S/PV.8220 Security Council

I should like to take this opportunity, on behalf of the Security Council, to pay tribute to His Excellency Ambassador Karel Van Oosterom, Permanent Representative of the Netherlands, for his service as President of the Council for the month of March. I am sure I speak for all members of the Security Council in expressing deep appreciation to Ambassador Van Oosterom and his delegation for the great diplomatic skill with which they conducted the Council’s business last month. 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 and Haiti to participate in this meeting. In accordance with rule 39 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, to participate in this meeting. In accordance with rule 39 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite His Excellency Mr. João Pedro Vale de Almeida, 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/2018/241, which contains the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti. I now give the floor to Mr. Lacroix.

I should at the outset like to express my gratitude to you, Sir, and the Peruvian presidency for having convened today’s meeting on Haiti. I also take this opportunity to welcome the presence of the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Haiti. This is the first time that I have the honour of addressing the Council on Haiti and our first opportunity to discuss the United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti (MINUJUSTH) since the launch of its operations on 16 October 2017, as called for in resolution 2350 (2017). I visited Haiti on 14 and 15 March, and I am pleased to inform the Council that the Mission is fully operational and actively implementing its mandate. Its civilian presence is concentrated in the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince, with multidisciplinary mobile teams that monitor political and rule of law developments and engage with local communities and stakeholders on a regular basis across Haiti’s 10 departments. This model of deployment is linked to the Mission’s light and non-intrusive footprint, while creating a channel of regular communication with the Haitian population throughout the country. (spoke in English) At the same time, in order to maintain a close relationship with the Haitian institutions it supports, the Mission has co-located 135 individual police officers with the Haitian National Police (HNP) in Haiti’s 10 departments, and 23 Government-provided corrections personnel in 9 of Haiti’s 18 prisons. The presence of seven formed police units (FPUs) in 5 of the 10 regions ensures the provision of operational support to the HNP and a security presence across the country. The Mission works closely with the 19 United Nations agencies, funds and programmes engaged in Haiti, as well as with the Office of the Special Envoy for Haiti, Ms. Josette Sheeran, to fulfil its mandate and enable a seamless transition towards inclusive, sustainable development through a coherent, comprehensive and integrated approach, in line with the ongoing United Nations reforms and the Secretary-General’s vision on prevention. MINUJUSTH’s main objective is to build on the achievements of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti and is tied to the overarching goal of the United Nations in consolidating stability and security in the country to facilitate Haiti’s path to longer-term development, of which a stronger rule of law and the enjoyment of human rights remain critical foundations. As the Council acknowledged when mandating MINUJUSTH, the political and good offices role of the Mission remain the cornerstone of our strategy to achieve these objectives. In the past months, MINUJUSTH, in partnership with the United Nations country team, has implemented targeted activities in support of its objectives, preparing the ground for more systemic change. Operating within an overall stable environment, notwithstanding the withdrawal of United Nations military troops last year, the Mission has been fully engaged in assisting the HNP in implementing its 2017-2021 strategic development plan, notably through its mentoring and advisory programme for the HNP senior management. Likewise, it has started supporting the two regulatory bodies of the judiciary, the Superior Council of the Judiciary and the Ministry of Justice and Public Security, in strengthening accountability and oversight capacity through assistance to their respective inspection units, as well as to their joint technical vetting commissions. Other key areas of support of the Mission are dedicated to helping curb prolonged pretrial detention and prison overcrowding, notably through on-site monitoring of activities at the justice of the peace tribunal of Port-au-Prince to ensure caseload management procedures are applied and through provision of assistance to the penal chain committee of that court. Closely related to this assistance is the Mission’s work with the Bar Association of Port-au- Prince, funded through community violence-reduction projects, to put in place two legal aid offices dedicated to providing counsel to over 50 per cent of detainees in pretrial detention at the national penitentiary, as well as to newly detained defendants. Discussions are currently ongoing to establish legal aid offices dedicated to women and minors in detention. The Mission’s human rights monitoring and reporting provides early warning and structural analysis to adjust and tailor its advocacy and specialized support. Nevertheless, the weaknesses of the rule of law institutions continue to generate multiple human rights challenges and encourage a culture of impunity. Therefore, priorities in this domain include the need to strengthen national human rights institutions — particularly the Office of the National Human Rights Ombudsperson and the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Human Rights, as well as national human rights civil-society organizations, to ensure due process and access to justice, enhance the protection of women and children, and the fight against sexual and gender-based violence. As a peacekeeping operation, MINUJUSTH can be effective only if it has a sound relationship with the Government and the people of Haiti based on solidarity and mutual trust. A frank, open and respectful dialogue with key national stakeholders is necessary to allow for positive collaboration at all levels in order to bring about effective change. I am strongly encouraged by the willingness and the continuing efforts demonstrated by President Moïse and his Government to create a climate for change, which I witnessed during my recent visit to Haiti. I reiterate the support I expressed to the President for his determination to improve the daily lives of all Haitians, in particular through his Caravane du changement programme. While acknowledging that there could have been a misunderstanding between MINUJUSTH and the Government of Haiti, I am also encouraged by recent indications of a closer, substantive convergence of national and MINUJUSTH priorities. In this regard. I welcome the most recent announcement of President Moïse’s priorities on State reform and the maintenance of political and social stability, which include the strengthening of the justice system and the Haitian National Police, the fight against impunity and prolonged pretrial detention, combating and preventing corruption, the establishment of the Permanent Electoral Council, and the launching of a national dialogue, the so-called États généraux sectoriels. The 11 benchmarks presented in the Secretary- General’s report (S/2018/241) echo this vision and include the areas of focus that MINUJUSTH supports for closer, more fruitful and strategic collaboration with national institutions and civil society. It is therefore a unique opportunity for the Haitian Government, MINUJUSTH, the United Nations country team and the international community to jointly implement common priorities indicated by resolution 2350 (2017) and Haiti’s Vision 2030, in line with the Agenda for Sustainable Development. Building on the Secretary- General messages of solidarity and partnership with Haiti, which I also conveyed to my Haitian interlocutors in March, I would like to reiterate the readiness of the United Nations to support the Government in devising a clear road map for the achievement of its State reform agenda, taking into account the capacities of MINUJUSTH on the ground. Alongside these opportunities, we need to keep in mind that challenges and risks remain, especially as we prepare for a transition from peacekeeping to development. Haiti has come a long way to achieve the relative political and security stability it is now enjoying, but persistent economic uncertainties, which can result in social exclusion, particularly of youth and the most vulnerable, may undermine this progress. The work of the legislature has recently slowed down, characterized by disagreements over procedural issues, thereby affecting the pace of adoption of key legislation. The anticipated holding of elections in the last quarter of 2019 to possibly renew the legislature could lead to a more polarized political landscape, creating an environment less conducive to addressing systemic challenges to the rule of law. While achieving results should remain our common priority, we have already started to prepare for a transition to a non-peacekeeping presence, based on lessons learned in Haiti and in other contexts. Under the guidance of the Secretary-General’s Executive Committee, the full United Nations system on the ground and at Headquarters is engaged in a transition strategy that will build on existing, United Nations-wide instruments, such as the United Nations Development Assistance Framework, as a tool for transition, including on rule-of-law issues. The strategy will also seek to anticipate and mitigate any gaps that may arise from the withdrawal of the peacekeeping operation within the time frame stipulated by the Security Council. We look forward to a close collaboration with the Haitian Government and other partners to ensure the success of this transition, as we do for the implementation of MINUJUSTH’s mandate. The benchmarks for an exit strategy presented to the Council weave together an ambitious but flexible framework based on the criteria under which the current United Nations configuration can confidently be transformed into a non-peacekeeping presence in the country. In the coming months, we will provide the Security Council with qualitative and quantitative assessments of progress and trends in these areas, in close collaboration with Haitian institutions, in order to allow members of the Council to take well-informed decisions for the drawdown and eventual withdrawal of MINUJUSTH. A broadly consulted and owned, benchmarks-based exit, remains the right approach to preserving the stabilization and peacebuilding gains achieved over a decade in Haiti. We are determined to ensure, within the overall time frame already indicated by the Council in its resolution 2350 (2017), that MINUJUSTH be the last peacekeeping operation deployed in Haiti. The unanimous vote by the Security Council nearly one year ago, on 13 April 2017, which established MINUJUSTH (see S/PV.7924), was a vote of confidence in Haiti, in recognition of the progress the country has made. We have many reasons to be optimistic that this path to progress is irreversible, while we  — Haiti, the United Nations and international and regional partners  — need to jointly continue investing in the success of the country and United Nations engagement in it. As was mentioned by the Secretary-General last week in his statement on his Action for Peacekeeping initiative (see S/PV.8218), the exercise of the Council’s responsibility to support peacekeeping missions is a critical component in this case as well, namely, for the success of MINUJUSTH and the future of Haiti.

I thank Mr. Lacroix for his briefing. I now give the floor to the members of the Security Council.

