S/PV.7920 Security Council

Allow me to extend our condolences to our friends in Egypt. What we saw happen was devastating because it happened in the most sacred of places, where people go to feel safe, to feel comfort and to find peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the people of Egypt, and we stand in mourning with them. Adoption of the agenda

In accordance with rule 37 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representatives of Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Guatemala, Haiti, Mexico, Peru, Spain and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela 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 Her Excellency Ms. Joanne Adamson, Deputy 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/2017/223, which contains the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti. I now give the floor to Ms. Honoré. Ms. Honoré: I would like to express my gratitude to the United States presidency of the Security Council for convening today’s meeting on Haiti. (spoke in French) I would like to take this opportunity to welcome the presence of the Permanent Representative of Haiti. (spoke in Spanish) I should like to thank, in particular, all the countries that contribute troops and police to the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), and all Member States assisting in the stabilization process in Haiti. (spoke in English) Six months ago, in the aftermath of the passage of the devastating Hurricane Matthew, when I last briefed the Security Council (see S/PV.7789), we called for solidarity with the Government and people of Haiti as the country struggled to keep on track an electoral process, which was critical to the consolidation of its stability. Today, as a result of the successful holding of elections on 20 November 2016 and 29 January 2017, Haiti’s political outlook for 2017 and beyond has significantly improved, with the opening of a crucial window of opportunity to address the root causes of the political crisis that preceded the polls. The elections provided for the installation of directly elected officials at all levels of Haiti’s governance structure for the first time since 2006, including the peaceful transfer of power to the third democratically elected President since the deployment of MINUSTAH to Haiti in 2004. In contrast with the parliamentary dysfunction registered in 2015, all 119 Lower Chamber members have been elected, and all but one of the 30 senators have been seated. Among those are four women, and the fiftieth legislature has been functioning regularly since the opening of the second legislative year on 9 January. Municipal authorities have been in place almost a year now, and the publication of final results for local elections is imminent. Following the inauguration of Haiti’s fifty-eighth President, Jovenel Moïse, on 7 February, Prime Minister Jack Guy Lafontant and his Cabinet assumed their functions after parliamentary endorsement on 22 March. Haiti’s return to constitutional order and the full functioning of the executive, the legislature and local Government has now set the stage to address the many pressing challenges facing the country. A relatively stable security situation prevails, despite continuous signs of fragility. The Haitian National Police (HNP), now 14,000 strong, has demonstrated increased capacity in the planning and execution of complex operations, including the securing of the elections, while simultaneously performing routine tasks in combating crime and more effectively maintaining public order. The further development of the National Police, including in the areas of internal management and oversight, the police-to-population ratio and geographic coverage, will have to occur within the framework of the new five-year strategic development plan 2017-2021 in order to ensure the sustainability of the law enforcement body. To that end, international support, including from the United Nations, will be needed to enable the HNP to eventually provide security for all Haitian citizens. I have called on the Government to continue prioritizing the further professionalization and the provision of financial and material resources to the HNP, despite its stated intention to reconstitute a national defence force. The preservation by the Government of the apolitical character of the police will be particularly critical to the credibility of the institution and its ability to serve all Haitian citizens. Political challenges remain the primary impediment to consistent progress in the administration of justice and human rights to truly anchor the rule of law and render police work more effective while creating conditions conducive for foreign and domestic investment and job creation. The justice and human rights system continues to suffer from multiple deficiencies, including a lack of popular confidence, accountability, limited institutional capacity, high rates of prolonged pre-trial detention and inhumane detention conditions. These deficiencies call for a renewed engagement of the executive and the legislative alike to devise a comprehensive reform package that can finally tackle these long-standing hurdles to stability and development. In that context, the discontinuation of the mandate of the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Haiti is regrettable, and I continue to call on the Government to nominate a ministerial-level focal point for human rights and to expedite the transparent and merit-based appointment of the National Ombudsperson, even as the United Nations monitoring role of the human rights situation continues. Equally, the outcome of the recent action taken to fill key appointments in the Supreme Court and the Superior Council of the Judiciary is eagerly awaited as important steps to fully restore the judiciary and underpin its independence from the executive and legislative powers. The resolution of Haiti’s protracted politico-electoral crisis has established the political space and institutional stability needed for Haiti’s democratic institutions to develop a constructive and forward-looking agenda to deliver tangible results that respond to the diverse expectations of the Haitian people, in the wake of post-hurricane reconstruction and a difficult economic situation, while addressing the root causes of weak governance and recurring political crisis. This will be critical in order to establish conditions conducive to lasting stability and sustainable development, also in view of MINUSTAH’s transition. In that regard, I am encouraged by the President’s calls and those of Haitian political, civil society and private sector leaders in support of a genuine dialogue on a concrete road map for progress in key areas, including the identification of clear development priorities and the consolidation of the rule of law. It will be important that this road map be driven by the desire to enhance service delivery of the State and the confidence among Haitian citizens in the democratic institutions. The United Nations in Haiti looks forward to intensifying our cooperation with all Haitian stakeholders as they identify and implement those national priorities. I am also encouraged by the calls from a broad cross-section of Haitian society for constitutional reform to, among other things, simplify the electoral cycle and strengthen legal oversight bodies with a view to stabilizing the country’s democratic institutions and reforming its governance. The progress achieved during the past 13 years in Haiti’s stabilization process is notable. It is therefore timely to reshape the partnership among the international community, the United Nations and Haiti with a view to ensuring the sustainability of that progress. It is with this in mind that the Secretary- General has recommended the closure of MINUSTAH in six months from now and the establishment of a smaller peacekeeping operation with concentrated focus on the rule of law and police development, with strong good offices and human rights monitoring roles. With the Council’s support, the transition from MINUSTAH to a new and smaller mission would be guided by a joint transition plan that would underpin the gradual transfer of tasks to the Government, international partners and the United Nations country team. Government leadership and joint ownership will be as crucial to a sustainable transition process that underpins the implementation of the Secretary- General’s recommendation for the future of the United Nations presence in the country, as will be a shift in focus of the international community’s support away from stabilization to institutional strengthening. (spoke in French) I encourage the President of the Republic and the new Government and Parliament to implement a programme of institutional reforms aimed at strengthening governance at all levels and addressing the most pressing political and socioeconomic problems. (spoke in English) In the same vein, I can on Haiti’s international partners to forge a renewed partnership with the Haitian authorities and the Haitian people and to lend their support to assist the authorities in implementing those reforms in a coordinated manner that helps to consolidate the gains already achieved. I thank all my colleagues in MINUSTAH and the United Nations country team for their dedication and commitment during this critical period for Haiti, and I thank all of Haiti’s international partners for their continuous support in assisting the country to fully seize this exceptional opportunity to begin a new chapter in Haiti’s history as the Mission transitions.

I thank Ms. Honoré for her briefing, her leadership and her service. I now give the floor to the members of the Security Council.

At the outset, Madam, I join in your expressions of condolence over the attack that took place in Egypt. We offer our sorrow, solidarity and commitment to continuing to fight all manifestations of terrorism and barbaric extremism. I thank you for convening this debate on the question of Haiti. I also particularly thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms. Sandra Honoré, not only for her comprehensive briefing but also for dedicated work and leadership of the United Nations activities in Haiti. Uruguay associated itself with the statement to be pronounced by the Permanent Representative of Peru on behalf of the Group of Friends of Haiti. We welcome the report of the Secretary-General of 17 March (S/2017/223), presenting the findings of the multidisciplinary strategic assessment mission carried out in early February under the leadership of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations. The assessment was produced at a moment of great importance for Haiti, since the newly elected President was inaugurated on 7 February, marking the return of the country to constitutional order. We therefore congratulate the people of Haiti, President Jovenel Moïse, Prime Minister Jack Guy Lafontant and the new Government team, wishing them success in this new stage of such importance to Haiti. Haiti has been facing huge difficulties, including serious natural disasters, and has yet to overcome numerous and complex challenges in strengthening its democracy, political stability, the rule of law and the Haitian National Police, protecting human rights and promoting economic and social development. Haiti no doubt still needs the international community’s assistance to make the structural reforms necessary to achieve sustainable development. It is also evident that the situation in Haiti is not as we found it 13 years ago, when the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) was established. Security is among the sectors that has seen progress, including the increased capacities and growing professionalization of the Haitian National Police. We believe that part of our responsibility consists in determing the best way to support Haiti in the current situation. In that regard, the strategic assessment mission has provided important factors for evaluation. These indicate that there is no reason today for MINUSTAH to remain in Haiti beyond 15 October. They also show that the current needs of the country require another type of United Nations presence and another type of support. We are aware of the recommendation for the establishment of a new mission with the main function of assisting the Government of Haiti in the institutional strengthening of the rule of law, supporting and strengthening the Haitian National Police and monitoring, reporting and analysing the human rights situation . The issue of cholera in Haiti deserves special mention. We welcomed with great satisfaction the new United Nations approach to cholera, and in our capacity as Chair of the Group of Friends of Haiti, we coordinated the efforts towards the adoption of General Assembly resolution 71/161, which welcomed that new approach. Today, we also welcome the references to cholera contained in the report of the Secretary-General, in particular the reference to the certain political role for the new mission, in complement to the efforts of the United Nations country team. In conclusion, we wish to reaffirm Uruguay’s commitment to and solidarity with Haiti. Uruguay has been on the ground at its side since MINUSTAH was launched in 2004, contributing, at the time of its greatest deployment, two battalions, a maritime unit, an air force unit, police officers and staff officials. In the conviction that a military presence is not needed in Haiti today, Uruguayan troops will withdraw from the country on 15 april. and will do so with a sense of fulfillment. I also wish to reiterate our public recognition of the work of all MINUSTAH personnel, especially the women and men of my country who are deployed or will be deployed to it, and our heartfelt recollection of all those who have lost their lives in the line of duty. All have demonstrated throughour the past 13 years their dedication and commitment to the recovery and stability of Haiti.

Madam President, you spoke on behalf of all of us when you expressed condolences to our colleagues of Egypt on the barbaric terrorist slaughter of innocent Egyptians. On behalf of my Government, I condemn this heinous terrorist attack. We will continue to stand with Egypt in this struggle. We thank Special Representative Ms. Sandra Honoré for her briefing on the most recent developments in Haiti and on the activities of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH). We take this opportunity to express appreciation to her, as well as to the civilian and military personnel of MINUSTAH, for all their efforts in carrying out their mandate of restoring a secure and stable environment to promote the political process, strengthening Government institutions and rule-of-law structures, as well as promoting and protecting human rights in Haiti. In that regard, we welcome the report of the Secretary-General (S/2017/223), which notes the progress made in consolidating democracy and stability in Haiti. The holding of the presidential elections in a peaceful and orderly manner, in spite of the post-hurricane challenges, and the inauguration of Mr. Jovenel Moïse as President of the Republic marked a significant milestone in the restoration of constitutional order in Haiti. We also take note of the report on the progress made in the overall security situation in the country, which remains relatively stable in spite of tensions observed during the electoral process, such as public protests and disturbances in Port-au-Prince and its environs. It is also encouraging that the Haitian National Police has improved its performance in terms of crime prevention and response, as well as public order management, which contributed to creating a stable environment for the holding of the elections. Nevertheless, we understand the challenges that the Haitian National Police continues to face, as highlighted in the report of the Secretary-General and strengthening, professionalizing and reforming it remains a work in progress. We also note the challenges in terms of justice reform. There is therefore a need for sustained international support in that and other areas and we recognize the work that has been done by MINUSTAH to provide the necessary assistance in that regard. Ethiopia is one of the MINUSTAH police-contributing countries and we are pleased to have made a very modest contribution to those efforts. After the 2010 earthquake, Hurricane Matthew also had a devastating impact on the Haitian people, causing a serious humanitarian crisis. That was further compounded by the outbreak of the cholera epidemic and we note the apologies by former Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on behalf of the United Nations for not having done enough to contain the spread of that disease. We realize that there is now a new approach to dealing with the issue and to addressing the suffering of the victims. It is important for the international community to support the Haitian Government in its efforts to eliminate the disease. Hurricane Matthew and the outbreak of cholera have had a crippling impact on the country’s economy. Haiti certainly needs long-term support to address its vulnerability and economic fragility. That is why the sustained engagement of the United Nations is critical. We note the recommendation of the Secretary-General for a gradual drawdown of MINUSTAH to maintain the gains made over the past 13 years and ensure a successful transition to another follow-up peacekeeping mission, which will work to consolidate peace by strengthening the institutions of justice and the rule of law, as well as by supporting the institutional and operational capacity of the Haitian National Police. Therefore, we support the renewal of MINUSTAH’s mandate for a final six months to allow a smooth transition. We also recognize regional and subregional organizations, in particular the Organization of American States, the Union of South American Nations and the Caribbean Community, for their important role in the process of stabilization and reconstruction in Haiti. Finally, we in Africa have a special attachment with people of African descent in the diaspora and we stand in solidarity and support with the people and Government of Haiti, as they continue striving to consolidate the progress made recently and address the multiple challenges facing their nation.

