S/PV.8871 Security Council

I would like to take this opportunity, on behalf of the Council, to pay tribute to Her Excellency Ms. Geraldine Byrne Nason, Permanent Representative of Ireland to the United Nations, for her service as President of the Security Council for the month of September. I am sure I speak for all the members of the Council in expressing deep appreciation to Ambassador Byrne Nason and her team 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 representative of Haiti to participate in this meeting. On behalf of the Council, I warmly welcome His Excellency Mr. Claude Joseph, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Haiti. In accordance with rule 39 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the following briefers to participate in this meeting: Ms. Helen La Lime, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Haiti and Head of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti; and Ms. Emmanuela Douyon, Executive Director of Policité. 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/2021/828, which contains the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti. I now give the floor to Ms. La Lime. Ms. La Lime: It is an honour to provide the Security Council once more with an update on the situation in Haiti, which is currently undergoing one of the most fraught periods of its recent history. Already reeling from the ghastly assassination of President Jovenel Moïse on 7 July, the country was struck on 14 August by a devastating earthquake that affected over 800,000 people in its south-western peninsula. The two events have led to the long-awaited national and local elections to be further postponed. Meanwhile, insecurity has become rampant in Port-au- Prince, as kidnappings are once again on the rise and gangs have extended their control over large swaths of the city. In addition, thousands of migrants who had sought better living conditions in neighbouring countries are being repatriated. For most observers, it is difficult to envision an end to the country’s seemingly never-ending crises, which have pushed the resilience of the Haitian people to the brink. Since assuming office on 20 July, Prime Minister Ariel Henry has spared no effort to reach a political agreement with the various factions of the Haitian polity. Adopting an inclusive and consensual approach, he has sought to create minimal conditions for the holding of legislative, local and presidential elections, and thus steer a country in the midst of a profound governance crisis towards the regular functioning of its democratic institutions. In a positive step, actors from across the political spectrum and civil society organizations, including former opposition and ruling coalition groups, adhered to such an agreement on 11 September. The pact captures key demands expressed by national stakeholders, such as the formation of a new provisional electoral council and the inclusion of the diaspora. It also foresees the holding of elections no later than the second half of 2022. One can only hope that Haitian political and civil society leaders will continue to work together to find common ground around a common project that will contribute to fostering a more appeased climate in which decisive action can be taken and essential reforms enacted. To be sure, many points of convergence exist. For instance, there is a large national consensus on the need to reform the 1987 Constitution, a charter widely viewed as contributing to the recurrent political and institutional instability. The draft constitution submitted to the Prime Minister by the Independent Consultative Committee on 8 September should provide a basis for further constructive and inclusive debate on ways to reshape the Haitian political system. Likewise, the re-establishment of security, especially in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area, must be prioritized by Haitian authorities. Since June, a significant and sudden increase in gang violence has caused the displacement of some 19,000 people from the communes of Cité-Soleil, Croix-des-Bouquets, Delmas and the Port-au-Prince neighbourhood of Martissant. The control that gangs exercise around strategic entry and exit points of the capital has had a detrimental impact on Haiti’s economy and the movement of people and goods. Applying the recommendations of a team of United Nations police experts deployed from May to July following a request from the late President, the Haitian National Police has sought to improve the effectiveness of its anti-gang operations by adopting a more balanced approach to prevention and repression, relying on increased police presence in problematic areas and improving its intelligence-gathering mechanisms. Yet an over-stretched and under-resourced force alone cannot curb this worrisome rise in crime. Haiti’s main security institutions will not be able to achieve sustainable results unless their capacities are strengthened and Government services are brought back to the impoverished neighbourhoods that serve as fertile ground for armed gangs. Therefore, in addition to sustaining its efforts to reform the police with the support of the United Nations and bilateral partners, the Government must implement a more holistic approach to addressing gang violence, within the framework of the national strategy for community violence reduction, which was developed with United Nations support and endorsed on 5 July. Haitian citizens have unanimously condemned President Moïse’s gruesome death and called for a thorough investigation into his assassination — one that follows due process and the rule of law. For the shroud of impunity that has long enveloped Haiti to begin lifting and for justice to prevail in this and several other emblematic cases, judicial actors must be allowed to work independently in an appeased environment, with reassurance that they will be protected while undertaking the delicate task of identifying and prosecuting the perpetrators. The Haitian judicial system also continues to contend with the protracted challenge of pretrial detention, which affects 82 per cent of the country’s prison inmates, among the highest rates in the world. National authorities must redouble efforts to urgently address that issue, in close consultation with all judicial stakeholders. Furthermore, it is imperative that the process to review the new penal and criminal procedural codes continue as, once promulgated, they will