I thank Under-Secretary-General Lacroix for his briefing today. Last October, the transition from the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) to the more focused, police-only United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti (MINUJUSTH) marked a turning point for the country. The Haitians themselves are truly taking the lead in providing their own security and law enforcement. The transition from MINUSTAH to MINUJUSTH set a strong example of how United Nations peacekeeping operations can and should change as the political and security situation on the ground evolves. When peacekeeping works well, we see countries develop their own capacities to protect their citizens and we see countries re-establish domestic political processes. We believe that MINUJUSTH has the potential to do just that and will continue to foster the independence and self-sufficiency of the Haitian people. We commend the important and necessary steps that the Government has already taken to achieve long- term security and stability in Haiti. We are encouraged by how far Haiti has come in growing the capacity of the Haitian National Police (HNP) — an institution that we will continue to prioritize and support as it takes the lead in ensuring the country’s security. We believe that MINUJUSTH’s various components, including formed police units, individual police officers and corrections officers, as well as civilian experts in the rule of law, human rights, political affairs, gender, conduct and discipline and other key areas, contribute significantly to the rule of law and justice sector priorities that the international community and the Government of Haiti have identified. The United Nations mentoring and advising of the HNP has been and will continue to be a key factor in the HNP’s ability to ensure public order and provide security for the Haitian people. Looking to the future, Haiti’s security, political and development agenda can be shaped only by Haitians themselves. The Government of Haiti must focus on strengthening its judicial system and human rights institutions to help consolidate the long-term stability and stabilization gains of the past few years. We hope to see significant progress in many areas, including addressing prolonged pretrial detention and prison overcrowding, eliminating sexual and gender- based violence and achieving the full participation of women in decision-making. It is critical that Haiti take the opportunity to advance dialogue on the additional measures required to strengthen its institutions, such as adopting the draft penal and criminal procedural codes and establishing the permanent electoral council, so that those bodies can be around to serve the Haitian people long after MINUJUSTH departs. At the end of the day, Haiti bears the primary responsibility for making that happen, and it can count on support from the United Nations, of course from the United States and from many others in the international community. We welcome MINUJUSTH’s benchmarked exit strategy and look forward to updates on timelines for the transition of tasks and responsibilities to the Haitian Government, in coordination with the United Nations country team. That said, crucial work remains in the time that MINUJUSTH has left to execute its important tasks. We stress the critical importance of filling the remainder of the Mission’s staffing and vacant United Nations police positions as soon as possible. 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 this new chapter of growth and independence in the unfolding story of the Haitian people.

At the outset, we thank the Under-Secretary-General, Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, for his insightful briefing on the latest developments in the Republic of Haiti with respect to the activities of the United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti (MINUJUSTH). Bolivia reaffirms its commitment to the present and future of the Republic of Haiti. The international community must continue to work in unity, supporting Haiti’s economic and social development in order to enable it to face the remaining challenges, particularly in the security sector and the rule of law. We believe that such support should be provided in consultation and close coordination with the Government of Haiti. Similarly, we believe that the new mandate of MINUJUSTH will be decisive, since, in the light of the latest visit of the Security Council to the country, the long-term needs to be met on the ground have been identified. We must take into account the fact that there is a two-year term to execute a series of essential tasks and objectives in accordance with the 11 benchmarks established for the Mission’s exit strategy. In that regard, and in accordance with the latest report of the Secretary-General, we encourage MINUJUSTH and its partners to strengthen their link with the Government of Haiti, in order to “ensure a closer convergence of views and priorities and to establish a joint programme of work that will provide a road map for collaboration and joint action” (S/2018/241, para. 54). Progress on those benchmarks and their results must be worked on pursuant to the mandate of MINUJUSTH in the areas of the rule of law, security and human rights, in accordance with resolution 2350 (2017). We also highlight Haiti’s progress in implementing its reform agenda so as to, inter alia, promote sustainable development and fight corruption through its six political priorities, which include the strengthening and modernization of the justice sector, the adoption of a legislative agenda focused on stimulating investment and the improvement of social services, among others. Furthermore, we welcome the appointment of the Ombudsperson’s replacement and the future appointment of a focal point within the executive branch to facilitate the implementation of the commitments undertaken through international human rights mechanisms in order to continue strengthening Haitian institutions. We believe that it is essential to ensure the rule of law and to lay the foundation for greater political and social cohesion, as well as to address current socioeconomic and development challenges. Likewise, we commend the Republic of Haiti for assuming the presidency of the Caribbean Community, in addition to the initiative taken by the Heads of State and Government of that organization to create an intraregional workforce to combat the increase in crime and violence in the region. We note the decrease of both in Haiti and encourage them to continue along that path. In that regard, we commend the efforts of MINUJUSTH to improve the infrastructure and training of the Haitian National Police through its mentoring and advising programme, which seeks to transfer essential skills to middle and senior management, as well as its training programme, which will contribute to the implementation of the 2017-2021 strategic development plan for that institution. We also appreciate and support the work carried out by the Mission in the area of the rule of law and encourage it to pursue its work in coordination with the Government of Haiti. We appreciate the progress made in the fight against cholera through the Secretary-General’s new approach. The United Nations and its members have a collective responsibility to ensure its full implementation. With that in mind, we call on the international community to work to meet its commitments and cooperate with the Republic of Haiti to build solid sanitation and health systems. Cholera remains a central problem that affects not only sanitation and access to water, but all areas of development and stability in Haiti. Fighting that scourge is a priority, as highlighted during the Security Council’s visit in 2017. With regard to sexual abuse and exploitation, we take note of the commitment of MINUJUSTH to prevention activities, including training, facilitation of information and counselling. We encourage the Mission to pursue its efforts with respect to the principle of zero tolerance for those responsible for sexual exploitation and abuse, who, if found guilty, should be punished accordingly. We reiterate our concern about the issue of children who are left fatherless as a result of sexual abuse. Finally, Bolivia recognizes the national ownership and primary responsibility of the Government and people of Haiti for all aspects of their country’s development, and encourages MINUJUSTH to fulfil its mandate with respect to the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the Republic of Haiti.

I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for your kind words for our presidency, which I will convey with great pleasure to Ambassador Van Oosterom and the entire team. Allow me in turn to congratulate you, sir, on assuming the presidency for the month of April. I wish you every success. My thanks also go to Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix for his briefing. The Kingdom of the Netherlands aligns itself with the statement to be made by the observer of the European Union. The Kingdom of the Netherlands is following the developments in Haiti with the greatest interest, as three of our four constituent countries — Aruba, Curaçao and Saint Martin — are located in the Caribbean. Today, I would like to address the following three points: the current situation, the role of the United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti (MINUJUSTH) and the prospects for the future. With regard to the current situation, in recent years Haiti has embarked on an impressive journey towards change. The country has made major progress in stabilizing the political situation and security conditions. With the support of the United Nations, including through the global focal point for police, justice and corrections, the Haitian National Police has been professionalized and has recruited a considerable number of women. The terrible epidemic of cholera that ravaged the country for more than eight years finally seems to be under control. However, there are still challenges to overcome. There are worrying reports about the length of pretrial detention, the overcrowding of prisons and insufficient access to justice. That can be resolved only by adopting the relevant legislation and by enhancing the effectiveness, transparency and accountability of the security and rule of law institutions. The unacceptable cases of human rights violations by the Haitian National Police underscore the need to put in place strengthened oversight and accountability mechanisms in the public sector. That brings me to my second point — the role of the Mission. Haiti cannot meet such challenges alone. MINUJUSTH was established to support the Government and the people of Haiti in their efforts to build a better future. However, only through close cooperation will the Mission and the Haitian State succeed in building and strengthening the country’s public institutions. Priorities and efforts must be matched. Through its good offices and its advocacy role, the Mission is fundamental to ensuring political ownership of the shared goals. In order to achieve the ambitious goals of the Mission, it is necessary to accelerate progress and to strengthen cooperation. In that regard, it is essential to develop as soon as possible, in close cooperation with the United Nations country team, a comprehensive joint strategy to lay the groundwork for the completion of the peacekeeping phase. In that way, the progress made in fulfilling the Mission’s mandate can be measured so as to ensure a responsible withdrawal that meets the conditions identified. That brings me to my third point — the prospects for the future. In the end, we have the same objective: to make Haiti a prosperous and safe society. Strengthening the rule of law is rightly the cornerstone of that objective. The rule of law is the bedrock of any just, prosperous and peaceful society, which is an element of trust for both the population and the investors. We encourage Haiti to seize this opportunity and to take full advantage of its partnership with the Mission. Such a partnership must be based on the credibility, legitimacy and integrity of the United Nations presence in Haiti. We therefore welcome the Secretary-General’s policy of zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse. We underscore the importance of the previous mission, the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti, being held accountable for past acts. We look forward to the Secretary-General’s report on the new strategy to fight cholera. We emphasize the need for the effective implementation of the strategy. We must turn the page on cholera. I would like to conclude by expressing the wish that 18 months from now, the parliamentary elections will mark the beginning of a new era in Haiti. In the meantime, let us use this time to build a strong and sustainable foundation for political stability, security and inclusive development by promoting the meaningful participation, involvement and representation of women at all levels and to allow the people of Haiti, with the steadfast support of the United Nations and the international community, to take back the reins of their future.

In taking the floor on behalf of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea at this meeting on the United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti (MINUJUSTH), allow me to address through you, Mr. President, our most sincere congratulations to Peru on its assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of April. In wishing you resounding success, I affirm the unfailing support of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea in the execution of your work. We also congratulate the Kingdom of the Netherlands on its excellent stewardship of the Council during the month of March. Its presidency was characterized by exceptional drive and welcome results. We have followed with great attention the presentation by Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under- Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, who, as usual, provided us with a clear, detailed and complete briefing on MINUJUSTH, which not only highlighted the political and economic aspects of the country but also described the current humanitarian and security situation in that brotherly country. The Republic of Equatorial Guinea follows closely and regrets the various setbacks that the friendly and brotherly people of Haiti have suffered, from the blows of repeated natural disasters to the political challenges have undermined the efforts of both the Haitian Government and people and the development partners for the country to set out on the path towards sustainable development. We express our appreciation, recognition and congratulations for the various appropriate actions taken by the United Nations in Haiti, including establishing the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti in June 2004, replacing the provisional multinational force, and helping to establish a safe and stable environment in Haiti, which involved its support in many areas of the political and security spheres, as recalled in the relevant Council resolutions, until its replacement by the United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti last year. As a result of the aforementioned actions and of the review by the Secretary-General, as requested in resolution 2350 (2017), the Government, the legislature, the judiciary and the Haitian National Police have actively worked with the United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti to develop a strategy that sets out 11 benchmarks that need to be met in Haiti by the last quarter of 2019. We would like to express our appreciation and congratulations to the Government of Haiti for the strong political will and leadership it demonstrated during that exercise, which at the end of next year should lead to a transition whereby the United Nations country team can fully assume its role of supporting the development of Haiti. The 11 benchmarks to be met are very ambitious but achievable if both the Mission and the international community resolutely support the Government of Haiti to attain them by making it possible at all times for the Government to lead the process with the active support and advice of the Mission. In a process such as that on which Haiti has embarked, it is necessary to take into consideration any limitations that may impede such an undertaking. In that regard, the Republic of Equatorial Guinea draws the attention of the United Nations and the international community to the cholera situation that persists in Haiti, which is finally being controlled. The fight against the pandemic to ensure that it does not recur must be a high priority, since that situation affects not only health and water resources but also the development and stability of Haiti. I would like to conclude this statement by supporting the United Nations Mission for Justice Support and by calling on all State institutions of Haiti — the Government, Parliament, the judicial bodies and the National Police — and civil society to work closely together in cooperation with and support of President Juvenal Moïse in his reform agenda to promote the sustainable development of Haiti, for which respect for the rule of law and human rights, good governance, respect for State authority and the strengthening of the legal and judicial institutions of Haiti are essential.

