S/PV.7147 Security Council

In accordance with rule 37 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representatives of Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Guatemala, Haiti, Jamaica, Japan, Mexico, Peru, Spain and Uruguay to participate in this meeting. In accordance with rule 39 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite Ms. Sandra Honoré, Special Representative of the Secretary- General and Head of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti, to participate in this meeting. In accordance with rule 39 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite His Excellency Mr. Thomas Mays-Harting, Head of the Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations, to participate in this meeting. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. I wish to draw the attention of Council members to document S/2014/162, which contains the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti. I now give the floor to Ms. Honoré.

I would like to express my gratitude to Luxembourg as President of the Security Council and to all of the members of the Council for convening this meeting to consider the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (S/2014/162). I also take this opportunity to welcome the presence of the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Haiti. (spoke in Spanish) I wish to thank in particular all of the countries that contribute troops and police to the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) and the Member States that have collaborated in the stabilization and reconstruction process for their valuable support to the consolidation of peace and democracy in Haiti. (spoke in English) Since my last briefing to the Security Council in August 2013 (see S/PV.7024), the overall security situation in Haiti has remained relatively stable. As compared to 2012, the year 2013 saw a decrease in major crimes, including homicides and kidnappings, by 21 and 53 per cent, respectively. While the first half of the reporting period witnessed a 57 per cent increase in demonstrations, notably in the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince and other urban areas across the country, most were peaceful and largely triggered by socioeconomic grievances. The performance of the Haitian National Police continued to improve and the security situation in the five departments vacated by MINUSTAH’s military component remained stable. However, when the capacity of the National Police was put to severe test, operational support by MINUSTAH forces was often necessary. Further strengthening of the police therefore remains a critical stabilization benchmark for MINUSTAH. Turning to the political situation, I would first like to commend Haiti’s political leaders for choosing the path of dialogue and reaching an agreement on holding elections this year. I would furthermore like to congratulate the Conférence Episcopale d’Haïti and its President, Cardinal Chibly Langlois, for successfully mediating an agreement resulting from a step unprecedented in Haitian political history when, on 24 January, an inter-Haitian dialogue between the executive branch, Parliament and political parties was launched to discuss issues of democratic governance, elections and amending the Constitution. The formal signing of the El Rancho accord by the executive, the legislature and participating political parties was finally accomplished on 14 March. The accord stipulates that one election will be held this year, combining the long- delayed local, municipal and partial senatorial elections with those foreseen for the end of 2014, that is, for a second third of the Senate and for the entire Chamber of Deputies. As outlined in the accord, key provisions to be implemented within a 10-day time frame include amending the electoral law to confer the appropriate mandate on the Electoral Council; replacing up to one member of the Electoral Council by each of the three State powers; and a Cabinet reshuffle to include individuals drawn from interested political parties. A commission has been established to monitor the implementation of those provisions. A number of signatories to the accord expressed reservations about certain provisions, signalling the likelihood that further negotiations will be necessary to facilitate their implementation. The long-awaited adoption and promulgation of an electoral law in December 2013, along with the accord of 14 March emanating from the inter-Haitian dialogue, have prepared a path towards inclusive and transparent elections to be held later this year, a sine qua non for Parliament’s continuous functioning in January 2015. It is now critically important that the Haitian authorities implement the provisions of the accord, including the amendment of the electoral law, in a timely manner. To that end, MINUSTAH, along with members of the international community represented in Haiti, are engaging Haiti’s key political actors. With regard to the economic situation, there is reason for cautious optimism and renewed hope, owing to the economic growth rate of 4.3 per cent in 2013, which has provided the Haitian Government with an important building block for more sustainable and equitable development. Post-earthquake reconstruction and rehabilitation has continued, and of the 1.5 million people housed in camps in the aftermath of the tragedy of January 2010, only an estimated 146,573 people remain in temporary camps. Notwithstanding that achievement, it is a humanitarian imperative that the Government follow through its commitment to ensuring the orderly closure of those camps and finding durable solutions for the displaced, who continue to live under adverse conditions or to face forced evictions. The fact that some 600,000 Haitians still face severe food insecurity is cause for concern, as is the prevalence of acute malnutrition among children, which increased from 5.1 per cent in 2012 to 6.5 per cent in 2013. While the number of suspected cholera cases has been reduced significantly every year, falling from 352,033 cases in 2011 to 58,608 in 2013, more must be done, since Haiti still has the highest number of cholera cases in the world. Delivering and sustaining better health requires an urgent, scaled-up effort to combat the disease and address decades of underinvestment in basic systems for safe water, hygiene, sanitation and health care. The United Nations system in Haiti has developed a two-year, $68 million initiative in support of the Government’s 10-year national plan for the elimination of cholera. In addition, the United Nations and the Government of Haiti are finalizing the establishment of a high-level committee to oversee the coordinated implementation of the cholera response measures, as outlined in the national plan. In accordance with resolution 2119 (2013), regarding MINUSTAH’s further conditions-based consolidation, the Mission is on target to achieve a 15 per cent reduction of its uniformed strength and reach the mandated strength of 5,021 military troops by the end of June 2014. The strength of the police component remains at 2,601. Given the gains in stabilization since 2004, the Secretary-General is confident that Haiti and its partners can continue moving forward with the ongoing consolidation process. Furthermore, in his August 2013 report (S/2013/493), the Secretary-General indicated his intention to explore the best way for the United Nations to continue contributing to greater stability and development in Haiti beyond 2016. On the basis of an initial review and the activities of MINUSTAH and the United Nations country team, five broad options have been identified and proposed in the Secretary-General’s latest report. They include, first, designating a United Nations special envoy for Haiti to deliver political good offices; secondly, establishing a special political mission with continued support for police development through individual police officers and assistance to rule-of-law and human-rights efforts; thirdly, establishing a smaller, more focused peacekeeping mission without a military presence and a continued and possibly increased country-wide United Nations police presence. It is important to note that no United Nations military presence is envisioned under the first three options. A fourth option would establish a smaller, more focused peacekeeping mission with United Nations police and a small military presence; a fifth would adjust MINUSTAH’s current mandate to reflect a reduced scope of its activities, achieved through the completion of the consolidation plan. The United Nations remains firmly committed to including key national and international stakeholders in the consultative process, leading ultimately to determining which option is the most appropriate to ensure not only that Haiti benefits in every way from a successful transition to a newly configured United Nations presence beyond 2016, but also that the stabilization achievements are preserved and sustained. Obviously, consultations will also take place with the Government of Haiti. To this end, a full scale, United Nations-wide strategic assessment should be conducted to provide the Council with an updated, in-depth evaluation of conditions on the ground. In parallel with the process just described, a revision of the 2013-2016 United Nations integrated strategic framework for Haiti is being envisaged, in coordination with Haitian Government counterparts and the donor community, to identify priority areas for the United Nations country team’s strategic engagement as the Mission consolidates. In the meantime, it is important that the Government and MINUSTAH continue to work on multiple fronts to attain the stabilization benchmarks outlined in the MINUSTAH consolidation plan. Concerning the development of the Haitian National Police, MINUSTAH, together with our international partners, continues to support the Haitian Government and the police in the implementation of the HNP development plan for 2012-2016. With the objective of achieving a minimum of 15,000 active police officers by 2016, the twenty-fourth promotion graduated 1,058 cadets, including 111 women, in December 2013. The twenty-fifth promotion, set to start soon, will have an expected 1,250 cadets and will be completed by the end of 2014. The current strength of the Haitian National Police is 11,228 active police officers, including 950 women. The further development of the Haitian police is vital to ensure enduring stability in Haiti. Notwithstanding the progress achieved in the build- up of a professional and accountable police force and the important contributions made by bilateral partners to the police development plan, resources are still insufficient to achieve all the targets of this plan. The sustained commitment of the Haitian Government and the continuous generous assistance of the international community will remain critical not only to enabling the National Police to progressively assume full responsibility for internal security, but also to strengthening required management and administrative capacity, oversight mechanisms and the development of specialized units. Progress in the professionalization of the HNP needs to be complemented by similar improvements in other areas of the rule of law, notably in the justice and corrections sector. The Mission is supporting the presidential commission on judicial reform and a law reform working group with a view to finalizeing a new criminal code. Updating Haiti’s antiquated criminal code and criminal procedure is a preoccupation for Haitian jurists, human rights advocates and MINUSTAH. Similarly, the Mission continues to work with Haitian authorities and international partners to reduce lengthy periods of pre-trial detention and to improve deplorable prison conditions. However, the Government of Haiti needs to develop a more strategic, comprehensive and sustained approach to reforming the justice system as a whole. Concerning respect for the rule of law, it is equally important that key oversight and accountability mechanisms be rendered operational and allowed to operate independently. With respect to the forthcoming electoral process, the United Nations continues to provide technical advice and capacity-building support to the Electoral Council, which has the constitutional responsibility for the organization of the elections. However, the Mission’s consolidation implies a more focused and strategic use of available assets in support of the national electoral authorities. In relation to governance, MINUSTAH has concentrated its good offices on promoting dialogue among national stakeholders to overcome the electoral impasse. During the reporting period, despite the lingering stalemate between the executive branch and Parliament, Haiti saw the adoption of important legislation beyond the electoral law, such as the law on the financing of political parties, the law against money-laundering and terrorism financing, and the anti-corruption law for which MINUSTAH had been advocating. (spoke in French) In conclusion, Haiti is at a turning point where progress on peace, security and stability must be sustained through the consolidation of the democratic process, the rule of law, good governance and better support for the needs of the entire population. The promulgation of the electoral law and the recent signing of the El Rancho agreement, arising from the inter-Haitian dialogue process, mark important steps towards the holding of elections in 2014. The commitment shown by national stakeholders to dialogue as a means of agreement is a victory for Haiti. I hope that the dialogue will continue and deepen so as to respond to the many challenges the country faces. It is in the national interest that Haitian political actors adhere to the spirit of the agreement in order to ensure that the country continues to move forward on the path towards the democracy and stabilization necessary for the sustainable socioeconomic development of the Haitian people.

I thank Ms. Honoré for her briefing. I shall now give the floor to the members of the Security Council.

I thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Honoré for her briefing, which, together with the report of the Secretary-General (S/2014/162), illuminates the impressive strides Haiti has made, as well as the challenges it continues to face. Today, I should like to focus on three areas that are essential for the Council, the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) and the international community to consider as we work with Haitians to build for the future. These are deepening security and the rule of law, ensuring consistent political progress, and finding the right scope and size for the United Nations presence in the country. First, with respect to security, the United States welcomes the ongoing expansion and development of the Haitian National Police (HNP), and in particular its growing and demonstrated capacity to take on responsibility for Haiti’s security. The relatively stable security situation reported by the Secretary-General, including in areas of the country that the MINUSTAH military component has already vacated, indicates strong progress on this front. While a larger professional police force remains necessary if sustained stability and the rule of law are to take root throughout Haiti, the Government of Haiti and its partners, including MINUSTAH, must also prioritize the development of the judiciary, the corrections system and oversight mechanisms. Further minimizing the number of prisoners held in pre-trial detention, for example, would be a key indicator of the Government’s commitment to strengthening due process in the legal and corrections systems. Like strong institutions, a democratic, functioning political process featuring regular elections is critical to Haiti’s long-term stability. The gains made since the Council last met on Haiti in August 2013 (see S/PV.7024), culminating in this month’s signing of the El Rancho agreement, are encouraging, and we commend Haiti’s political leaders for making the difficult but necessary compromises to move the process forward so that the Haitian people can freely exercise their right to choose their Government representatives. The United States urges those same leaders to act without delay to amend the electoral law, as needed, and to stand up the provisional Electoral Council so that Haiti’s election adminstrators will have sufficient time to organize — with the strong support of Haiti’s partners, including MINUSTAH  — elections in 2014 that are free, fair, credible and inclusive. The United States also encourages Special Representative Honoré to continue to facilitate dialogue among political leaders and with civil society to ensure that disagreements about the electoral process or other areas of civic life are resolved swiftly so that they do not threaten Haiti’s hard-won gains. In the light of Haiti’s progress, the United States welcomes the Secretary-General’s presentation of possible alternate designs for the United Nations presence in Haiti beyond 2016, and we agree with the Secretary-General that an accelerated transition to a new United Nations configuration in Haiti could be considered if conditions on the ground permit. The United States urges the Secretary-General to conduct, as soon as possible, a strategic assessment that evaluates whether conditions, including expected election support requirements, warrant accelerating the transition to a new Mission structure or continuing the conditions of the base drawdown under way. We urge the Secretary-General to report his findings in his next report on Haiti to the Security Council. The Council must continue to ensure that MINUSTAH’s mandate, structure and size remain appropriate to Haiti’s evolving circumstances. In that regard, we hope that the United Nations can provide more detailed reporting on the declining role of MINUSTAH forces in ensuring security in Haiti. For example, specific information over time on the number and type of incidents in which the HNP requested and received operational support, also organized by location and the type and number of MINUSTAH forces that responded, would be useful to determining where the HNP stands in progressing towards being able to assume full responsibility for Haiti’s security. More information about the frequency of, and need for, independent MINUSTAH patrols, particularly by military elements, also would be useful to the Council’s deliberations. We expect that such patrols would already be in steady decline, given the expansion of the HNP and the fact that they need to test their capacity while robust MINUSTAH operational support and advice remain available. At a minimum, those patrols should be conducted with the HNP, not independent of them. Finally, the United States expresses its deep gratitude to two Brazilians. First, we thank Lieutenant General Pujol for his dedicated service as Force Commander. Secondly, we congratulate Lieutenant General Jaborandy on his appointment. The dedicated men and women of MINUSTAH have the utmost admiration and support of the United States as they work together with the Haitian people to build a more peaceful and prosperous future in Haiti.