be critical to combating pretrial detention and harmonizing Haitian law with regional and international human right standards. The 14 August earthquake added a new layer of complexity to an already dire humanitarian situation. In the face of the most recent catastrophe to befall the country, the United Nations reiterates its support to the Government and the people of Haiti and salutes the active national leadership and coordination of the post- disaster response and recovery. Even as relief operations are still ongoing, early recovery and the restoration of livelihoods must be strongly supported in areas affected by the earthquake. It is a race against time to ensure that children can return to school, farmers do not miss the next planting season and people currently living in spontaneous displacement camps can return to their homes as quickly as possible. We must ensure that Haiti does not become a forgotten crisis. I urge all Member States to contribute to the $187.3 million flash, appeal launched on 25 August, to respond to the needs of those affected by the earthquake, as well as to the $235.6 million 2021-2022 humanitarian response plan, both of which are currently only about one third funded. Moreover, in the long term, the reconstruction process will need the full engagement of the Government of Haiti and the international community so as to ensure a greener, resilient and more inclusive recovery. Similarly, while the United Nations and partners have worked closely with the Government of Haiti to ensure it responds effectively to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, greater cooperation will be required to sustain and scale-up testing capabilities and to promote public health and social measures. With only some 60,000 vaccines administered to date and less than 1 per cent of the country’s eligible population inoculated, increasing vaccine uptake in the coming weeks and months will prove vital to protecting Haiti and its most vulnerable populations from COVID-19 and the threat of more transmissible variants. The situation in which Haiti currently finds itself can only be characterized as bleak. Nonetheless, there exist encouraging signs that only reinforce my conviction that through urgent, determined and concerted action, Haiti’s citizens can address the deep structural challenges and the governance and development deficits that feed their country’s instability, insecurity and ever-growing humanitarian needs. Along with the United Nations, the entire international community must continue to steadfastly stand alongside the Haitian people and their Government as they endeavour to forge a path towards stability, security and sustainable development.

I thank Ms. La Lime for her briefing. I now give the floor to Ms. Douyon. Ms. Douyon: I thank the Security Council for giving me the time and the opportunity to discuss the ongoing situation in Haiti and for its willingness to hear the perspectives of civil society. Haiti faces a multifaceted crisis characterized by a deteriorating security situation and increasing human rights violations, including women’s rights. More than 162 armed groups operate in the country and control significant portions of the national territory. Kidnappings occur daily, and gangs carry out massacres of civilians in marginalized areas of Port-au-Prince like La Saline with impunity. The ongoing political crisis is deepening. Since the assassination of former President Jovenel Moïse in July, there has been no president. An acting Prime Minister, with little to no popular legitimacy, is ruling alone. The Parliament has been non-functional since 2020. No new officials have been elected because of the failure to organize elections since 2016, and there are only 10 elected officials in the entire country. The judiciary is effectively non-functional, with courts operating only three to four months a year. Three consecutive years of negative economic growth have brought the Haitian economy to its knees. The country cannot respond to any human-made or natural disaster. As a result, thousands of people who have been internally displaced due to gang activity are now facing a humanitarian crisis. There is no legal provision to regulate the current political situation. Political actors are engaged in a fight for power, thereby making consensus more difficult. Against that backdrop, I would like to share some recommendations that, I believe, reflect the aspirations of the majority of the Haitian people, including with regard to the mandate and work of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH). The United Nations shares a long history with Haiti, and that should continue. The Organization’s plans to support Haiti need to be better aligned with the Haitian people’s shared interest and vision for Haiti. No entity must try to interfere with that help, and trust should be at the centre of the cooperation. Elections have always been the prescribed solution to all past political crises in Haiti. We can all acknowledge the pivotal role of elections in a democracy, but elections help democracy only if they are free, fair and participatory. The conditions for fair elections do not exist in Haiti today owing to the levels of insecurity and gang violence we are witnessing. It is equally unlikely that the conditions will exist in February 2022, the new date announced by acting Prime Minister Henry. Elections should occur when they can be fair, not be imposed on arbitrary timelines that are not related to the situation on the ground. The proposed constitutional referendum should also be abandoned. It is highly controversial and will only divide the country further. As Haiti faces an inevitable period of transition, we need an inclusive consensus-based process that lays the foundation for a stronger democracy. To seize that opportunity, the States Members of the United Nations and members of the Security Council should dare to break with their traditional ways of intervening in Haiti. For too long, the international community has prioritized short-term stability over real democracy. Today in Haiti we are living the consequences. Going forward, support should be provided to Haitian-led initiatives to create conditions for free, fair, inclusive elections and signal a rupture with the terrible governance habits of the past. Over the past six months, a cross-sector of civil society has come together through the Civil Society Commission for a Haitian