I would like to thank Under-Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix for his informative briefing. Let me also inform the Council that Poland associates itself with the statement to be delivered later today by the observer of the European Union. Haiti is a land of great beauty and great suffering. Despite obstacles, the progress made by Haitians under the leadership of President Jovenel Moïse is very impressive. The spate of changes has had a positive impact on the daily life of Haitians in various areas. It is important for the Government to continue its efforts. It is worth emphasizing that it has taken steps to reform the criminal code and code of criminal procedure, fight corruption in the civil service and strengthen the justice sector. The improvement in the capacity of the Haitian National Police is also remarkable. Such efforts should lead to major political stabilization and further strengthen the principles of the rule of law, which is an indispensable element of preserving sustainable development. Poland thanks the United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti (MINUJUSTH) for its crucial role in assisting the Haitian Government to strengthen rule-of-law institutions, reinforce national police capacity and engage in human rights monitoring. The smooth transition from the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti to the United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti during the first six months looks very promising. Nonetheless, Haitian institutions still need the support of the international community. We welcome the contribution of MINUJUSTH to improve public security by building the capacity of the Haitian National Police in a wide range of police activities, providing equipment and operational support. To continue that progress, the vacancy rate within the Mission should be lowered. We call on the Secretariat to remove all remaining obstacles to filling the remaining vacancies. I would like to laud the efforts of the Secretary- General and his Special Envoy for Haiti, Ms. Josette Sheeran, to mobilize the private sector in the areas of finance, health and technology in an effort to support the Haitian Government and its people, contribute to Haiti’s ambitious development goals and help attract investment. Additional efforts to enhance response capacity in investigating and preventing sexual and gender-based violations and incidents are necessary. Prison overcrowding raises serious human rights concerns, as does the lack of progress on the appointment of a senior governmental focal point to chair the body responsible for the development of national action plans on human rights. We call on the Government to redouble its efforts in those areas. Like other States Members of the United Nations, Haiti has the undeniable right to create and maintain its national armed forces. Given budgetary limitations and the pressing need to further develop the capabilities of its national police force, we expect the Haitian authorities to be judicious in choosing their next steps on the path to sustainable growth, taking into account the considerably reduced presence of the international community on the island. Poland welcomes the proposal of 11 ambitious benchmarks for an exit strategy and transition to a non-peacekeeping United Nations presence in Haiti. MINUJUSTH will be a crucial actor in that process, helping the Government to meet the benchmarks by providing all necessary expertise and assistance. Furthermore, we should not limit the presence of the United Nations in Haiti or withdraw it too early, bearing in mind the fragility of the situation and the great deal of work to be conducted by elected Haitian authorities. While some see gaps, we see opportunities. We would like to see a prosperous Haiti without a constant peacekeeping presence. As the Haitian proverb says, a borrowed drum never makes for good dancing.

Since this is our first meeting this month, let me join others in congratulating you, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency. I would like to assure you of our full support as you carry out your duties. I would also like to commend Ambassador Van Oosterom and his team on a successful presidency last month. We thank the Secretary-General for his report (S/2018/241) on the implementation of the mandate of the United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti (MINUJUSTH), based on resolution 2350 (2017). We thank Under-Secretary-General Lacroix for his briefing on the most recent developments in Haiti and the activities of MINUJUSTH over the past six months. We take note of his recent visit to Haiti and discussions held with Haitian authorities to address ways and means to enhance cooperation and prepare for the transition to a non-United Nations peacekeeping presence that would continue to support Haiti’s peacebuilding endeavours. In that regard, we welcome the development of an exit strategy for MINUJUSTH, which was developed over the past three months in close consultation with Haitian stakeholders, outlining clear benchmarks for a staggered withdrawal over a two-year time frame, based on results achieved and the situation on the ground. Accordingly, we support the renewal of the mandate of MINUJUSTH for one year. The establishment of the Mission is indeed very important in order to consolidate peace by strengthening justice and rule-of- law institutions and supporting the institutional and operational capacity of the Haitian National Police. The renewal of its mandate will enable it to continue assisting the Government to strengthen rule-of- law institutions. We appreciate the initiatives and efforts being undertaken by the Mission to build the capacities of the Haitian police in strategic and operational planning, criminal intelligence, investigations, organized crime, crime-scene management, recruitment, training, gender mainstreaming, crowd control, information technology, communication, logistics and infrastructure maintenance. However, we note the challenges being faced in the area of justice and corrections and the efforts of MINUJUSTH to address them, as highlighted in the report of the Secretary-General. We welcome continuous progress in Haiti towards consolidating its democracy and institutional stability, as indicated in the report of the Secretary- General. We also take note of the progress made in the overall security situation in the country, which remains relatively stable. Nonetheless, we understand that Haiti continues to face enormous challenges and vulnerabilities. Therefore, decisive steps must be taken towards creating greater social and political cohesion and reinforcing State institutions in order to sustain the gains made in recent years. In that regard, we take note of the various initiatives of the President of the Republic of Haiti and hope that MINUJUSTH will provide the necessary support by working closely with the Government, civil society organizations and others. The sustained and coordinated engagement of all bilateral and international partners is very critical to securing, sufficient and timely assistance for the sustainable development of Haiti in a manner that respects its sovereignty. We hope that the new partnership established between Haiti and the United Nations, with the establishment of MINUJUSTH, will lay a solid foundation for long-term stability and sustainable development in Haiti. We welcome the approval by the Peacebuilding Fund of a new $3-million conflict prevention and social cohesion project to strengthen the role of the youth by facilitating better participation of young women and men in community affairs and peaceful conflict resolution. We also recognize regional and subregional organizations, in particular the Organization of American States, the Union of South American Nations and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), for their important role in the process of the stabilization and reconstruction of Haiti. We note that Haiti has now assumed the chairmanship of CARICOM and hosted a summit meeting of the organization last month in Port- au-Prince. Finally, we thank the police-contributing countries of MINUJUSTH, the United Nations country team and other international partners operating on the ground for their continued support to Haiti. I wish to conclude by reiterating our solidarity with the brotherly people and Government of Haiti as they continue striving to consolidate the progress made in recent years and address the multiple challenges facing their nation.

Мy delegation congratulates Peru on its assumption of the presidency of the Council for the month of April and assures it of our full support. We also commend the Kingdom of the Netherlands on its presidency for the month of March and on its outstanding conduct of the work of the Security Council. Мy delegation thanks the Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, for his informative briefing on recent developments in the Republic of Haiti, as well as on the activities of the United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti (MINUJUSTH). The establishment of MINUJUSTH on 16 October 2017 was an important part of the transition towards a United Nations presence in Haiti that is not a peacekeeping operations, as provided for by Council resolution 2350 (2017). Echoing the Secretary-General’s report (S/2018/241), my delegation welcomes the political, security and socioeconomic progress made in Haiti over the past year. At the political level, my delegation appreciates the efforts undertaken by the Haitian authorities to strengthen the country’s institutions, in particular the judiciary and the Haitian National Police. It also welcomes the measures aimed at strengthening the rule of law and the promotion and defence of human rights. My country remains convinced that these measures will certainly contribute to Haiti’s progress on the path of development, as envisaged in the United Nations Sustainable Development Framework 2017-2021. To that end, it welcomes the visit made by Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, which reaffirmed the United Nations strategic partnership with Haiti in the context of support for the Haitian authorities in the area of sustaining peace and peacebuilding. Côte d’Ivoire is convinced that the presence of MINUJUSTH is a real opportunity to consolidate the achievements and support the efforts of the Haitian Government to achieve the objectives of development and stability, with a view to the bringing the current peacekeeping operation to an end. In that regard, it welcomes the visit of Ms. Bintou Keita, Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, to Haiti from 5 to 9 February, which gave her the opportunity to discuss issues relating to the gradual assumption of responsibility by the Haitian authorities in the field of justice and the rule of law, with a view to a successful withdrawal of the United Nations Mission. In that connection, my delegation supports the decision to establish in the near future, in collaboration with the Haitian Government, a mechanism to monitor progress in achieving the objectives of the crisis exit strategy, with a timetable and agreed indicators. On the security front, the progress made in professionalizing the Haitian National Police must not make us lose sight of the fact that the overall situation in the country remains precarious. Côte d’Ivoire also encourages the Haitian authorities to pursue their efforts in the fight against corruption, in the protection and promotion of women’s rights, as well as in the improvement of temporary detention procedures and the living conditions of the prison population. On the socioeconomic front, my country remains concerned about the country’s persistent vulnerability and the deplorable living conditions of vulnerable populations. In the light of the people’s limited access to drinking water and poor sanitation, my country calls on the international community to support the work of the Haitian authorities in order to promptly respond to the expectations of the populations in need. Côte d’Ivoire welcomes the progress made in the fight against cholera and supports the new strategy put in place by the Secretary-General to eradicate this pandemic. In that regard, my country welcomes the commitment of the United Nations, alongside the Government and people of Haiti, to consolidating the progress made and to find satisfactory responses to ongoing challenges. We therefore urge the international community to support the economic and social development under way in Haiti. In conclusion, my delegation commends the work of the United Nations country team in Haiti and MINUJUSTH, and encourages the Security Council to provide them with the necessary means to ensure the success of the Mission within the framework of the renewal of the mandate of MINUJUSТН. I would also like to reaffirm the readiness of my country — which, thanks to the support of the United Nations, has emerged from a decade of crisis — to contribute, alongside the other members of the Security Council, to bolstering stability, economic growth and social development in Haiti.