I too would like to begin by extending sympathy on behalf of my country, France, to Egypt and Sweden, which have both suffered reprehensible terrorist attacks in recent days, and reiterate my Government’s full support. I thank the Special Representative of the Secretary- General, Ms. Honoré, for her briefing. I align myself with the statements that will be delivered by the observer of the European Union and by the representative of Peru, on behalf of the Group of Friends of Haiti. I would like to address two points in my statement. First, I should like to express our satisfaction about the recently concluded election process in Haiti, which heralds the restoration of constitutional order and provides new opportunities for meeting the challenges that the country faces. I would also like to convey our support for the Secretary-General’s recommendations with regard to the dynamic nature of the United Nations presence in Haiti, which gives us the opportunity to evaluate the achievements of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) and move towards the establishment of another peacekeeping mission that is more lightweight and better suited to the country’s needs. France welcomes the recent conclusion of the electoral cycle that began several years ago in Haiti, and the subsequent restoration of constitutional order on 7 February. We believe that that was a major development in the process of stabilizing the country. Such developments are particularly noteworthy because the elections took place in a generally peaceful environment. Their success can be attributed primarily to the Haitian Government and, in particular, to the Provisional Electoral Council and the Haitian National Police, which all played a key role in organizing the elections and in providing security. We would like to take the opportunity to welcome the spirit of accountability demonstrated by former provisional President Jocelerme Privert, who kept his promise to do all in his power to conclude the electoral cycle as soon as possible. Once again, France warmly congratulates Mr. Jovenel Moïse on his election as President of Haiti, following a transparent, inclusive and credible election process, as well as on the swift inauguration by Parliament of Jack Guy Lafontant as Prime Minister. Haiti has turned over a new leaf following several months of uncertainty caused by successive election delays, and once again now has strong institutions that are fully vested with democratic legitimacy, which can effectively meet the daily challenges that its people face. The Haitian population and the international community have every reason to welcome that outcome. Haiti and its leaders can count on France’s ongoing support during this new phase, which will allow for deepening relations and enhanced cooperation between our countries. France welcomes the recommendations contained in the most recent report of the Secretary-General (S/2017/223), which addresses the outcome of the strategic assessment review conducted in Haiti early this year. More than 13 years after the establishment of MINUSTAH, we fully support the idea that it is now time to evaluate the Mission’s achievements in stabilizing Haiti and move towards developing a new approach to the United Nations presence in Haiti that is more suited to the country’s needs and conditions on the ground, which have changed dramatically. The work of MINUSTAH, which continues to be supported by the Security Council, as well as by the troop-contributing countries — whose efforts we commend here today — has enabled Haiti to emerge from the emergency situation it faced until recently by restoring a relatively safe environment, taking part in the rebuilding efforts after the 2010 earthquake and providing considerable support to the Haitian National Police, whose growing authority is an indicator of stability in Haiti. I would also like to point out that it is important for the Haitian National Police to remain a professional, apolitical and independent institution, as underscored by the Special Representative, and the backbone of Haiti’s security chain. In spite of the gains made, France remains convinced that the United Nations has not yet completed its work in Haiti. That is why we support the establishment, on the day after MINUSTAH’s termination, of a new peacekeeping operation that is more lightweight and focused on strengthening Haiti’s institutions in a few key areas, with a mandate and specific exit timeline, in keeping with the good practices we encourage in the area of peacekeeping. The new operation will have to consolidate the progress achieved in the past few years, particularly by ensuring that the Haitian National Police can function independently, but also by working on some major new projects in the area of the rule of law, such as combating impunity, strengthening the judiciary’s professionalism and independence and establishing a prison system that is compatible with the country’s needs and respects the rights of prisoners. The human rights situation, various aspects of which continue to be a cause for concern, will also have to be carefully monitored and accompanied by regular recommendations. We expect to see the Haitian authorities cooperating fully in that regard, and we are willing to continue our bilateral dialogue on that subject. Lastly, the new operation will have to work closely on the ground with the United Nations country team, which from now on will be the actor in the forefront in dealing with the country’s other challenges, especially where the Secretary-General’s new approach to combating cholera is concerned. France is supporting its first phase in particular, including through a voluntary contribution of €600,000. We encourage all of Haiti’s partners and friends to translate their words into deeds and to contribute to that collective effort to benefit the Haitian people. For a long time now France has been urging the Council to shoulder its responsibilities towards Haiti by taking the decisions needed to ensure that the United Nations engagement on the ground can continue to be as appropriate and effective as possible. The Secretary- General’s recommendations for closing MINUSTAH as soon as possible, and establishing a successor mission focused on issues related to the police, the rule of law and human rights, give us the opportunity to do that. They combine the execution of a responsible transition designed to maintain the results achieved in the past few years with a demonstration of the Council’s ability to make sure that the United Nations modalities of action on the ground continue to evolve and that their chief goal is finding the best response to the needs of the populations involved. France fully supports that approach.

I would first like to join my colleagues in expressing my condolences to the people and the Government of Egypt and firmly condemning the recent terrorist attacks there, as well as to our brothers and sisters in Somalia in the wake of the attacks there a few days ago. I would like to thank the presidency for convening today’s debate on the situation in the Republic of Haiti. We welcome Ms. Sandra Honoré, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH). We acknowledge the tireless work that she and all the men and women of the Mission — civilian, military and police — are doing for the Haitian people through their efforts to help the country safeguard its people’s security and achieve long-term stability. Bolivia welcomes the new governmental structure and elected officials, the result of the excellent conduct of the electoral process and a clear sign of the progress being made towards achieving lasting political stability and consolidating democracy in Haiti. We would like to reaffirm our commitment to our brother country’s present and future. We are part of the cooperative efforts of the region and the international community to help Haiti overcome the socioeconomic problems that have afflicted it for decades. We encourage all the efforts being made to consolidate the country’s stability and promote its development through stable mechanisms designed to assist and cooperate with the Haitian authorities. In that regard, we would like to stress the importance of the new United Nations justice and support mission that will succeed MINUSTAH and that should continue the work of supporting and consolidating the national security forces. In our view, therefore, it will be important for the Security Council to continue to evaluate the situation on the ground in Haiti, which is why we should work with our Haitian brothers and sisters to plan a visit by the Council so that it can get first-hand information on the situation. We urge the international community to continue and strengthen its solidarity with Haiti. It is everyone’s responsibility to combat the poverty and injustice that are products of a series of circumstances that have affected the country not just in terms of political instability and natural disasters but in some cases even through the presence of the United Nations itself. We commend the progress that both the State and MINUSTAH have made in the past 14 years and the extraordinary capacity for resilience shown by the people of Haiti. The continued improvement and professionalization of the Haitian National Police, which will improve the State’s presence and authority, are also especially important. It is crucial to ensure that resources continue to be allocated to quick-impact projects aimed at promoting citizens’ security and an effective legal framework that will protect them and enable them to fully exercise their rights. However, despite this progress, we are concerned about the endemic cholera situation, which has infected approximately 788,000 people since its outbreak in 2010 and has killed around 9,000. This highlights the vital need to strengthen Haiti’s national health institutions and water and sanitation systems and their ability to respond to the problem. While we have taken note of the United Nations efforts to mitigate the cholera problem by acknowledging its responsibility for the original outbreak in 2010, in our view such recognition is not enough. The international community must consider ways of making reparation for the damage as soon as possible. In that regard, we welcome the Secretary- General’s initiative to launch an emergency response to the cholera epidemic and the new United Nations approach in campaigning against its spread. We would like to emphasize that negotiations on a new mandate for a mission in Haiti should be consistently conducted in consultation and coordination with the country’s Government and new authorities, and should always take their priorities into account, with Haiti seen as the sole and principal author of its own destiny, without any interference. Finally, I would like to reiterate what was said at a recent meeting of the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of La Alianza Bolivariana para los Pueblos de Nuestra América, which is that we believe we owe a historic debt of gratitude to the Haitian nation, and that we are committed to continuing to promote cooperation with it, in accordance with its Government’s priorities and in full respect for its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.

I would like to thank Special Representative Honoré for her briefing this morning, and to join others in expressing my condolences to Egypt for the terrible attacks that took place there on Palm Sunday. Our thoughts and prayers are with them. At the outset, I think it is important to point to the progress that Haiti has made over the past 13 years. In these meetings we often discuss the most pressing and recent developments, and that can occasionally mean that we lose sight of the overall trajectory of countries on our agenda. For Haiti, that trajectory is upwards. We have seen the professionalization and reform of the Haitian National Police, and we have seen the improvement in the security section. We have witnessed credible and fair elections, as the Special Representative just outlined, which have led to a peaceful transfer of power and a return to constitutional order. We were all shocked when Haiti was struck by natural disasters, but we have also seen the resilience of the Haitian people and the process of rebuilding. Clearly this is not a story of uninterrupted progress. There is much more to be done, especially where protecting human rights, empowering women, widening access to justice and, of course, achieving long-term development are concerned. Along with many others in this Chamber today, the United Kingdom is gravely concerned about the continued presence of cholera in the country. We have contributed more than $600,000 to the United Nations Haiti Cholera Response Multi-Partner Trust Fund. I urge others to step up and make what contributions that they can so that together we can rid Haiti of that horrific disease once and for all. Despite those challenges, Haiti in 2017 is a different country than that of 2004, the year in which the mandate of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) began. As President Moïse said in his inauguration speech in February, it is time for MINUSTAH to go. A great deal has been achieved by the Mission during those 13 years. On behalf of the United Kingdom, I want to offer our thanks to everyone involved in MINUSTAH and the United Nations country team for their hard work in securing that outcome. I would like to particularly express my thanks to Sandra Honoré for her services as Special Representative for almost four years. We want to see a phased withdrawal over the next six months and a successor Mission continue some of MINUSTAH’s work. To be effective, that mission must have access to the most appropriate personnel and equipment. It should be underpinned by high- quality training and skilled leadership alongside clear accountability for underperformance and misconduct. The successor to MINUSTAH, like all peace operations mandated by the Council, must have a clear exit strategy. That exit strategy should be established at the beginning of the mission, not at its end, and include clear benchmarks covering a two year-year period. Joint analysis and planning with the United Nations country team are critical, as is the gradual but steady handover of responsibilities to Haiti’s Government and national institutions. A two-year exit strategy should safeguard Haiti from the risk of a sudden and hastily planned withdrawal or, quite differently, the quagmire of a mission that never ends. That does not signify the end of the United Nations commitment to Haiti, and it is not an end of the United Kingdom’s commitment, either. Even with the leadership and the resilience of its people, Haiti will still require development support from the international community for peace to be sustained. The decisions that we make in the Council are critical to that goal. We need to select the right United Nations tools to provide the right support, and we need to show the courage and discipline to let Haiti stand on its own.

