could create instability. That is one of the things that I wanted to convey to the Council following discussions with civil society, the private sector and political parties. In terms of the role of the OAS specifically, given that only seven months remain if elections are to take place before the end of the year, it will be basically in four areas. First, we will continue to monitor the debate around the elections, including the issue raised by Ambassador Mulet, namely, constitutional reform and how it can take place. That would be very helpful to the whole process in general. Secondly, we will give high priority to producing a voters’ list that is a more or less accurate reflection of the electorate in Haiti. To that end, we will have to reissue national identification cards to those who have lost them. I think it is possible to do that. But we will also have to at least start to clean up the system by removing the names of those who have died. Thirdly, we will have to identify a process for re-registering those who have left their constituencies and now live somewhere else, so that they can vote in the appropriate constituencies. That is not such a great difficulty for the presidential elections. But, certainly, if that is not done correctly, it may pose a problem for the senatorial elections. Fourthly, we will also redouble our efforts to support the National Identification Office. I have already mentioned the efforts to be undertaken in that regard in terms of the printing, distribution and reissuance of national identification cards. Lastly, we will support the Provisional Electoral Council in training its staff to use software and in establishing the tabulation centre for the day of the elections. We will also assist it in the whole process of reproducing the voters’ list, as we have done on previous occasions. Those are very concrete activities that we hope to undertake in the coming six months. But for that to happen, I think that it is important to recognize that some political decisions need to be taken. I also think that the sooner that those political decisions are taken, the better. For, as the Prime Minister and the President have announced, elections will be held. In the context of the Haitian Constitution, the electoral law needs to be amended if a different kind of electoral machinery is going to be established. We are therefore awaiting those decisions. From our perspective, the technical preparations should start as soon as possible, independent of the date that is going to be established. As I announced earlier, I think there may be an opportunity to engage with the broader society in terms of understanding where the process is going to lead. What I am basically saying is that, as much as possible, we should try to mitigate challenges and tension after the elections, so as to create a platform for social and economic development and good governance, and to deal with the issues that the Haitian people really want to see addressed at this point in time. As I have said already, our role is going to be complementary to the role that the United Nations can play. In that regard, we will cooperate very closely with the United Nations under its leadership. Let me also mention that the Organization of American States works on the basis of three parameters when it comes to Haiti. First of all, in all these activities, we work on the basis of clear and visible leadership from the Haitian authorities — the President and the Prime Minister. In the context of the elections, it is equally necessary to have very strong, clear and visible leadership from the Haitian authorities and the relevant institutions. The second is that we always work in partnership with the international community and the Haitian authorities. The third parameter on which our activities are founded is that we only do things that we can do, and therefore do not duplicate what others may do much better. In conclusion, I want to take this opportunity to express our condolences to the United Nations for the loss of so many of its staff during the earthquake. I would especially like to recognize the enormously valuable roles played in Haiti by Special Representative Hédi Annabi, Deputy Special Representative Luiz Carlos da Costa and the head of the Elections Unit, Gerard Le Chevallier. For many years, I had the pleasure and honour of working with them personally on many occasions. We therefore also share the sadness. Tomorrow at the Organization of American States, there will be a full day of meetings on Haiti. I am pleased to say that, during a special session that we have organized for tomorrow, the Foreign Minister of Haiti will be present to speak. Also present will be the Special Representative of the Caribbean Community, former Prime Minister James Patterson, the United Nations representative in Haiti, Ambassador Edmond Mulet, and a high-level representative of the United States. Following that, we will have several other activities. When tomorrow we commemorate the 100th anniversary of the building of the Organization of American States, we will do so in honour of Haiti and to reaffirm the commitment of the OAS to Haiti now and in the long term.

I thank Mr. Ramdin for his statement. We are very grateful for everything that the Organization of American States is doing in Haiti. I now give the floor to His Excellency Mr. Pedro Serrano, acting head of the delegation of the European Union to the United Nations.