At the outset, I would like to congratulate your friendly country, Mr. President, o assuming the presidency of the Council for this month. We assure you that the State of Kuwait will support you throughout your presidency term. We are fully confident that your wisdom and experience will help guide the work of the Council during this month. I would also like to thank all the members of the delegation of the Netherlands for the excellent and successful work done with professionalism and transparency during the month of March. As part of today’s debate, I thank Mr. Lacroix for his briefing on the developments in Haiti and the role of the United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti in accordance with its mandate. I should like to address three aspects related to our today’s topic: politics, security and the humanitarian dimension. First, on the political aspect, I commend the work of President Moïse as he consults with the Haitian Parliament on a legislative agenda that would establish a permanent electoral council and a constitutional council, in addition to finalizing appointments in the Supreme Court. We look forward to the enactment without delay of key legislation, including the penal code and the code of criminal procedure. We call upon the relevant authorities in Haiti to participate actively in consultations in order to positively impact the justice system. Secondly, on the security aspect, we note that security affects all other areas in Haiti. We therefore welcome the marked improvement in security as crime rates have gone down in Haiti. Nevertheless, we call upon the national authorities to maximize the benefit of United Nations experience in the area of justice so as to improve the capacity and efficiency of the Haitian National Police. That would consolidate the gains achieved in the security sector and promote rule of law institutions, end impunity and prevent corruption. We commend the President’s two initiatives in that connection. Thirdly, on the humanitarian aspect, we are concerned about reports of violations of human rights. We hope that the Haitian national authorities will prosecute the perpetrators whether they are members of the National Police or not. That will ensure accountability and justice. In that context, we welcome the results of the United Nations plan for combating cholera, since the weekly infections have been reduced by more than 99 per cent. I would also like to commend the efforts of the United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti (MINUJUSTH), which is working to support and consolidate the gains that have already been made, in addition to strengthening stability and achieving long-term sustainable development in Haiti by supporting the Government’s efforts to promote the rule of law. In conclusion, based on the what I have said here, I would like to express our support for the Secretary- General’s proposal that MINUJUSTH’s mandate be extended to reflect the timeline defined by the benchmarked exit strategy. We support the report’s contention that achieving the 11 benchmarks identified will facilitate the transition to a non-peacekeeping United Nations presence in Haiti. That would lead in the long term to fostering political, security and development stability in Haiti and will help to implement the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, especially Goal 16, which is aimed at promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development through providing access to justice for all.

I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for convening today’s debate, and I also thank Under-Secretary-General Jean- Pierre Lacroix for his briefing. China would like to congratulate Peru on assuming the presidency of the Security Council for April. Your delegation can count on our support in its work. We are also grateful to the Netherlands for the enormous amount of work it did during its presidency in March. At the moment, Haiti is largely stable. Its security situation is steadily improving, and the Haitian National Police (HNP) is gradually assuming the responsibility for keeping the country safe, secure, and stable. China looks forward to seeing Haiti’s various internal stakeholders maintaining the positive development momentum by intensifying their efforts to develop the economy, improve people’s livelihoods, comprehensively implement the HNP’s strategic development plan and create conditions conducive to improving the country’s situation once and for all. We are keen to see the international community, including the other countries in the region, continue to help improve the situation in Haiti, provide more development and humanitarian assistance and support Haiti in cementing peace and stability and implementing the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. We commend the efforts of the United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti (MINUJUSTH) and Special Representative Susan Page to ensure the new Mission’s smooth deployment and functioning. We hope to see the Secretariat and MINUJUSTH improving their communication with the Haitian Government, helping it to build a stronger HNP and supporting it in assuming responsibility for maintaining national security and stability in earnest. Much has been achieved in the United Nations support for Haiti’s response to the cholera epidemic. China has contributed to the United Nations Haiti Cholera Response Multi-Partner Trust Fund through the China-United Nations Peace and Development Fund. We call on the international community to respond positively to the new United Nations cholera response initiative and to help Haiti wipe out the epidemic once and for all. China stands ready to do its part, together with other members of the Council, to help Haiti achieve lasting peace, stability and sustainable development.

I would like to join my colleagues in congratulating you, Sir, on your presidency, and thanking the Netherlands for theirs. I also thank the Under-Secretary-General for his briefing. It was very good to have news of his visit in March and to see the degree to which the Security Council’s mandate is being actively implemented. The United Kingdom welcomes the continued progress in Haiti. We are particularly interested in the development of the Haitian National Police, the penal chain committee initiative and the efforts to strengthen the rule of law, and, like other speakers, we applaud the new United Nations approach to cholera. It is very good to see the dedication and support that the United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti (MINUJUSTH) has given the Government of Haiti in carrying out its tasks. We are very interested in the way in which the Government is establishing a solid and sustainable foundation for Haiti’s long-term political stability, security and development. As the Under-Secretary- General just said, this is a real vote of confidence in the country. It is good to hear that the Mission for Justice Support is actively implementing its mandate, and we now look to it to deliver a smooth transition to a non-peacekeeping United Nations presence. In particular, we support the Mission’s intention to hand over responsibility for ensuring the rule of law, human rights and security sector reform to the United Nations country team and the Government of Haiti by October 2019. We want to ensure that the transition is a success. To that end, the United Kingdom urges the Government and the United Nations to take the following three steps. First, the Government should take ownership of the delivery of critical reforms that will have a lasting impact on security and development. I want to particularly highlight the importance of protecting the independence of the police, enacting new legislation to empower the judiciary, ensuring that human rights are protected by strong State institutions and empowering women to be political leaders. Secondly, we look to the United Nations to be a well-integrated organization on the ground that can ensure an effective transition by implementing the joint work plan. In particular, there should be a strong focus on collaboration between the country team and the Mission; support from the Peacebuilding Fund, as other colleagues have mentioned; flexible and coordinated partnerships between mobile teams and the country team; and close cooperation with other international and bilateral partners. I also join others in hoping to see an overall focus on the progress that can be made with the Sustainable Development Goals. The Secretary- General’s report for May is eagerly awaited. We hope it will outline the progress needed to deliver an integrated and sustainable transition in the next 18 months. Thirdly, the two-year exit strategy should demonstrate clear progress against the benchmarks that the Secretary-General has set. The plan for transferring responsibilities from the Mission to the country team is a complex one, and it makes the transition even more complex than it inherently is. We hope that the Mission, in consultation with the Government, will be able to develop the necessary indicators. Using clear and realistic milestones will enable us to track progress. While we note that many colleagues and the Under- Secretary-General spoke about the fragility of the transition, we believe that if we have such milestones and benchmarks, they will reduce the risk associated with the exit strategy. In particular, the exit strategy should also be clearly aligned with the United Nations Development Assistance Framework 2017-2021. In conclusion, it is critical that the Mission and the Government work together in a spirit of solidarity and mutual respect and trust. Where the United Kingdom can help, the Council can count on it to do so. At this point, I would like to mention the sad history of sexual exploitation and abuse that Haiti has witnessed and to say that we will work with the Secretary-General to ensure the implementation of the zero-tolerance policy throughout the whole of the United Nations. The time remaining to meet the transition target of October 2019 is now limited. We hope to see the adoption of a clear transition plan that will set out how we will move from peacekeeping to development. What Mr. Lacroix said in that regard was very encouraging. However, we do urge the Secretary-General to be realistic and clear with regard to the division of responsibilities across the United Nations system. It is ultimately the Government of Haiti’s leadership that will make the transition a success but, as other speakers have noted, where we are now presents us with an enormous opportunity for achieving a successful outcome not just for the Government of Haiti but for the entire United Nations family and for peacekeeping in general.

At the outset, allow me to warmly congratulate the delegation of the Netherlands on its presidency of the Security Council last month and, on behalf of France, offer our full support for the Peruvian presidency. I thank the Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, for his very enlightening briefing on the implementation of the mandate of the United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti (MINUJUSTH). France aligns itself with the statements to be made by the observer of the European Union and by the representative of Canada on behalf of the Group of Friends of Haiti. Following the remarkable work done by the women and men of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti, at great risk to their lives — as was the case in the 2010 earthquake — MINUJUSTH took up the effort by focusing on three tasks: strengthening the Haitian National Police and the rule of law, and monitoring the human rights situation. I should like to come back to these three axes of MINUJUSTH’s work during my statement. The first point I wish to address is the strengthening and the role of the Haitian National Police. The stability of the country depends on its ability to train and field police personnel able to contribute to building social peace. It is their presence on the ground that often helps to ease tensions, as we have seen with the significant decrease in crime. In order to maintain this positive trend, MINUJUSTH must enjoy the means to support the Police Force in optimal conditions during its operations on the Haitian territory, including with the support of air and medical capabilities. This international support, however, represents only a transition towards full ownership by the Haitian authorities of the maintenance of public order. Indeed, all the efforts of the United Nations Mission are now focused on developing a National Police that will be increasingly capable of independently fulfilling its missions without international support, from decision-making to the deployment of police officers on the ground. It is therefore up to the Haitian Government to ensure the successful training of more than 15,000 police officers in order to guarantee order and justice. The second part of the MINUJUSTH mandate is the strengthening of the rule of law on which social, economic and political stability is based. We commend the drafting and adopting of legislative texts jointly carried out by the Haitian Government and Parliament in 2017. France will pay particular attention to the next steps, in particular the enacting of a penal code and a code of criminal procedure, which will be criticial before the MINUJUSTH mandate comes to an end. As with the Haitian National Police, the successes achieved through international support, including the good offices of the Special Representative, now depend on the resolve of the Haitian authorities to take ownership of the work done so far. This political commitment is crucial in the fight against the scourge of corruption, which weakens democracy. We welcome the announcements issued by the Haitian Government, especially with respect to corruption, and encourage it to take all measures necessary to strengthen the rule of law, which is a prerequisite for the development of the country. I will end on the issue of human rights, which are the keystone of the maintenance of peace and international security in Haiti. All the objectives that the international community has set for itself in that country — strengthening the Haitian National Police, strengthening the rule of law and the sustainable development of the country — depend above all on an active and ambitious human rights policy. France calls for the careful monitoring of this significant issue in the implementation of the mandate of MINUJUSTH, always bearing in mind the objective of the assumption of ownership by the Haitian authorities and civil society, which is the sole guarantor of the progress that can be accomplished in all aspects of human rights. I will cite but a few: the improvement of the penitentiary system, the defence of women’s rights, and respect for the rights of Haitian citizens vis-à-vis the State. The United Nations also has a full role to play and will have to continue to pay close attention to the fight against sexual abuse in particular. In conclusion, we call for the renewal of the mandate of MINUJUSTH before embarking on a transition to a new form of the United Nations presence in Haiti. The United Nations and France continue and will continue to stand alongside the Haitian people, whose courage in the face of adversity deserves our greatest admiration. We recall in that regard the suffering endured as a result of the tragic cholera epidemic, which is now on the verge of eradication. Given the successes observed in recent years in many areas, a stable Haiti firmly on the path of development must be our shared ambition.