Solution to the Crisis and has forged consensus around a transition plan. That inclusive effort, which has been joined by over 500 civil society groups and over 50 political parties, deserves support. The end goal is to ensure a return to constitutional order and the rule of law. In terms of security, Haiti needs to restore peace, dismantle the gangs and guarantee protection for all Haitian citizens; but the Security Council should abstain from sending troops or peace missions to Haiti. The international community should instead focus on strengthening the police and its units to fulfil its role. The judiciary system needs support and resources to increase its capacity, including to prosecute financial crimes and assassinations. The United Nations should work with the judiciary system to send a clear signal of an end to impunity and a real fight against corruption. Member States to which money is illicitly transferred should also do more to block those flows and bring those responsible for corruption to justice. To address our humanitarian crisis, Haiti needs adequate international funding, not crumbs of humanitarian aid that act only as a band-aid. Funding needs to be directed to qualified and capable local civil society groups. That will help ensure less waste and more accountability on aid. We also need projects with the potential to transform sectors, not piecemeal efforts and new pilot projects. Finally, BINUH must do more to work with civil society. Unfortunately, under the current leadership, there has been too much tension and polarization between civil society and BINUH because the mission is seen as picking political winners. That can only harm the work of BINUH on the ground. BINUH should work with civil society to promote dialogue, reforms and accountability and reduce gang violence. Today Haiti faces its most challenging period in decades; but it is also a chance to break with the old dysfunctional systems of governance, corruption and impunity. There have been few occasions when the opportunity to start anew and build a stronger Haiti were as evident and as necessary as they are today. I hope that the United Nations will work with the Haitian people as we struggle to achieve a better future. The changes that we want to see include changes in the approaches of our partners, and we need their solidarity.

I thank Ms. Douyon for her briefing. I shall now give the floor to those members of the Council who wish to make statements.

Let me start by congratulating Ireland for an extraordinarily successful and productive month during its presidency. I would like to welcome Kenya’s assumption of the presidency. We look forward to working with you, Mr. President, during this month. Let me thank Special Representative La Lime for her comprehensive briefing on the situation in Haiti. The United States highly commends the work she and her team have done under such challenging circumstances. I would also like to thank Ms. Douyon for her briefing. The past few months have been trying ones for the people of Haiti. Cities and towns have faced escalating violence, including gang violence. Hundreds of thousands of people are living in makeshift structures, having been forced to flee their homes, as we just heard from Special Representative La Lime. On 7 July, the Haitian people learned that their President had been brutally assassinated. In August, a 7.2-magnitude earthquake hit. And then, as if that were not enough, a tropical storm came crashing through. That is just in a two-month period. But Haitians have suffered for decades — the people of Haiti keep being hit while they are down, again and again. In the context of ongoing efforts to reach a political accord as a first step towards restoring stability and that of the dire humanitarian situation faced by Haitian people, Haiti needs the support of the United Nations and the multilateral system as much now as ever before. As we look to renew the mandate of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) later this month, we must keep the plight of the people of Haiti firmly in mind. To that end, today I would like to address three aspects of the situation in Haiti: the political path forward, security threats and human rights abuses, and addressing humanitarian needs. First, the United States supports an inclusive, Haitian-led process that charts a path to democracy through free and fair elections as soon as conditions permit. It is crucial that Haiti’s Government, political parties, civil society, religious leaders, the private sector and the diaspora work together in the interests of the Haitian people to return to democratic governance. Government authorities should move quickly to restore the country’s democratic institutions, including an effective, independent judiciary. We urge Prime Minister Henry to make every effort to secure a political accord with the broadest possible consensus and engagement with civil society and political actors. Accountability for the perpetrators of the assassination of President Moïse would be an important step towards bringing the country together. Secondly, the human rights situation in Haiti continues to deteriorate. Human rights defenders faced even more attacks during the summer. Those responsible for the Bel Air, Cité-Soleil and La Saline massacres need to be held accountable. The perpetrators of the killings of political activist Antoinette Duclaire, journalist Diego Charles and the President of Port-au- Prince Bar Association, Monferrier Dorval, also need to be brought to justice. In terms of security, the United States supports BINUH’s efforts to help the Haitian National Police become an accountable and reliable force that can meet Haiti’s internal security needs, including tackling gang violence. Thirdly and finally, following the earthquake, the United Nations reported that approximately 650,000 Haitians required humanitarian assistance. The United States has provided nearly $44 million to aid those in need. The United States Agency for International Development, in conjunction with its partners, continues to assess and respond to the humanitarian needs caused by the earthquake. We urge everyone to do their part to help the Haitian people, who have suffered so much. Together, let us ensure the needs and aspirations of the Haitian people are met and that we do everything we can to help the country become more democratic, more prosperous and more secure for the Haitian people.