I thank you, Mr. President, for inviting the European Union (EU) to participate in today’s debate on the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) and, in particular, on its future role. The candidate countries Turkey, Croatia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, the countries of the Stabilization and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia, as well as Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Armenia and Georgia, align themselves with this statement. We have listened very carefully to the important statements made by His Excellency Prime Minister Bellerive and by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Mulet. Allow me first of all to pay solemn tribute to the United Nations personnel in Haiti and, in particular, to MINUSTAH staff, who unfortunately paid a all too heavy price as a result of the earthquake of 12 January, which devastated the country. I would like once again to express my most sincere condolences to the families of the victims and to the Government and the people of Haiti. Allow me also to congratulate Mr. Edmond Mulet on his recent appointment as Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Haiti. I also wish to very warmly thank him for the essential work he is doing. I should also like to thank United Nations Special Envoy Bill Clinton and his team for their equally outstanding work. Whether through its military component, clearing rubble and opening up primary roadways, or through its police component, supporting the Haitian National Police — or in other areas such as justice, prisons, human rights, protecting displaced persons, especially women and children, in particular against sexual violence, and awareness-raising campaigns — MINUSTAH, working in close cooperation with the Government of Haiti and other stakeholders on the ground, has played a crucial role in ensuring stability, security and social order under very difficult circumstances. At the New York donors conference on 31 March, the Government of Haiti and the international community committed themselves to the long-term reconstruction of Haiti. We therefore meet today to consider the role to be played by MINUSTAH in the light of the recommendations made by the Secretary- General in his report of 22 April (S/2010/200). The EU welcomes the integrated approach adopted by the United Nations, as set out in the report of the Secretary-General, in the five areas proposed, namely, political stability and elections; support for humanitarian and reconstruction efforts; security, human rights and the rule of law; State capacity and decentralization; and human development. The European Union also underscores the authority of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General over all United Nations activities. Alongside United Nations agencies, MINUSTAH has an essential role to play in that approach. The EU hopes that MINUSTAH will be provided with the means it needs to effectively implement its mandate of responding to the country’s immediate needs, in particular in the areas of elections and security. However, we must take a more expansive view. The Action Plan presented to us by the Government of Haiti at the 31 March conference covers a span of 10 years. Our challenge is therefore to find the best balance between the immediate priorities identified in the report of the Secretary-General and the medium- and long-term priorities set out in the Action Plan, so as to build together a real future for the Haitian people. In this way, and as the capacities of the Haitian Government develop, we need to reexamine the tasks of MINUSTAH so as to guarantee a gradual and realistic transfer of responsibilities. After the earthquake, the European Union responded immediately to the appeals by the Secretary- General and to the adoption by the Security Council of resolution 1908 (2010) aimed at strengthening MINUSTAH by deploying troops and logistical support, including helicopters, engineers and medical supplies and personnel. At present, there are still many troops from several European Union member States on the ground, working in close cooperation with MINUSTAH. Here, I wish to pay tribute to the four Spanish soldiers who lost their lives in a helicopter accident 12 days ago. The EU, together with other actors, contributed to the post-disaster needs assessment used in the development of the Action Plan. On 31 March, during the international conference in New York, the EU announced one of the most significant contributions of all of the donors present, totalling €1.235 billion. Today, the EU is ready to continue working closely with the Haitian Government, the United Nations family and the main stakeholders to translate these promises into a tangible reality. In conclusion, the Haitian people need us, and we need to be there by their side. But the Haitian people are aware that it is up to them and to them alone to chart and travel the path to their nation’s future. The country belongs to them, and the role of the international community is to support them in building back better for the future.