First of all, our delegation expresses its deep condolences to the delegation of Egypt on the terrorists attacks, which took place last Sunday, and its sympathy with the people of that country. Kazakhstan stands with Egypt in combating terrorism. I thank Special Representative Honoré for her detailed presentation of the Secretary-General’s report (S/2017/223). My delegation joins other members of the Security Council in welcoming the progress achieved in strengthening stability and democracy, as well as the results of the peaceful elections, the restoration of constitutional order in Haiti and its successful conduct, despite the challenges that the country and its citizens face. Kazakhstan is encouraged by the comprehensive and ambitious policy statement of Prime Minister Lafontant. The strong engagement of the international community is an obvious necessity for Haiti’s sustainable development, while paying attention to improving housing, water, education, gender equality, prison conditions and the struggle against transnational crime. Furthermore, we welcome Prime Minister Lafontant’s announcement for courageous reforms to reinvigorate public administration, combat waste and direct resources to top-priority programmes. Establishing a responsible State, in which citizens are educated and guided by a sense of collective solidarity, sends a strong message to Haitians as they follow the path of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Establishing the proposed truth and reconciliation commissions will positively generate a sense of social justice and stability. Kazakhstan acknowledges the valuable role of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) and other United Nations institutions in Haiti, especially with regard to stabilizing the security environment and to capacity-building for the Haitian National Police. We support the Secretary-General and the Group of Friends for Haiti’s recommendations to establish a new, integrated stabilization mission focusing on inclusive political mechanisms, the rule of law, criminal justice and institutional and human rights related reforms. Humanitarian assistance is critical to a country that has been devastated by numerous natural disasters and the cholera epidemic. We should design the new mandate in close dialogue with the Haitian Government and civil society. That is especially necessary as we elaborate on the future role of the United Nations presence based on the findings of the strategic assessment mission, while further considering the possibility of transferring some powers from MINUSTAH to the United Nations country team. In our view, the revised mandate should cover a wide range of issues, including human and drug trafficking, disaster management and human rights monitoring. With the continued support from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the United Nations Development Programme, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, we see a positive track for Haiti with the hope and resilience that its people have demonstrated. Special attention should also be given to implementing resolution 1325 (2000), on women and peace and security, and the subsequent relevant resolutions so as to enhance gender equality and empowerment. The support of the United Nations, especially UN-Women, UNICEF and the World Health Organization, as well as regional organizations like the Organization of American States and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), among others, will lay the foundations for future conflict prevention, peacebuilding and mediation to establish a stable Haiti. The participation of civil society will be indispensable in that process. Kazakhstan believes that it is important to be a part of the international support for Haiti, and with others it has worked for the progress that we see today. My Government contributed humanitarian support in response to the devastating earthquake that occurred in 2010. Last year, Kazakhstan supported the initiative, entitled “Innovation pole of the greater north-the City of knowledge”. It is aimed at establishing infrastructure for a knowledge-based economy in Haiti and will carry out the same functions that the biggest global research centres for technology, innovations, new ideas and development also fill. In 2016, my country joined CARICOM as an observer and remains committed to promoting a partnership with Caribbean countries. As the only Central Asian country with observer status in the Community, Kazakhstan has supported two high- priority regional CARICOM projects. The first involves developing and implementing water-resource management through a policy and action programme, and the second concerns lending institutional support for the Ministries for Foreign Affairs of CARICOM member States, of which Haiti is one. Finally, capacity-building is imperative to taking bold steps towards democracy and sustainable development for Haiti, and we support the Government of Haiti in its efforts to meet the challenges that it faces.

At the outset, allow me to thank everyone for their condolences and support, which have demonstrated their solidarity with Egypt during this very stressful time. The crimes that have claimed the lives of many innocent people in Egypt and countless other places in the world show how important it is for us to work together to eliminate that phenomenon. Allow me to thank Ms. Sandra Honoré for her briefing. We fully support the efforts that she has made with her team in Haiti. I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Government and the people of Haiti for holding presidential elections at the beginning of the year and for choosing a new President who will lead the country towards political stability, conclude the transitional period and ensure the return to constitutional order. Haiti is at a historical crossroads. Despite its political progress, it continues to face tremendous challenges at every level, including an aggravated economic situation and political and security challenges. Egypt contributes police personnel to the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH). The Mission plays a pivotal role in addressing those challenges, and that role needs to continue until national institutions are fully capable of shouldering their responsibilities. That will help prevent a new crisis in Haiti with political, security and humanitarian ramifications that would require another international intervention. Moreover, it is vital for the international community to work hand in hand to support Haiti and promote the capacity of its State institutions so that they can live up to their responsibilities at this critical juncture and move towards a more stable future. Therefore, as we are looking to renew the Mission’s mandate, I would like to raise the following points. First, we stress the need to ensure that the Mission’s mandate is in line with political developments, progress in the field, and the need to build State institutions. We therefore support the six-month extension of the mandate, after which a new mission will be established with a specific mandate. Secondly, we stress the need for the new mission’s mandate to be limited to the establishment of State institutions, in particular a national police apparatus and rule-of-law enforcement institutions, in line with national priorities and needs and without any unconventional or successional mandate. Thirdly, the United Nations bears a moral and even legal responsibility to support the Haitian authorities in their fight against the cholera outbreak. Therefore, the United Nations presence must ensure that there is the necessary capacity to halt this outbreak. Fourthly, it is important we promote our efforts in the next phase to create a genuine partnership with the Economic and Social Council and the Peacebuilding Commission so that the support provided to Haiti includes the social, political and development dimensions needed for a more stable society and that it is responsive to the country’s basic needs. In conclusion, we must avoid making hasty decisions that pay no heed to the special needs of Haiti and the necessary capacity to build national institutions capable of shouldering their responsibilities. Allow me to take this opportunity to express our full support for Haiti, and I stress our trust in the ability of the Government and the people of the country to get through this critical period and move towards development, prosperity and inclusion in the region.

We express our condolences to our Egyptian colleagues in connection with the terrorist attack on 9 April. The masterminds of these attacks demonstrated both their lack of humanity and cruelty in carrying them out. We support the measures that are being undertaken by the Government of Egypt in its unrelenting fight against terrorism. We express our condolences to the bereaved families and hope that the injured will recover as quickly as possible. We thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms. Honoré, for her briefing on the results of the strategic review of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) and on the situation in the country. We are pleased to note the conclusion of the long electoral process, with the conduct in November of last year of the presidential elections and then in January of this year the parliamentary elections, which clearly served to ease social and political unrest in the country. We welcome the intention of the new Government of Haiti to strengthen national unity, peace and democratic order as well as its demonstrated readiness to engage in constructive dialogue with a wide variety of political forces to resolve problems of import for the whole country. One of the key items on the Haiti agenda is shoring up the system of governance at all levels in the interest of overcoming still highly relevant social and economic problems and ensuring long-term stability. In this regard, we consider the approval by the National Assembly of the newly-formed Government as a positive step towards establishing a viable and effective chain of executive power, which will ensure the reformation planned for by the Government of Haiti. With respect to international support, we note the recommendation of the Secretary-General to extend the mandate of the United Nations mission for the next six- month period and its gradual drawdown of the military component, which is fully staffed at present. We see a reason to reconfigure MINUSTAH according to the new situation, but that has to be done in the most cautious manner. It is important to prevent a security void. It would be unacceptable to repeat the negative experience of the drawdown of the predecessor mission in 2000. More generally speaking, we would like to call attention to the following rather important aspect. In spite of the fact that the relevant recommendations of the Secretary-General reflect the positive trends on the ground, we are convinced that the situation remains quite tenuous. The Haitian Government and Haitian society have a number of daunting tasks to fulfil and which need to be urgently resolved. I do not think that we could call the post-conflict stage a simple one. As has many times been stated in this Chamber, including at the Security Council meeting with the Secretary-General on 6 April (S/PV.7918), which is the most recent example, increasing the effectiveness of how peacekeepers carry out their mandates means that the mandates have to be well defined, clear and realistic. We are guided by the idea that the Secretary- General’s proposed new mission in Haiti will continue to act under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter. However, the provisions of this Chapter must be applied only with respect to those tasks where it is absolutely necessary. I am referring first and foremost to security and the maintenance of law and order. For its part, in the framework of international efforts, Russia will continue to make its contribution to undertaking a host of tasks to ensure stability and security, with a view to rebuilding the country in line with MINUSTAH’s mandate.

At the outset, Madam President, as you did at the beginning of the meeting and as other colleagues have done before me, I would like convey our deepest condolences to the Egyptian delegation, the Government and the people of Egypt and the Egyptian Coptic Christian community for the meaningless terrorist attacks that happened on a very important Sunday for Christians all over the world. Sadly, I think that it has almost become a habit to start our meetings by conveying condolences, which suggests the enormity of the terror menace in the world. Again, I offer my condolences. (spoke in French) I wish to warmly thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms. Honoré, for her briefing and for her work over the last four years. I would also like to underscore the fact that Italy aligns itself with the statement to be made by Observer of the European Union. We welcome the conclusion of the electoral process, the inauguration of President Jovenel Moïse, the formation of the new Government and the renewal of the National Assembly. Now that the constitutional order has been re-established, we encourage the Haitian authorities to pursue a programme of political, economic and social reform so as to strengthen the security situation in Haiti and its democratic institutions and to embark on a path of sustainable development. I would like to focus on two points. First, this is a crucial turning point for Haiti, which the international community must be ready to support in a manner that is effective and adapted to the actual needs of the country, working in close cooperation with Haitian institutions. In this regard, we welcome the recommendations made by the Secretary-General for a responsible transition of the United Nations presence with the end goal of leaving Haiti in a position where it can independently guarantee the security, fundamental rights and the well-being of its citizens. We support the gradual drawdown of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) in the next six months and its replacement with a peacekeeping mission with a lighter footprint, focused on the rule of law, justice and human rights, which are areas where we expect to see specific progress towards lasting stabilization and the building of an inclusive and resilient society. The compact envisaged by the Secretary General in his report (S/2017/223) is a tool to facilitate this process and to systematize and guide assistance from the United Nations and other international stakeholders. My second point is that countries and the United Nations, in providing assistance, need today to go from an emergency-reaction posture to a structured strategy of reconstruction and development for the long term. We are mindful of the humanitarian challenges and fragility that lie down this road. Haitians have continued to suffer from the devastating consequences of Hurricane Matthew, which ravaged the country, and from cholera since 2010. The international community has mobilized so as to join with the national forces in addressing these crises. Italy, following the urgent call made by the United Nations, contributed to UNICEF programmes and the International Committee of the Red Cross. We also welcome the Secretary-General’s new initiative aimed at enhanced support for measures to combat cholera and assist victims, an approach that was adopted by the General Assembly in December through resolution 71/161, which my country co-sponsored. Shoring up security, the rule of law and democratic institutions; creating a just and effective judiciary and penal system; ensuring equality and the enjoyment of fundamental rights; and eradicating abject poverty all are key priorities for which the Haitian Government will have to take responsibility on behalf of the Haitian people. I wish here to underscore the importance of greater participation by women at all levels, political, social and economic. By way of conclusion, let me say that the role of the international community remains vital, first of all in continuing to build the capacity of the Haitian National Police. The United Nations must deploy the tools best adapted to assist the country while refraining from drawing down too hastily. Caution must be exercised and continuity ensured so as not to undermine the achievements made over the years by MINUSTAH. We believe that the transition planned for by the Secretary-General will be balanced. It will provide the Council with calibrated, flexible tools tailored to conditions on the ground and to the needs of Haitian institutions, in line with the parameters of efficiency, responsibility and clarity identified for mandates in the framework of the reform of peacekeeping operations undertaken by the United Nations. Finally, I reiterate our commitment, through the Security Council and the European Union as well as at the bilateral level, to continue with joint, coordinated efforts to support the Haitian authorities as it moves towards lasting peace and inclusive democracy.