I would like to thank Ms. Sandra Honoré, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), for her briefing on MINUSTAH’s work in Haiti. The context of the establishment of MINUSTAH is complex — from the very precarious sociopolitical situation to the 2010 earthquake and the ravages of hurricane Sandy, which left more than 500,000 dead and thousands of wounded, as well as 1.2 million internally displaced and major physical and psychological damage. Under those conditions, reconstruction and stabilization is slow and painful. Stabilization will only be possible with the will and efforts of the Haitians themselves. We commend the work of the United Nations team and their commitment to support Haitians. Chad notes with satisfaction the progress made in the national dialogue that began in January under the auspices of the Episcopal Conference of Haiti. We are pleased at the consensus that all the parties reached in order to hold free, transparent senatorial and local elections. We thank the Mission for the technical support to strengthen the instruments needed for holding the upcoming elections. On the security front, the Mission has effectively completed its mandate to strengthen the capacity of the Haitian National Police. Chad actively contributes to the Mission with six trainers of trainers. We are pleased that there has been a greater inclusion and promotion of women in the police force with the objective of leading to a further decrease in the high crime rate, trafficking and the networks of organized crime in Haiti. The humanitarian situation continues to be of concern, with more than 600,000 people needing humanitarian and food assistance, as well as aid in the areas of housing and basic sanitation. We are pleased that MINUSTAH has chosen to pursue lasting solutions and the creation of income-generating opportunities so that those people can be reintegrated into social and economic life of Haiti. Immigration is another sensitive element in Haiti’s development. Owing to the great number of immigrants in the region, promoting regional dialogue will be important for more humane and effective management of migration issues. We also encourage the Government of Haiti to invest in the diaspora, as it is a factor in encouraging and energizing the country’s development. Chad commends the progress made by the Haitian Government and MINUSTAH in terms of human rights. We note with satisfaction the efforts made by the Haitian justice system to bring to justice the perpetrators of abuses and violations committed under the previous regime, which has made it possible to reduce impunity considerably and to give more legitimacy and independence to the Haitian justice system. In conclusion, I would like to say that MINUSTAH has carried out its mission. However, the holding of elections continues to be an essential challenge on the path to the democratic stabilization of Haiti. We call on all parties to continue the dialogue and to work for the social and economic stabilization of Haiti. Chad calls on the international community, through the Security Council, to provide all the necessary humanitarian assistance to the vulnerable population to bring about the stabilization of Haiti.

I would like to thank Special Representative of the Secretary- General Honoré for her briefing. China appreciates the vigorous efforts of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) and, in particular, those of Ms. Honoré herself in maintaining peace and stability in Haiti. In the recent period, the political and stabilization process in Haiti has registered continued progress. A new electoral law was enacted late last year, and the national dialogue process was launched earlier this year. The capacity of the Haitian National Police force continues to improve, and the security situation across the country, in particular the situation in the five departments vacated by the Mission, has remained stable. At the same time, tensions exist between the executive and legislative branches, coupled with sluggish economic growth and a precarious humanitarian situation. The peaceful reconstruction of the country remains an uphill battle. The improvement of the situation in Haiti requires first and foremost concrete measures on the part of all stakeholders in Haiti. At the same time, the international community should actively provide assistance. China is of the view that, in the way forward, efforts must be made in the following three areas. First, we must actively facilitate relevant election processes. We hope that all parties in Haiti will resolve their differences through dialogue and reach a consensus as early as possible on electoral matters, with a view to ensuring a smooth general election later this year and further consolidating national stability. Secondly, the international community should take concrete steps to honour its pledges to Haiti and actively participate in the reconstruction process of Haiti. Haiti has the highest occurrence of cholera in the world, and the scale of the epidemic is alarming. China welcomes the efforts of Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for the elimination of cholera and welcomes the appointment of the Secretary-General’s Senior Coordinator for Cholera Response. China calls on all Member States to continue to provide financial and technical support to Haiti’s cholera control programme. Thirdly, we hope that MINUSTAH, in accordance with the mandate given to the Mission by the Security Council, continues to assist Haiti in maintaining security and stability, promoting the political process and strengthening the rule of law and institutional capacity- building in order to provide a stable environment for the economic and social development of Haiti. China has taken note of the preliminary options outlined by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon with regard to the United Nations configuration in Haiti beyond 2016. We hope that the Secretariat, on the basis of the Secretary-General’s proposals and on the basis of careful study of the situation on the ground, will prepare a more detailed plan accordingly. China stands ready to maintain close contact with other members of the Council in that regard.

I thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms. Sandra Honoré, for presenting the latest report (S/2014/162) of the Secretary-General on the work of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH). There have been many signs of stabilization in Haiti lately. Despite the civil unrest and the further exacerbation of tensions between the legislative and executive branches of Government late last year, the leadership of the country and the main political forces appear to have reached significant agreements in normalizing the political process. As a result of the inter-Haitian dialogue, it has been possible not only make those positive developments more sustainable, but also to move towards resolving the most acute issue, namely, the organization of elections, which we hope will take place in October. The successful holding of elections will be very important for stabilizing of public institutions and creating conditions that are favourable to the socioeconomic development of the country. There has also been progress in many other key areas. The security situation remains relatively calm and the level of crime has been falling. There are also positive trends in the humanitarian sphere, although much remains to be done in terms of resolving the situation of internally displaced persons, ensuring food security and combating cholera. In that regard, we note the very positive efforts of the Haitian Government, including in coordinating donor assistance and the assistance provided through United Nations funds and programmes. We also take note of the Secretary-General’s data on the increased professionalism and manpower of the Haitian National Police. A significant contribution was made by the United Nations Mission, for which police training is one of the key components of its mandate. We consider that MINUSTAH should continue to provide assistance to Haiti in developing its law enforcement bodies and in strengthening law and order so that ultimately the country’s security is being ensured by its own national police forces. However, it is also important for peacekeepers to provide operational support, if necessary, until the operation is completed. We note with satisfaction the efforts of the Mission in other areas provided for under the mandate. It is hard to underestimate the long-standing contribution of the Mission in stabilizing the situation. An important role in stabilizing the country has also been played by regional integration bodies. Overall, we share the assessment of the Secretary- General on the need to develop a holistic vision for MINUSTAH for the period after 2016. At the same time, the breadth of the various options for reconfiguration — from the full and practical retention of the peacekeeping mission in its form under the current mandate to its full withdrawal — clearly points to the fact that we should discuss concrete options very carefully. Given the specific situation, it is important to be guided not only by an in-depth analysis of the situation this year, but also by the degree to which sustainable trends continue. It is also important to understand the extent to which it will be necessary to retain a significant military contingent. One important factor will be the pace at which responsibility for all aspects of stabilization and development is transferred to local authorities. Of particular importance will be their view on the most preferred forms of cooperation with the United Nations after 2016. For the time being, the Government of the country and the international community, led by the United Nations, have a broad range of complex issues to address, a lead role in which should be played by the Haitian Government. It is the Government that is responsible for the effective use of the assistance provided by the international community and should play a very active role in coordinating that assistance.

I wish to thank Ms. Sandra Honoré for her briefing. I align myself with the statements to be made on behalf of the European Union and the Group of Friends of Haiti. Since the arrival of United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), Haiti has made enormous progress. The adoption of an electoral law last October is evidence of the ongoing normalization and progressive strengthening of the rule of law. We look forward also to the forthcoming partial local and senatorial elections that have been postponed several times. In addition, the progress made by the Haitian National Police is encouraging. The significant decline in crime noted in the report of the Secretary-General (S/2014/162) is an important step forward. We are also pleased to note that an increasing number of cadets are graduating every year and that a growing number women are joining their ranks. Cooperation between the police component of MINUSTAH and the Haitian National Police is fruitful and useful. In a context of reflection on the size and mandate of the peacekeeping operations, the example of Haiti gives us food for thought. We also note with satisfaction the progress made in the humanitarian sphere. The return of refugees to their areas of origin and the drop in the number of people affected by food insecurity are encouraging signs. The wounds opened by the earthquake are gradually disappearing, thanks to the joint work of the Haitian Government, the people, MINUSTAH and the United Nations country team. Much remains to be done, nonetheless. The rule of law and the country’s institutions need to improve their efficiency, transparency and accessibility. The many protests by the civilian population illustrate the frustration, even exasperation, of the citizens who care to participate in the political life of their country. The launch of an inter-Haitian political dialogue in January, which is a praiseworthy initiative, should lead to an inclusive agreement. We therefore welcome the signing of the memorandum of understanding on 19 March. We call on all parties to engage resolutely in the road map it defines. In the field of human rights, we welcome the appointment of a human rights ombudsman on 4 December, the authorities’ willingness to renew the mandate of the independent expert of the Human Rights Council and the denial of the appeal of Jean-Claude Duvalier, accused of crimes against humanity. Those decisions are encouraging, but violations of human rights continue. It is the responsibility of the State to pursue a proactive policy in that area. Finally, the remaining humanitarian challenges are substantial. We are very concerned about a possible resurgence of the cholera epidemic during the next rainy season. We fully support the action and the commitment of the United Nations in its efforts to completely eradicate the disease. For those challenges that persist, the United Nations should support and complement the action of the Haitian State, but it cannot and should not replace it. The Haitian State must mobilize more resolutely to exercise its regulatory functions independently. MINUSTAH was deployed in 2004 in a context of acute crisis. That crisis was exacerbated a few years later by the earthquake. Ten years later, as described by the Secretary-General in his report, the progress is real. MINUSTAH must therefore adapt and reflect the positive developments, which are proof of its success. A consolidation plan already oversees the reduction process initiated since 2013. That process will be completed in 2016. We must go further and more quickly. Starting today, we must reflect on the post-MINUSTAH period and on the future of the United Nations presence in Haiti. In that regard, we welcome the five scenarios presented by the Secretary-General for the reconfiguration of the Mission beyond 2016. We consider them to provide the framework for the reflection that we want to undertake. In that context, a strategic review conducted by the Secretariat as soon as possible will be invaluable to the Council. Based on an accurate assessment of needs on the ground and presented to the Security Council by August 2014, such a review will allow members of the Council to define what type of mission is best suited after 2016 to the political and security situation in Haiti. Moreover, between now and 2016, it could also tells us whether it is possible to adapt the Mission more quickly and more radically. Beyond its mission of good political offices policies, it seems essential at this point that the future United Nations mission in Haiti will maintain a strong police component. Needs in terms of public order and of training and support of the Haitian National Police and, more broadly, the building of the rule of law, are indeed the main challenges Haiti is facing and for which a response of the United Nations is the most relevant. It will be the heart of the future mission. We will therefore have to determine its contours in close coordination with the Haitian authorities and the Friends of Haiti.

I would like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary- General, Sandra Honoré, for her briefing today. We recognize the continued contribution of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) to stability and progress in Haiti, and I would like to thank the departing Force Commander, Lieutenant General Edson Leal Pujol, for his service in MINUSTAH. We would also like to welcome Lieutenant General Jose Luiz Jaborandy Jr. as the new Force Commander. Haiti stands in a stronger position today than it has for some time in recent history. As we see from the Secretary-General’s report (S/2014/162), notable progress has been made in areas such as rehousing internally displaced persons, building the capacity of the Haitian National Police, who are taking greater responsibility for security throughout the country, and the striking downward trend in major crimes. We also welcome the economic growth reported by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and the building block that that provides for sustainable development. However, those gains can be threatened by a lack of political progress in holding elections. In order to ensure Haiti’s future development and stability, long- overdue local, municipal and partial senatorial elections must be held. Dialogue between the executive and parliamentary branches of Government and the political parties in Haiti is essential to resolve the political impasse. We urge all parties to address democratic governance, elections and constitutional amendments through the national dialogue process. As the Special Representative of the Secretary-General said, a path has been prepared towards inclusive and transparent elections. It is essential that that path be followed in 2014, leading to a clear destination in the form of the holding of elections. We are pleased to see that the benchmarks laid out in the consolidation plan are on track, and we welcome the Secretary-General’s assessment that those could be accelerated, given the progress in Haiti to date. The Haitian National Police are more visible, more proactive and more in the lead of security operations across Haiti. We applaud the advances made in recruitment, training and operational responsibility. At the same time, in order to complement improvements in the Haitian National Police, the judicial and prison sectors must make similar advances. More work is necessary, in particular on the part of the Government of Haiti, to develop justice and accountability institutions. Today, those institutions provide limited access to justice, are weak and open to influence and maintain pre-trial detention periods that are unacceptable, and that must change. We agree with the report of the Secretary-General that the functions likely to remain relevant beyond 2016 will be continued support for the development of the Haitian National Police, consolidation of political stabilization gains through good offices, continued strengthening of the rule of law through security sector and legislative reforms, and the promotion and protection of human rights. With those tasks in mind, we agree with the report’s assessment that the future United Nations presence in Haiti will need to have a more tailored mandate and a lighter footprint so as to ensure that the United Nations presence is appropriate to Haiti’s needs today. We now await the outcomes of the strategic assessment and urge that to be conducted as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing the outcomes of that assessment in the next report of the Secretary-General. We welcome the fact that the Secretary-General’s recent report sets out a broad range of options, particularly given what we have just heard about political progress and continued improvement in the performance of the Haitian National Police, and if those welcome trends are sustained, we believe we should be ready to consider ambitious options for the United Nations presence post-2016 that prioritize Haitian ownership. The future of Haiti is in the hands of the national authorities. Only they can build on MINUSTAH’s efforts and consolidate the gains of the past few years. As the Council begins to consider how best to support the Haitian authorities after the end of the consolidation plan, now is the time for them to assume the responsibilities conferred on them by Haitian people. The Government cannot rely on MINUSTAH to be in Haiti forever, and cannot shirk their obligations in the hope that the international community will fill the gap. Lastly, we echo the Secretary-General’s view that it has become imperative for the national authorities to assume greater responsibility in establishing the rule of law and in preparations for the next elections. Doing so will provide the political stability necessary for economic investment, and we urge the Haitian authorities to fulfil those responsibilities to safeguard Haiti’s future.