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

The Dominican Republic would like to congratulate you, Sir, on your commendable work as President of the Security Council for the month of April. In particular, we wish to thank you for the highly valuable assistance your Government has provided at this difficult time in Haiti. The Dominican Republic welcomes the presence of His Excellency Mr. Jean-Max Bellerive, Prime Minister of Haiti, and expresses its gratitude for the comprehensive briefing given by our friend, Ambassador Edmund Mullet, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, who also introduced the highly valuable report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) (S/2010/200). The Dominican Republic commends the Secretary-General for the leadership and commitment to Haiti he has shown time and again, especially in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake of 12 January, whose resultant tragic human and material losses were unprecedented for the United Nations system and for the entire region. Through his efforts, the Secretary- General has garnered the broadest support from the international community. The Dominican Republic agrees with the recommendations the Secretary-General makes in paragraph 52 of his report on MINUSTAH. Following the earthquake that hit Haiti on 12 January, MINUSTAH should broaden the scope of its existing mandate to assist the Haitian authorities by fostering political stability, coordinating and enabling emergency aid efforts, maintaining a secure and stable environment, assisting in the strengthening of Haitian State capacity and in decentralization, and helping Haiti build its human capital through the promotion of a balanced social agenda. As the representative of the United States said, the cooperation of Organization of American States (OAS) is essential for ensuring property rights and the rights of individuals to elect and be elected. The Dominican Republic therefore welcomes the statement we have just heard from Ambassador Ramdin, Assistant Secretary General of the OAS. The Dominican Republic believes that broadening the scope of the mandate of MINUSTAH as proposed by the Secretary-General in paragraphs 49 to 75 of his report would be an appropriate tribute to the thousands who lost their lives in a catastrophe whose consequences could have been avoided had better governance been in place. It is only with a functional Government, a cohesive political system, a population that enjoys employment and education and lives in peace, and a civil society that complements rather competes with the efforts of the Government that we will be able move from emergency assistance to reconstruction and from peacekeeping to peacebuilding in Haiti. In his report, the Secretary-General recognized the logistical support provided by the Dominican Republic to the international community’s emergency assistance efforts for the people and the Government of Haiti. While we are grateful for this recognition, the Dominican Republic views the provision of such support, following such a catastrophe, as nothing less than our duty. However, in the long term, a logistical support centre should be established for the emergency assistance needed to respond to the sorts of climatic and seismic natural disasters that will inevitably continue to hit the Caribbean basin. As the Secretary- General notes in paragraph 25 of his report, some 200 MINUSTAH staff are working temporarily in Santo Domingo, carrying out functions that do not require them to be physically present in Haiti. This presence is the embryo of a possible initiative that would go beyond the specific peacekeeping needs of Haiti, given the challenge facing the whole region: to prevent, mitigate and respond more quickly to the risk of natural disasters in the future in Central America and the Caribbean. In view of the fact that the work being carried out by the MINUSTAH staff in my country needs to be placed within a legal framework, the Dominican Republic urges the relevant departments of the United Nations to finalize the details of the memorandum of understanding by which this presence will be made duly official, while an devising a significant institutional mechanism for the management of emergency operations from a country that has demonstrated its willingness and commitment to do so. The Dominican Republic welcomes the successful and generous outcome of the Haiti donors conference held at United Nations Headquarters on 31 March. There is no doubt that the pledges made then will be honoured in the near future given that the Interim Haitian Reconstruction Commission is already in place, under the joint direction of Prime Minister Bellerive and President Clinton and with the World Bank as fiscal agent. The Dominican Republic has collaborated closely with the Haitian authorities to draw up a new economic development plan for Haiti. In this context, together we held a preparatory technical conference in Santo Domingo on 17 March to evaluate the needs assessment, which was drawn up with the assistance of the United Nations, as mentioned by the Secretary- General in paragraph 16 of his report. The Dominican Republic welcomes the emphasis placed by the Secretary-General in paragraph 10 of his report on the transition from the provision of humanitarian aid to the creation of conditions to ensure food security in Haiti. We urge changes in ancestral slash-and-burn agricultural practices and efforts to restore the fertility of the soil and resolve land ownership issues through the adoption of a plan for farming cooperatives. The Dominican Republic is also working on the installation of greenhouses in Haiti to accelerate and ensure increased agricultural output and productivity. The Dominican Republic welcomes in particular the priority given by the Secretary-General to building human capital in Haiti. Only in that way will Haiti be able to leave behind its status as a least developed country — the only such country in the Western Hemisphere. Since 90 per cent of Haitian university infrastructure collapsed during the earthquake, the Dominican President, Leonel Fernández Reyna, announced the construction of a new university in Haiti, with capacity for 10,000 students and with the latest equipment and information and communications technology. To conclude, the Dominican Republic will continue in the long term to promote Haiti’s cause internationally. Together with the Government of Haiti and under the auspices of the European Union, President Fernández Reyna will convene a world summit on the future of Haiti, “Solidarity Beyond the Crisis”, in Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic on 2 June. The Dominican Republic counts on the representation of all United Nations Members there at the highest levels. That would be the best way to demonstrate that, in the wake of the crisis, we will continue to work together to achieve the Haiti of our dreams.

I give the floor to the representative of Canada.