Let me begin by adding our deepest condolences to those already expressed to the families of the victims, to our friends at the Egyptian Mission and to all Egyptians. We join others in condemning this heinous attack in the strongest terms. I wish to thank the Secretary-General for his report and for the recommendations of the strategic assessment mission. I would also like to thank Special Representative Sandra Honoré for her briefing today. Since the establishment of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), in 2004, Haiti’s development and stabilization have faced many challenges: political instability, economic fragility and natural disasters. Overcoming the devastation caused by the earthquake of 2010 was particularly challenging. Yet, in spite of these obstacles, the people of Haiti have constantly displayed their strength and resilience and their determination to build a better future for themselves and their children. MINUSTAH has played an important role in supporting their efforts. In recent months, the people of Haiti exercised their democratic right by electing a new President and Parliament. We hope that the confirmation of a new Government on 21 March will lead to a concerted effort and renewed effort to address the most pressing issues facing the country. As Haiti continues on its journey of development, the time has come for the role and composition of MINUSTAH to evolve. In this process, we must learn from the mistakes of the past; it is important that there be adequate planning for a successor transition mission after MINUSTAH. This includes managing the handover to the United Nations country team, in the spirit of the agenda on sustaining peace. An integrated and joined-up United Nations presence in Haiti, both during and after the transition, will be needed in order to support the people and the Government of Haiti as they address the long-standing risks and drivers of instability. This includes joint analysis and planning across the system. Continued efforts will be needed to reduce social inequalities, unleash the potential of the Haitian people by spurring economic growth so as to alleviate fiscal pressure and strengthen trust in, and the capacity of, national institutions. We welcome the strong rule-of-law and human rights focus in the successor mission’s mandate. Working under an integrated strategy across all United Nations entities in Haiti, we see a significant opportunity for the United Nations to deliver as one around these issues. The Global Focal Point for Police, Justice and Corrections Areas in the Rule of Law in Post-Conflict and Other Crisis Situations can contribute to playing an important role in coordinating the ability of the United Nations to deliver as one on the rule-of- law mandate. However, these efforts should be planned, led and mandated by Haitian counterparts. The United Nations must continue to provide dedicated support to the Haitian authorities, including to the Haitian National Police, to strengthen their capacities. The important work undertaken by MINUSTAH on gender mainstreaming and against sexual violence must not be lost in the transition process. It will be important to maintain a strategic focus, dedicated coordination and targeted budgeting for gender issues. We welcome the recommendation that the successor mission, along with the United Nations country team, develop a coherent gender and sexual and gender-based violence strategy, as well as support the systemization of such strategy programming in the security and judicial institutions. The recent peaceful elections, the inauguration of President Moïse and the appointment of a Prime Minister and Government are an important milestone for Haiti. As the people of Haiti increasingly take their future into their own hands, the United Nations must stand ready to support their efforts. Sweden will remain a committed partner for Haiti as it begins this new chapter.

Japan, too, offers its deep condolences to the families of the victims of the terrorist attacks in Egypt on Sunday. We join our colleagues in condemning these despicable acts and in expressing our solidarity with the people and the Government of Egypt. I would like to thank Sandra Honoré, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, for her highly informative briefing. As the conclusion of the mandate of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) approaches after 13 years, Japan reiterates its appreciation for the dedication and accomplishments of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and the Mission in support of a more stable, prosperous future for the Haitian people. Japan is proud to have contributed to MINUSTAH by dispatching approximately 2,200 Self-Defense Force personnel for post-earthquake reconstruction. We pay tribute to the brave men and women from all troop- and police-contributing countries for their efforts. Japan has followed the Haitian elections and political process with great interest, and at times with concern. We are pleased that elections have finally been held successfully, despite the impact of Hurricane Matthew, and commend Haiti’s ownership of this process. This election is a milestone for Haiti’s strengthened democracy and its return to constitutional order. Now is the time for Haiti to build on this political progress to create more effective and accountable rule-of-law and justice institutions. We are pleased by the Haitian National Police’s increased capacity to provide security independently from MINUSTAH. But the police is only a single component of the justice sector and the penal chain. Haiti’s justice sector overall demands further reform, carefully balancing capacity development with enhanced civilian oversight. Japan greatly appreciates the work of the recent strategic assessment mission as we consider the shape of future United Nations involvement in Haiti. We support its recommendations, including on the importance of enhanced police capacity. We must support Haiti now to ensure its self-reliance in the future. It is Haiti’s progress and MINUSTAH’s success that have allowed the Council to transition to a smaller, new United Nations mission. We underline the need for a clear, highly focused mandate to consolidate gains through justice support, including by strengthening the rule of law. Haiti has made commendable progress in highly challenging conditions, but the road ahead is still long. Japan is committed to its continued support for Haiti’s development, including by improving basic social services, supporting post-disaster reconstruction and fighting cholera. We look forward to working with the international community to ensure that recent improvements provide a lasting foundation for Haiti’s future.

I join our colleagues in expressing our solidarity with Egypt and mourning all those who were senselessly killed in recent barbaric terrorist acts. It is indeed sad that we so often have to start our statements in the Chamber by expressing condolences, but we do have to stand together in addressing this evil. 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 the situation in the country. Ukraine welcomes the fact that the long period of institutional instability in Haiti is finally over. We commend the Haitian authorities, in particular the Haitian Provisional Electoral Council and the Haitian National Police (HNP), on the positive steps taken to restore democratic institutions. We welcome the renewal of the National Assembly, the formation of a new Government and the adoption of a governmental programme built around priorities in security, justice, energy, education, health, agriculture and decentralization. We congratulate the Haitian people who, while facing many political, economic and social challenges, have managed to bring the country back to constitutional order. The full restoration of Haiti’s democratic institutions will help the country to move forward and to build one Haiti for all Haitians, as President Moïse stated in his inaugural speech. We underline that the efforts of all political stakeholders should be focused on ensuring stability and security as a crucial elements of democratic consolidation. All political forces and all sectors of Haitian society should be actively engaged in this important endeavour. Broader unity is indispensable to achieving such goals as strengthening national human rights institutions and respect for human rights, combating criminality and sexual and gender-based violence, ending impunity and ensuring accountability. The return to constitutional order should enable Haiti, with the help of the international community, to address the urgent socioeconomic and humanitarian needs that have been aggravated by cholera and Hurricane Matthew. Ukraine commends the important role MINUSTAH played in ensuring stability and security in Haiti. Its contribution to strengthening the capacity of the Haitian National Police is particularly important. We recognize that the recent Haitian elections passed with few incidents, thanks largely to MINUSTAH, the Haitian National Police and the Provisional Electoral Council. While the security situation in that Caribbean country is not perfect, solid progress has been made over the past few years. That is why Ukraine welcomes the Secretary- General’s recommendations concerning the MINUSTAH mandate. We share the opinion that the time has come to end MINUSTAH’s mission and to replace it with a reduced presence that will focus on strengthening rule-of-law institutions, supporting and developing the National Police and engaging in human rights monitoring and reporting. However, we should approach this decision with the necessary responsibility and a well-thought out strategy of transition in order to avoid the repetition of past failures and missteps. We consider it essential to continue the work of strengthening the Haitian police. The Secretary- General’s recent report (S/2017/223) highlights the gains made over the years in developing the capacity of the HNP. At the same time, further consolidation of this achievement is vital. In that context, we welcome the position of the new Government on making the formation of a professional national defence force a top priority. On the other hand, we would like to underline the necessity of continued efforts of the United Nations, other multilateral agencies, international and regional partners and individual States Members of the United Nations in supporting the long-term security and development of Haiti.

Madam President, you spoke eloquently in extending condolences to our colleague from Egypt on behalf of all Council members. I now do so on behalf of the Senegalese delegation, as my Government did on Palm Sunday, to condemn the heinous murder of persons who were praying in a holy place during a holy month. I thank Ms. Sandra Honoré, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, for her high- quality briefing on the situation in Haiti. I also thank her for her outstanding work at the head of the Head of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH). Over the past six months, the political situation in Haiti has made significant progress, including the holding of presidential, legislative and parliamentary elections in a climate of calm, transparency and freedom under the auspices of the Transitional Electoral Council. I commend the people and the authorities of Haiti, in particular the Provisional Electoral Council and the Haitian National Police, for their outstanding work accomplished in a professional and impartial manner. I also commend MINUSTAH for its good offices and work, which have made a major contribution to the stability and security of the country and to lending credibility to the electoral process. These joint efforts have allowed Haiti to return to a fully functional constitutional order after several years of institutional stalemate. The election and swearing in on 7 February of the new President, Mr. Jovenel Moïse, who was elected in the first round with 56 per cent of the vote; the holding of legislative and parliamentary elections on 29 January; and the establishment of the Government of Prime Minister Jack Guy Lafontant with a governing programme approved by the Haitian parliament perfectly demonstrate the renewal of the constitutional order. The international community, and particularly the United Nations, while recognizing the significant progress made, must continue to support the Haitian Government, as MINUSTAH is doing through the implementation of several projects to promote good governance and democracy, strengthen State authority and improve the living conditions of the people in a humanitarian context that remains difficult and marked by the consequences of Hurricane Matthew. This situation has been compounded by a cholera epidemic that has raged in Haiti for several years, with devastating impacts that should be duly managed by the international community, especially now that the United Nations, through its former Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, has publicly acknowledged responsibility in the spread of cholera in Haiti. Senegal supports the new approach of the Secretary-General on cholera and calls on Security Council members to collectively promote the effective implementation of this new approach, in close cooperation with the Haitian Government and the victims. There is a need for a regular follow-up of the situation in Haiti, which remains fragile. Much remains to be done, in particular in the areas of security, justice and human rights. This pertains particularly to the draft criminal procedure code, which is an important element for benchmarking the stabilization of the country. Following the withdrawal of the Mission, we must prevent a security vacuum and the recurrence of past errors and failures that once give rise electoral crises and large-scale public unrest. Despite the outstanding progress made by the Haitian National Police, which has become far more professional and effective, work remains to be done with respect to crime due to ongoing insecurity over the past six months, as indicated by statistics, which reveal 546 homicides in the reporting period, as compared to 510 from 1 March and 31 August 2016. I recall that during that same period, 200 cases of rape were reported, 20 kidnappings took place, 30 police officers were killed and 635 violent protests were recorded. Regarding MINUSTAH’s mandate, Senegal reiterates its confidence in Ms. Honoré and the entire MINUSTAH team. It supports the recommendations made by the strategic assessment team, which conducted its work from 6 to 11 February. concerning the configuration of a new mission to succeed MINUSTAH at the end of its mandate, 15 October. In conclusion, Senegal belieaves that Haiti finds itself at a crossroads. That is why we urge Security Council members to continue to pay particular attention to the humanitarian, security and economic situations in Haiti, which have been put to the test in recent years. When the President assumed his new functions, the outgoing provisional President Jocelerme Privert highlighted the importance of assessing losses, damages and needs following Hurricane Matthew in October 2016. The provisional President stressed in particular that environmental, social and economic vulnerability was inexorably increasing with each passing day, with 96 per cent of the Haitian population living under the constant threat of two well-known factors: droughts and floods. Mr. Privert added that, in the framework of the draft three-year document for 2017-2019, the Government needed to mobilize upwards of $900 million in order to strengthen coastal infrastructure, secure transportation and capacities across productive sectors, all in a consistent manner, in order to reorganize national territory in the social, economic, environmental and institutional spheres. At his inaguration, the fifty-eighth President of Haiti, Mr. Moïse, responded as that by the end of his five-year term, the changes that he promised during his electoral campaign would become a reality. Those promises included restoring the confidence of the Haitian people in the political system and class, as well as in the elite; strengthening inclusion and national sovereignty; and rebalancing the national territory. That is why Senegal appeals to the Council, through me, to assist Haiti, which is, as we see it, the first black republic to gain independence and the first South American democracy with a Parliament of more than 200 years old and a Senate that is 207 years old. I think that the international community must continue to support the country.