I would like to thank Ms. Sandra Honoré, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) for her comprehensive briefing. Over the past several decades, the international community has exerted great efforts to provide assistance to Haiti and support it in overcoming the humanitarian, political and security challenges facing it. The international presence in Haiti has involved great sacrifices on the part of the countries that have participated in peacekeeping in Haiti, as well as those that have contributed substantially to relief efforts and efforts to alleviate the humanitarian suffering of the Haitian people, which on many occasions has resulted from sudden natural catastrophes. Today, we are pleased to see that those international efforts have resulted in new and recent progress in the main aspects of life in Haiti. The country is now relative stable in terms of security and a there has been a noticeable improvement in the performance of the national police. There has also been progress on the humanitarian front and economic indicators have improved. The international community must continue its support for Haiti on its path towards stability. However, the primary responsibility for maintaining the gains that have already been achieved and accelerating their achievement falls to the Government of Haiti and its political leaders. Foremost among those responsibilities is the need to improve the overall political climate and address popular tensions, which are primarily a result of the continued delays in holding local, municipal and partial senate elections. In that context, Jordan welcomes the launch of the national dialogue process and its focus on the most urgent issues in Haiti’s political life. We call on all principal stakeholders to cooperate and to be involved in that dialogue. Jordan calls upon the Government of Haiti to continue the preparations for the holding of free, fair, transparent and inclusive elections without delay, given the importance of that democratic task and of easing tensions throughout the country. In that context, we look forward to having the United Nations provide the necessary support for the forthcoming electoral process. The Government of Haiti must also deal seriously with social and economic grievances and the gaps in basic services, which lead to escalating popular frustrations and thus threaten the entire political process. It is important to continue providing assistance to Haiti to achieve progress in other important areas, in particular the rule of law and the development of the judicial and security sectors. It is also important to promote and enhance the international response to urgent humanitarian needs in Haiti, including severe shortages in foodstuffs and the need to combat cholera. I would like to address the following points concerning the future presence of the United Nations in Haiti. First, the reduction of the military component by 15 per cent during the reporting period is cause for concern for us, because this is a very delicate stage, in the light of the upcoming elections. By the end of June, the total number of troops that will have been withdrawn is 1,249 infantrymen and engineers. Also, there will not be a maritime capacity to transport a rapid intervention force, should the need arise, to support local and international police in areas outside Port-au-Prince. Secondly, we emphasize the need to launch a comprehensive planning process for the post-2016 United Nations presence in Haiti. We look forward to identifying the most suitable format for the United Nations presence to enable it to provide assistance to the Government and people of Haiti following that date, in particular support for the development of the Haitian National Police and consolidation of the gains made in political stability, the ongoing promotion of the rule of law and the protection of human rights. The five options proposed by the Secretary-General in his report (S/2014/162) for the achievement of such tasks were discussed very generally and not in sufficient detail to enable us to identify all the relevant facts. They therefore require a comprehensive strategic assessment by the United Nations system. We hope that the next report of the Secretary-General will include further details on the options and will present an in-depth assessment of the conditions on the ground and their impact on each option, as well as recommendations for the most suitable option. Thirdly, any fundamental change in the current United Nations presence in Haiti must be made only following the full implementation of the main mandate and verification of the achievement of its original and primary objective, namely, to help the people of Haiti to build a stable, secure and politically active State, Government institutions and a system that promotes the rule of law and protects human rights. In conclusion, I would like to mention that at the end of the month the last Jordanian troops participating in MINUSTAH will return home after broad participation in Haiti for an entire decade, during which time 14 Jordanian personnel gave their lives. We would like to emphasize that Jordan stands ready to continue to contribute to the maintenance of international peace and security wherever there is or will be an international presence in future.

I would like to thank Special Representative Sandra Honoré for her briefing and for her efforts. I also thank the Secretary-General for his report (S/2014/162). We reaffirm our continuing support for the Mission. Lithuania associates itself with the statement to be made by the observer of the European Union. We are pleased with the advancement of the political process in Haiti. We commend the decision to conduct local and national elections no later than 26 October and presidential elections in 2015. The elections should be inclusive and transparent. The United Nations presence in Haiti should be ready to provide its support to the electoral processes. The consolidation of democracy and institutions remains an important pillar of the United Nations support to Haiti. We welcome President Martelly’s call for national unity and dialogue and a more collaborative relationship between Parliament and the executive branch, as demonstrated in the inter-Haitian dialogue that was launched in January. We commend the progress made during the reporting period in implementing the conditions-based consolidation plan of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH). The plan has shown tangible results in meeting the professionalization target of the Haitian National Police as the national authorities assume greater responsibility in establishing the rule of law. Local authorities should assume even greater ownership of security and safety in Haiti. An effective National Police is essential to the long-term peace and security solutions for the country. The misconduct and human rights violations of police officers should therefore be immediately addressed. Further progress is needed to improve pre-trial detention conditions so as to resolve cases of illegal detention. The rule of law is absolutely critical to good governance and stability. As stated in the Secretary-General’s report, we note with satisfaction that Haiti’s commitment to international cooperation, in particular on human rights issues, has strengthened, We commend Haitian efforts to enhance gender equality and to set the conditions for greater opportunities for women. We note, for example, that gender considerations have been taken into account in the recruitment of new student magistrates. However, gender-based violence and increased violence against women in Haiti remain deeply troubling. That is a security concern for the nation, whose women are an intrinsic part of the process towards reconstructing Haiti. In that regard, Lithuania recalls resolutions 1325 (2000) and 1820 (2008), which reaffirm the important role of women in peacekeeping. We call for the incorporation of gender perspectives in all United Nations peace and security efforts, including within MINUSTAH. We remain concerned about the cholera situation in Haiti. There were fewer cholera cases during the reporting period, with the Pan-American Health Organization forecasting 45,000 infections in 2014, down from nearly 700,000 cases from October 2010 to 31 January 2013. At the same time, the number of cholera cases in Haiti is the highest in the world. Additional efforts should be taken in line with the United Nations system’s commitment to supporting the 10-year National Plan for the Elimination of Cholera in Haiti 2013-2022. We are pleased that the M1NUSTAH presence is continuously adjusted in line with the progress achieved in the country. With regard to the future of MINUSTAH, we are analysing the five options put forward by the Secretary-General for the new United Nations configuration following the completion of the consolidation process in 2016. We look forward to the results of the planned full-scale United Nations-wide strategic assessment in order to form our informed position. At this stage, we are of the view that any decision should reflect the balance between the scope of the mandates of all peacekeeping missions and the resources allocated to them. We note that MINUSTAH has progressively disengaged from operational support activities and that further progress is needed in the areas of the rule of law, such as justice and accountability. At the same time, we underline the importance of consolidating the achievements in Haiti and of ensuring their sustainability by both the Government of Haiti and the United Nations community. In conclusion, Lithuania wishes once again to express its gratitude to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and the MINUSTAH troop- and police-contributing countries, as well as the United Nations country office in Haiti. We remain committed to continuing our support to the Haitian Government in its efforts to promote a national dialogue, peace and security and to build a stable future for its people.

I would like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Haiti, Ambassador Sandra Honoré, for her briefing on the report of the Secretary- General on the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (S/2014/162). I would also like to recognize her work, her efforts and the results she is achieving as she contributes to strengthening dialogue and, through dialogue, Haiti’s institutions. I would like to welcome the presence of the Permanent Representative of Haiti and his active delegation. We would also like to acknowledge the work of Lieutenant General Pujol as the head of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) and welcome Lieutenant General José Luiz Jaborandy. We would also like to thank General Guerrero for his performance as Deputy Force Commander for the Mission over the recent years. On 14 March, we saw the conclusion of a historic agreement in Haiti that could have a significant impact on the institutional stability of Haiti and the strengthening of democracy. It was an agreement that was reached between Haitian men and women and coordinated by the women and men of Haiti. We welcome the expression of political will for the holding of legislative, municipal and local elections in 2014. We trust that MINUSTAH will provide the necessary support for the elections to be held this year, and that the holding of those elections will take place in a context of safety and security and be free, fair and transparent. We also note the progress of recent months in the area of human rights. In that regard, we wish to underscore the decision of the Port-au-Prince Court of Appeal ordering investigations into charges of crimes against humanity committed during Duvalier’s presidency. We understand that this is an important step forward on the path towards justice, truth and reparation for the victims. We are also encouraged by the international accreditation on 4 December 2013 of the Haitian Office of the Ombudsperson as a national human rights institution by the International Coordinating Committee of National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights, as well as the coming into force of the interministerial commission on human rights. At the same time, we understand that Haiti continues to face major challenges in that area. In particular, we are concerned by the situation in the area of sexual violence, violence against women and gender- based violence, and the response of the judiciary and the police to those cases. It is a fundamental issue in the context of the training of the Haitian National Police, among other institutions. We hope that the international community will continue to support Haiti in building the necessary capacity to ensure the appropriate investigation of all cases and the necessary assistance and follow-up for the victims. We also wish to underscore that this is not a new situation. Sexual violence, gender-based violence and violence against women are not new or exclusive to Haiti, but they also exist in Haiti. It is therefore a shared challenge to train the people who are in or will become part of the police force, as well as those in the justice system and the prison system. All public institutions must maintain a comprehensive and holistic view that incorporates a focus on human rights and gender equality. To that end, the democratic stabilization and sustainable human development must prioritize the economic, social, cultural and political independence of women and youth — an institutional cultural change that is needed in order to eradicate all forms of violence, not only in Haiti, but in Haiti as well. I would also like to underscore the progress made on the humanitarian front as 90 per cent of the population displaced by the earthquake of 2010 had left the camps by late 2013 as a result of the return and relocation programmes. Despite that, although we recognize that the incidence of cholera has been reduced in the past year, we are concerned that Haiti has the highest number of cholera cases in the world. We call on the United Nations and the international community to continue supporting the Government of Haiti in its fight against the epidemic. The Secretary-General’s report recognizes that MINUSTAH has continued to assist the Haitian Government in ensuring a secure and stable environment, in addition to enabling the delivery of humanitarian assistance and preparing for disaster response, supporting the Haitian National Police and conducting the tasks that the Council has entrusted it with. The Secretary-General also highlights that work has continued to be done with the Government of Haiti to advance progress towards the four jointly agreed stabilization benchmarks outlined in the Mission’s conditions-based consolidation plan. We are therefore grateful to the Secretary-General for his presentation of a series of options for the United Nations presence in Haiti as elements for the discussion on the future of the Mission, depending on conditions on the ground. We understand that it is important to consolidate the progress made in terms of security and stability and to avoid jeopardizing those achievements with hasty decisions that might be based solely on budgetary considerations. In our region of Latin America and the Caribbean, we know that when the possibility of progress is considered from the viewpoint of adjustments, we do not need to make adjustments; rather, we need to consolidate and continue to make progress in strengthening the institutions and the political and security context in Haiti. In conclusion, we are convinced that the future presence of the United Nations in Haiti must be based on a detailed assessment of the Mission’s capacity and should be carefully planned after we have analysed the impact on the ground of any potential decision. We understand that any future debate on the Mission should enjoy the full participation of the Government, as it is essential to take into account the position of any country in which the United Nations is carrying out its activities. With regard to popular demonstrations, we are seeing those throughout the world  — in developed countries, in emerging countries, in countries in crisis, and in countries with stable institutions. These demonstrations are calling for economic and social rights and the right to education, so they do not have a special significance in Haiti. But what should be taken into account in Haiti is that legitimate demonstrations in which citizens call for the exercise of their rights must take place in a safe environment and settled democratically, and that the institutions of the rule of law must be respected. When I was a national senator in 2005, after the Security Council adopted resolution 1542 (2004) establishing MINUSTAH, I accompanied our first troop contingent to Port-au-Prince and Gonaïves. Clearly, progress has been made by the people of Haiti and MINUSTAH, and it should be recognized. It was a major challenge for the region. A peace force went to work in cooperation and solidarity with the people of Haiti. It was a group formed in solidarity by the peoples of the region. I believe that is one of the lessons learned. Not everything has been resolved. The strategy of the Mission was not to remain there forever, however. The shared plan was to go to help to stabilize the country and gradually withdraw, but also not prematurely. The earthquake and the health problems have without a doubt created difficulties for the Mission. However, we Latin Americans and Caribbeans share with the Haitian people two major passions: soccer and democracy. Haiti was the first democracy in Latin America. With that passion for football and for democracy, I am sure that the United Nations and the Council will, when the time is right, neither remain forever nor withdraw too early but do so gradually, thereby showing that it is possible for a United Nations mission, working with the people and the Government of the country in question, to achieve its goals: democracy, human rights, security and peace  — if it also achieves equality, all the better.

We thank Special Representative Sandra Honoré for her briefing. We also welcome the Permanent Representative of Haiti to the Council. We recently had an opportunity to engage directly with personnel of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) on the ground in the country and to see first-hand the work being done by the Mission. We recognize their unwavering commitment to the stability and reconstruction of the country. Of the four stabilization benchmarks of MINUSTAH’s consolidation plan, we would like to welcome in particular the progress that is being made in strengthening the capacity of the Haitian National Police, which is increasingly visible and proactive, resulting in a decrease of all major crime indices over the past year. While the Haitian National Police is on track to meet its target of 15,000 officers by 2016, we would encourage greater efforts to recruit female cadets. We look forward to the continued implementation of community-orientated policing strategies and strengthened resourcing and reform to support a professional and autonomous force. We commend the establishment of a sexual and gender-based violence specialized team by the United Nations police, with the assistance of the Governments of Norway and Canada, which is working with the Haitian National Police to support investigations and build capacity to address those very serious crimes. Despite these improvements, progress on the rule of law is lagging behind, which could jeopardize progress in other areas. The Government of Haiti must remain committed to strengthening the rule of law and promoting the independence of the judiciary. We remain concerned about prison overcrowding and prolonged pre-trial detention periods. The fact that many of those arrested face years of incarceration before their cases are heard is unacceptable. We urge MINUSTAH to redouble its efforts in working with the Government of Haiti to implement effective strategies to address the management of pre-trial detention and prison sentences, to increase investigative expertise and apply legislative reform through the adoption of draft criminal and criminal procedure codes. With regard to other human rights issues, we acknowledge the positive and constructive steps that the Government of Haiti has taken recently, including its ratification of some important international human rights instruments. Notably, in December, the Haitian Office of the Ombudsperson was internationally accredited as a national human rights institution and the Inter-Ministerial Commission on Human Rights became operational during the period. Those are important developments. While there has been some improvement in the humanitarian situation, the people of Haiti continue to face numerous challenges. Continued food insecurity and increases in child malnutrition are of great concern, which are exacerbated by the ongoing drought in the north-west of the country. We commend the efforts of the World Food Programme, which has begun to distribute food to those affected. It remains a matter of great concern that long- overdue local, municipal and partial senatorial elections have not been held. Since the Council last discussed Haiti (see S/PV.7040), some much-needed steps towards holding long-overdue elections have been taken. The enacting of the Electoral Act and Political Parties Act are both very welcome. The recent national dialogue process demonstrated the commitment and determination of political leaders, and we welcome the signing of the El Rancho agreement, which should pave the way for planning of elections later this year. While such breakthroughs are encouraging, it is essential that all political leaders continue to work towards consensus on holding elections in 2014, and for MINUSTAH to continue to provide electoral assistance and logistical support for those elections. We welcome the options presented by the Secretary- General for the United Nations future engagement in Haiti post-2016. The considerable progress made in the stabilization of Haiti since MINUSTAH’s initial deployment, in 2004, leads us to consider that it is time for the Council to give MINUSTAH’s transition some thoughtful consideration. We remain open to an accelerated transition to a new United Nations configuration in Haiti, while cautioning that it needs to be carefully calibrated to the situation on the ground. Haiti remains fragile in many areas, and we must be sure to persevere and sustain the gains that have been made. We look forward to receiving the strategic assessment foreshadowed in the Secretary-General’s report (S/2014/162) and recommendations on the most appropriate option for the United Nations’ future engagement in Haiti.