At the outset, I thank you, Sir, for having organized this important meeting. I especially wish to thank Mr. Jean- Max Bellerive, Prime Minister of Haiti, for his presence here today. I also acknowledge the presence of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Edmond Mulet, and thank him for having agreed once again to represent the United Nations in Haiti in very difficult and challenging circumstances. Haiti was a top priority of Canada’s foreign and security policy even before the catastrophic earthquake. Canada is the second-largest donor of development assistance to Haiti and the largest per capita donor. Our humanitarian efforts in the aftermath of the earthquake were Canada’s greatest ever in response to a natural disaster. The events of 12 January took a heavy toll on the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH). Still, the Mission has carried on, contributing invaluably to the relief effort and working with the Government of Haiti and the international community to mitigate the effects of the disaster on Haiti’s people. For that reason, Canada commends MINUSTAH’s efforts and encourages it to continue to work for the Haitian population alongside the Government. Given the new reality in Haiti, Canada believes that MINUSTAH will continue to play a crucial role as we work collectively to put Haiti back on track towards long-term prosperity. As the Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs stated at the 31 March conference, our vision for Haiti is that of a country built on solid foundations of security, sovereignty, the rule of law, economic prosperity, equality, inclusion and social well-being. With the completion of the post-disaster needs assessment, the donors’ conference and the release of the Secretary-General’s report (S/2010/200), we believe it is time to reiterate our support for the work of MINUSTAH. Canada welcomes this opportunity to examine how to best strengthen the Mission’s role in support of the Government of Haiti in achieving this common vision. In the immediate aftermath of the 12 January earthquake, the Council authorized in its resolution 1908 (2010) an increase of 2,000 troops and 1,500 police officers to support urgent recovery, reconstruction and stability efforts. The Secretary- General has now recommended an expanded surge effort to support ongoing relief efforts, prevent the deterioration of public order and reinforce the authority of the Government of Haiti. Canada considers the integrated approach proposed by the Secretary-General to be an appropriate framework for the conduct of the Mission over the next 18 to 24 months. As the Council considers the Secretary-General’s proposals, Canada would like to highlight two particularly important elements. First, Canada recognizes the need for interim support to Haitian institutions and supports enhanced co-location and decentralization programmes. The Secretary-General has also recommended that MINUSTAH use its resources to provide direct logistical support and technical expertise to the Government of Haiti. Given the extent of the difficulties inherent in the loss of a third of the bureaucracy and a significant portion of State infrastructure, a focused and deliberate approach to capacity-building is essential. (spoke in English) Haitian institutions have suffered a serious blow at a crucial phase in their development and require exceptional efforts to maintain their ability to deliver services for Haitians, particularly outside of Port-au- Prince. Important work has been done in supporting Haitian institutions and the progress achieved thus far need not be lost. Also, while acknowledging the need to assist the Government of Haiti in restoring, sustaining and decentralizing service delivery, the international community must also recognize the continuing importance of aligning its support with the priorities of the Haitian Government. As social and political stability are restored, Haitian institutions will gradually reassert their ability to carry out their mandates. In the interim, the onus is on MINUSTAH and other partners to engage constructively and preserve the authority of the host Government. We must work to keep our activities aligned with Haitian priorities with a view to transitioning all governance functions back to Haitian authorities once the immediate need has passed. We are collectively committed to building the long-term institutional capacity of Haiti, not simply the maintenance of short- term public order. Again, in this way we are well served by a strong mandate and a dedicated community of partners. Canada supports the request for more resources, including additional police, to strengthen the Mission’s work in Haiti. In this context, Canada would also like to stress the need to regularly assess the composition of surge resources to ensure that they remain appropriate to evolving circumstances on the ground. We look forward to the Secretary-General’s follow-up reports on the progress achieved during the surge period. In conclusion, the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti is one of the most important reflections of the collective commitment of the international community to Haiti’s reconstruction. It is for this reason that Canada has increased its total commitment of police officers to MINUSTAH from 100 to 150. We are confident that the gains we saw in Haiti before the earthquake have not all been lost and that Haiti is capable of building back better with the help of the international community.

I give the floor to the representative of Colombia.

Allow me at the outset to congratulate you, Sir, and your team on your effective work in the presidency of the Security Council during the month of April. My delegation appreciates your initiative of convening this debate, as well as the recent report of the Secretary- General (S/2010/200) on the issue of Haiti in the aftermath of the earthquake that took place in Port-au- Prince on 12 January. We welcome the presence of Mr. Jean-Max Bellerive, Prime Minister of Haiti, as well as the Action Plan presented by the Haitian Government. My delegation wishes to convey a message of solidarity and hope to the Government and people of Haiti. By joining in the emergency assistance and reconstruction work, we pay tribute to those who perished in the tragedy, including the staff of the United Nations peacekeeping mission. The timely action of the Security Council in adopting resolution 1908 (2010) following the natural disaster, reaffirms the relevance and contribution of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) to the stability of Haiti. I wish to acknowledge, in particular, the work, broad experience and knowledge of Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Edmond Mulet, who has now been entrusted with the difficult responsibility of leading MINUSTAH. Colombia supports the recommendations made in the Secretary-General’s report (S/2010/200) concerning support for the electoral process in Haiti, the reconfiguration of the military component of MINUSTAH, the expansion of its police component, and action to strengthen border controls. We agree with the emphasis placed on the lead role that MINUSTAH should play in coordinating international electoral assistance to the Government of Haiti in the holding of municipal, legislative and presidential elections, which must be held before 7 February 2011, the scheduled date for the transfer of power. Colombia supports the efforts to ensure that this democratic exercise is free, impartial and inclusive. We also support the initiative of reconfiguring the military component of MINUSTAH, with an emphasis on deploying military engineers to support the reconstruction of the country’s infrastructure. Strengthening the institutional architecture of Haiti is as important as contributing to its physical reconstruction. In that regard, the Haitian National Police have a crucial role to play in establishing a climate of security and stability that helps to strengthen State authority and institution-building. The Secretary-General’s initiative to increase the number of MINUSTAH police personnel is therefore appropriate. The support that those additional troops can provide to the Haitian National Police in its task of providing security and organizing its work in line with the needs of the local communities, in particular the displaced communities, is very important. The challenge of transnational organized crime is particularly significant. Security Council resolution 1892 (2009) indicates that the capacity of the Haitian National Police to address illegal activities in the border area must be strengthened. Such work requires particular attention in the context of the country’s increased vulnerability to illicit drug trafficking as a result of the earthquake. In that regard, Colombia approves of the recommendations concerning MINUSTAH’s provision of training and specialized technical knowledge in support of the Haitian National Police’s efforts to implement an integrated approach to border management. During the second half of 2009, the Haitian authorities and the leadership of MINUSTAH received recommendations from a high-level delegation of the Colombian National Police, which carried out an assessment of the institutional structure of the Haitian National Police. That assessment proposes actions that would have a positive impact on security conditions, such as providing mobility resources to the Haitian National Police, in particular air and ground transport, that would enable it to conduct operations in a timely way. The relevance of those conclusions is of greater significance in the current circumstances. Strengthening the Haitian National Police is a step in the right direction and a response to the current challenges, in particular the fight against crime, the sophisticated organization of which requires a comprehensive police response. My country wishes to reiterate its commitment to MINUSTAH, to which it currently contributes a total of 34 police officers specialized in the fight against transnational organized crime. We reiterate our support for the work being done in response to the disaster and the reconstruction challenges. The Government of Colombia, aware of the magnitude of the tragedy, has provided $4 million in assistance to be used in 2010 to help in Haiti’s recovery. Contributing to overcoming the consequences of the tragedy also helps foster conditions favourable to MINUSTAH’s work and the achievement of lasting stability in the brother country of Haiti.