China strongly condemns the terrorist attacks that took place in Egypt on 9 April and expresses its deepest condolences to the victims. We would also like to express our condolences to the families of the victims and the injured. China is resolutely opposed to terrorism in all its forms and firmly supports Egypt’s efforts to combat terrorism. I would like to thank you, Madam President, for convening today’s debate. China listened carefully to the briefing of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms. Sandra Honoré. In February, with the support and assistance of the international community, Haiti successfully held its presidential election. The new Government has now started its work smoothly. The Haitian National Police is becoming more robust, the overall situation in Haiti is stable and new opportunities are arising for national development. China hopes that all parties in Haiti will jointly maintain this positive momentum and contribute to the overall stability and development of the country. We hope that the new Government in Haiti will identify a development path that fits its national situation; accelerate infrastructure, agriculture and other major sectors of development with a view to eradicating poverty, creating more jobs, improving livelihoods; and promote the fundamental resolution of all issues in Haiti. China expects the international community, including countries of the region, to continue to contribute to improving the situation in Haiti, help the Haitian Government in building the capacities of the Haitian National Police, and support the Government’s efforts to bear responsibility for maintaining national security and stability. At the same time, we hope that the international community will provide more humanitarian assistance to help hurricane-stricken areas in Haiti to rebuild. Recently, Secretary-General Guterres recommended that the mandate of United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) be extended for a final period of six months and that a smaller, successor peacekeeping mission be established at that time. That is recognition of the Haitian Government’s ability to maintain stability and in line with developments on the ground and the expectations of all parties. China supports the recommendations of the Secretary-General and hopes that MINUSTAH will withdraw in an orderly manner, while ensuring stability in Haiti. MINUSTAH has played an important role in maintaining security and stability in Haiti since 2004. China commends MINUSTAH’s contributions and the positive efforts of Ms. Honoré as head of MINUSTAH. China hopes that the international community will actively respond to the new approach of the United Nations to cholera in order to help Haiti eradicate the epidemic as soon as possible.

I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of the United States. I thank the Special Representative of the Secretary- General, Ms. Sandra Honoré, for her briefing today. We commend Haiti for its recent peaceful transition in power. It was an important step towards stability and democracy in Haiti. Peacekeeping has made a great contribution to Haiti. Its support of the Government has been essential to ensuring a secure and stable environment. It has also provided invaluable assistance in aiding the Haitian people in recovering from a number of natural disasters, including the 2010 earthquake and Hurricane Matthew. However, as I have said before in the Council, the real measure of progress in Haiti or any country where we have a peacekeeping mission is not dollars spent but our impact on the lives of the people we seek to help. Have we lifted them up, both as individuals and as a nation? Have we fostered independence? Have we made their lives better? It is in that spirit that we welcome the results of the strategic assessment mission, which recommend that the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti close in its current form by 15 October. The military component of the mission will withdraw, and what will follow will be a more focused, police-only mission. MINUSTAH has never been a traditional peacekeeping effort. There is no civil conflict or peace agreement to monitor. The new mission of the United Nations for justice support in Haiti will devote its efforts to where they are most needed — in support of the rule of law, developing the Haitian police force and protecting human rights. At our debate last Thursday (S/PV.7918) on peacekeeping operations review, we asked Council members to focus on the political foundations necessary for the success of peacekeeping missions, including whether the mandated tasks and overall concept of the mission are consistent with political realities on the ground. We regard the transformation of the Haiti Mission, including the withdrawal of the military, as a strong example of how peacekeeping missions can and should change as a country’s political situation changes. We believe that the new Haiti embodies the core principles of success we have developed as part of our peacekeeping review. Thanks to the recent elections in Haiti, the political context is right for this Mission, and the Haitian authorities are working hard to improve their capabilities. The new Mission will foster the independence and self-sufficiency of the Haitian people and will continue to support the Haitian National Police. The Mission also has defined the exit strategy established from the very beginning. That will help ensure a smooth transition of tasks and responsibilities in the future. Looking beyond the transition of the Mission, the Government of Haiti must focus on strengthening its judicial system and human rights institutions to help ensure long-term stability. It bears the primary responsibility for coming through on this; but it can count on support from the United Nations, the international community and the United States. As the Mission in Haiti undergoes this transition, we thank the men and women of MINUSTAH for their service, and the Haitian Government for their cooperation. We also thank the troop and police contributors to the Mission and the Group of Friends of Haiti for their work to promote stability and development. The United States is a long-standing friend and partner of Haiti. We remain committed to working with the Haitian Government to ensure the country’s long-term security, democratic development and economic growth. We look forward to a new chapter of growth and independence, and the unfolding story of the Haitian people. I now resume my functions as President of the Council. I give the floor to the representative of Haiti.

At the outset, following on from the President of the Council and the colleagues who spoke before me, I should like to express once again the deep sorrow and sincere condolences of the Haitian Government and people to Egypt, Sweden and Somalia, where the deadly attacks of the past weekend caused innocent victims. I assure the Egyptian, Swedish and Somali Governments of the complete solidarity of the Haitian authorities. I should like to begin by thanking the Security Council for inviting the Government of the Republic of Haiti to express its views and observations on the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (S/2017/223). I wish to express the Haitian Government’s grateful appreciation to the Secretary-General who, in his first report on the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), shows a spirit of solidarity and commitment to the Haitian people for which we are deeply thankful. His objective, well- researched and balanced report, as well as his judicious recommendations, testify to his well-known breadth of vision and generosity of spirit. The progress made in recent years towards the establishment of the rule of law in Haiti, although limited in some respects, remains undeniable. That progress is clearly highlighted in the report. Institutional weaknesses are also highlighted, as is the slow pace of some key reforms. There are still many obstacles on the path to the rule of law and the development of human rights in Haiti. The report also stresses the serious socioeconomic challenges, the effects of declining official development assistance flows, the urgent need for food security, and the deteriorating health situation, illustrated by the resurgence of the cholera epidemic. However, there are glimmers of hope on the horizon. The accession to the presidency of His Excellency Mr. Jovenel Moïse, on 7 February, at the conclusion of an arduous and complex but highly successful electoral process, was unanimously hailed as a decisive turning point in political life in Haiti. As the Secretary-General points out in his report, with the peaceful conclusion of the electoral process and the return to constitutional order, an important step has just been taken. A general election with unchallenged results was held. The peaceful transfer of power, the restoration of Parliament to full functioning, the legitimacy of elected representatives, and the appointment of an open Government bringing together some of the main political groups represented in the legislature, are elements that form the bedrock of the stability that the new Government, led by Prime Minister Jack Guy Lafontant, is working to consolidate. The impartiality and professionalism demonstrated by the Haitian institutions in these elections are rightly emphasized in the report. In that regard, MINUSTAH’s role in strengthening the capacities of the Haitian National Police, which was undoubtedly a key element in the establishment of a climate of security and stability, should be commended. That is undoubtedly one of the outstanding achievements to be credited to the Mission. Now that the objective of creating a safe and stable environment — one of the major thrusts of the mandate entrusted to MINUSTAH by resolution 1542 (2004)  — has been achieved, we can overcome the structural disadvantages and address the serious problems that have so long compromised the political, social and economic stability of Haiti, and that have impeded foreign direct investment in the country. The report of the Secretary-General provides an overview of the challenges ahead. In that regard, the President of the Republic, together with the Government and Parliament, has just launched a programme of institutional reforms to tackle the most pressing sociopolitical and economic challenges, in particular that of bringing Haiti through a situation of economic fragility to one of sustained growth. It is in that spirit of dialogue and consultation that the Prime Minister has presented to Parliament an ambitious programme of action aimed at implementing a number of reforms that are considered essential from the economic and social points of view, as well as in the areas of security, justice and human rights — in short, in terms of consolidating the rule of law, in parallel with the sustained revival of growth and development. In that regard, we welcome the desire of the United Nations to actively support the priorities of the Government and the main thrusts of its plan of action by, inter alia, assisting in the organization of the Etats généraux sectoriels de la Nation. With regard to the mandate of MINUSTAH, there is a perfect convergence between the views of the United Nations and the Government of Haiti on the gradual and orderly withdrawal of MINUSTAH after 13 years of work in Haiti. The Haitian Government considers the consolidation of security and stability achievements to be essential. The phased withdrawal of the military and civilian components of MINUSTAH should enable the Haitian institutions concerned to effectively assume the functions of the Mission. Consequently, both parties must agree on a withdrawal timetable that cannot give rise to any kind of security vacuum. The proposed transition period thus responds to the common concern to ensure that the Haitian National Police has adequate capacity to assume over time full responsibility for the country’s security and to address all threats of instability within the country, irrespective of an international uniformed presence. For that reason, the Government of Haiti supports the Secretary-General’s recommendation on the extension of the MINUSTAH mandate for a final period of six months, extending the original deadline to 15 October 2017. it also supports the recommendation to the Security Council to establish, under a new name, a new presence whose functions would be focused mainly on strengthening the rule of law and the police. In that context, the Government of Haiti endorses the modalities of the transition, including, first, the complete but staggered withdrawal of the 2,370 members of the military component during the transition period; secondly, the reduction in the number of police units formed and of individual police officers; thirdly, the participation of the new mission in the implementation of the strategic development plan of the Haitian National Police; and fourthly, the integration of the activities of the new mission into the United Nations country team, taking into account Haiti’s residual stabilization needs, as well as its good offices role in support of political stability and good governance. The guiding principle to orient the future role and presence of the United Nations in Haiti is to ensure a responsible transition that builds on the achievements of the past 13 years, while meeting the country’s priority needs for stabilization and capacity-building. The Government of Haiti adheres to that vision. It will continue to work closely with the United Nations to ensure the full success of the new phase in their cooperation. It also hopes that the United Nations appeal for a new impetus of solidarity with Haiti will be widely heard by the international community. It is in this context that the President of the Republic and the Government of Haiti place the greatest interest in the reactivation of the humanitarian and reconstruction mechanisms in the regions that were tragically hit by Hurricane Matthew in October. Whole populations are still living in scarcity and distress, the stricken victims of Haiti’s exposure to climate change. I reiterate the Haitian authorities’ call to keep Haiti’s Sud and Grande-Anse provinces on the agendas of humanitarian agencies, non-governmental organizations and the country’s cooperation partners through the structures of the Haitian State. As it did on 1 December 2016 at the informal information meeting with the Secretary-General on the new United Nations strategy against cholera in Haiti, the Haitian delegation reiterates the value attached by the Government of Haiti to the two- pronged approach advocated by the Secretary-General to the eradication of cholera in Haiti. The Government strongly and urgently calls for the funds necessary for the implementation of parts I and II of the plan of action — some $400 million over two years — to be raised within the required time frame. The Government of Haiti takes this opportunity to thank all friendly countries, members of the Security Council, troop-contributing countries and all of Haiti’s cooperation partners for their ongoing commitment, in one way or another, to MINUSTAH. May the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms Sandra Honoré, be thanked and congratulated for the hard work she has done for nearly four years. At this crossroads, where a safe and stable climate allows the Haitian people to see a glimmer of hope, the Government fervently looks forward to the continued support of all its partners in the context of the new United Nations presence in Haiti. It calls on the international community to lend its full support to the difficult task of rebuilding the country’s essential infrastructure, sustained growth, social progress and sustainable development.