I would like to thank Special Representative Sandra Honoré for her briefing. During last week’s discussion on post-conflict peacebuilding (see S/PV.7143), we deliberated on some core elements that also apply to today’s debate. Today I would like to make three points, focusing on mutual responsibility among all parties concerned. This factor will be all the more important in consolidating the achievements made to date and expediting the remaining process. First, with regard to the political process, the recent agreement signed by all political stakeholders to hold combined elections this year is encouraging. The growing impatience among the population must be addressed without further delay. The political leadership in Haiti should step up preparations for the long-delayed elections while providing a level playing field for all participants. Addressing the socioeconomic grievances of citizens should be a top priority for the Haitian Government. In that regard, we commend the supporting role played by the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) and international partners. Secondly, with regard to institution-building, we would like to stress that the establishment of national institutions should be accompanied by strong political will, otherwise their legitimacy and effectiveness, which constitute a solid basis for national unity and the credibility of authorities, cannot be ensured. Political consensus on that aspect is another indispensable ingredient for the success of the upcoming elections. In that context, we welcome the continued professionalization of the Haitian National Police and hope that that impetus can spread to other equally important institutions ensuring the rule of law in Haitian society. MINUSTAH, the United Nations Development Programme and other partners need to continuously seek greater synergy to assist the Haitian Government in its capacity-building efforts through effective coordination. Lastly, on the reconfiguration of MINUSTAH, we appreciate the Secretary-General’s forward-looking approach to reconfiguring MINUSTAH beyond 2016. The five options presented in the Secretary-General’s report (S/2014/162) provide a good basis for the Security Council possible alternatives given the evolving situation. We support the Secretary-General regularly reviewing and reporting on his strategic assessment to the Council as the Council seeks the most appropriate course of action in the years ahead. We hope that the Haitian people and their leadership will take all of those challenges more proactively, in close cooperation with international partners. The Republic of Korea extends its full support to Special Representative Honoré and MINUSTAH in assisting Haiti’s stabilization and capacity-building in this consolidation process.

I thank Ms. Sandra Honoré, Special Representative of the Secretary- General for Haiti and Head of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), for her briefing on the current developments in the country. I appreciate in particular her intensive engagement with the political decision-makers in Haiti, advocating for the continuity of democratic institutions, national dialogue, a consensual legislative agenda and progress towards the holding of free and fair elections. Rwanda would like to congratulate the leadership and the people of Haiti for their incredible resilience and for the spirit they have exhibited in the search for peace, stability, security and development, in particular since the 2010 earthquake. As indicated in the Secretary- General’s report (S/2014/162), Haiti has recorded remarkable progress in almost all areas  — including in the political, security, humanitarian spheres and in the rule of law — despite the challenges that Haiti and its people continue to face. We are also encouraged by the Government’s commitment to fostering a greater alignment of international assistance with national priorities, increased transparency and strengthened mutual accountability. Those efforts have contributed to the Haitian economy’s fast recovery. Regarding the political situation, Rwanda congratulates the Haitian Parliament and President Michel Martelly on the adoption and promulgation on 10 December of an electoral law that has significantly de-escalated political tensions. We particularly commend Haiti’s political actors, civil society and the Conférence Episcopale de Haïti for launching an inter-Haitian dialogue focusing on the three areas of concern: democratic governance, elections and amending the Constitution. We encourage all political actors in Haiti to consider this as a historic opportunity for building their State that they must commit to making work, however difficult that may be. The international community should continue to help Haiti as it prepares for the forthcoming elections. We are encouraged by the improved security situation in the country throughout the reporting period, as indicated by the crime statistics collected by the National Police and MINUSTAH. The year 2013 saw a stable marginal downward trend in major crimes compared to the previous year. However, it is worrying that cases of rape continued to increase. We call on the Government, with MINUSTAH’s support, to put in place strategies to ensure the protection of women and girls and reverse this trend. That said, we commend the National Police for its performance, which, with the support of MINUSTAH, has significantly improved the security situation in the country. Regarding promotion of the rule of law, we note that the National Police is increasingly proactive and visible. Its work has resulted in the dismantling of several criminal gangs. The Secretary-General’s report indicates, however, that the vast majority of reported rapes are never properly adjudicated, due to weaknesses in the courts, prosecution offices and police stations, but we have also taken note of the initiatives being taken to address the issue, including through capacity- building for judicial officers and putting proper structures in place within the police, with the support of MINUSTAH and the United Nations Development Programme. Regarding the humanitarian situation, although there are still more than 140,000 Haitians displaced by the 2010 earthquake, it is encouraging to hear that by the end of last year 90 per cent of the population displaced by the earthquake had left the internally displaced persons (IDP) camps. We commend the collaboration of the Government, the United Nations and non-governmental partners in that effort. We believe that with the support of international partners, all the survivors of the earthquake will soon be resettled. We also welcome the fact that the overall incidence of cholera has been halved since the disease first broke out in late 2010, and that severe food insecurity was brought down from 1.5 million people affected in early 2013 to 600,000 by the end of the year. We welcome the continued United Nations efforts to eliminate the cholera epidemic, and call on all stakeholders to continue to mobilize the necessary resources and assist in the efforts to treat and eliminate cholera in Haiti. In that regard, we note that the Haitian humanitarian action plan for 2014 identifies a need for $169 million  — intended to provide basic services for the remaining IDPs living in camps, and to address critical needs related to the cholera epidemic, food insecurity, nutrition, protection and disaster preparedness  — of which only $6 million have been received. We call particularly on the Government and all partners to ensure reduction of the prevalence of acute malnutrition among children aged under five, which continues to affect more than 500,000 children. Concerning MINUSTAH’s status, we take note of the five options presented by the Secretary-General for the Mission’s reconfiguration after 2016. We believe that its reconfiguration should be based on the dynamics on the ground, in line with the security and political conditions in the country. In that regard, Rwanda welcomes the Secretary-General’s intention to undertake a full-scale strategic assessment, aimed at providing an updated and in-depth evaluation of conditions on the ground, on the recommendations of which the Security Council should base its decision about options for the drawdown. To conclude, I would like to say that Rwanda will continue to support the Government of Haiti in its reconstruction period, and, as a police-contributing country to MINUSTAH, we remain committed and stand ready to assist the Government in professionalizing its police forces.

I would like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary- General, Ms. Sandra Honoré, for her briefing, and encourage her to continue to contribute to the process of Haiti’s restoration through her leadership of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH). We also thank the Luxembourg presidency, which has convened us to discuss the question concerning Haiti, a topic of interest for Latin America and the Caribbean, as has been reflected in the Organization of American States and in successive summits of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States and other regional forums. My delegation associates itself with the statement to be delivered by the Permanent Representative of Uruguay on behalf of the Group of Friends of Haiti. Chile’s commitment to and solidarity with the people and authorities of Haiti, on both a bilateral and multilateral level, is long-standing. Exactly 10 years ago, when, as we do today, we held a seat as a non-permanent member of the Security Council, we supported and participated in the deployment of a multinational interim force in Haiti. That same year, we strongly supported the creation of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti, aimed at supporting the political process and promoting and protecting human rights. Since then, Chile has contributed more than 11,000 men and women to its contingent there. Chile’s commitment to Haiti has also been reflected in the leadership of MINUSTAH, in which two of the Special Representatives of the Secretary-General have been Chilean. MINUSTAH’s presence and multidimensional nature have been shown to have made a positive contribution to achieving a relatively stable and secure, if fragile, environment in Haiti over the years. In particular, its presence has enabled the country to deal with the enormous challenges of the 2010 earthquake and its continuing vulnerability to natural disasters. Today, improving the political environment in Haiti is a priority, and in that regard we commend the Special Representative’s efforts to facilitate a climate of dialogue among all national stakeholders so as to strengthen democratic institutions and address pending processes. Special emphasis should be given to the electoral arena. We share the Secretary-General’s findings regarding the importance of holding elections in 2014 as a critical component in the continuity of democratic institutions. In that regard, the enactment of a new electoral law and the start of a national dialogue process are positive developments, and we urge Haitian political actors to participate in the dialogue in a constructive spirit and a democratic approach. However, there are areas that need special attention, which is why we call on the authorities to make decisive efforts to strengthen the rule of law, including in the judicial and human-rights sectors. We also urge MINUSTAH to continue its efforts to include civil society in the political dialogue. My delegation acknowledges the achievements in the humanitarian field, in particular the permanent relocation of over 90 per cent of internally displaced persons. The efforts of the Haitian authorities, together with the United Nations and non-governmental partners, to respond to the challenge led to a positive synergy that should be replicated in other areas. We must recall that Haiti represents a clear example of what the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has called a forgotten humanitarian crisis; my country therefore urges the major donors to continue to finance the humanitarian appeals. MINUSTAH’s consolidation plan should be implemented on the basis of ongoing assessments of needs on the ground. It is also important that future efforts to strengthen Haiti’s institutional capacity be based on the principle of national ownership in order to enable the Haitian people to gradually assume the various responsibilities. It is essential that the plan be supported by strengthening capacities of the Haitian National Police within a democratic framework of respect for human rights. My delegation welcomes the achievements of the Haitian National Police strategic development plan for 2012-2016, especially those of 2013, including the promotion of over 1,000 police officers, allowing it to reach the goal of 15,000 police officers by 2016. We also highlight the graduation of female cadets among the group. That has been reflected by a decrease in the crime rate in sensitive urban areas and the disbanding of several criminal gangs. Focused prevention efforts carried out at the community level have been fundamental to that end. We share the concern of the Secretary-General that progress in police professionalization has taken place without similar progress in justice and accountability, thus affecting the establishment of the rule of law. The United Nations presence in Haiti in support of the local authorities remains essential. In that respect, we note the options offered in the report of the Secretary-General regarding the United Nations presence after 2016. It is our belief that those options represent an initial basis of discussion. They are being carefully studied by Chile’s Government authorities, which are also awaiting the strategic assessment to be provided by the Secretariat. During her recent visit to Chile, Ms. Honoré was able to assess with Government authorities the importance we attach to and our vision for MINUSTAH. In recent years, the participation of new countries of Latin America and Caribbean in contributing police or troop contingents to MINUSTAH has been important in expressing the region’s commitment to Haiti. In that respect, Chile also considers it important to increase the presence of Latin American and Caribbean officials among MINUSTAH’s civilian component. Since 1996, my country has maintained a consistent and firm position on the link between security and development in achieving peace. That is why we will continue to support quick-impact projects and programmes to reduce community violence. We consider it worth mentioning that the report covers the development of quick-impact projects to contain the cholera epidemic and prevent water-borne diseases. That in particular is fully consistent with the United Nations two-year plan in support of the 10-year National Plan for the Elimination of Cholera in Haiti, which is supported by my country. We also welcome the appointment by the Secretary-General of Mr. Pedro Medrano Rojas as Senior Coordinator for Cholera Response in Haiti. We understand that the financing requirements for peacekeeping operations are growing worldwide in the face of scarce resources. Nevertheless, a balance must be struck within the United Nations in the allocation of resources in order not to jeopardize the progress made. Chile reiterates the need for the United Nations to continue to support the Haitian authorities through its funds and programmes and through MINUSTAH and its civilian component, in particular based on the integrated strategic framework for 2013-2016. Finally, I wish to reiterate Chile’s commitment to the Haitian people and authorities and to MINUSTAH. Chile will continue to support strengthening the rule of law, democracy and the development of Haiti’s capacities, which will foster a political culture that is committed to the country’s stability and the progress of the Haitian people.