Let me join others in congratulating you, Sir, and your team on assuming the Council presidency and in thanking our Dutch colleagues for their outstanding work in the month of March. I thank Under-Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix for his briefing. I associate myself with the statement that will be made by the observer of the European Union later this morning. Sweden commends Haiti for the achievements it has made in the consolidation of democracy, stability and peace. Progress is now needed on the priorities that President Moïse and his Government have set out, including the rule of law, respect for human rights, improved socioeconomic development, infrastructure, resilience and security. These are priorities with which the mandate of the United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti (MINUJUSTH) is also aligned. The Government must now spare no effort in delivering on its commitments, with the support of the international community. The benchmarks presented in the Secretary- General’s report (S/2018/241) will help support these efforts by linking progress in the core areas of the Mission’s mandate with other key preconditions for stability in the country. As the Council has stated before, it is important to ensure a clear end state for the Mission to work towards. Adequate planning is needed for a future hand-over to the United Nations country team in the spirit of sustaining peace. As more and more tasks are given to the United Nations country team, donors must step up to ensure that the United Nations agencies have adequate resources and capacity to effectively support the peacebuilding process in Haiti. It is important that MINUJUSTH continue to integrate gender throughout its work, including measures to increase women’s security and participation, as well as to ensure protection against sexual and gender-based violence. Integrating gender is also key to gender-budgeting and to ensure adequate information-gathering, monitoring and reporting. MINUJUSTH was created as a rule-of-law mission, and, as with other United Nations missions, it is vital to have an integrated rule-of-law approach that encompasses the whole justice chain, from police and corrections to prosecution and courts. In this vein, Sweden continues to contribute both police and corrections personnel to MINUJUSTH. The Mission’s police component’s mentorship and advice to its counterparts in the Haitian National Police are a part of the transition strategy, and we are encouraged by the work being undertaken in that area. We know from experience that policing and other rule-of-law institutions play an important role in providing a bridge between security and development in transition processes. MINUJUSTH is the only current United Nations peacekeeping mission that consists solely of civilian and police components. We should draw on this experience when looking at the drawdown and transition of other United Nations peace operations. This is in line with the Council’s ambition to take more phased and layered approaches to transitions and drawdowns in peacekeeping operations. We welcome the efforts described in the report to strengthen protection from sexual exploitation and abuse. We need to continue to ensure that alleged cases of sexual exploitation and abuse are reported and investigated, and that all necessary steps are taken to apply disciplinary measures and/or undertake criminal prosecutions to hold perpetrators accountable. We were happy to co-sponsor the General Assembly resolution 72/260 in support of the Secretary-General’s new approach to eradicating cholera and building resilience in Haiti. We have supported the United Nations Haiti Cholera Response Multi-Partner Trust Fund and encourage others to contribute to it in a collective effort to bring an end to cholera in Haiti. In conclusion, much has been achieved by the Haitian people in recent years. The establishment of MINUJUSTH provides an opportunity for a reinvigorated partnership with Haiti towards longer- term stability and sustainable development. We will remain a committed partner for Haiti as it continues its efforts to consolidate democracy, stability and peace.

We would like to thank Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, for presenting the report of the Secretary- General after the transformation of the Organization’s presence in Haiti into the United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti. We consider the assessments made following his own recent visit to Haiti, from 14 to 15 March, especially useful. Since the middle of October of last year, when the Mission began its work in its new format, we have seen some unquestionably encouraging progress. We welcome the efforts of Haiti’s leadership to ensure stability and establish effective Government administration systems that rely on its own strengths. In that regard, we are closely monitoring the implementation of President Jovenel Moïse’s Caravan of Change initiative. Coordinated and collaborative work on the part of the legislative, executive and judicial branches of power will be crucial to overcoming the country’s internal problems and laying a firm foundation for sustainable economic development. We note Haiti’s increased participation in the work of international and regional organizations. In January it took on the rotating chairship of the Caribbean Community and joined the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States Quartet. The gradual, step-by-step progress has enabled the Council to begin to carefully consider the Secretary-General’s preliminary proposal for establishing benchmarks for the Mission’s exit preparedness and handing over its functions directly to the Government and the United Nations country team. In that regard, as with any other peacekeeping operation, it is important at every stage to take into account not only the views of the host Government but also the principle of national ownership. However, there is still a great deal of work to do, both for the country’s authorities, which are being called on to become more self-reliant and independent of international support every day, as well as for the United Nations staff whose job is to provide them with the maximum support. That thorough, painstaking support is vital to the Government, which, taking the Haitian people’s views into consideration, must strive to identify its priorities and tasks on the security, politics, development and peacebuilding fronts. We should add that it is just as important to ensure that all national stakeholders understand the concept of shared responsibility for sustaining peace. The ongoing serious humanitarian situation is still very worrying, since Haiti is still grappling with the effects of Hurricane Matthew. Also, despite the fact that people who were obliged to move to neighbouring States are now returning to Haiti is a very good sign, their growing numbers represent a special responsibility for the leadership of a country where 1 million people still need humanitarian aid. We are pleased with the Secretary-General’s information on the gradual improvement in the security situation and the falling crime statistics, including for sexual offences. We hope that the strengthening of the National Haitian Police’s numbers to reach a total of 15,300 personnel, 9 per cent of whom are women, will help to achieve even greater progress. Against that background, the reports by representatives of Haitian civil society of sexual crimes committed by representatives of foreign non-governmental organizations are extremely worrying, and in the context of the ongoing efforts within the United Nations to combat such shocking offences, we urge the Mission not to ignore such scandalous examples. These are very grave crimes that tarnish the image of international support generally. Any such reports should be investigated and those found to be responsible should not escape the punishment they deserve. The Council will soon have to agree on the draft resolution that will extend the Mission’s mandate for a year. In accordance with its mandate, the Mission will continue to assist the host country in ensuring the rule of law and strengthening the capacity of its law-enforcement bodies. The Council must be certain that adequate account is taken of the realities of the country’s situation, including with regard to the Mission’s structure, something that the Secretary- General also brings up in his report. In conclusion, I would like to affirm our support to the Government and the people of Haiti, who have to overcome the destructive legacies of natural disasters as well as their domestic problems on their road to stability and prosperity. In order to ensure that they can recover more quickly, they need a strong State and a cohesive society through whose joint efforts they can build and strengthen Haiti’s potential.

We join our colleagues in congratulating your delegation, Mr. President, on its assumption of the presidency of the Security Council this month, and would like to assure you of our full support. We also commend the delegation of the Netherlands for its excellent work in leading us during the month of March. I thank Under-Secretary-General Lacroix for his comprehensive briefing and recent visit to Haiti. At the outset, we would like to congratulate the United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti (MINUJUSTH) and its leadership on its smooth transition and its launch of a number of important projects and initiatives in close cooperation with the Government and civil society of Haiti. Kazakhstan also commends the efforts that President Moïse and his Government have made over the past year to promote stability, security, economic development and social change in their country. We especially welcome their initiative to begin a political dialogue with all the key national sectors aimed at determining and defining negotiated plans for the country’s sustainable development over the next 25 years. It is also worthy of note that a review process will be launched to assess Haiti’s development aid cooperation mechanism with the international community, with a view to shifting from external assistance to external investment. While we recognize the significant progress that has been made in improving the political and security environments, some key issues in a number of priority areas have yet to be addressed, including the establishment of a Permanent Electoral Council, improvements in the justice sector, prison overcrowding, prolonged pretrial detentions and the overall humanitarian situation. In that regard, Kazakhstan fully supports the Secretary- General’s call for MINUJUSTH and its partners to establish a joint programme of work and undertake joint actions addressing such major issues as reforming the justice system, enhancing human rights, reforming the police and prison systems and ensuring the rule of law in Haiti. Promoting political engagement will also be crucial, in view of the forthcoming elections. With a view to consolidating stability and security, MINUJUSTH should maintain its focus on building the capacity of the Haitian National Police and undertaking serious efforts to combat impunity, ensuring the judiciary’s independence and establishing a transparent and efficient corrections system. We urge the Government of Haiti to make sure that the Haitian National Police’s strategic development plan is implemented efficiently and in a timely manner, with the help of the international community in raising professional training and experience. We should now focus on ensuring that the benchmarked exit strategy is formulated and implemented in a coordinated manner. It will be essential to maintain an ongoing dialogue with all stakeholders, particularly the Haitian Government, in order to achieve our common goals and a smooth transition to a non-peacekeeping United Nations presence in Haiti. In this context, it will be critical for MINUJUSTH and the United Nations country team to work in coordination with the United Nations system as a whole, ensuring that the Organization delivers with greater efficiency, transparency and accountability as one United Nations, breaking down silos to achieve optimal results for sustainable development in Haiti. The effective involvement of the international community and regional partners should also have a positive impact on our joint efforts. Haiti’s current chairship of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) presents a great opportunity for mobilizing international partnerships to address the most pressing problems facing the country and the region. In the past three years Kazakhstan has supported two joint development projects with CARICOM. We also provided humanitarian aid after last year’s devastating hurricanes, in addition to supporting Haiti bilaterally. While we recognize that the fight against cholera has made significant gains, the issue should remain a high priority for the entire United Nations community. In that regard, we welcomed Deputy Secretary- General Amina Mohammed and Special Envoy Josette Sheeran’s visit to co-chair a high-level cholera meeting with the Haitian Government aimed at achieving zero transmissions of the disease in Haiti. In conclusion, we would like to express our full support for the Secretary-General’s recommendation to extend MINUJUSTH’s mandate. Kazakhstan will continue to firmly support Haiti’s efforts to achieve peace, progress and prosperity.