I call on the representative of Guatemala.

We are still stunned by the unprecedented situation in Haiti in the face of the terrible catastrophe of 12 January, with its tragic material and, above all, human cost to the Government and people of Haiti and the United Nations. It was undoubtedly a watershed moment that requires us to reflect on everything related to Haiti, including the United Nations Mission, in terms of the needs generated by the new situation. One matter that remains abundantly clear is that if a possible exit strategy for the Mission was starting to be considered prior to 12 January, from that date we have had to focus on how to strengthen it and to consider making adjustments to its mandate. The immediate background is characterized by a sudden weakening of the national institutional structure and an exponential increase in the demand for the civilian and security services provided by the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) since its establishment. Given that scenario, we thank the Secretary- General for his report on the realities on the ground (S/2010/200), as well as his proposals for addressing the situation in the coming months. We also thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Edmond Mulet, for his briefing and convey to him our admiration and respect for having accepted the enormous challenge that he and his colleagues are confronting in helping the Haitian people and Government to overcome the difficult situation they are now facing. We are proud to have participated in MINUSTAH since its establishment and, as the report points out, Guatemala was one of the first countries to respond to the request contained in resolution 1908 (2010) for additional troops. I would like to make the following brief remarks regarding the Secretary-General’s report. First, identifying the key areas referred to in the report is a significant starting point. However, we note that those five key areas are not new, but recurring and unique to the specific Haitian situation. Fulfilling them will require intense coordination among the various national and international actors and will be subject to different development and implementation phases. In that regard, we should also seek to ensure the appropriate timing and sequencing among those priorities within an integrated strategic framework. Secondly, once priorities have been set, we also need to ensure that there are resources to back them up. In particular, the pledges made at the 31 March international donors conference must be fulfilled, along with those made in response to the Flash Appeal for Haiti. We must not forget how important it is to follow up on these commitments; the next summit of heads of State or Government, to be held in Santo Domingo, will be an opportunity to do so. Thirdly, with regard to the future role of MINUSTAH, we believe that, without losing sight of its fundamental objectives, the Mission can undertake additional reconstruction tasks and intensify its complementary role in recovery activities. But the Mission cannot and should not replace the State in its primary role and responsibilities. We must recall that without political will at the national level any United Nations involvement will face major obstacles in achieving success and in maintaining a safe and secure environment. For that reason, political stability is absolutely crucial. We believe that the country should resume the national dialogue that was under way before the earthquake, in order to build trust and political consensus, including with respect to the preparation of successful elections. Fourthly, the report sets out interesting proposals in the sphere of the rule of law and security institutions. Possibly, the existing mandate might not allow for the implementation of all of them. Hence, we recognize that restoring the rule of law is a precondition for the Government to guarantee full enjoyment of the Haitian people’s human rights. But we warn against yielding to the temptation to create new mechanisms unless they are absolutely necessary. Rather, we should build on our experience of what works and build our capacity to ensure a more predictable, coherent and effective approach to support. Finally, we are encouraged by the conclusion reached by the United Nations Haiti Integrated Strategic Planning Group, that the January earthquake had not destroyed the gains made in the past few years, but that it had damaged them and created new obstacles. We are especially concerned about the situation of internally displaced persons and about the coming rainy season. But it is undeniable that the United Nations presence in Haiti has once again made a crucial difference to that country. In conclusion, I wish to acknowledge the outstanding performance of the outgoing Force Commander, Major General Floriano Peixoto Vieira Neto, and to welcome the new Force Commander, Major General Luiz Guilherme Paul Cruz. We reaffirm our full support for MINUSTAH and urge us all to stay the course for the sake of Haiti and of the United Nations itself.