I wish to express my gratitude for the briefings delivered by Ms. La Lime, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, and Ms. Emmanuela Douyon, whom I thank for her candidness and clarity. I also acknowledge the presence here among us of Haiti’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Claude Joseph. I would begin by indicating that the prosperity and sociopolitical stability of Haiti is a key issue for Latin America and the Caribbean and a task resting on the collective shoulders of the international community. The reprehensible assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, the earthquake and the passage of tropical storm Grace all are undoubtedly challenges for institutional consolidation in Haiti. The crisis is political, environmental, social and economic. Mexico deems it vital that the perpetrators of the assassination of President Moïse be brought to justice and that the investigation be conducted with absolute impartiality. The humanitarian situation in Haiti, as we have heard, is of grave concern. In response to the earthquake of 14 August and the passage of tropical storm Grace, my country sent more than 2,000 tons of provisions, medicines and other medical supplies and has deployed a medical brigade comprising more than 30 health-care specialists to Pestel, in Grand’Anse department. The support and cooperation of Mexico with Haiti stems from a commitment at the highest level and is fully in line with our tradition of solidarity with the region and our friendship with the people of Haiti. Of course, it is painfully clear that major humanitarian challenges remain in Haiti. We endorse the appeal made by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs to redouble efforts to meet the needs of the more than 650,000 people who require assistance. Moreover, it is concerning to note that at least 750,000 people, including women and children, are currently suffering from acute food insecurity. We note the fact that the response of the United Nations system to the natural disaster scene has implemented lessons learned from the 2010 earthquake. However, it is necessary to further strengthen the gender component of the humanitarian response. We take note of the political agreement reached on 11 September that delayed not only the elections but also, consequently, the right of the Haitian people to elect their own authorities. An inclusive dialogue among all political stakeholders, including civil society, and with the participation of women is crucial to forge ahead with the democratic process in the country. Faced with that situation, the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) must spare no effort in supporting that process, with a view to the holding of free and transparent presidential and legislative elections. Haiti needs a Government that has a clear mandate from its people. Another critical issue in Haiti that requires greater attention is the impact of the trafficking of small arms and light weapons. Criminal gang activity has prompted the forced displacement of 20,000 people in Port-au-Prince. As a result of this and of the various crises to which I have referred, Mexico has seen the arrival from Haiti of approximately 20,000 people, who are currently located in Chiapas. There are more than 12,000 refugees, and it is estimated that across Colombia and Panama there are around 60,000 Haitians, many of whom are seeking to go to the United States. Consequently, it is paramount to implement policies to prevent the illicit trade in arms and human trafficking. We urgently call for the adoption and implementation of the national, disarmament, demobilization and reintegration strategy without delay. We recognize the work of organizations such as the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean, and the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research. This month marks two years since the creation of BINUH, the first special political mission established in the context of the peace and security reform championed by the Secretary-General. My country acknowledges the multidimensional challenges that face Haiti, and the very design of BINUH seeks to tackle the underlying factors that undermine stability and governance. It is for that reason that Mexico supports the mandate of BINUH as an integral component of the “One United Nations” for Haiti plan. However, without solid institutions in Haiti, progress will remain elusive. Today Haiti more than ever requires the support of the United Nations and the international community. The time has come to renew support for a people that has demonstrated tremendous resilience in spite of having been beleaguered by multiple scourges.