I now give the floor to the representative of Brazil.

At the outset, allow me to express our condolences to the Government and the people of Egypt for the tragic terrorist attack perpetrated on Sunday, which took so many innocent lives. I thank the United States for convening this debate. I congratulate the Special Representative of the Secretary- General, Sandra Honoré, on her briefing and reiterate my Government’s appreciation for her leadership. I also appreciate the contribution of the Permanent Representative of Haiti, Ambassador Denis Régis. I would like to start by commending Haitian political actors and the efforts of the leadership of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) to support the political process, which allowed the completion of the electoral process and the return to constitutional order last February. Brazil supports the Secretary-General’s positive assessment regarding stability and security in Haiti. In this context, we agree to the gradual withdrawal of the military component, as proposed by the Secretary- General, attuned to realities on the ground. As the United Nations reduces its military footprint, development assistance should be scaled up. Very often, however, as troops depart development and humanitarian actors and resources follow suit. A future presence of the United Nations in Haiti should be able to reverse that trend. It should be based on the broad repertoire on the relation between security and development, peacekeeping and peacebuilding, sustaining peace and sound transitions. Aware of MINUSTAH’s accomplishments, we must bear in mind that the United Nations work in Haiti is not over. There are still many challenges ahead. In this regard, we welcome the Secretary- General’s recommendation that a new United Nations peacekeeping mission be established in Haiti following the possible termination of MINUSTAH by 15 October, in order to continue to assist the Government of Haiti in consolidating its gains by reinforcing Government institutions and strengthening the national capacity in the rule of law, police development and human rights. MINUSTAH’s experience has shown the potential of innovative approaches that should continue to be carried out by the new mission. Tools such as the reduction of community violence and quick-impact projects have played an important role in supporting core stabilization objectives and will certainly be crucial for the consolidation of the rule of law in Haiti. We also reiterate our support to the United Nations for its new approach to cholera in Haiti and the full implementation of that approach in order to tackle the significant increase in the number of suspected cases of cholera. It is alarming that 440 Haitians are still dying per year from the disease. Brazilian society has been very supportive of Brazil’s engagement with MINUSTAH since its inception. Moreover, the past 13 years have provided a unique and unprecedented experience for Brazil, as it led the command of MINUSTAH’s troops and the deployment of more than 30,000 soldiers, working side-by-side with peacekeepers from our region and all around the globe, to support the Haitian authorities in their efforts to ensure a secure and stable environment for their people, and also to help them to reconstruct the country after natural disasters. During that period, we identified several best practices and lessons learned related to the implementation of MINUSTAH’s mandate that could be further discussed and incorporated in other peacekeeping missions, such as the Group of Friends of Haiti, enhanced civilian-military coordination in the field, community-approach strategies as confidence-building measures, the innovative use of engineering units and the important role of women in all areas of the stabilization process. Let me conclude by reaffirming Brazil’s long- term commitment and solidarity with Haiti and our confidence in the Haitian people’s determination to persist and succeed in their quest for stability, democracy and prosperity.

I now give the floor to the representative of Spain.

My country, which has unfortunately also fallen victim to terrorism, would like to reiterate to the international community and, in particular, to the countries that have suffered its cruel effects last week, our solidarity and firm readiness to continue collaborating in efforts to combat this scourge. The victims suffer, whatever the reason for which they were attacked, and that should push us all — above and beyond extending our condolences — to demonstrate our unity and stoicism as we face the barbarism of terrorism. With regard to today’s topic, I would like to thank the Secretary-General for his report (S/2017/223) on the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Haiti, Ms. Sandra Honoré, for her briefing. I take this opportunity to thank her for her valuable and effective efforts in Haiti as head of MINUSTAH over the years. We warmly congratulate the Haitian people for concluding the electoral cycle that began in 2015 and for the restoration of constitutional order. Spain reiterates its readiness to collaborate with the new Government in order to overcome the country’s challenges. We welcome the deployment of MINUSTAH’s strategic assessment mission, but we regret that the new Government has been left with very little leeway to weigh in on the situation. Ongoing consultations with the Government are a good practice that should be maintained, in particular when preparing for the departure of a peacekeeping operation that has been deployed in the country for 13 years. We thank MINUSTAH for its efforts and support the Secretary-General’s recommendation for it to exit the country responsibly and be replaced with a new peacekeeping operation, focused on promoting the rule of law, on the ongoing training of the Haitian National Police and on assessing the human rights situation. We would like to have details about the Mission’s departure as soon as possible, so that that withdrawal can take place in the very short time frame of a mere six months, with the simultaneous drawdown of formed police units. I do not recall the Security Council ever stipulating such a short time frame for the departure of a mission. In any event, the mission’s departure will pose major challenges, as this is a very delicate time in the country and the process should be conducted as smoothly as possible. With regard to the mission that will replace MINUSTAH, we encourage the Special Representative of the Secretary-General to keep the communication channels open with the new Government in preparation for it. We believe that the mandate to support the Haitian National Police and promote the rule of law, which the Secretary-General recommends, should be entrusted to the new mission. It can be achieved and sustained only with the leadership, ownership and participation of the Haitian Government. In addition, preserving the new mission’s role as a deterrent will, no doubt, pose a challenge, and we will have to procure aviation capacity on the civilian market for the deployment of additional personnel where necessary. In conclusion, I would like to recall that in spite of the gains made, Haiti still requires international assistance in this new phase, and Haitians know that they will have Spain’s full commitment.

I now give the floor to the representative of Colombia.

We are grateful for today’s debate on the situation in Haiti. My delegation aligns itself with the statement that will be made by the Ambassador of Peru on behalf of the Group of Friends of Haiti. I thank, in particular, Special Representative Honoré for her briefing on the report of the Secretary- General (S/2017/223) and for her tireless commitment to Haiti over the past four years. Everyone here has stated that it is encouraging that tangible progress has been made in a situation that, just a few months ago, seemed dire on many fronts. I would also like to acknowledge the Government and the people of Haiti for demonstrating their ability and resilience to hold free elections, which illustrates their respect for democratic values. The election of President Moïse and the formation of his Government are significant and tangible steps towards the consolidation of democracy in Haiti. We also welcome the election of 30 per cent of women to municipal councils. We hope that the United Nations will continue to provide them with the support needed to allow them to carry out their work efficiently. I have repeatedly stated here in the Security Council that we must protect, at all costs, the achievements of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH). Now that we have renewed its mandate for the final time and are moving towards the establishment of a new mission, it is essential to preserve the progress that has been made in order to overcome some of the challenges and hurdles that still prevent the Haitian people from reaching their full potential. The future presence of the United Nations in Haiti must have as its goal to ensure a responsible transition that would prevent the emergence of security or institutional gaps. The central responsibility for the transition lies with the Government and its leaders. The progress made by the Haitian National Police force, which the Special Representative outlined, in particular with regard to its performance and the duties that it must undertake in this new phase so as to ensure democratic continuity, will continue to be supported by my country through both the presence of our officers and police in the country and the training of female Haitian police officers in Colombia. Female police officers, to date, barely account for 9 per cent of the force, but we will continue to train them. We hope that the force’s 2017-2021 strategic plan will also include a major component on gender and the prevention of and response to acts of sexual violence. As Special Representative Honoré pointed out, it is urgent that progress be made on reforming the justice system so as to cut down on illegal and prolonged detentions without trial, ease congestion in prisons and improve respect for the rule of law and human rights, an ongoing task that still needs work. The Haitian State has shown itself able to comply in that regard through its acceptance of 175 of the 213 recommendations set out in its submission to the Human Rights Council’s universal periodic review. Our brotherly people and the Government of Haiti face many challenges, but there are tools available that can help to build a peaceful, stable country with sustainable development. That will require very close coordination between the country team and MINUSTAH and, later, with the special political mission, but the Government of Haiti can count on our support in that effort.

I now give the floor to the representative of Argentina.

I would like to begin by expressing our condolences to the peoples and the Governments of Egypt and Somalia for the dastardly attacks perpetrated recently in their countries. We thank the United States for organizing today’s debate and Ms. Sandra Honoré for her comprehensive briefing on the Secretary- General’s latest report (S/2017/223) on the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), including its recommendations on the new peacekeeping operation that will, we hope, succeed MINUSTAH as of 15 October. My country associates itself with the statement to be delivered by the representative of Peru on behalf of the Group of Friends of Haiti. I would also like to make some additional comments in my national capacity. Argentina has participated in every United Nations effort to help Haiti to attain stability and work out its own path to development since 1994. In that regard, we can only be pleased with the forthcoming successful conclusion of MINUSTAH’s mission and the transition to a new phase, which will, we hope, see peace consolidated in Haiti for good. We commend the Haitian people for the peaceful conduct of their electoral process and the restoration of constitutional order, and congratulate their new President, Mr. Jovenel Moïse, on his election in February and wish him every success in his new job. We also welcome the new Government under Prime Minister Jack Guy Lafontant and encourage his efforts to tackle his country’s continuing tough challenges. In that regard, we are pleased that both the Secretary- General’s report and the resolution drafted by the Group of Friends of Haiti expect that the mandate of the new mission to be established in October will focus on helping the Haitian State to strengthen its rule-of-law institutions, develop the Haitian National Police and protect human rights. Those are functions whose inclusion in peacekeeping-mission mandates my country has always argued for. We trust that the mission will also contribute to the country’s economic and social development by continuing to conduct programmes for reducing community violence, quick-impact projects and other activities that can help to achieve genuine and lasting peace, including through political efforts supporting implementation of the Organization’s new approach to cholera. After 13 years in Haiti and following the departure in April 2015 of our battalion and air unit, our military hospital will leave in October. After that, we are planning to continue the participation of the 15 Argentine civilian police officers who are there currently, with the possibility of adding some more if that is possible and needed under the new mission’s mandate. With regard to the coming transition and as we expressed at the Council’s meeting with the Mission’s troop- and police-contributing countries (see S/PV.7914), we would perhaps have preferred a more gradual drawdown of MINUSTAH’s police component, whereby the police and civilian components would begin to be reduced once the military withdrew or after a certain amount of time has passed, so as not to suddenly weaken the Organization’s presence at a time when both the police and civilian activities are becoming more essential to the consolidation of peace and the achievement of sustainable peace. Nonetheless, we would like to reiterate our confidence in the judgement of the Secretariat and the will of the Haitian Government and the people, and we hope that both the transition and the launch of the new mission will go smoothly and with adequate human and material resources, and will signal the start of an era of peace and development in Haiti. I would like especially to thank Ms. Honoré on the successful conclusion of her work.

I now give the floor to the Deputy Head of the Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations.