Ms. Sandra Honoré, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Haiti, has provided the Council with a very important and informative briefing on the situation in Haiti. My comments will focus on political developments, the security situation, humanitarian issues, and the drawdown and reconfiguration of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH). On political developments, we are pleased to note that the tensions of the early part of the reporting period in Haiti were reduced by the promulgation of a new electoral law and the launch of a national dialogue. We commend the civil society groups and religious leaders involved in facilitating the dialogue. We also commend His Excellency Mr. Michel Martelly, President of Haiti, for accommodating various shades of opinion in the spirit of fostering genuine democracy in his country. That has contributed significantly to lessening political tensions. We urge the executive branch and Parliament to strengthen their cooperation in the interest of good governance and the supremacy of the law. We note with appreciation the engagement of Special Representative of the Secretary-General Honoré with political actors in Haiti and her advocacy for democracy, national dialogue and progress towards the holding of elections. We also note the support provided by MINUSTAH to the Government of Haiti in the registration of new voters, the distribution of national identity cards, and the training of police and electoral officers. On security, we are pleased to note that the situation was relatively stable during the reporting period. In particular we note the downward trend in major crimes, such as homicide and kidnapping. We also welcome the expansion and improved performance of the Haitian National Police during the reporting period. On the humanitarian front, we are pleased with the progress that Haiti has made so far. We take particular note of the fact that 90 per cent of those displaced by the earthquake of 2010 have left the camps. We commend the Government of Haiti, the United Nations and non-governmental partners for that significant achievement. We are also pleased to note the reduction of cholera infections by half since 2010 and of the number of people affected by severe food insecurity from 1.5 million in early 2013 to 600,000 by the end of the year. We sincerely hope that efforts will be made to reduce that number further — to zero, if possible. Concerning MINUSTAH’s consolidation and reconfiguration beyond 2016, we note the five options presented by the Secretary-General in his report (S/2014/162) as they pertain to the Mission’s political and peacekeeping functions. We look forward to the full-scale United Nations-wide strategic assessment that will be carried out with a view to studying conditions on the ground as they relate to the five options. MINUSTAH has done a splendid job in Haiti. We commend the officers and men and women of the Mission for their courage, commitment and sense of duty and for enabling Haiti to be where it is today after its terrible misfortune. We thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, especially for her astute leadership of MINUSTAH. She has upheld the values and integrity of the United Nations in difficult and trying circumstances. In doing so, she has confirmed to us the soundness of the Secretary-General’s judgement in appointing women to important positions in the United Nations system. Only last week, Ms. Karin Lundgren addressed the Council on the situation in Liberia (see S/PV.7145). Previously, Ms. Helen Clark addressed us on the United Nations Development Programme (see S/PV.7143), and before that Ms. Mary Robinson on the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Great Lakes region of Africa (see S/PV.7137). All of them demonstrate the importance of the appointment of women to key positions. Finally, we would like to suggest that the Special Representative of the Secretary-General compare notes with the Peacebuilding Commission on best practices and lessons learned in various fields of operation in Africa, particularly in such areas as disaster reduction and resilience strategies and building quick-response strategies in order to mitigate disaster situations such as those faced in Haiti, and in developing quick-impact projects, such as with respect to women’s empowerment, grass-roots participation in national dialogue and political processes, and civil society involvement in national development efforts.

I shall now make a statement in my capacity as Permanent Representative of Luxembourg. I, too, should like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), Ms. Sandra Honoré, for her briefing and for her efforts in a crucial period for the country’s future. Luxembourg associates itself with the statement to be made by the observer of the European Union. We recognize the significant progress made in Haiti since the January 2010 earthquake. Nevertheless, like Ms. Honoré, we are also aware of the challenges that the country continues to face. While security conditions have remained relatively stable and the figures collected indicate a decline in serious crime, the intensification of demonstrations during the second half of 2013 attested to the growing discontent of the Haitian population, which faces socioeconomic problems and persistent institutional impasses. To respond to the demands of Haitian citizens, it is essential that the various elections, which have been postponed for more than two years, be finally held. In that regard, the Parliament’s adoption of an electoral law, promulgated by President Martelly in 10 December last year, are positive developments. It is now important to speed up preparation for elections. We welcome the national dialogue process initiated on 24 January between the executive branch, Parliament and the political parties under the auspices of the Episcopal Conference of Haiti. The signature of the agreement on 14 March in the framework of the inter-Haitian dialogue was an important step towards national consensus. That consensus is essential to strengthening democratic institutions through the holding of elections in 2014 and to establishing governance conducive to socioeconomic development for the benefit of all Haitians. The general improvement of the humanitarian situation in recent months has been encouraging. However, the living conditions of the 146,000 displaced persons still living in camps following the January 2010 earthquake are deplorable, and the improved food security situation could be set back in the event of a future hurricane. We are particularly concerned about the plight of nearly 100,000 children under the age of five who suffer from malnutrition, including 20,000 who suffer from acute, severe malnutrition. Similarly, while the total number of people infected with cholera has been cut in half since the outbreak of epidemic at the end 2010, the mortality rate from cholera has risen. The international community must address those challenges. For its part, Luxembourg remains committed to assisting Haiti in overcoming the challenges of socioeconomic development and reconstruction of the country. Progress has also been achieved in the protection of human rights and the rule of law. In the report published on 7 February, the independent expert mandated by the Human Rights Council, Mr. Gustavo GallÔn, highlighted the deplorable conditions in the prisons and drew attention to the problem of prolonged pre-trial detention0 in Haiti. We encourage the Haitian authorities to redouble their efforts, with the support of MINUSTAH, to find solutions to those problems. On a positive note, we welcome the decision of the Court of Appeals in Port-au-Prince validating the judicial proceedings against former President Jean- Claude Duvalier for crimes against humanity. A professional police force is a key component of the rule of law. We commend the progress made in the capacity-building of the Haitian National Police. As the Special Representative noted, the staff currently consists of 11,228 police officers, including 950 women. In December 2013, 1,058 students, including 111 women, received their diplomas as police officers. The next announced graduating class is also quite promising, so Haiti is well on its way to achieving the goal of 15,000 active police officers by 2016. The progress that has been made towards the stabilization of the situation in Haiti since the initial deployment of MINUSTAH in 2004 has been considerable. Certainly, the presence of the United Nations is still necessary, also in view of the upcoming elections. I am thinking especially of the presidential elections scheduled for November 2015, but we should now begin preparations for the post-2016 period. We thank the Secretary-General for providing five options for a post-2016 United Nations presence. In general, Luxembourg supports the goal of progressive assumption of MINUSTAH’s authority by the Haitian Government, especially the Haitian National Police, in the maintenance of law and order and ensuring a stable environment. If conditions on the ground permit, we believe that an accelerated transition towards a new configuration of the United Nations presence in Haiti should be pursued. We look forward with interest to the comprehensive strategic review that the Secretary-General will present to us in a future report so that the Security Council may make an informed decision, in close cooperation with the Haitian authorities, with regard to the future presence of the United Nations that will best suit the aspirations and needs of the Haitian people and to ensure the sustainable stability of the country. I now resume my functions as President of the Security Council. I give the floor to the representative of Haiti.

At the outset, I should like on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Haiti to thank the Secretary-General for his excellent report (S/2014/162), submitted to the Security Council pursuant to resolution 2119 (2013), extending to 15 October 2014 the mandate of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH). The Haitian Government has examined with great interest the content of that report, which provides clear, balanced and objective observations of the political and security situation in Haiti; the status of economic, humanitarian and recovery plans; and an update on the various aspects of MINUSTAH activities through the primary pillars of its 10-year-old mandate. The Haitian Government also takes note of the various options for reconfiguring MINUSTAH, desired from all sides, that are being considered. On those issues, I would like to voice the position of the Haitian Government and, if necessary, provide some clarification and new information that will complete the data contained in the report and allow for an evaluation of recent developments in the situation in Haiti. First of all, however, let me express the gratitude of the Haitian Government to all Member States that, through their generous contribution of human, financial, technical and material resources since 2004, have provided unwavering support to MINUSTAH, thereby accompanying the Haitian people in its march towards the establishment of the rule of law and a truly democratic society. The Haitian Government welcomes the general observation made by the Secretary-General on the evolution of the situation in Haiti. Despite the problems, he writes, progress towards stabilizing the situation in Haiti since the first initial deployment of MINUSTAH, in 2004, has been considerable. We have taken note of the remaining issues and certain concerns mentioned in the report, for example, the “slowness of the political process”, the “tensions” between the Parliament and the executive branch and the “delays in holding elections”. In that regard, I wish to emphasize that the call by the Secretary-General for elections in 2014 as being essential for the continuity of democratic institutions was heard and has had deep resonance among the country’s political stakeholders in particular and in Haitian society in general. A major turning point has just occurred on the political scene in Haiti. An important agreement, the El Rancho agreement, was signed on 14 March by the main stakeholders in Haitian political life as a culmination of the process of political dialogue launched two months ago by President Michel Joseph Martelly, under the auspices of the President of the Haitian Episcopal Conference, Cardinal Chibly Langlois. The horizon has now become much clearer. From now on, the political obstacles that were holding back the elections have been removed. The agreement expressly provides for the establishment of a “Government of openness, capable of creating the conditions necessary to achieve free, fair and democratic elections”. The already enacted electoral law should be subject to some agreed amendments. Other provisions of the agreement are aimed at governance, the separation of powers, judicial and institutional guarantees and the settlement of all contentious issues, all of which were factors that led to the deadlock. The consensus that was reached should allow us to make up the time lost and hold elections in 2014 for the renewal of two thirds of the Senate, the entire House of Representatives, all municipalities and other local authorities. The Head of State has made a solemn commitment: the Government will fully assume its responsibility with regard to the electoral process and the national institutions responsible for carrying it out. MINUSTAH’s support, indirect though it may have been, in the successful process of political dialogue, deserves special mention. The Government of Haiti can only welcome the recommendation of the Secretary- General that the Mission should undertake “a more focused and strategic use of available assets in support of efforts by the national authorities” (S/2014/162, para. 26) with a view to holding the next election. At a different level, the Government of the Republic of Haiti expressed its deep appreciation for the remarkable support that the United Nations and other international and regional organizations, such as Caribbean Community, have given to Haiti in connection with the decision of the Constitutional Court of the Dominican Republic of 23 September 2013 on the nationality of more than 200,000 Dominicans of Haitian descent. We reiterate our deepest gratitude. Haiti, like the international community, awaits the supplementary law promised by the Dominican Government that will ensure the rights of citizens who are at risk of finding themselves stateless. With respect to security, the report of the Secretary-General indicates “relatively stable” security conditions, illustrated by a number of positive elements that I will now stress. There was a significant downward trend in the crime rate  — the number of homicides in 2013 was 21 per cent lower than in 2012, thereby reversing the trend over the past five years in terms of crime — and the total number of kidnappings in 2013 was 53 per cent lower than in 2012. There is no doubt that the MINUSTAH forces’ operational support for the Haitian National Police contributed to those results. The Secretary-General is also right to welcome the achievements in terms of the professionalization of the Haitian Police, which has been a priority area in the consolidation plan. I am also pleased that the Secretary-General mentions in his report the progress made and the long series of measures taken by the Haitian Government in terms of improving human rights in the country. Besides the establishment of the Haitian Office of the Ombudsperson as a national human rights institution and the operationalization of the interministerial commission on human rights, the Government of Haiti signed, on 16 August 2013, the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. It has also acceded to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and ratified The Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Cooperation in respect of Intercountry Adoption. Quite appropriately, the Haitian Government just completed, on 21 March — three days ago — here in New York, the signing of the Arms Trade Treaty, that major legal instrument first open for signature by States on 3 June 2013. In so doing, the Government remains deeply concerned about the proliferation and spread of conventional weapons and ammunition, having always wished for a treaty that regulates trade in weapons in order to improve the overall human security by reducing losses of life resulting from a strict control of shipments of arms and ammunition. The Haitian Government welcomed the conclusion of a legally binding treaty that takes into account human rights and international humanitarian law. The foregoing are all measures that demonstrate the unequivocal commitment of the Haitian Government in the promotion of human rights and respect for the shared democratic values ​of freedom, political pluralism, the rule of law and a balance of power as the foundation of our democracy under construction. In the same vein, the report of the Secretary- General notes the progress made on the humanitarian front, in particular the resettlement of the vast majority of people displaced by the 2010 earthquake, largely through return and resettlement programmes implemented by the Government, the United Nations, the Canadian Government and non-governmental partners. The decline in the total number of people suffering from severe food insecurity fell 1.5 million in early 2013 to 600,000 by the end of the year. At the same time, despite the many constraints, gaps and structural handicaps in infrastructure, the Haitian economy has begun to recover after decades of stagnation, with 4.3 per cent growth for 2012-2013. In addition, despite the limited resources, sustained efforts have been made ​by the Government in the social sphere, including programmes to reduce poverty and to combat hunger, violence against women, marginalization and exclusion. Furthermore, the Government welcomes the fact that MINUSTAH, under the wise leadership of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms. Sandra Honoré, has been actively involved in those efforts and continues to provide highly appreciated support in all areas covered by the Mission. That support is reflected not only in terms of security and stability, but also in areas as varied as technical and logistical support to the Government to launch various programmes; interventions aimed at improving the living conditions of the population; technical support to the Parliament, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Health and several other ministries and Government agencies; support for civil society and various local partners; and, finally, participation in various humanitarian, rehabilitation and development activities. We are encouraged by the United Nations efforts to contribute directly to the implementation of the 10-year National Plan for the Elimination of Cholera in Haiti, as the cholera epidemic continues afflict the population. Ten years after the creation of MINUSTAH, it is widely recognized that undeniable successes have been achieved in the priority areas assigned to the Mission. Those successes, however, do not obscure the magnitude of the tasks that remain or the challenges still facing Haiti. For example, the Secretary-General’s report highlights, in its security assessment, that further progress is needed before the Haitian National Police is able to provide the same level of security as MINUSTAH. That is only one of the elements that illustrate the need for a redefinition of the objectives, nature and components of the Mission. The time has thus come for a calm review of MINUSTAH’s work over the past decade. As we approach the end of the mandate entrusted to the Mission by the Security Council, the time seems particularly ripe for the necessary examination and re-evaluation, of which the principles are already accepted. For its part, the Haitian Government is ready to participate in such an exercise on the basis of the preliminary elements for reflection that it has submitted to the Security Council and in the light of the five reconfiguration options presented by the Secretary-General in his report. Any reconfiguration of the Mission should, in the opinion of the Government, take into account the requirements of the times, which are no longer those of 2004, and reflect the particular needs of Haiti at this stage in its development. As Haiti has reached the milestone of a democratic transition, it is important to identify its new priorities and the means necessary to sustainably consolidate the indivisible foundations of democracy, the rule of law, security and economic and social development. Haitian national institutions, of course, must fully shoulder their responsibilities and their role in that new configuration. In that vein, the Government will carefully consider the proposals advanced and give its full support to the Security Council and the Secretariat with a view to consolidating the gains made ​over the past decade, pursuing a renewed and wider vision of the objectives and scope of MINUSTAH, and looking forward to the new momentum expected for 2016. I thank the Secretary-General for his report, which will certainly inspire and guide the work of the Security Council in the coming months, and I reiterate the determination of the Haitian Government to continue to work with the Council for the full realization of the mandate of MINUSTAH.