I add my congratulations to Ireland for a very successful presidency in September and to Kenya for assuming the presidency this month. I thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for her helpful update and all her work in this challenging time in Haiti. The United Kingdom welcomes the activities of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), especially in its efforts to facilitate a unified approach to Haiti’s multifaceted challenges. I also thank Ms. Douyon for having shared her important perspective from the ground, and I welcome the Minister’s joining us today. We remain deeply concerned by the political, social and humanitarian challenges that Haiti continues to face, and we are acutely aware of the impact that this is having on the Haitian population. The assassination of President Moïse was an abhorrent act, and we continue to call for the perpetrators of that crime to be brought to justice. Haiti is also recovering from the far-reaching implications of the recent earthquake, which has only added more strain and stress on a Government working to deliver for its people. We welcome the rapid international response and will continue to coordinate with partners to deliver relief efforts, including through our $1.3 million of initial support to Haiti, which is an addition to the United Kingdom’s contributions to the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund and the Red Cross. The Royal Navy ship RFA Wave Night also supported the humanitarian relief work of the United States. We urge the international community to support Haiti at this difficult time and encourage all sides to work closely with the international community to provide urgent assistance to those in need. Political gridlock in Haiti remains persistent and concerning. We call upon all political actors to find common ground in order to find a way for Haiti to hold safe and successful elections and to strive for political advancement. The United Kingdom encourages all actors to work constructively in support of a peaceful, democratic solution for the Haitian people. We share the Secretary-General’s concern regarding the deteriorating human rights situation, particularly the increase in kidnappings and gang-related violence. Perpetrators of human rights abuses risk undermining the prospects of political progress while simultaneously putting Haitian lives at risk. Reports of aid convoys being looted on their way to areas affected by the earthquake are especially concerning. We welcome the United Nations community violence reduction and peacebuilding support to help address the security challenges, as the Special Representative of the Secretary-General has mentioned. Finally, we also remain troubled by the particular vulnerabilities that women and children face. The coronavirus disease pandemic has acutely magnified the threats to their health and economic welfare. We thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for her recent briefing to the Informal Expert Group on Women and Peace and Security, which provided insight into the disproportionate impact that Haiti’s multiple crises have had on women and girls. The United Kingdom encourages all actors to work constructively and cooperatively with the international community and BINUH to find solutions to the root causes of those crises and to support Haitian development.

Let me also start by congratulating Ireland on its excellent presidency during the previous month. A warm welcome goes to Kenya, and I very much look forward to working closely with you, Mr. President. I would also like to thank Special Representative La Lime for her briefing, as well as for the report of the Secretary-General (S/2021/828), including the concrete recommendations therein, which we support. Thanks also go to Ms. Emmanuela Douyon for her briefing here today. We welcome the presence of the Foreign Minister of Haiti. The situation in Haiti has become even more troubling than we could have predicted at our previous meeting in June (see S/PV.8799). At that meeting, we spoke about elections, a referendum, the importance of respecting human rights and the need to build up Haiti’s resilience to climate and environmental shocks, all of which are issues that have now been thrown into sharp relief. While speaking about climate, we welcome the inclusion in the report of the emphasis that Haiti should “prioritize, over the long term, disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation” (S/2021/828, para. 60). We look forward to more such analysis connecting climate and security. Yet, despite that bright spot, we gather today in an overall grim atmosphere for Haiti, punctuated by the assassination of the President, an earthquake and the subsequent tropical storm, massive humanitarian needs and an increasingly fraught political and security situation. In the aftermath of the earthquake we, as Norway, sent an expanded emergency clinic and a full medical team to alleviate the urgent humanitarian needs. While we will continue to support Haiti, we strongly call on Haiti’s leaders to undertake concrete action to resolve the multiple crises. Ultimately, that will mean holding free and fair elections in an environment that ensures the full, equal and meaningful participation of women. We encourage all actors to engage in a substantive dialogue and prepare for those critical elections as soon as possible. Norway is deeply concerned by the reports of ongoing violations and abuses of human rights. The recent attacks on humanitarian convoys are of great concern. Safe and unhindered humanitarian access must be ensured. We are particularly worried about the situation of vulnerable people, including children, and the critical protection needs of women, including from sexual and gender-based violence. An increase in harassment and reprisals against human rights defenders and the shrinking civic space are also troubling. Those are serious crimes that jeopardize the possibilities for peace. There can be no impunity. We urge the authorities to ensure that perpetrators are held to account. We are at a breaking point. All actors in Haiti must enter into dialogue with open minds and restore confidence in the political and judicial system based on the rule of law. We heard the calls from female leaders of civil society for greater coordination and inclusive political processes. In the face of increasing fragmentation in Haitian society, we call on the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) to work closely with all civil society groups to bridge the political gaps. In conclusion, allow me to reiterate that Norway fully supports BINUH and its ongoing work. The current crisis must be used as a turning point for Haiti and its people. The Security Council needs to engage constructively together and renew BINUH’s mandate without delay. We understand the complexities and challenges that Haiti and BINUH face, but now is not the time for Council support to falter. The best chance for success is through a strong and coherent international response and support to the people of Haiti.