I now give the floor to the representative of Peru.

Peru endorses the statement made by the representative of Uruguay on behalf of the group of Friends of Haiti. My delegation congratulates you, Mr. President, on your initiative to convene this debate on the situation in Haiti, giving us an opportunity for an exchange of views on the report of the Secretary- General on the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) (S/2010/200). We welcome the presence of Mr. Jean-Max Bellerive, Prime Minister of Haiti. We thank Mr. Edmond Mulet, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Haiti, for his detailed briefing, and we congratulate him on his recent appointment. We are convinced that under his well-known leadership and thanks to his tireless efforts the work of MINUSTAH will be strengthened in helping meet the great challenges facing the Haitian nation. The Secretary-General’s lucid and powerful account of the situation in Haiti following the devastating earthquake of 12 January leads us to the conclusion that there is a unquestionable need for MINUSTAH to continue playing its important role in support of all recovery and reconstruction efforts in Haiti. Let us recall that, last year, the mandate review incorporated suggestions by the Secretary-General; in the light of current circumstances, these are even more timely for strengthening MINUSTAH’s presence. They are being implemented: here, I confirm that Peru will contribute an additional infantry company of 150 troops, which will help with security tasks related to humanitarian relief efforts to meet the priority needs of the Haitian people. My delegation takes note of the recommendations made by the Secretary-General in his recent report and observes that they have been endorsed by the United Nations Haiti Integrated Strategic Planning Group. Clearly, one vital goal is to build the institutional capacity of the Haitian Government, which has been badly hit. We consider that, in the main, national actors must be the true protagonists in developing and implementing the reconstruction and recovery programme. All activities and cooperation contributing to the Haitian Government’s State-building process must be aimed at closing the strategic gap involving weak institutional capacity and a lack of human and material resources, in order to effectively and speedily meet the needs of the Haitian people. In order to attain that goal, we need to address three areas with a direct impact on the current Haitian recovery and reconstruction process: governance, security and development. Here, there must be a just balance that does not give priority to one area over the others. Beyond all of the international community’s initiatives in cooperation with the Government and the people of Haiti to improve the grave economic and social situation, my delegation believes that no effort should be spared in encouraging close cooperation between Haiti’s public and private sectors, in order to bolster the implementation of needed institutional reforms in many areas. It is they who should be the main actors in the work of the Interim Haitian Reconstruction Commission, which, as indicated in the report of the Secretary-General, has already been endorsed by the legislature and is being established. A strategic alliance between Haiti’s public and private sectors can create a virtuous circle that will help strengthen State capacity and ultimately ensure the stability and security of that sister Caribbean nation. We are convinced that, with joint efforts by all actors committed to the process of Haitian reconstruction and State-building, the Government and the people of Haiti — with their acknowledged ability to overcome adversity — will decisively and with optimism meet the challenges in order to guarantee their country’s sustainable development. Here, I wish once again to reaffirm Peru’s firm and steadfast commitment to contributing to the recovery, stability and development of Haiti.

I now give the floor to the representative of Argentina.