I now give the floor to the representative of Jamaica.

I would like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ambassador Sandra Honoré, for her comprehensive briefing. The report of the Secretary-General (S/2014/162), together with Special Representative Honoré’s briefing, clearly shows that although there has been significant progress at various levels, a number of formidable and fundamental challenges remain. Jamaica notes with keen interest the political milestones that emanated from the inter-Haitian dialogue mediated by the Episcopal Conference of Haiti. We further note that that dialogue culminated in a groundbreaking preliminary consensus on the holding of combined elections in 2014 for two-thirds of the Senate, the Chamber of Deputies, municipal administrations and local councils. That accomplishment symbolizes a turning point in Haitian governance and signals what can best be described as a new direction in political practice in Haiti. We urge all stakeholders to capitalize on the momentum gained to date with a view to the holding of free and fair elections. Jamaica recognizes that political stability and the solidifying of development gains are inextricably linked to sustained citizen security. We note with some concern, however, that while the statistics reflect a downward trend in major crimes, including kidnapping, the figures associated with reported rapes have risen. We thank the Mission for its August 2013 study on the subject and, in that regard, encourage continued efforts to bolster the capacity of courts, prosecution offices and police stations to properly handle those types of cases. It is unfortunate that the scourge of sexual and gender-based violence persists in Haiti. Jamaica takes note of and commends the uniquely tailored programme that serves to train police personnel in methods used to prevent and respond to such crimes. For Jamaica, the issue of sexual exploitation and abuse within the Mission is of paramount importance. Such cases unacceptably mar the image of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH). What is more, they stain the international image of the United Nations and that of countless other personnel in the field who are dedicated to the cause of fostering and maintaining peace. Jamaica strongly supports the application of a zero-tolerance approach to such cases. In that connection, we laud efforts to launch thorough and timely investigations into all allegations of abuse and encourage the continuing and determined work to prevent future incidents. Jamaica notes with satisfaction the significant growth in the size of the Haitian National Police, from 5,000 officers at the start of the Mission to the current force complement of 11,228 officers. We encourage MINUSTAH to continue building the capacity of the Haitian National Police as a high priority. That should include strong recruitment campaigns and unrelenting efforts to ensure that the goal of 15,000 officers in service by the end of the police development plan for 2012-2016 is attained. Special emphasis should also be placed on the recruitment of women and skilled personnel capable of contributing to the development of Haiti at the highest level. MINUSTAH’s community violence reduction programme is being increasingly recognized for its impact on public safety and community development. By supporting community-based labour intensive infrastructure and environmental projects, MINUSTAH has effectively provided a viable and innovative alternative for at-risk youth. With the tremendous success of that programme in mind, we welcome the 29 projects that were initiated for the 2013-2014 financial year. We note the progress made in upholding the rule of law in Haiti, as exemplified in the Government’s “5 E” policy programme. Jamaica therefore strongly supports the assistance provided by MINUSTAH to the Haitian institutions responsible for ensuring the rule of law. In particular, we note the work done in the area of pre-trial detention and that carried out through the legal aid offices, as well as the success encountered in the processing of more than 2,000 cases during the reporting period. With regard to the Haitian economy, the Secretary- General’s report notes an increase of 4.3 per cent in the economic growth rate. That accomplishment, coupled with the growing levels of innovation and industry across the country, speaks to the resilience and determination of the Haitian people in overcoming the many obstacles to social and economic development. While we share in the hope for and expectation of a more prosperous Haiti, we are mindful of existing constraints, including the poor infrastructure and unstable electricity supply, which, as the Secretary-General notes in his report, continue to hinder economic growth. It is clear that the persistence of those constraints will inevitably have a negative effect on Haiti’s ability to continue along its positive path. Jamaica continues to maintain its support for the four jointly agreed stabilization benchmarks outlined in the conditions-based consolidation plan. We welcome the updates on achievements and challenges provided by the Secretary-General and look forward to receiving additional information on how the United Nations can further continue to contribute to Haiti’s stabilization and development. At the same time, we support the efforts geared towards the responsible and carefully planned drawdown. We call for a post-2016 reconfiguration that is in keeping with the needs of the Haitian people. The five options outlined in the report all present their own challenges and advantages. We look forward with anticipation to further discussion on those and related matters. In conclusion, I would like to reaffirm Jamaica’s support for the Government and people of Haiti. I wish to express the my country’s sincere appreciation to those serving in MINUSTAH and applaud the commitment that they have shown to improving the lives of the Haitian people.

I now give the floor to the representative of Spain.

I would first like to thank Ms. Sandra Honoré, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, for presenting the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (S/2014/162). Spain aligns itself with the statement to be made by the observer of the European Union, and wishes to add a number of observations in its national capacity. Spain shares the Secretary-General’s relatively positive evaluation of the political situation in Haiti. We welcome the progress in the inter-Haitian dialogue among the various political actors, namely, the executive and legislative branches and the political parties, fostered by the Episcopal Conference of Haiti. We call on all political actors to pursue and strengthen that path of dialogue in order to address the country’s political agenda in a climate of consensus. We believe that holding the upcoming elections is a fundamental step in Haiti’s stabilization, the consolidation of its institutions and the promotion of democracy and the rule of law. We trust that the elections will take place this year. Spain appreciates the efforts of the Club de Madrid’s first high-level mission on political consultation/ dialogue, funded by the European Union and led by the twice former President of the Republic of Mauritius, Mr. Cassam Uteem, and the Secretary-General of the Club, the Spanish Ambassador Mr. Carlos Westendorp. The mission’s goal is the promotion of dialogue in discussing Haiti’s stabilization and political reform. With regard to security, we are pleased at the developments in 2013 as a result of MINUSTAH’s remarkable work and the ongoing process of the institutional strengthening of the Haitian National Police. Spain believes that, in the area of security, there must be greater support for measures that foster reform in the judicial and corrections systems, in particular with regard to preventive detention. The results achieved in the security sector encourage us to support the work being undertaken in the training and increasing deployment of the national police force. We support the current process of reflection on the MINUSTAH’s future towards a progressive reduction in its personnel. That will allow it, in the medium term, to focus on assisting civilians, in particular in emergency situations. In any case, Spain understands that such reflection must go hand in hand with an effective strengthening of the capacities of the Haitian National Police in order to enable it to increasingly assume MINUSTAH’s functions. With regard to the judiciary/justice sector, we welcome the decision of the Court of Appeal in the case of ex-President Jean-Claude Duvalier as testament to strengthening and developing the rule of law in Haiti. Turning to the humanitarian situation, Spain views with satisfaction the progress noted in the Secretary- General’s report with regard to the reduced number of internal displacements. We support the United Nations in its efforts to eliminate cholera in the context of its two-year plan and in support of the Haitian national plan. As one of the country’s main donors, Spain continues and reaffirms its commitment to Haiti’s development through cooperation focused, in particular, on access to clean water, which is crucial to the eradication of cholera, education, rural development and the fight against malnutrition. Finally, we would like to express our support and confidence in the high-level talks between Haiti and the Dominican Republic. We believe that the high-level bilateral commission is the ideal forum for discussing the common agendas of both countries for their mutually beneficial development.

I now give the floor to the representative of Guatemala.

We welcome Ambassador Sandra Honoré and thank her for presenting the report of the Secretary- General (S/2014/162). We would also like to thank the Permanent Representative of Haiti for his valuable comments. I have five brief points. First, the current situation in Haiti continues to be characterized by enormous challenges, and being able to overcome them will depend largely on the holding of the long-awaited local, municipal and legislative elections and the success with which they are carried out. We welcome the recent political agreement reached in Haiti to hold elections in October this year. We recognize the Haitian leadership for forging that consensus, which marks a step forward in the political culture of the country. Its implementation will now be important. We also commend the technical and legislative preparations to make the elections viable, including the required budget, which is under way. Secondly, I want to refer to the reform of the Haitian National Police, which is the main criterion for assessing the performance of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH). We have indicated on several occasions that the professionalization of the police is not enough on its own. We are concerned about the slow progress in other areas, which, as the Secretary-General’s report warns, could jeopardize some of the significant progress made so far. Progress in the judiciary and penal areas is also necessary for the consolidation of the rule of law, as well as being a key indicator in strengthening the quality of the police force. Thirdly, we believe that the socioeconomic dimension cannot be ignored. The axis of the problems of instability in Haiti does not exclusively have military solutions. We must seek the root causes of the instability — poverty, unemployment and social inequality. In the humanitarian context, we must recognize that, after long delays, today almost 90 per cent of the population displaced by the earthquake have returned to their neighbourhoods or have been relocated. There continues to be a pressing need to normalize the situation of people displaced by the disaster four years ago. Fourthly, experience has shown that the United Nations must maintain an adequate presence in the country, through both MINUSTAH and the United Nations country team. We therefore reiterate that our withdrawal from the country must be responsible and gradual to ensure that, when that time comes, the Mission will never have to return. We note the five post-2016 configuration options outlined by the Secretary General. We believe that, at this time, current levels must be maintained and actions that could jeopardize the proper holding of elections must be avoided. Both the report of the Secretary- General and the recent meeting with the troop- contributing countries show the need for the continued operational support of MINUSTAH forces. In that regard, we believe that this is just the beginning of the discussion and it would be premature to discuss the appropriateness, merits or suitability of the options presented. We are in the consolidation phase of the Mission, and it is only when that process comes to an end that we can begin the reconfiguration progress. We must act in a calculated manner and on the basis of the strategic assessment to be presented by Secretary- General at a later date and in close consultation with the Government of Haiti and the troop-contributing countries. Finally, we congratulate the Special Representative Sandra Honoré for her tireless efforts leading the Mission. She has our full support and admiration. Haiti has a special place on the agenda of the United Nations. Now more than ever, the Organization’s role is of unparalleled importance to ensure the continuity of an irreversible process of stabilization.

I now give the floor to the observer of the European Union.

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its member States. I would like to thank the Secretary-General for his report (S/2014/162) and the Special Representative for her presentation. I also thank the Permanent Representative of Haiti for his presentation today. The candidate countries Turkey, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Iceland and Serbia; the country of the Stabilization and Association Process and potential candidate Bosnia and Herzegovina; as well as Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Georgia, align themselves with this statement. The European Union shares the assessment of the Secretary-General in his report with regard to the relative improvement in the political situation in Haiti. During the recent visit of President Martelly to Brussels, the European Union expressed to him its satisfaction with the progress achieved in the context of the inter-Haitian dialogue, which has made it possible to reach significant compromises with regard to the electoral and institutional disputes. We are pleased to note that our calls and those of other partners for the continuation of that dialogue have been heard and that an agreement on the date of the upcoming elections has finally been reached by the parties concerned. The Government’s commitment to cover one third of the costs for the organization of the upcoming elections is also an encouraging sign. The consolidation of democracy and its institutions remains an important pillar in our cooperation with Haiti. With that in mind, the European Union and the Government of Haiti decided in December 2013 to launch a political dialogue, as provided for in article 8 of the Cotonou Agreement. That framework will make it possible to support the political and economic reforms necessary for sustainable socioeсonomic development in Haiti, but also to have a constructive exchange of views on subjects of common concern. The political dialogue is further complemented by a programme of support to the Haitian Parliament aimed at improving dialogue among political parties and a more efficient management of the legislative agenda. We also asked the Club de Madrid to carry out another high-level political advisory mission, which is already under way. With regard to the humanitarian situation, the European Union first of all welcomes the progress mentioned by the Secretary-General, in particular the ongoing reduction in the number of displaced people still living in camps. However, we remain concerned about the precarious living conditions of those families, most of whom do not have access to basic services. The European Union would like to underscore once again its concern with regard to the cases of forced and sometimes violent evictions reported by several civil society organizations. The Haitian authorities must ensure that the rights of the persons concerned are respected and find humane and sustainable solutions to help them in their relocation. The European Union also welcomes the efforts to find a coordinated response to the cholera epidemic in Haiti and welcomes the two-year plan of the United Nations, which supports the National Plan for the Elimination of Cholera in Haiti. I am pleased to confirm that the European Union will continue its humanitarian efforts in Haiti in 2014 with a programme in the amount of €18 million euros, which will include our continued support for the eradication of the epidemic. Finally, with regard to the humanitarian situation, we would like to express our dismay at the number of Haitian children under the age of five that suffer from malnutrition. As stated in paragraph 18 of the Secretary-General’s report, approximately 100,000 children are affected, of whom 20,000 suffer from severe acute malnutrition, which will have irreversible consequences for their growth. This is truly a national tragedy that should mobilize all the political forces in Haiti. We reiterate our request to the Haitian authorities and political forces to put issues related to combatting poverty and malnutrition at the top of the Government’s agenda. The European Union takes note of the proposals made ​in the report of the Secretary-General with regard to the future reconfiguration of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH). Determining the most appropriate option will require in-depth analysis of the security situation and progress on the four key benchmarks of stabilization. The European Union supports the goal of a gradual and conditional handover from MINUSTAH to the Haitian Government. The pace of that transition will depend upon the political will and determination of the Haitian authorities to implement legislative and administrative reforms needed to carry out the tasks delegated at present to MINUSTAH. The European Union, through its development cooperation programmes, aimed at, among other things, important support for the reform of State administration, will continue to support the process of mission reconfiguration. As we did in prior debates, we reiterate our concern at the limited progress in the field of judicial and prison reform. In our view, it is essential that the Haitian authorities undertake reform of the security sector as a whole, including the police, the border control regime and the judicial and prison systems. To that end, we are working in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme to support the capacity- building of the Superior Council of the Judiciary, for which a specific programme funded by the European Union has just been launched. Furthermore, we welcome the decision of the Court of Appeal confirming the judicial proceedings against former President Jean- Claude Duvalier for crimes against humanity. The binational high-level dialogue begun between Haiti and the Dominican Republic represents an excellent opportunity to find consensual solutions on cross- border issues of common interest. We congratulate the two Governments for their constructive engagement. The European Union will continue to actively support that process through its participation as an observer in the dialogue and through its regional cooperation programmes. In conclusion, the European Union would like to express its appreciation of the excellent cooperation between our delegation in Port-au-Prince and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms. Sandra Honoré, and the United Nations country office in Haiti. We will remain engaged and continue our support to Haiti and MINUSTAH so as to strengthen the reform efforts under way.