I would now like to make a statement in my capacity as the representative of Peru. I would first like to thank the delegations that have wished us well for Peru’s assumption of the presidency for the month of April. We also thank Mr. Lacroix for his briefing and welcome the presence here today of Ambassador Régis. Peru is committed to sustaining peace in our brother country of Haiti. As a troop-contributing country we sent some 6,000 troops there over the 13 years of existence of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti, which worked to maintain stability in the country, and we associate ourselves with the statement that the representative of Canada will make today on behalf of the Group of Friends of Haiti. Peru has been closely following the positive developments of recent years and the role played by the United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti (MINUJUSTH) in strengthening the national institutions that are called on to ensure access to justice, the rule of law and the safeguarding of human rights, and in enabling an orderly and viable transition to sustainable peace in Haiti. We would like to highlight three elements that we consider essential in renewing MINUJUSTH’s mandate. The first is the importance of continuing to support efforts to build institutions capable of protecting human rights and ensuring access to justice in Haiti. We believe that this is a fundamental element of MINUJUSTH’s mandate that cuts across all of its the activities. Such activities must rely on specific approaches to protecting women’s and children’s rights and fighting corruption and impunity. The latter includes ensuring due process, dealing with legal proceedings expeditiously and providing adequate prison conditions. The second is the importance of coordinating efforts effectively to ensure an orderly and feasible transition to sustainable peace and development in Haiti. That means strengthening the United Nations presence in the country in supporting national efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, as well as promoting partnerships with various stakeholders, including international financial institutions, regional and subregional organizations, the private sector and civil society. We should also foster greater participation by women and young people in building a viable future. The third is the urgency of combating cholera. We welcome the significant efforts that Secretary-General António Guterres has made in that area and stress how important it is that the international community increase its support for such efforts. In the light of all of these issues, Peru supports the renewal and extension of the mandate of MINUJUSTH for an additional year, with a view to moving forward with a transition process based on the conditions on the ground and ensuring stability and economic and social progress. I now resume my functions as President of the Security Council I give the floor to the representative of Haiti.

At the outset, I would like to thank the President for inviting the Government of the Republic of Haiti to present its views and observations on the first report of the Secretary-General, dated 20 March 2018 (S/2018/241), on the United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti (MINUJUSTH). On 15 October 2017, we turned a page. After taking stock of the 13 years of its presence in Haiti, with its successes but also its dark times, the Security Council decided to end the mandate of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) in the light of the major advances made in the three key areas of security and stability, building the rule of law and promoting human rights. In fact, MINUJUSTH was established to address a situation that in no way corresponded to the one that existed in 2004 and which the Council considered a threat to international peace in the region. A new order of things has emerged in Haiti today. The Government of Haiti is pleased that the Secretary-General has underscored the positive developments in the country over the past 14 months, rightly highlighting the progress made by President Jovenel Moïse in implementing his programme of reform for promoting sustainable development. Haiti is at peace today. In the wake of the democratic 2017 elections, institutional stability and the rule of law have been restored and the democratic achievements consolidated. The institutions provided for in the Constitution are functioning normally. The process of establishing a Permanent Electoral Council is moving forward. Human rights are respected and guaranteed. This is the new reality for a country that, while it is facing major challenges, nonetheless is enjoying a secure and stable environment, as anyone can see. In this context of stability and renewed political certainty, significant results have already been achieved in various key areas, including the improvement of the security environment, progress in good governance, respect for the rule of law and the relaunching of the development process. Among the indicators of progress that the Secretary-General mentions in his report, I am pleased to note the sharp decline in violent crime, which has fallen by almost 50 per cent compared to the same period last year; the strengthened fight against corruption in the Administration, including in the PetroCaribe Fund matter, which has been officially referred to the Superior Court of Audits and Administrative Disputes by Parliament, in accordance with the Constitution and for the purposes of the law; the priority given by the Government and the Parliament to institutional reforms aimed at strengthening the rule of law and, in particular, modernizing the justice sector, including the prison system. In that regard, the adoption of a new criminal code and code of criminal procedure is high on the legislative agenda. Other indicators of progress worthy of our attention today are the ongoing establishment or re-establishment of key institutions provided for by the Constitution; the appointment of a national Ombudsperson, through the process provided for by the new Constitution; and the increased professionalization of and capacity-building in the Haitian National Police. Furthermore, with regard to structural reforms, the initiative of the États généraux sectoriels launched by the Head of State aims to promote inclusive political dialogue at the national level with a view to carrying out the necessary social contract renewal and the recovery of the Haitian economy, in tandem with the strategy of the Caravane du changement initiative, the results of which aim to open up regions, increase the participation of rural populations in changing their destiny and future and promote local development based on national production. The Government is aware that there remains work to do. It intends to continue along the path of reform. It took note of the observations made in the Secretary- General’s report, as well as the conclusions and the recommendations. It is sensitive to issues relating to access to justice, the strengthening of the judicial system and the lack of respect for human rights, of which prolonged pretrial detention and prison overcrowding are deplorable manifestations. Answers are being given. Those problems are the result of decades of neglect, structural handicaps and bottlenecks that local Governments are striving to gradually, consistently and methodically correct. It will, in any case, take time to complete, which calls for ongoing and persevering action over the long-term. In that sense, the Government of the Republic of Haiti believes that a technical assistance mission to strengthen justice would therefore represent an alternative that is more in line with the evolution of the situation on the ground. The Government noted the concerns raised in relation to the isolated cases of human rights abuses perpetrated by law enforcement officials. The rule of law is not divided. The two incidents mentioned in the report — like all incidents attributable to State bodies — are receiving the most serious attention from the competent authorities. Once responsibility is established, justice will take its course. Pending the outcome of the judicial process, the public officials concerned are subject to the relevant administrative penalties. In accordance with the commitments undertaken by the Republic of Haiti within the framework of international and regional treaties to which it is party, the Haitian Government is making every effort to ensure full respect for fundamental rights and freedoms by all State institutions, without exception. The appointment, last October, of the Ombudsman was part of the commitment to make the promotion, protection and defence of human rights a reality. It goes without saying that the plan of action of that structure includes the implementation of the various recommendations made by the relevant United Nations bodies, including the Human Rights Council. The Government greatly welcomes the major advances made in recent months, in particular the implementation of a legal provision requiring it to financially contribute to the institutionalization of political life in the country by granting a financial sum to legally recognized political parties that have a certain number of elected representatives in Parliament and local authorities. That measure, which has been acknowledged by the stakeholders and to which most of the political groups have subscribed, aims to provide them with the necessary resources for their modernization. The stabilization achievements of recent months must, of course, be consolidated within the framework of broader cooperation, more in line with today’s realities and the real needs of the country. In that regard, the Government wishes to reiterate the importance and value it attaches to the mandate that the Council has entrusted to MINUJUSTH, namely, to assist the Government of Haiti to consolidate rule-of- law institutions, support and build the capacity of the Haitian National Police and monitor the human rights situation. MINUJUSTH, as we understand it and as its parameters have been clearly defined, has a different perspective from the previous stabilization-focused mission. Above all, it is intended to be a mechanism to complement and consolidate the gains already achieved. Its time frame therefore can only be limited. Consequently, the Government is taking into account the withdrawal strategy proposed by the Secretary- General, in accordance with the timetable to be established by both parties, based on agreed milestones and benchmarks. Similarly, as the Government has stated, it supports an evolution of the Mission towards a United Nations presence within a capacity-building framework as part of peacekeeping. As resolution 2350 (2017) sets forth, MINUJUSTH is essentially intended to provide technical assistance to strengthen Haitian institutions that guarantee the rule of law — primarily the justice system — it being understood that national institutions have primary responsibility for development and all aspects of governance, security, justice, the protection of human rights and the fight against corruption in all its forms and in all components of society. In that spirit, the Haitian Government wishes to see continued cooperation between Haiti and the United Nations, within the framework of a strong partnership that truly promotes new progress in all sectors of the rule of law, as well as the promotion of all human rights — civilian, political, economic, social and cultural — while making a powerful contribution to reaching the country’s sustainable development goals. None of that will be possible without scrupulous respect for each other’s obligations and without a genuine spirit of solidarity, mutual respect and trust, as the Secretary- General has rightly stressed in his report. The sustainability of peace and sustainable development go hand in hand. Therefore, for lasting stability in Haiti, it is essential to simultaneously advance the consolidation of the rule of law, the promotion of human rights, reconstruction and the social and economic development of the country. The Government of the Republic of Haiti is channelling all its resources and energy into addressing urgent humanitarian challenges and addressing the underlying problems of extreme poverty and insecurity. As always, it welcomes all support from its technical and financial partners, as called for in the 2005 Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness and the 2008 Accra Agenda for Action. That is why the Government reiterates its hope for support from the international community to promote the conditions for vigorous growth, poverty reduction and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. The Government enthusiastically welcomed the Secretary-General’s initiative on the Haiti transformation retreat. It fervently hopes that this promising initiative will bear the expected fruits, and that it will pave the way for new prospects for development financing in Haiti, especially of the essential infrastructure that is so needed. I cannot fail to mention the cholera epidemic, the terrible consequences of which everyone knows and which continues to rage despite the significant recent progress in preventing and combating that scourge. My delegation hopes in particular that the new initiative of the Secretary-General will finally enable the new two- pronged United Nations approach to cholera in Haiti to be realized. Let us recall that to date, the United Nations Haiti Cholera Response Multi-Partner Trust Fund has raised only a little more than $7 million, which is clearly well below the $400 million required. The Haitian Government calls for a burst of goodwill and the exploration of innovative and predictable funding to establish the Fund, as planned, so that the victims, their relatives and their beneficiaries can receive just compensation, which is their due, and the health- care, drinking-water and sanitation infrastructure, acknowledged as essential to the complete elimination of cholera and other water-borne diseases, can be established. In conclusion, I wish to assure the members of the Council of the full readiness of the Head of State, Mr. Jovenel Moïse, the Prime Minister, Mr. Jack Guy Lafontant, and the Government of Haiti to deepen the dialogue and to strengthen the many cooperation links with the Security Council, the Secretariat and all United Nations bodies with a view to making further progress in ensuring the rule of law, strengthening justice and promoting human rights, which are at the heart of the mandate of MINUJUSTH. The Haitian authorities will continue to work consistently and decisively to ensure that the diversified cooperation, to which they attach the highest priority, delivers on its promises and fully meets the national aspirations of the Haitian people and the shared expectations.