I wish at the outset to thank you, Mr. President, for having given us the opportunity to participate in this meeting to discuss the present situation and the challenges facing the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) in the light of the most recent report of the Secretary-General (S/2010/200). Allow me also to thank Mr. Edmond Mulet, Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Haiti, for his statement and above all for his praiseworthy work as head of the Mission. My delegation would like to align itself with the statement made by the representative of Uruguay on behalf of the Group of Friends of Haiti, to which we would just like to add some brief additional comments. As we have said on previous occasions, we believe that the presence of MINUSTAH prevented the tragedy of the earthquake from giving rise to incidents that would have further worsened the situation of the Haitian population, because it served as a fundamental stabilizing element. We consider that MINUSTAH should continue to be a factor for the permanent consolidation of a climate of security and stability that will help to build the institutional capacity of the Haitian State, which is necessary to ensure the start of a new phase of peacebuilding and economic and social development in Haiti. Consideration of the future role of MINUSTAH is linked to the planning of assistance, reconstruction and development in Haiti. In that regard, we believe that two basic principles need to be respected. First of all, we consider that it is the Government and the people of Haiti that must decide their own future. Secondly, we are convinced that the United Nations has a central role to play in coordinating international assistance to Haiti. Thus, while we are still analysing the details of its content, we welcome the Secretary-General’s latest report, especially the idea that MINUSTAH should adopt a comprehensive approach in the five priority areas indicated in the report. We believe that this integrated approach will respect the principles I mentioned, especially with regard to electoral and humanitarian assistance, where we believe the Organization’s coordinating role is essential. In addition, we share the Secretary-General’s idea of reconfiguring the military component of the Mission so that as the situation evolves there will be a larger number of military engineers to contribute to reconstruction work. Regarding the strengthening of the Mission’s police component, I would like to recall that since before the earthquake Argentina, together with other countries of the Americas, was actively encouraging regional police cooperation with Haiti in order to help develop the institutional capacities of the Haitian State. We also believe that this cooperation mechanism should continue within MINUSTAH, because that would enhance the Mission’s contribution to the professional training of the Haitian National Police. Argentina announced a significant contribution at the recent donors conference for Haiti. That is in addition to our efforts to help build human capital in Haiti. For example, we are considering the possibility of cooperation in education and in the recovery of cultural assets. We are also working on strengthening and expanding the triangular South-South cooperation programme for the production of one’s own fresh food — the Pro-Huerta project — which prior to the earthquake consisted of a grass-roots social network with more than 80,000 participants, 1,823 promoters and a Haitian technical team of 23 agronomists. We hope to reach a million participants in the programme throughout Haiti within five years, giving the people of Haiti the wherewithal to build their own future. Let me conclude by saying that we are working in Haiti in the hope that the day will come when the Mission’s work will be finished and the presence of the United Nations and the international community will no longer be necessary because the people of Haiti will be able to take full charge of their own destiny. There is an urgent need to make progress in the post- earthquake reconstruction of Haiti, at the same time working to build the country’s institutional capacity and improve coordination with international cooperation to bring it into line with the priorities of the Government of Haiti and to increase its effectiveness and visibility. We believe that the United Nations has a fundamental role to play in that respect.

I now give the floor to the representative of Spain.

My delegation is grateful for the opportunity to participate in this debate, which enables me to reaffirm Spain’s full commitment to the people and the Government of Haiti, especially in the difficult current circumstances following the tragic earthquake that devastated the country on 12 January. We share the pain of the whole nation and of the United Nations family at the loss of so many human lives and the suffering and privations of the entire population. We are obliged to do everything possible to ensure that the sacrifice and pain will not have been in vain. Fortunately, we are responding. We took a great step forward with, inter alia, the donors conference held on 31 March in New York, at which the Haitian Government presented its Action Plan for the Reconstruction and the Development of Haiti. The response of the international community was extraordinarily generous. At that event, the Spanish Government announced a significant contribution which made us the third largest bilateral donor in Haiti. The New York conference will be continued at the Santo Domingo summit on 2 June. Today’s debate in the Security Council, the first since the earthquake, is another step in the right direction, and we think that it is highly appropriate that it is taking place in the presence of the Prime Minister of Haiti, Mr. Jean-Max Bellerive, and with his participation. My delegation fully supports — it cannot be said any other way — the statement made by the representative of the delegation of the European Union. Allow me add several elements from our point of view. We have closely studied the new report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) (S/2010/200), issued on 22 April, and we support its main recommendations. I would like to take the opportunity to give particular thanks to the Special Representative of the Secretary- General, Mr. Edmond Mulet, for his briefing today. I would also like to acknowledge the extraordinary work that he and his team are doing so diligently and in such difficult conditions. We support the adoption of a comprehensive approach by the entire United Nations system in the five priority areas mentioned in the Secretary- General’s report. We believe that such an approach should have MINUSTAH at its core and — as is the case now — should be implemented in close coordination with the United Nations country team and with all the international community actors present in Haiti. We think also that adopting a comprehensive approach could make modifying the current MINUSTAH mandate unnecessary, as it seems wide and flexible enough to face the new challenges with any adaptations to its concept of operations that might be appropriate. We think that MINUSTAH’s activities could be adjusted as suggested by the Secretary- General, including an increase in its police component, in order to enhance its activities in the short and medium term at this very delicate time; Mr. Mulet referred to this in his briefing. As is well known, Spain contributed to strengthening MINUSTAH immediately after the 12 January earthquake. We did that in two ways, first through the Mission itself, by sending 23 Guardia Civil officers to join the police contingent. This increases the number of Spanish police personnel in that contingent to 58. We have also dispatched the amphibious vessel Castilla, with 450 military personnel on board, to provide humanitarian assistance, in the areas of health care and engineering, in constant coordination with the Haitian Government and MINUSTAH. I take this opportunity to express my gratitude for the condolences offered with respect to the loss of four Spanish soldiers on 16 April in a helicopter accident as they worked to carry out their mission. Spain will continue to support MINUSTAH in the coming phase, on the basis of the comprehensive approach proposed by the Secretary-General, which we hope will be endorsed by the Security Council. We are giving careful study to the possibility of strengthening MINUSTAH in areas for priority action, in particular those related to security, human rights and the rule of law, within the broader purpose of helping Haiti to fully and effectively build its institutional capacity. Here, I reaffirm the importance that Spain attaches to MINUSTAH’s role in supporting the process of reforming the Haitian National Police with a view to ensuring effective and sustained security in the country. Maintaining stability is at the heart of MINUSTAH’s mandate, and it is key to the reconstruction and development efforts to which we committed ourselves at the 31 March conference at United Nations Headquarters. In the shorter term, stability is key also in successfully implementing the demanding political and electoral timetable, with major milestones for this year, such as the conclusion of the constitutional reform process and the holding of legislative and presidential elections at the end of the year. We are therefore pleased at the Secretary- General’s dispatch of a technical mission to work with the Haitian authorities on the preparation of the electoral process, with due international assistance led by the United Nations.