I would first like to express our condolences to our Egyptian, Swedish and Somalian colleagues for the recent attacks in their countries. (spoke in French) I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its member States. The candidate countries Turkey, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Albania; the country of the Stabilization and Association Process and potential candidate Bosnia and Herzegovina; as well as the Republic of Moldova, Armenia and Georgia align themselves with this statement. I thank the Secretary-General for his report (S/2017/223) and the Special Representative for her briefing. I also thank the Permanent Representative of Haiti for his statement. The European Union is pleased that the long period of institutional instability in the electoral process in Haiti is finally over. The completion of the electoral process resulted in the transparent and credible election of a President by an ample majority and a renewed National Assembly. A new Government has been formed, and its programme has the support of the new National Assembly. We congratulate the Haitian people and their political stakeholders. Despite enormous difficulties and the weaknesses in their system, they have succeeding in restoring constitutional order to the country based on the will of the voters, something that Haiti desperately needs if it is to tackle its many political, economic, social and environmental challenges. As has been the case for the past few years, the efforts of all to ensure stability and security will continue to be crucial to the process of democratic consolidation. Thorough reform of the electoral system, agreed on by consensus, will be key to avoiding new crises and regaining the people’s trust. In that context and while we regret the fact that the mandate of the United Nations Independent Expert on human rights has not been renewed, we emphasize how important it is to ensure that the Government’s new structures and mechanisms for protecting human rights take up and further develop the Expert’s work so far. The European Union will continue to be a faithful partner to the Republic of Haiti and is committed to supporting it in this sensitive phase, in consultation with its other partners. The European Union is one of Haiti’s major donors in emergencies and for development, as its response following the recent devastating effects of Hurricane Matthew testified. The member States of the European Union and the European Commission have launched a series of short-, medium- and long-term actions ranging from immediate assistance to assistance for reconstruction and prevention amounting to tens of millions of euros. We take note of the Secretary-General’s proposal to close the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) and replace it with a reduced presence focused on consolidating the rule of law and the police service, with the principal aim of supporting political stability and good governance, including election monitoring and reform. MINUSTAH plays a key role in providing political stability and security in Haiti, including by ensuring security during particularly difficult times, such as the recent holding of elections. We must, therefore, consider making decisions with commensurate caution and responsibility in the framework of a permanent dialogue with the Haitian authorities. Furthermore, the European Union believes that the security situation in Haiti needs to be closely followed, as was recently illustrated by the attack against former President Aristide, which could have had serious consequences for public order and the stability of the country. We therefore believe that it is essential to continue the work of strengthening the Haitian police. When the time comes, during the transition period, it will be essential to ensure a well-prepared continuity. The security and welfare of citizens, as well as the stability of the country, are at stake. In that regard, we welcome the emphasis placed on issues relating to the rule of law and human rights in the report of the Secretary-General (S/2017/223), and we encourage further clarification on the steps to be taken and future responsibilities. In conclusion, I would like once again to express the appreciation of the European Union for the fundamental contribution made by MINUSTAH in terms of security, democracy-building and the rule of law in Haiti. It is now necessary that the sequence of events that will ultimately make the Haitian State fully responsible for the security and protection of its citizens be precisely defined, planned and fully implemented in close consultation with the new Haitian authorities. With the United Nations and the international community, the European Union will support the Haitian authorities, so that they can strengthen their commitment and efforts to ensure a better future in peace, democracy and the well-being of all the Haitian people.

I now give the floor to the representative of Guatemala.

First, allow me to express our most sincere and heartfelt condolences to the delegation of Egypt and the delegation of Sweden on the condemnable attacks that their countries have recently suffered. My delegation thanks you, Madam President, for organizing this meeting, and, at the same time, we would like to take this opportunity to thank the Special Representative of Secretary-General, Ms. Sandra Honoré, for her presence. We align ourselves with the statement to be made by the delegation of Peru on behalf of the Group of Friends of Haiti. Guatemala commends the efforts made by the brotherly country of Haiti, which have contributed to its stabilization and the strengthening of its democracy, in particular the peaceful conclusion of the electoral process on 7 February. We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate President Jovenel Moïse on his election. Guatemala welcomes the leadership and commitment shown by the national authorities in financing, organizing and providing security for the holding of credible and inclusive of elections despite the adverse humanitarian conditions resulting from the impact of Hurricane Matthew. The success of the elections and the transfer of power is an example of the political maturity of the Haitian authorities. We recognize Haiti’s efforts to strengthen its justice and human rights sector. We encourage the authorities to continue working towards ensuring that their institutions, particularly the Supreme Court, are fully functional, which is needed for strengthening the rule of law and the standing of the institutions of the country. We believe that, when the Security Council considers the Haitian national context, it must do so in a comprehensive manner, in particular by taking into account the humanitarian situation, which was severely aggravated following the impact of Hurricane Matthew on 4 October, the consequences of which are still affecting the population, owing to the limited access to drinking water and the presence of presumed cases of cholera. In that context, we commend the coordinated efforts led by the Government of Haiti, with the support of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), the country team and humanitarian partners, to address the various needs arising from the effects of Hurricane Matthew. Furthermore, we believe that it is worth underlining that the role and presence of the United Nations in Haiti must have as their main goal to ensure a responsible transition based on MINUSTAH’s achievements of the past several years and to ensure the continued support of the country’s priority needs. To that end, it will be essential to ensure that the withdrawal of the uniformed members of the peacekeeping mission does not foster the perception of a security vacuum and that the successor mission is focused on the rule of law, human rights and the strengthening of the police. We firmly believe that any transition must be carried out in a responsible, gradual and realistic manner in accordance with the country’s priorities and needs so as to achieve sustainable peace in Haiti. In conclusion, Guatemala supports the Secretary- General’s recommendations and appreciates the leadership of Ms. Sandra Honoré and the work of MINUSTAH’s civilian and uniformed personnel. The degree of commitment shown over the past 12 years to fulfil the mission’s mandate has reflected a coordinated effort on the part of the international community that has borne fruit. Guatemala has participated in those stabilization efforts in Haiti and has contributed to MINUSTAH since 2004. Our commitment to the brotherly country of Haiti has been firm and consistent, and it is our heartfelt wish to see Haiti achieve stability and development for which we reiterate our support in the Council.

I now give the floor to the representative of Canada.

Allow me to join Canada’s voice to others in expressing our condolences to Egypt and Sweden. Let me begin by highlighting the immense task that has been accomplished by the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) since 2004 with regard to stability and security in Haiti. In that regard, I would like to pay tribute to that mission’s staff for their commitment and dedication demonstrated over the past 13 years, including during the terrible events of January 2010 and October 2016. I would also like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for her presentation today and her tireless efforts towards Haiti’s development. (spoke in French) My country is particularly pleased with the restoration of constitutional order in Haiti. The recent conclusion of the electoral cycle must now pave the way for a lasting socioeconomic recovery that will benefit all and facilitate the transition to a successor United Nations mission with a new name in accordance with the recommendations made by the Secretary-General in his report (S/2017/223). More compact and focused, that new peace operation will play a key role, notably through the continued strengthening of the capacities of the Haitian National Police and the necessary consolidation of the rule of law. It is necessary that democracy, as well as peace and security, take root as the foundation and the necessary ingredients for greater prosperity for the entire Haitian population, with particular attention accorded to women, children and the most vulnerable. Thanks to the efforts that have been made by the Haitian people, we now can see the light at the end of the tunnel and the next major stage — the economic development of Haiti. But there will be no economic development without growth supported by private investment in Haiti. It is therefore urgent to consolidate the rule of law and maintain peace and security so as to develop an environment conducive to investment and development. Only that kind of economic development can ensure true improvement in the quality of life of the Haitian people. Although the progress made to date is undeniable, the situation nevertheless remains fragile and incomplete. As such, the progress achieved must be preserved and consolidated through an effective and responsible transition by duly taking into account the situation on the ground, in particular the capacity of the Haitian police to assume its entire mandate on its own. The coming months will be decisive with regard to the preparation and consequently to the success of that transition. As we turn a new page so that Haiti and the international community can embark upon a decisive turning point for the country’s future, Canada will stand by the Haitian people in the name of our common values and the strong bonds of friendship and solidarity that unite us.

I now give the floor to the representative of Chile.

First of all, I would like to reiterate to the Government and the people of Egypt the solidarity and sorrow of my Government for the criminal attack they suffered last weekend. We thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms. Sandra Honoré, for her briefing and welcome the presence here today of the Permanent Representative of Haiti, Ambassador Denis Régis. Chile associates itself with the statement to be made by the representative of Peru on behalf of the Group of Friends of Haiti. Today’s debate is historic, since, as agreed by the Security Council, we will be begin the process of drawing down the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) and establishing a successor peace operation. That concludes a cycle initiated in 2004, when the international community came to the aid of our Haitian brothers and sisters by setting up a multidimensional mission with a broad mandate, in which, for Chile and other countries of Latin America and the Caribbean, the link between security and development as a way of achieving sustainable peace was fundamental. Rapid-impact projects and programmes to reduce community violence carried out by the MINUSTAH contingent are the most concrete manifestation of that. There are areas where achievements have been considerable, such as stabilization and security, and others where tasks are still pending, such as the strengthening of the rule of law, access to justice and human rights. Similarly, MINUSTAH played a key role in addressing the humanitarian challenges posed by the catastrophic 2010 earthquake and the subsequent reconstruction, as well as the devastating consequences of Hurricane Matthew and other natural disasters that have regularly struck Haiti in the past. The recent conclusion of the electoral process, the restoration of constitutional order, the formation of the new Government, the legislative power’s return to functionality, the election of local authorities and other milestones provide an opportunity that we cannot pass up in our efforts to strengthen the principle of national ownership and produce needed synergies with the international community. The United Nations will continue to be necessary in supporting Haiti, and, accordingly, the peace operation that will succeed MINUSTAH will play a key role, together with the country team. That is why we fully share the Secretary-General’s assessment that a responsible transition in the United Nations presence, grounded in the achievements of the past 13 years, is required. Only in that way can we keep from losing what we have gained on the road to stability and development. We reiterate the importance of always keeping in mind the conditions on the ground, and especially of avoiding security gaps. Coordination among all actors will be crucial. Challenges to making progress in sustainable development remain. However, the main humanitarian challenge is the need to tackle the cholera epidemic. Chile fully supports the new approach of the United Nations in that connection, and we recently made a contribution to the trust fund established to combat the disease. However, funding is still very low, so we call on the international community to contribute. In addition, given the magnitude of the efforts required, we find it difficult to believe that the new United Nations mission in Haiti would not be linked to the tasks that must be fulfilled. We reiterate our support for the work of the Senior Adviser on the Impact of Cholera in Haiti. Chile will continue to promote United Nations support for the new Government and the Haitian people and to bolster the development of public policies aimed at economic development, the consolidation of the rule of law and the political participation of the country’s citizens. After 13 years and the withdrawal of our troops, we will continue to support Haiti. Indeed, our assistance during the period from 2015 to 2018 represents nearly half of the what Chile earmarks for the entire region. This is an appropriate time to pay tribute to all the men and women of various nationalities who have served in MINUSTAH, particularly those who have given their lives for peace. In conclusion, I reiterate my country’s commitment to Haiti and its people, reaffirming the importance of continuing to support this sister nation, which has sovereignty over its own development. As President Bachelet pointed out in her latest visit to that country a month ago: “We are sure that the road that Haiti has started down with the support of the international community will bear fruit sooner rather than later.”

I now give the floor to the representative of Mexico.