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

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union (EU) and its 28 member States. I would like to thank the Secretary-General for his report (S/2018/241), and Under-Secretary-General Lacroix for his briefing. I also welcome the presence of our colleague the Permanent Representative of Haiti at this meeting. 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 Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Georgia, align themselves with this statement. On 13 April 2017, the Security Council adopted resolution 2350 (2017), which ended the mandate of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti on 15 October 2017. The resolution sets out the legal framework for the transition to the United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti (MINUJUSTH), whose primary objective is strengthening the rule of law and the Haitian National Police, as well as the promotion and protection of human rights. The long cycle of institutional instability that characterized the electoral process in Haiti in 2015 and 2016 finally ended with the election of President Moïse and a new Parliament. As a long-standing supporter of the Haitian people, the European Union welcomes the country’s return to constitutional normalcy despite the significant challenges facing it. In our view, that is a condition sine qua non for Haiti to be able to deal with the many political, economic, social and environmental challenges that it faces. However, while a return to constitutional order is necessary condition, it is not enough to ensure the democratic stability and sustainable development that the country needs. The root causes of the instability persist. In our view, bold reforms of the Constitution, the electoral system and the judiciary are therefore urgent in order to restore the trust of the Haitian people in their democracy and their political system. It is particularly important to ensure true access for all to fair, equitable and effective justice. Signs of a willingness to reform are evident. We must now realize them and seize the historic opportunity provided by this period of relative stability and democratic legitimacy. As in recent years, the efforts of all actors to ensure the stability and security of citizens will remain necessary to the process of democratic consolidation. As MINUJUSTH notes in the section entitled “Benchmarks for an exit strategy” (see S/2018/241, annex), consensus-based and profound reform of the electoral system would be key to preventing new crises and to regaining the trust of the population. The European Union remains a committed and faithful partner of the Republic of Haiti. We are resolved to support the country in this sensitive phase, including in the necessary reform process that I have just mentioned, in consultation with all the other partners. The European Union appreciates and supports the work of MINUJUSTH focusing on the development of the Haitian National Police, the justice sector and the rule of law and on the promotion and protection of human rights. Despite an improvement in the security situation thanks to the political stability over the past year, the European Union believes that the structural causes of instability in Haiti still need to be addressed and that the security situation remains very fragile. We therefore believe that it is essential to complete the task of strengthening and professionalizing the Haitian National Police, to focus on the need for judicial and prison reform and, finally, to strengthen respect for human rights. In that context, the ongoing implementation of the mandate of MINUJUSTH over a period of time sufficient for the transition of responsibilities to the country team to be completed and to deal with all those challenges seems to us essential. That time is necessary to make adequate progress in order to ensure genuine continuity following the withdrawal of the United Nations mission, as well as the irreversibility of the reforms carried out. In conclusion, allow me to express the EU’s positive assessment of the contribution of MINUJUSTH in terms of security, conflict prevention and strengthening democracy and the rule of law in Haiti. That contribution is attributable to its entire staff, its commitment and its skills, for which we warmly thank them all. However, we already need to think about the future. In that regard, the modalities for the transition of MINUJUSTH are in our view fundamental. Special attention to respect for human rights in security work, as well as access to impartial justice for all, will be particularly necessary. It is essential that the Haitian National Police and judicial system be effectively prepared to assume in the future all the tasks currently undertaken by the United Nations Mission. Together with the United Nations and the international community, the European Union will support the Haitian authorities so that they can strengthen their commitment and their efforts to ensure a better future of peace, democracy, stability and well- being for all Haitian people.

I now give the floor to the representative of Canada.

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Group of Friends of Haiti, which includes Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, France, Guatemala, Peru, the United States of America, Uruguay and my country, Canada. I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for organizing today’s important debate on the first day of your presidency to discuss the first six months of the United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti (MINUJUSTH). We welcome the Secretary-General’s most recent report (S/2018/241). The Group would also like to thank Under-Secretary-General Lacroix for his insightful and comprehensive briefing. (spoke in French) I would like to thank my colleague Ambassador Denis Régis for his relevant and very useful comments on behalf of the Haitian Government. (spoke in English) The Group of Friends reaffirms its solidarity with, and commitment to, the people and the Government of Haiti in their pursuit of stability, socioeconomic development and democratic consolidation. Haiti continues to face multiple challenges that require the implementation of structural reforms. Progress remains essential in many areas, including on human rights, such as prolonged pre-trial detention and prison overcrowding, sexual and gender-based violence, greater participation of women in decision-making processes, reform and strengthening of the justice sector and enhancement of social services. While much still remains to be done, nevertheless the Group acknowledges and welcomes the important and necessary steps that the Haitian Government has already taken to achieve greater security, stability and prosperity in Haiti. The Group of Friends would like to stress the importance of strengthening the fight against corruption, putting an end to impunity and ensuring accountability in Haiti. Strengthening the rule of law and democratic institutions is key to achieving long- term stability and prosperity in Haiti. In that regard, the Group of Friends welcomes the commitment of the United Nations to support the consolidation of previous gains and peacebuilding goals, which is creating space for the promotion of greater stability and sustainable development in Haiti. The Group of Friends recognizes the important work undertaken by MINUJUSTH since its creation, including assisting the Government of Haiti in further developing the Haitian National Police, strengthening rule-of-law institutions and engaging in human rights monitoring, reporting and analysis. To succeed in the long term, that work must continue in close coordination with the Government and through national ownership. The Group of Friends also encourages continued close collaboration between MINUJUSTH and the United Nations country team. From my own personal observations on the ground in Haiti, I would like to underscore that it is important for MINUJUSTH to focus on strengthening the legal infrastructure, as was stated by my colleague who spoke on behalf of the European Union, so as to create the right conditions for attracting investment to the country. Haiti is in dire need of investment to boost economic development. We know that investment will be made only if the rule of law is improved. Given the vital importance of the work it undertakes, the Group of Friends encourages and recommends that the Security Council support the extension of the mandate of the Mission for another year at the same level of resources, notably for its police component and with the intention to review the need for renewal as necessary. We take note of the draft resolution’s request to further refine the benchmarked exit strategy for MINUJUSTH. The Group looks forward to hearing more about the progress achieved in the related benchmarks. We would like to stress the importance of continued and close coordination and consultation with the Government of Haiti on those efforts. We underline the importance of carefully reviewing conditions on the ground and the importance of adjusting the Mission’s presence accordingly to preserve the progress that Haiti has achieved in collaboration with the United Nations and the international community. Finally, the Group of Friends of Haiti would like to draw attention to the progress that has been made in reducing the number of cases of cholera transmission and cholera-related fatalities in Haiti. Although promising, we encourage all Member States to continue to support the efforts of the United Nations to combat cholera in Haiti. The Group of Friends wishes to thank the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy, Josette Sheeran, for her continued efforts to mobilize support for this vital aspect of United Nations engagement in Haiti.

I now give the floor to the representative of Argentina.

At the outset, let me congratulate the delegation of the Netherlands on the way in which it guided the work of the Security Council in March. We very much welcome the fact that Peru is presiding over the work of the Council, and we wish it every success. We thank you, Sir, for convening today’s debate. We also thank Under- Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix for his briefing earlier today. Argentina aligns itself with the statement made by the representative of Canada on behalf of the Group of Friends of Haiti and would like to add the following brief remarks. Argentina welcomes the most recent report of the Secretary-General (S/2018/241), which refers in particular to the development of a benchmarked exit strategy. Since the inception of the United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti (MINUJUSTH), we have stressed the fact that, above and beyond pre-set deadlines, the transition of the Mission to a United Nations presence of another kind must be based on the gradual fulfilment of its mandate in response to the situation on the ground. That would prevent the Mission’s premature withdrawal, which could jeopardize all efforts made in the past 14 years. We also understand that the Mission should review the transition process in close cooperation with the Government of Haiti, while respecting its principles and priorities and taking into consideration the principle of national responsibility in the peacebuilding process. Argentina underscores the fact that, when developing exit strategy benchmarks, it is important to harmonize the Mission’s initiatives with the relevant elements of the United Nations Development Assistance Framework 2017-2021, while taking into account Haiti’s efforts to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, in particular Sustainable Development Goal 16. Argentina highlights the progress made in implementing the Mission’s important mandate, including assisting Haiti consolidating rule-of- law institutions, strengthening and fostering the professional development of the Haitian National Police and promoting and protecting human rights in the country, in spite of myriad ongoing challenges. In that regard, we underscore the efforts made by Haitian authorities, together with MINUJUSTH, to achieve lasting stability and improve the country’s future. For example, considerable progress has been made in the fight against cholera, which should continue with the aim of eradicating the disease. We thank Special Envoy Josette Sheeran for marshalling the resources necessary, in particular through the Haiti Cholera Response Multi-Partner Trust Fund, to which our country contributed. In addition to continuing its bilateral cooperation, Argentina will continue to provide trained police personnel to the Mission, to the extent possible and based on specific requirements stipulated in the Secretary-General’s transition strategy and the strategic development plan of the Haitian National Police for 2017-2021. We take note of the re-establishment of the country’s armed formed forces in line with the sovereign decisions taken by the Haitian Government on security- and defence-related issues. We are confident that it will not jeopardize the effective implementation of the strategic development plan of the National Police. In conclusion, I would like to reiterate Argentina’s commitment to the Haitian people and to acknowledge the work of the police and civilian personnel of MINUJUSTH in fulfilment of its noble mission of assisting Haiti on its path to sustainable peace and development.