I now give the floor to the representative of Norway.

Let me first thank you, Mr. President, for convening today’s meeting. My special thanks go to Mr. Jean-Max Bellerive, Prime Minister of Haiti, for being here and addressing the Council today. The earthquake in Haiti was a humanitarian disaster striking a people living in extreme poverty and distress. We are truly impressed by the extraordinary strength of the Haitian people in overcoming the crisis and looking forward. We commend the Haitian Government for taking the lead in developing the national Action Plan for the Reconstruction and the Development of Haiti. It is more important than ever that international efforts for reconstruction be well coordinated, under the leadership of the Haitian Government and the United Nations. Despite terrible losses, the United Nations has done a remarkable job under difficult circumstances following the earthquake. We would like to express our full support to the Special Envoy, Mr. Bill Clinton, and to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr, Edmund Mulet, who are leading the international efforts. Immediately following the earthquake that struck Haiti on 12 January, Norway provided $35 million in emergency relief. At the international donors conference on 31 March, Norway announced long-term assistance to Haiti with an additional $100 million over the next four years, in within three areas: disaster preparedness and sustainable rural development; political dialogue and confidence-building; and protection of women and children from violence, sexual abuse and trafficking. I would like to draw attention to a few important aspects regarding the protection of civilians in Haiti. The United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) and the Haitian National Police suffered great losses in the earthquake. Therefore it is encouraging to see how well the Haitian National Police, MINUSTAH and local actors have cooperated in tackling concrete protection issues after the earthquake. But the challenges ahead are massive. Some 2 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) are living in 1,300 IDP sites now, before the rainy season and the hurricanes set in. Almost 80 per cent of these people live in camps without proper camp management. We have received reports about rape and other forms of sexual abuse of women and children in the camps. Simultaneously, large numbers of dangerous criminals are still at large after the massive prison escape following the earthquake — criminals who had been captured following effective MINUSTAH action before the earthquake. The situation is truly dramatic. Haitian rule of law structures will have to be strengthened in order to protect Haiti’s population, including in the IDP camps and sites. The National Police will continue to need our support in doing this, and all possible measures should be taken to strengthen its ability to protect women and children who are vulnerable to sexual exploitation and violence and trafficking. Norway therefore fully supports the recommendation by the Secretary-General to strengthen the police elements of MINUSTAH to be able to confront these massive challenges. As a concrete measure of support, Norway will provide substantial financial support to the MINUSTAH- Haitian National Police programme to strengthen National Police gender crimes units. Furthermore, and as soon as positions and personnel can be matched, we intend to nominate highly qualified Norwegian police officers with relevant expertise in the field of sexual and gender based violence, as well as trafficking issues. A dialogue with the Department of Peacekeeping Operations will be initiated immediately to match our capabilities with MINUSTAH’s needs on the ground. As a final point, I would like to underline that all the efforts the international community undertakes in Haiti today — even those addressing immediate concerns — should have an element of capacity- building in mind. To achieve longer-term sustainability for the Haitian National Police and other Haitian rule of law structures, continued and close cooperation between MINUSTAH and Haiti’s authorities will be needed at all times. There should be no doubt that Haiti is in the lead, from early on. It is their country, their future and ultimately their responsibility that we as the international community are here to support.

There are no further speakers inscribed on my list. The Security Council has thus concluded the present stage of its consideration of the item on its agenda.