Thank you, Madam President, for your invitation to participate in this meeting. We welcome the fact that Haiti is on the path of institutional normalization with the holding of elections, the inauguration of a new president and the restoration of constitutional order. We recognize the support of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) and the international community in that process. The arrival of the new Government in Haiti provides us with the opportunity to work with new partners, who are the principal persons responsible for the destiny of their nation, and who, with the support of the international community and the United Nations, can focus their efforts on the development challenges that Haiti faces. I am particularly grateful to the Secretary-General for his report on MINUSTAH (S/2017/223), and we take due note of his recommendations on the gradual drawdown of that mission before November 2017 and the establishment of a successor mission. The new mission, which is focused on strengthening Haitian institutions, in particular the Haitian National Police, is particularly welcome. However, the mission needs to have a mandate and be given the capacity to assess the human rights situation on the ground. The transition of the mission must be carried out in a responsible, progressive and prudent way so as to avoid a security vacuum. This new stage is favourable for showing the capacity of the United Nations and its Members to handle transitions, assess progress and adjust peacekeeping operations to political and security contexts. We must ensure the foundations of sustainable and lasting peace in Haiti. The drawdown of MINUSTAH must not mean that the United Nations system is failing to support that country. On the contrary, like all other States, Haiti must meet the goals of sustainable development. The United Nations, with the cooperation of the international financial institutions, should organize its efforts so as to reach concrete and long- term solutions for achieving those goals. To that end, it is fundamental that, first, there be maximum coordination among all the components of the United Nations system present on the ground. The future Resident Coordinator will have to ensure that all actions are consistent with the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Secondly, the health situation in Haiti must be improved, with particular attention to coordinating, under the leadership of World Health Organization and the Pan American Health Organization, the effective provision of health services and efforts to address the ravages of the cholera epidemic in the country, for which we must support the new approach of the Secretary-General. Thirdly, efforts must be undertaken to build infrastructure in the water, sanitation, roads, transportation and education sectors. Fourthly, Haiti must be supported as it seeks to take steps to reintegrate returnees in a positive manner. Before concluding, I would like to reiterate Mexico’s commitment to sustainable peace in Haiti and to the development of the country, as well as to the work of the Economic and Social Council’s Ad Hoc Advisory Group on Haiti, in which my country participates.

I now give the floor to the representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

At the outset, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela wishes to express its heartfelt condolences to the delegations of Egypt and Somalia and to their Governments and peoples on the appalling terrorist attacks committed in their countries. We strongly condemn these criminal acts and reiterate our absolute rejection of such actions by terrorist groups. We also call on the international community to come together once and for all to put an end to this scourge. We wish to extend our congratulations to the delegation of the United States on presiding over the work of the Security Council this month. We also welcome the presence of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), Ms. Sandra Honoré, whose work at the helm of the Mission has been guided by her firm commitment and dedication to bringing about stability and development for the Haitian people. We also welcome the presence of the representative of Haiti. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela reaffirms its commitment to peace and democracy in Haiti, and we congratulate the Government and the people of this brotherly country on the successful holding of presidential, legislative, municipal and local elections. In this connection, we congratulate the President of the Republic of Haiti, Jovenel Moïse, on his election. The peacebuilding process in Haiti benefited from resolute support on the part of the international community and from the good offices of the United Nations and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States. These forums have over the past few years taken diplomatic and logistical measures to bring about stability and well-being for the Haitian people, supporting this brotherly country in strict accordance with the principles of sovereignty, independence and self-determination. Despite these encouraging developments, serious challenges remain on the economic, social and structural fronts in Haiti, reflections of a history plagued with political turbulence and interference, which have led to institutional fragility and undermined social justice in this brotherly Caribbean country, the first to obtain its independence in the Latin American and Caribbean region. Therefore, in this new phase of the institutional life of Haiti, we must continue to provide support to its authorities, with a view to achieving the goals agreed upon within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals and ensuring that no one is left behind. It is for this reason that we encourage the international community to continue to cooperate with the Haitian people unconditionally and in a manner devoid of any political pressure, focusing on its social development agenda, especially in terms of eradicating poverty and reducing inequality, and with emphasis on the consequences of the natural disasters that Haiti has suffered. Over the past few years Haiti has been impacted by large-scale natural disasters that have had a devastating effect on its people and on its economic and institutional structure. The January 2010 earthquake and Hurricane Matthew caused the country’s general situation to deteriorate even further, especially on the humanitarian front. In addition, Haiti has faced the repercussions of the cholera outbreak and the spread thereof since 2010. This tragic context requires a sustained commitment on the part of the international community to strengthen its cooperation mechanisms aimed at assisting the Haitian people. We also must devise a robust and timely response to help the Haitian authorities to strengthen their cholera- elimination plan by 2022 so as to help bring about a transition from urgent humanitarian interventions to programmes geared towards development in Haiti. It is also necessary to translate into concrete action the new focus of the United Nations in the fight against the spread of cholera under the programme approved by the General Assembly in its resolution 71/161. We hope that the budget cuts will not affect these humanitarian programmes. We are at a critical time at which we must reflect on the effectiveness of United Nations peacekeeping operations, in the context of the end of MINUSTAH’s mandate in mid-October this year. Venezuela recognizes that to date the Mission has helped to achieve stability and to achieve important objectives in Haiti, but the Security Council must also be aware that it has made mistakes. We must therefore question the pre-eminence of a security-based vision that has sidelined the strengthening of the institutional capacities of the Haitian State. In this context, we welcome the recommendations of the Secretary-General contained in his report (S/2017/233) and the conclusions of the strategic assessment mission, which carried out its work following the elections. We deem appropriate the caution expressed in the recommendation that there be a phased, orderly withdrawal of the military contingent in Haiti, which will help to fulfil the mandate of supporting the efforts of the Haitian authorities to ensure the country’s stability in the process of the strengthening of their democratic institutions. The close of MINUSTAH must mark the beginning of a new phase of political stability in Haiti and the end of military interventions focused on security in Latin America and the Caribbean. The United Nations successor mission to support justice in Haiti must be focused on helping its authorities strengthen the rule of law and social development. Venezuela, as the second most active country in the region in terms of bilateral cooperation with Haiti, is fully committed to development, political stability and social stability in a free and sovereign Haiti. The Bolivarian Government of President Nicolás Maduro Moros has continued the legacy of Comandante Hugo Chávez Frías, providing sustained assistance to the people of Haiti on the basis of the principles of solidarity, complementarity and reciprocity. In the framework of the Petrocaribe Energy Cooperation Agreement and the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America, we will continue to support various initiatives and projects that have been given priority by the Government of Haiti targeting the areas of social development; humanitarian assistance; infrastructure construction, rehabilitation and maintenance; and education. Finally, I should like to point out that the people of Haiti, the homeland of Pétion, from which Simón Bolívar drew inspiration to liberate our America, are dignified and brave people that have fought tirelessly for their freedom, self-determination and indepedence. All Haiti wants and needs from the international community is cooperation, in a spirit of solidarity, free of conditions or political blackmail — the only kind of cooperation that will enable Haiti to move forward and determine its own destiny in a sovereign manner.

I now give the floor to the representative of Peru.

On behalf of my country, Peru, which has also suffered from terrorism, we would like to express our solidarity with and support for the countries that have been victims of terrorist attacks. (spoke in English) I now have the honour to speak on behalf of the Group of Friends of Haiti, which includes Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, France, Guatemala, the United States, Uruguay and my country, Peru. I would like to congratulate you, Madam President, for having convened this debate to discuss the latest report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) (S/2017/223) and its observations and recommendations following the strategic assessment mission to determine the future presence and role of the United Nations in Haiti. The Group of Friends welcomes the presence of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Haiti, Ms. Sandra Honoré, and wishes to thank her for her comprehensive briefing and for the role that she has been playing to support the political process in Haiti and the professionalization of the police and in the maintenance of a secure and stable environment. The Group of Friends acknowledges the important role that MINUSTAH has played in ensuring stability and security in Haiti, expresses its deep appreciation and gratitude to the personnel of MINUSTAH and to all Member States which have contributed to it and pays tribute to those who have been injured or killed in the line of duty. The strengthening of the rule of law and democratic institutions, establishing a political culture conducive to democratic stability, and improving socioeconomic conditions are the key elements needed to achieve greater security, stability and prosperity in Haiti. In that regard, the Group of Friends recognizes the major milestone towards stabilization that was achieved with the peaceful completion of the electoral process and the return to constitutional order on 7 February 2017. It commends the Haitian authorities, in particular the Haitian Provisional Electoral Council and the Haitian National Police (HNP), for their efforts towards ensuring that the elections were conducted in a credible and inclusive manner and held in a largely peaceful environment. The Group of Friends also congratulates the new President of the Republic of Haiti, Mr. Jovenel Moïse, and welcomes the new Government led by Prime Minister Jack Guy Lafontant, and sends its wishes for success in this new stage. The Group of Friends emphasizes the importance of national ownership, inclusivity and the role that civil society can play to advance national peacebuilding processes, and reiterates the vitality of the commitment by the Government of Haiti to strengthen the rule of law and make further progress in the justice and security sectors. The Group of Friends welcomes the ongoing strengthening, professionalization and reform of the HNP, while noting the need for continued international support for the Haitian police, and affirms the importance of the HNP’s strategic plan for the period 2017-2021, developed on the basis of a joint HNP- United Nations capacity and needs assessment. The Group of Friends stresses that no genuine stability, sustaining peace or sustainable development can take place in Haiti without strengthening democratic institutions and democratic processes. 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, transparency, the independence of the judiciary, and the promotion and protection of human rights, in accordance with its mandate. In that regard, the Group of Friends encourages the Government of Haiti to make progress in the field of justice and human rights. The Group of Friends recognizes that strengthening national human rights institutions and respect for human rights, including the rights of women and children, respect for due process and combating criminality, sexual and gender-based violence, putting an end to impunity and prolonged pretrial detention, and ensuring accountability are essential to ensuring the rule of law and security in Haiti, including access to justice. The Group of Friends reaffirms its solidarity with, and commitment to, the people and the Government of Haiti in their pursuit of stability, reconstruction, recovery, socioeconomic development and democratic consolidation. The Group of Friends welcomes General Assembly resolution 71/161, entitled “The new United Nations approach to cholera in Haiti,” which intends to renew the Organization’s efforts aimed at eliminating the transmission of cholera and at addressing the suffering of its victims. The Group of Friends notes that the implementation of that new approach will fall under the responsibility of the United Nations country team under the coordination of a deputy representative of the Secretary-General, a humanitarian coordinator or a resident coordinator. The Group of Friends notes that, while important progress has been made, Haiti continues to face significant humanitarian challenges, especially in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew. Furthermore, the Group of Friends affirms that progress in the reconstruction of Haiti and in its socioeconomic development — including through effective, coordinated, appropriate international development assistance, given the increased Haitian institutional capacity to benefit from such assistance — is crucial to achieving sustaining peace and stability. The Group of Friends reiterates the need for security to be accompanied by sustainable development in its social, economic and environmental dimensions, efforts in which the Government of Haiti plays a leading role, with the assistance of the United Nations country team. The Group of Friends welcomes the report of the Secretary-General of 16 March 2017 (S/2017/223), which includes observations and recommendations by the strategic assessment mission, as requested by the Security Council in resolution 2313 (2016). It also welcomes the Secretary-General’s recommendation that a new United Nations mission be established in Haiti following the termination of MINUSTAH by 15 October, in order to continue to assist the Government of Haiti in consolidating gains by reinforcing Government institutions and strengthening the national capacity for the rule of law, police development and human rights. The Group of Friends recognizes the important contribution of MINUSTAH to the stabilization in Haiti and that the moment has come to start a responsible transition to a new phase of United Nations activities in the country, focused on strengthening the rule of law institutions in Haiti, prioritizing support and capacity- building for the HNP, and engaging in human rights monitoring and reporting, as set out in paragraph 62 of the Secretary-General’s report. The Group of Friends looks forward to a gradual and responsible transition moving forward in the new peacekeeping mission.