I now give the floor to the representative of Chile.

We commend the Netherlands on its presidency in the month of March and wish our neighbour Peru every success this month. We also wish to thank the Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, for his briefing, and Ambassador Denis Régis for his statement. Chile aligns itself with the statement made by the representative of Canada on behalf of the Group of Friends of Haiti, and would like to make the following additional observations. The United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti (MINUJUSTH) and the United Nations country team in Haiti play a fundamental supporting role in Haiti with regard to its socioeconomic development, the strengthening of its institutions and respect for human rights. In that regard, we welcome the Secretary- General’s recommendation for the Security Council to broaden MINUJUSTH’s mandate to reflect the timetable set by the gradual exit strategy that is clear and adapted to the realities on the ground. We cannot afford to lose what we have gained over the past 14 years on the path to stability and development. We stress that conditions on the ground, coordination among all actors and, especially, the priorities of the Haitian Government must always be taken into account. That is particularly important if the United Nations is to successfully finalize its transition to a presence that will continue to support the Government’s efforts towards peacekeeping and peacebuilding without a peacekeeping mission. We recognize that the Mission will be able to consolidate its gains over the past 14 years only with the close collaboration of all national actors and the active commitment of the international community. As a police-contributing country, we will continue working with the Organization to provide MINUJUSTH with adequate human resources to ensure the fulfilment of its important mandate. Chile welcomes the significant reduction of cholera transmission and deaths in Haiti. We also recognize the progress made in the implementation of the United Nations new approach to cholera in Haiti through the recent selection of projects to be financed by the United Nations Haiti Cholera Response Multi-Partner Trust Fund, in line with tracks 1 and 2 of the new approach. We particularly welcome the consultative process with civil society, local leaders and cholera victims that was carried out to identify some of these projects with a view to improving the lives of victims and reducing the transmission of cholera to zero. We reiterate our support for the Special Envoy for Haiti, Ms. Josette Sheeran, in her important task of implementing the new strategy, and we call upon the international community and other actors to contribute to the Fund and other projects that support its strategy. Chile supplemented its contribution to the Trust Fund in February 2017 through its financial support of other water and sanitation projects, in keeping with track 1 of the new approach, and we hope to continue supporting such projects as long as necessary. While the humanitarian situation in Haiti has improved significantly, we also note that there have also been various setbacks due to the increased intensity and frequency of natural disasters in the region. The context makes it even more important to address the underlying causes of vulnerability and to bolster the resilience of the country through preparation before disasters and rapid recovery after them. In that connection, we welcome the 2017-2021 humanitarian response plan of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), as the plan has integrated a broader perspective of the needs of the country with a view to breaking the cycle of humanitarian crises, while promoting investment in advance and the humanitarian development nexus. We urge all Member States to support OCHA and the United Nations country team in the implementation of the humanitarian response plan, including contributing to the four areas of cooperation that OCHA has identified as the most beneficial to the consolidation of development in Haiti. Chile hopes it can continue to contribute bilaterally, inter alia, to the management of natural disasters, the building of earthquake-resistant construction and the strengthening of the judicial system through the training of firefighters, community emergency response teams and judges, in line with Haiti’s priorities. In conclusion, we reiterate Chile’s commitment to Haiti and its people, while reaffirming the importance of continuing to stand with this beautiful and sisterly nation, which is responsible for its own development.

I now give the floor to the representative of Brazil.

We congratulate you, Mr. President, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council and thank you for convening this important debate. We associate ourselves with the statement delivered by the Permanent Representative of Canada on behalf of the Group of Friends of Haiti. We welcome the Secretary-General’s report (S/2018/241), which covers the initial six months of the operations of the United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti (MINUJUSTH). We note with satisfaction that the transition from the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) and M1NUJUSTH was carried out without negatively impacting the security situation, which attests to the orderly and gradual withdrawal of the military component of the former Mission and to the carefully executed transfer of responsibility to the Haitian National Police, supported by the remaining formed police units. It also attests to the success of MINUSTAH, which, for 13 years, helped Haitians to ensure a stable and secure environment, rebuild the country after natural disasters and prepare for the future. MINUSTAH demonstrated the potential of innovative approaches that could serve as a model for future peacekeeping operations elsewhere in the world. We note in particular the coordination between civilian and military personnel on the ground, community outreach strategies as confidence-building measures and the important role of women in all areas of the stabilization process. During these 13 years, Brazil had the honour to lead MINUSTAH and to contribute more than 30,000 troops to the Mission. As highlighted by the Secretary-General’s report, the decline in homicide rates over the past few years has been maintained, with a decrease in the number of such crimes in the last quarter, as compared to the same period last year. However, it should be noted that, compared to the previous quarter, the number of homicides has increased, which serves as a reminder that the security situation is still precarious. In that regard, we recall the contributions for the stabilization of Haiti made by the implementation of quick-impact projects and community violence-reduction projects. We believe that such initiatives, which were successfully put in practice by MINUSTAH, should continue during MINUJUSTH’s mandate. We take note of the two-year exit strategy proposed by the Secretary-General for the transition to a non-peacekeeping United Nations presence in Haiti, as well as its 11 benchmarks, and we welcome the fact that the benchmarks were adopted in close consultation with the Government of Haiti. We believe that such consultation should continue during the implementation and review of the exit strategy. In that regard, we encourage both MINUJUSTH and the Government of Haiti to use the window of opportunity provided by the remaining duration of the Mission’s mandate to put in practice ambitious reforms in the field of the rule of law. That would allow the country to consolidate stability gains achieved over the past 14 years and lay the groundwork for sustainable and inclusive long-term socioeconomic development. In conclusion, we would like to encourage the extension of the MINUJUSTH mandate for another year and the maintenance of its budgetary and police components. We would prefer, however, that the references to Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations in the mandate be circumscribed to operational activities of the police component of the Mission. While recalling the need to plan carefully the practical steps for the implementation of the exit strategy, we believe that the Council should continuously assess the situation on the ground and revise its plans, if need be. Brazil is firmly committed to its long-term engagement and solidarity with Haiti. Our peacekeepers have left, but our engagement remains steady, as evidenced by the growing portfolio of bilateral technical cooperation projects.

I now give the floor to the representative of Colombia.

First of all, let me congratulate the Kingdom of the Netherlands for its successful presidency of the Security Council for the month of March and to convey to you, Sir, my delegation’s sincere congratulations on your assumption of the presidency of the Council for this month. We wish you every success in your functions. We thank the Secretary-General for his report (S/2018/241) on the United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti (MINUJUSTH), and in particular thank Under-Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix for his briefing marking the Mission’s first six months of operations. Colombia aligns itself with the statement made by the Permanent Representative of Canada on behalf of the Group of Friends of Haiti. We are pleased to note that Haiti has continued to move forward in consolidating the country’s democracy and stability. We note with satisfaction that the transition from the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti to MINUJUSTH has gone smoothly, and that the MINUJUSTH is fully operational. That shows that it is possible to depend upon operations that fulfil the roles for which they were established. As a friendly country whose historical ties with Haiti have linked our two countries since the birth of our nation, Colombia believes that it is important to stress the fact that there can be no real stability or sustainable development in Haiti without strengthening democratic institutions. We underscore that the Mission’s primary goal is to help the Haitian Government in strengthening the rule of law, the judicial system and the Haitian National Police, as well as ​human rights. All of that will contribute to achieving the sustainable development agenda in Haiti. As the police force and the judiciary go hand in hand, it is necessary to bolster the capacity of both sectors so as to strengthen the rule of law and deal with urgent problems in Haiti. We concur with the Secretary-General’s report that the entire judicial system, including the prison system, requires meaningful reforms, and it is in such areas that it is especially important to concentrate efforts, with the political will demonstrated by the Government of President Moïse and the support of MINUJUSTH and of the entire international community. Greater efforts and resources must be accorded to strengthening and training the Haitian National Police so that it can be fully committed to providing national security. In all such endeavours, we reiterate the importance of gender mainstreaming in the work of the Mission in a cross-cutting manner. We note with satisfaction that, as was mentioned earlier, such a spirit was illustrated by the gender makeup of the first class of court clerks and police officers. Colombia will continue to contribute its police, including in training female police officers, as we have done since 2006. The draft resolution that will extend the mandate of the Mission for one year includes a clear way for assessing progress made on the ground. Colombia welcomes the flexibility shown by the Council to evaluate the Mission’s mandate in accordance with the specific needs of the Haitian Government and the general situation of the country. In conclusion, as of now, Haiti is on board with the United Nations to rethink formulating its primary goals to maintain international peace and security that, we believe, with the Secretary-General’s proposal for reform, takes us a step closer in the right direction. The Haitian people and the Council can always count on the support of my country.