I now give the floor to the representative of Colombia.

First, I wish to thank you, Madam President, for having convened this debate on the situation in Haiti. I recognize and thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms. Sandra Honoré, for the detailed report she presented to the Security Council today (S/2014/162). Colombia aligns itself with the statement to be delivered by the representative of Uruguay on behalf of the Group of Friends of Haiti recognizing the progress made in strengthening democracy in the country. The enactment of the Electoral Act and the collaboration among the various parties and the Government of President Martelly with a view to holding legislative, municipal and local elections are encouraging signs. The elections represent a significant challenge that will require support and assistance from the international community, primarily through the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH). However, it is clear that Haiti still faces multiple challenges. That is why I take this opportunity to reiterate Colombia’s continuous support to Ms. Honoré and the valuable work of MINUSTAH to ensure the lasting well-being of the Haitian people, to whom we South Americans owe a historic debt as they help us towards our own national independence. Colombia participates in MINUSTAH. Our police are supporting the fight against the global drug problem, transnational organized crime, extortion and kidnapping. Since 2013, following calls from the Council to broaden the role of women in peacekeeping, our schools have trained Haitian women police officers in Colombia and, in the field of development cooperation, we support training in the areas of coffee production, food and nutritional security, the refurbishment of housing and basic sanitation, neighbourhood regeneration and support for technical training. Security, stability, better living conditions for the Haitian people and strengthened democratic institutions must continue to be the focus of the international community’s commitment to Haiti. It is clear that MINUSTAH cannot continue indefinitely, but we must be cautious when considering its gradual drawdown, because the achievements attained must not be put at risk. Colombia calls for the responsible gradual drawdown of MINUSTAH, taking into account the points raised in the latest report of the Secretary- General, which notes that there are still important gaps when it comes to institutions and security. The upcoming legislative, municipal and local elections and the presidential elections of 2015 represent a challenge in the consolidation of democracy in Haiti requiring appropriate support and assistance from the international community, primarily through MINUSTAH.

I now give the floor to the representative of Uruguay.

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Group of Friends of Haiti, which includes Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, France, Guatemala, Peru, the United States of America and my country, Uruguay. I would like to commend you, Madam President, for having organized this debate to discuss the latest report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (S/2014/162). The Group of Friends welcomes the presence of the Special Representative of the Secretary- General, Ms. Sandra Honoré, and thanks her for her comprehensive briefing and for her tireless work. We also welcome the presence of the Permanent Representative of Haiti. Strengthening the rule of law and democratic institutions, establishing a political environment conducive to democratic stability and improving socioeconomic conditions are key elements for achieving broader and more sustainable stability and prosperity in Haiti. In that regard, the Group of Friends strongly encourages all political actors in Haiti to continue deepening their dialogue and cooperation with a view to strengthening democracy in their country, and reiterates the importance of the holding free and fair legislative, municipal and local elections this year as an essential and urgent step towards lasting stability, recovery and development in Haiti. The Group welcomes the efforts devoted by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Haiti to facilitate dialogue among all national actors with a view to strengthening Haitian democratic institutions. The signing of the El Rancho agreement marks an important milestone in a Haitian-led process and represents the will of Haitian political stakeholders to move forward with the planning of elections. That momentum must not be lost. We encourage Haiti’s political leaders to keep up that spirit of cooperation and act promptly to uphold the provisions of the agreement regarding the reform of the electoral law, the establishment of a transitional Electoral Council and the fixing of an electoral timetable. The Group of Friends notes that, since the latest report by the Secretary-General, the overall security situation in Haiti has remained relatively stable, although it has been marked by an increase in civil unrest during the first part of the reporting period. That has allowed the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) to implement the drawdown established in resolutions 2070 (2012) and 2119 (2013) without undermining the security and stability of Haiti. The Group of Friends takes note of the progress in the execution of MINUSTAH’s 2013-2016 consolidation plan, aimed at allowing the Haitian authorities to assume full responsibility for their country’s security as soon as conditions permit. The Group of Friends commends this calibrated approach and reiterates the importance of making decisions on future actions based on conditions on the ground. The Group of Friends takes note of the five options presented in the Secretary-General’s report (S/2014/162) as a basis for future discussions on how best to carry out the political and peacekeeping functions that remain crucial to Haiti’s progress. The Group also welcomes the Secretary-General’s intention to conduct a comprehensive strategic assessment with a view to making a recommendation to the Council, and underlines the importance of maintaining close cooperation with the Government of Haiti in that regard. The Group of Friends reiterates the importance of the Government of Haiti’s commitment to strengthening the rule of law and making further progress in the judiciary and security sectors. In that regard, the Group would like to emphasize the Haitian National Police’s critical role in Haiti’s security and stability and to stress the importance of completing its ongoing strengthening, professionalization and reform so that it can assume full responsibility for security in Haiti. In that context, the Group of Friends emphasizes the importance of building up the Haitian National Police’s capacity outside Port-au-Prince, and ensuring its adherence to the highest standards of respect for human rights. The Group of Friends of Haiti reiterates its commitment to the United Nations policy of zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, and in that regard expects all United Nations personnel to abide by the highest standards of conduct. The Group urges all actors involved to assume their responsibilities in order to prevent such cases, investigate allegations and hold those responsible accountable. The Group welcomes the significant progress made during 2013 regarding the resettlement of persons displaced by the 2010 earthquake. However, we are also concerned about living conditions in the remaining camps, particularly for women and children, an example of the persistent humanitarian challenges that Haiti continues to face. The Group of Friends notes the ongoing work being done by the Government of Haiti, MINUSTAH and others to protect vulnerable groups and encourages all actors to pay as much attention as possible to preventing and reducing violent crime, particularly against women and children, including rape and other crimes of sexual violence. The ongoing efforts to eliminate the cholera epidemic are a reminder of the importance of sustaining cooperation between the international community and the Government of Haiti in order to meet the needs of the Haitian people. In that regard, the Group welcomes the two-year plan developed by the United Nations and focused on short-term actions in support of the 10-year national plan for the elimination of cholera in Haiti, and takes note of the Secretary-General’s appointment of a Senior Coordinator for Cholera Response in Haiti. Similarly, we acknowledge the efforts of the donor community and calls on them to fulfil the pledges they have made without delay. The Group of Friends of Haiti believes that security, respect for human rights, rule of law and development are closely interlinked and mutually strengthen stability. We therefore underscore the need to systematically address unemployment, education and the delivery of basic social services, and to ensure the economic and political empowerment of women. At the same time, the Group stresses that there can be no genuine stability or sustainable development in Haiti without strengthening democratic institutions and a credible democratic process. In that context, the Group emphasizes the importance of promoting the rule of law through the strengthening of Haitian institutions and further reaffirms the responsibility of MINUSTAH for supporting the Haitian State by promoting improved governance structures, the extension of State authority and the promotion and protection of human rights, in accordance with its mandate. Finally, the Group of Friends of Haiti reaffirms its solidarity with and commitment to the people and Government of Haiti in their pursuit of stability, reconstruction, recovery, social and economic development and democratic consolidation. The Group of Friends recognizes the important role of MINUSTAH in ensuring stability and security in Haiti, and expresses its support for and recognition to the women and men of MINUSTAH for their dedication and tireless efforts to support recovery and stability in Haiti.

I now give the floor to the representative of Brazil.

I thank you for convening this debate, Madam President. I would like to thank Special Representative Sandra Honoré for her detailed presentation. I also thank the Permanent Representative of Haiti, Ambassador Denis Régis, for his statement. The Secretary-General’s most recent report (S/2014/162) invites us to discuss options for the United Nations presence in Haiti after 2016, and at the same time reminds us of ongoing challenges  — persistent issues on the security, social and economic fronts, and the political divisions that have delayed the Haitian people’s full enjoyment of democratic stability. In addition to those challenges, Haiti must confront a cholera epidemic with the highest number of cases in the world. At the same time, it is fair to acknowledge that Haiti has come a long way on the path to stabilization. Progress on the humanitarian situation, in particular the relocation of displaced people, is encouraging, although forced evictions are a cause for concern. Recent positive economic prospects confirm our confidence in the potential for Haiti’s development. On the political front, in particular, the recently signed El Rancho agreement presents a vital opportunity to break with old patterns and practices that run contrary to institutional progress and have continued to hold the country back. In that regard, I would like to recognize the key role of the mediators who are providing the necessary space and support for the inter-Haitian dialogue. We expect that the political dialogue will, in the short term, lead to the swift implementation of concrete commitments and allow for normalization of the country’s democratic life with the holding of pending elections in 2014 and presidential elections in 2015. That complex picture is a reminder of the integrated nature of the challenges Haiti faces in this advanced stage of the stabilization process. This remains a fundamental circumstance as we discuss the best strategy for consolidating the stabilization gains secured so far with the crucial contribution of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH). In that context, I should like to convey Brazil’s strong support for the work being done by Special Representative Sandra Honoré and her team. On the security front, the Secretary-General’s report informs us of the progress achieved by the Haitian National Police in implementing its development plan with the key support of MINUSTAH. That should not divert us from the importance of translating our support for strengthening the justice and security sectors into concrete benefits for the population and greater protection of basic human rights, including social and economic rights. To help establish that fundamental, rights-based connection between institutions and citizens, it is key that MINUSTAH continue to pursue a comprehensive approach to stability. Brazil welcomes the deeper integration of community projects to reduce violence within the spectrum of the Mission’s rule-of-law activities, as well as the efforts to tackle weaknesses in the judicial sector and the issue of prolonged pre-trial detentions. Stabilization tools such as quick-impact projects and the community projects to reduce violence become even more important as we move forward with the implementation of MINUSTAH’s consolidation plan, with further reductions of its military component. It is a positive development that the situation has remained stable in the departments vacated by MINUSTAH’s troops. It indicates that a well- calibrated, responsible, progressive and situational approach is best suited to consolidating gains without compromising security. We believe such a careful, gradual and responsible approach should continue to prevail in our planning for a sustainable transition. It is the security situation on the ground, its prevailing social and political dimensions and Haiti’s capacity to assume increasing responsibilities that should continue to guide us — not self-imposed budgetary constraints or arbitrarily conceived time frames unrelated to Haiti’s specific situation. The Council should not sacrifice hard-earned security and stability at the risk of paying a higher price in the medium term. Neither should it pursue the establishment of new and needed missions to the detriment of, and at the expense of, active ones that have not fully discharged themselves of their purpose. As the Secretary-General himself points out, a comprehensive strategic assessment will be needed for an informed decision on the options presented in his report or any other alternatives deemed suitable. We hope that this exercise will improve the concrete situation on the ground, identify opportunities for the further transfer of responsibilities where they present themselves, and take into account the need to ensure that key objectives such as electoral processes and political national dialogue are met with adequate support. Close and effective coordination with the Government of Haiti will remain a decisive requirement in this context. I take note with encouragement of the final paragraphs of the statement made by the representative of Haiti in that regard. It is clear, especially in the light of the security requirements for upcoming elections, that no abrupt interruption of the support provided by a peacekeeping presence is advisable. Brazil would favour options that maintain a military capability to support the Haitian National Police, as needed, under Chapter VII. We are also of the view that the present Latin American/ Caribbean profile of the Mission should be fully preserved throughout its reconfiguration process. The ultimate transition must be a Haitian one — a transition away from past instability and back to the original Haitian dream that inspired an entire region to seek independence as a way to ensure a dignified life for all. We stand firmly behind this objective in solidarity with our Haitian brothers and sisters.

I give the floor to the representative of Mexico.

My delegation welcomes the convening of this debate at a decisive moment for the future of the Government and people of Haiti and for the definition of the United Nations presence in the country. Ten years following the establishment of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) and four after the devastating earthquake that had tragic humanitarian, political and economic consequences in Haiti, we now see important advances in security, stability, political dialogue and the rule of law. This progress could not have been achieved without the presence MINUSTAH and the support of the United Nations and other international organizations. It is clear that the strategy of addressing the challenges of security, development and human rights on parallel tracks, as has been pursued since 2004, has been decisive in the restoration of stability and reconstruction of Haiti. The Government of Mexico welcomes the positive assessment of the political process offered in the Secretary-General’s latest report (S/2014/162), arising from the adoption of the electoral law and the beginning of direct dialogue between the executive branch, Parliament and the political parties. These agreements are essential to the ongoing creation of an enabling environment for the elections this year and presidential elections in 2015. A peaceful transition of power as a result of free elections, coupled with the institutional strengthening of the Haitian Government, would be important to consolidating democracy in the country. It is crucial to maintain the support Haiti will need in this period so as to bring to fruition the efforts being made by the Haitians and the international community. My country has supported Haiti in strengthening and professionalizing its electoral institutions. At the request of the Electoral Council , the Mexican Federal Electoral Institute has provided technical assistance in various areas, and in the coming months will dispatch a mission to develop, jointly with the authorities of that country. a collaborative programme on electoral matters. Although the Secretary-General reports significant progress on the humanitarian front over the past year, we are concerned about the persistence of the high number of cases of cholera; this crisis has already claimed the lives of 8,500 persons. Mexico hopes that the implementation of the humanitarian action plan for Haiti in 2014 and the National Plan for the Elimination of Cholera in Haiti, with the support of the United Nations system and other international partners, will help to address the needs related to the epidemic and to reduced rates of infection. We are convinced that these efforts should be part of a strategy that addresses poverty and development challenges simultaneously and strengthens food security, nutrition and disaster preparedness. Mexico is commited to that task. We will continue to promote actions in the priority areas of development cooperation, established with the Haitian Government, in agriculture, education, socioeconomic development, the environment, health and democracy. The distance covered in the past decade by Haiti and the international community reflects the progress made in the priority areas of stabilization, the MINUSTAH consolidation plan, and the professionalization of the Haitian National Police. As the Secretary-General notes, challenges remain to be addressed in order to ensure that the national authorities can progressively assume greater responsibility in establishing the rule of law and the preparation of the coming elections. It is essential that MINUSTAH enjoy the resources to address these challenges. Mexico hopes that the MINUSTAH consolidation plan will lead to a successful transition process, with the ultimate departure of the Mission once it has met its objectives of maintaining stability and long- term development in Haiti. It is essential to sustain a gradual and planned approach to the reconfiguration of MINUSTAH in 2016, pursuant to resolution 2119 (2013). An abrupt, unplanned withdrawal of the Mission could generate a recurrence of the crisis and political instability of incalculable consequences. On behalf of my delegation, I recognize the efforts of the men and women deployed in MINUSTAH, who, in cooperation with the Haitian Government, are working to lay the foundations for a prosperous and peaceful Haiti. The legacy of the MINUSTAH is tangible. The country today is not what it was between 2004 to 2010. Let us bring our common efforts to fruition and make Haiti another success story for the Council, for the Organization and particularly for the Haitian people.

I give the floor to the representative of Canada.

I would like first to thank you, Madam President, and the delegation of Luxembourg for having organized this debate on Haiti. I would also like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms. Sandra Honoré, for her briefing on the situation in Haiti, and to assure her of Canada’s continued support to her and the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH). We acknowledge the ongoing efforts of all the MINUSTAH staff to strengthen stability in Haiti. Although progress has been made since the Security Council last discussed Haiti in August (see S/PV.7024), more work is needed to ensure its sustainable development and stability. One example of this progress is the relocation of thousands of families living in displaced person’s camps; 90 per cent of the population displaced by the 2010 earthquake have now moved out of these camps. We must continue to work until the remaining 10 per cent have homes. In January, Canada announced further support to help relocate another 53,000 internally-displaced persons over the next year. (spoke in English) Canada has shared a unique partnership with Haiti for decades. Since 2006, Canada has provided more than $1.4 billion in development and humanitarian assistance. These efforts have been designed to complement to and support the efforts and actions of our allies and of multilateral and regional bodies in Haiti. Canada has worked to make improvements in a number of areas including economic growth, food security, governance and — in line with Canada’s Group of Eight Muskoka initiative — has placed a particular focus on maternal, newborn and child health. Canada welcomes the fact that Haiti has made economic development, including trade and investment, a top priority. We welcome the Government’s emphasis on modernizing the business environment so as to facilitate foreign investments, and we strongly encourage actions that can lead to further gains in transparent governance, economic development and sustainable job creation. A private sector creates employment and employment builds an economy. Transparency, accountability, economic competitiveness and diversification are all essential to Haiti’s development and sustained revenue generation for the Government. We encourage continued action in improving the business environment, which can transform Haiti’s economic potential into concrete outcomes for the Haitian people. (spoke in French) If Haiti is to succeed on the path of development in accordance with its own objectives and plans, accountable institutional and political stability are necessary. We note with concern that the long-overdue senatorial, municipal and local elections prescribed by the Constitution still have not taken place, despite the repeated calls of Haitian political actors and members of the Security Council that they be held without delay. We are encouraged by recent announcements that these elections will take place this fall, but those words must now be turned into action and lead to voters casting their ballots at the polling stations. The promulgation of the electoral law in December 2013 was an important step towards the holding of the elections. We commend Haiti’s political actors for the consensual solutions they have reached through the recently concluded inter-Haitian dialogue. We also recognize and appreciate the efforts of MINUSTAH in providing electoral assistance and logistical support for those elections. We note the importance of strengthening the status and capacity of Haitian institutions to take on an increasing role in the future. It is also important to continue to improve human rights protection in Haiti. Canada commends the Haitian Office of the Ombudsperson for becoming accredited as a national human rights institution in December 2013. That was an important step forward for Haitian-led efforts to protect and promote human rights in the country, and Canada is proud to have supported the Office over the past few years. We also welcome the submission of several reports on Haiti’s implementation of its obligations under human rights conventions as important steps towards accountability in this domain. There is still much more to be done, however, as generalized weaknesses in institutions of the justice sector remain a concern and undermine human rights protection. A large number of Haitians  — up to 70 per cent of the prison population, according to some sources — face prolonged pre-trial detention in terrible conditions. It is time for this issue to be addressed. Continued international engagement and the ongoing institution-strengthening efforts of the Haitian authorities are crucial to improving the current situation in an effective and sustainable way. (spoke in English) In conclusion, Canada wishes to state that it continues to appreciate and support the important work of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti. For 10 years, MINUSTAH has worked to improve security conditions and contribute to lasting stability in Haiti, and it has made considerable progress. Canada notes MINUSTAH’s forward planning on the post-2016 presence of the United Nations in Haiti. As we consider the possibilities for the future, it is important that such decisions be based on the situation on the ground, and in particular the capacity of the Haitian State to deliver security to its population. We should also avoid reduction scenarios that would jeopardize the results we have achieved to date. We also commend the mission’s efforts towards the reform and development the Haitian National Police, an organization that has demonstrated increasing capacity in recent months. We are extremely pleased that the first group of Haitian police commissioners has completed its training, and that the training of a second group is now under way. This is an important milestone and the result of considerable work by Haitian authorities to develop curriculum and recruit and train professors, among other activities. Canada is proud to have provided considerable support to these efforts, and we encourage the Haitian Government to ensure the sustainability of these achievements. We urge the Haitian Government to continue this work and to further build upon it by tackling weaknesses in the justice sector so that the rule of law can be delivered to all Haitian citizens. This is critical for Haiti’s future and I can assure you, Madam President, that Canada will continue to support Haiti in that regard.

I give the floor to the representative of Peru.

At the outset, I should like to welcome the initiative of the presidency of the Security Council to convene this debate on the situation in Haiti. I also warmly welcome the presence of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Haiti, Ms. Sandra Honoré, and thank her for her presentation of the report of the Secretary-General on the situation in Haiti (S/2014/162). My delegation aligns itself with the statement made by the representative of Uruguay on behalf of the Group of Friends of Haiti, especially its recognition of the important work of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) in ensuring the stabilization and security of Haiti, as well as in strengthening its democratic institutions and the rule of law. We believe that this work remains essential to providing the Haitian authorities with the security and support needed to facilitate the process of democratic consolidation in Haiti. Peru is committed to achieving and consolidating security, stability, sustainable development and institutional strengthening in Haiti. My country has therefore actively participated in MINUSTAH since 2004 with a military contingent of 372 troops, including female field staff, as well as military officers in the General Staff of the Mission. Peru recognizes the significant progress made ​ towards the holding of the long-delayed legislative, municipal and local by-elections. However, we are concerned that a new postponement thereof could generate a climate of political instability and a governance vacuum in Haiti. Therefore, recognizing the democratic vocation of the Haitian people , my delegation reiterates its call on all Haitian political forces to reach the agreements necessary to the timely holding of these elections, which will strengthen the functioning of key institutions of democratic governance Haiti. As noted in the report of the Secretary-General (S/2014/162), the security situation in Haiti remains relatively stable thanks to the crucial work of MINUSTAH. However, there has been an increase in protests, mainly linked to political tension, socioeconomic problems and the lack of basic services. This should remind us that the United Nations system should provide cooperation in the three areas that have direct impact on the ongoing process of Haitian recovery and reconstruction: governance, security and sustainable development. In reiterating our appreciation for the work of the military component of MINUSTAH to ensure stability and security in Haiti, we wish to express our satisfaction with the progress achieved in the implementation of the five-year development plan for 2012-2016 of the Haitian National Police, which will give that institution the capacity necessary to maintain public order and security throughout the country, as well as a firm institutional foundation for promoting the strengthening of the rule of law and respect for human rights. The progress made by MINUSTAH in Haiti’s stabilization allows us to look to the future with optimism, because we believe that the time has come to for Haiti initiate a process of gradual transition towards a phased, gradual and orderly second stage of cooperation with the United Nations system. In this regard, we welcome the progress made in implementing the reconfiguration and consolidation plan for MINUSTAH, aimed at consolidating the achievements made to date and at laying the foundations for long- term development programmes . Regarding the various options provided by the Secretary-General on the future of the Mission, my delegation believes that a future reduction of MINUSTAH personnel, or even a change in the nature of the Mission, should be determined only after a serious analysis of the situation on the ground. In this regard, we welcome the Secretary-General’s intention to conduct a strategic assessment of the desirability of the various options set out in the report, and we hope that he will duly consider the parameters and indicators in the MINUSTAH reconfiguration and consolidation plan. In conclusion, my delegation reiterates that MINUSTAH’s major achievements to date should not lead us to the false conclusion that the United Nations task in Haiti is finished, or even close to it. Experience has shown us the grave consequences in certain countries when the Organization has decided to withdraw its presence on the ground before it should have, which is why we call upon the entire international community to continue its ongoing support in Haiti.

I now give the floor to the representative of Japan.

I would like to express my appreciation to you, Madam President, for presiding over today’s debate. I would also like to commend Ms. Sandra Honoré, Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Haiti, for her invaluable and significant contribution to the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH). I thank her for her comprehensive briefing this morning. I also wish to pay tribute to the men and women of the MINUSTAH for the commitment and fortitude they have demonstrated under difficult circumstances. I welcome the Secretary-General’s report on MINUSTAH (S/2014/162), issued on 7 March. As the report points out, the adoption of the electoral law and the launching of an inter-Haitian dialogue process are encouraging signs that can lead to overcoming the recurrent political crises and defuse tensions. Various challenges persist but significant progress has been made in the stabilization and recovery process in Haiti. In that regard, the support provided by MINUSTAH, such as increasing the capacity of the Haitian National Police, building electoral capacity, strengthening the rule of law and supporting political dialogue, has been indispensable. Japan, as a close friend of Haiti, has also been contributing to the recovery process in the country. A total number of approximately 2,200 Japanese Self-Defense Force personnel served as part of the engineering unit that was dispatched until December 2012. Their activities contributed to clearing away rubble and debris, building facilities and transporting supplies in the aftermath of the earthquake that hit Haiti in 2010. Moreover, at the time of the withdrawal of its personnel, Japan donated engineering equipment to the Government of Haiti and prefabricated houses to MINUSTAH. In addition to the Japan Self-Defense Force contribution, my country has disbursed more than $150 million since 2010 for the reconstruction of Haiti. Basic infrastructure in the country remains fragile. Therefore, Japan has focused its assistance on restoring and establishing basic social services in the fields of health, hygiene and education. Recently, on 7 March, the Government of Japan agreed to provide approximately $6.8 million in assistance for a water supply facilities reconstruction project in Léogâne and approximately $7 million for a hospital reconstruction project in Jacmel. In addition, on 11 March, the Government of Japan signed a document with UNICEF to provide assistance totalling approximately $2.5 million for a cholera-prevention project in Haiti. Further, approximately $3 million for underprivileged farmers in Haiti has also been decided. Japan intends to continue to support the recovery in and cooperate with Haiti. The Secretary-General’s report raises an important issue about the future United Nations presence in Haiti. Japan welcomes the integrated planning process on the post-2016 United Nations configuration in the country that has been launched and the five broad possible options presented in the report on the future of MINUSTAH. Mindful of the presidential elections scheduled for November 2015, while also taking into account the developments to date in Haiti, Japan was encouraged to learn that a reduction in MINUSTAH personnel — a withdrawal of 1,249 infantry and engineering personnel — is planned to take place by the end of June 2014. Through support to the recovery efforts in Haiti, Japan hopes that, in the near future, conditions on the ground will enable a progressive drawdown of the MINUSTAH operation and a handover of its functions to the Government of Haiti. Two decades have passed since the first Japan- Caribbean Community (CARICOM) consultation was held in 1993. The year 2014 has been designated as the Japan-CARICOM Friendship Year in order to enhance the relationship in diverse fields. The friendship built between Japan and Haiti is also a strong and solid one. Japan will never forget the solidarity shown by Haiti in the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011. Through that friendship, I am confident that we can overcome the difficult challenges ahead of us and advance towards a brighter future.

I now give the floor to Ms. Honoré so that she may briefly respond to the observations that have been made. Ms. Honoré: Once again, I take the opportunity to thank you, Madam President, for having placed today’s debate on the most recent report of the Secretary- General on the work of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) (S/2014/162) on the Security Council’s agenda. I wish to thank you, Madam President, and the members of the Council for the comments and recommendations that have been made in the course of this morning’s debate on our work and on the work of the Mission for stabilization in Haiti. My gratitude is also extended to all the other Member States, including the Republic of Haiti, and the multilateral organizations that have proferred comments and suggestions, either on their own behalf or on behalf of regional groupings. On behalf of the personnel of MINUSTAH — military, police and civilians, international and Haitian — as well as United Nations Volunteers, I thank participants today for their expressions of support for the work of the Mission as we strive to fully acquit ourselves of the Council mandate to ensure an environment of security and stabilization in Haiti. We are encouraged by the Council’s continuing support of our efforts and its desire to ensure they redound to the full benefit of the children, women and men of Haiti. In keeping with the Mission’s consolidation plan, we continue to concentrate on the core areas of development of the Haitian National Police, the strengthening of the national capacity for electoral management, the rule of law and human rights, and key governance issues, including elections, the legislative agenda and institutional-strengthening. MINUSTAH and the United Nations country team in Haiti draw inspiration from the remarks made today and look forward to continuing our work and service in support of the Secretary-General’s obligations to the Council as it continues deliberations on the contents of the report contained in document S/2014/162. The Mission renews its deep appreciation for participting countries’ and organizations’ long-standing and continuing cooperation with the Government and people of Haiti. We have taken note of the specific comments on specific areas in which participants feel that we need to place renewed emphasis and look forward to continuing to serve them.

I thank Ms. Honoré for her clarifications. There are no further speakers inscribed on the list of speakers. The Security Council has thus concluded the present stage of its consideration of the item on its agenda.