Let me begin by thanking Ireland for its excellent presidency in the month of September. We would like to express our full support to our Kenyan colleagues, and we believe in their able leadership. I would like to thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Helen La Lime for her insightful briefing and all United Nations personnel in Haiti for their hard work on the ground. I would also like to thank Ms. Emmanuela Douyon for her information on the latest developments in Haiti. We warmly welcome His Excellency Mr. Claude Joseph, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Haiti, to our meeting today. We remain concerned about the multifaceted difficulties and instability in Haiti. The assassination of President Moïse in July and the deadly earthquake and tropical storm in August, combined with the continued violence and kidnappings, have further worsened the situation. Furthermore, the recent developments are likely to compound the myriad challenges facing the Haitian people. As a result, the humanitarian and socioeconomic difficulties continue unabated. Against that background, we would like to stress the following points. First, on the political and electoral process, we welcome the political agreement between the Prime Minister and more than 150 political parties and civil society organizations to hold the legislative elections no later than the year 2022. It is high time for a compromise and political consensus to be reached on constitutional and broader reforms. We therefore urge all related parties to identify the prioritized areas, with a focus on the modalities and timing of the elections that are acceptable to all Haitian stakeholders. We also urge the Government of Haiti and related parties to create the conditions for women to participate in political life. The 30 per cent quota representation of women in the electoral process should be guaranteed. In that process, we call upon the United Nations and the international community to urgently prioritize resources for supporting the holding of those elections in a peaceful environment. Secondly, with regard to threats of violence, we are concerned about a number of long-standing threats and challenges, especially the recent increase in the level of gang-related violence, sexual violence, kidnappings and attacks targeted at local communities in parts of Haiti, which we strongly condemn. Women, children and other vulnerable groups remain at risk of violence and marginalization in the political life of the country. While their ongoing efforts to address criminality are commendable, we urge the Haitian Government and local authorities to strengthen law enforcement and uphold their responsibilities to dismantle gangs and criminal organizations. Measures should also be taken to stop the violence and to better protect vulnerable groups, especially women and children, from the negative impact of both the political impasse and the socioeconomic stagnation. We call on international and regional partners to maintain their support for the Haitian security forces through training, the provision of equipment and capacity-building. Thirdly, on reconciliation, we once again stress the importance of national unity for Haiti on the way forward. We call on the Haitian authorities and all other parties concerned to give the highest priority to the interests of their people and demonstrate a spirit of mutual understanding and trust to overcome the current differences. We believe that that is the viable path towards finding common ground and a peaceful way out of the political impasse in Haiti. Before I conclude, we would like to express our appreciation for the tireless efforts of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) and the United Nations country team. We support the extension of the BINUH mandate. We call upon the United Nations, regional and international organizations and neighbouring countries to further their assistance so as to help Haiti to overcome the current difficulties. We would like to reaffirm our support for the Haitian people in their pursuit of peace, security and sustainable development in the country.

Let me begin by congratulating Ireland on successfully presiding over the Security Council in September. I extend my full support to Kenya for its presidency in October. Let me thank the Special Representative of the Secretary- General, Ms. Helen La Lime, for her comprehensive briefing on the mandate implementation of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti and the recent developments in the country. I also thank Ms. Douyon for her briefing, and I welcome the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Haiti, His Excellency Mr. Claude Joseph among us. The reporting period was marked by two watershed events — the horrific assassination of President Moïse in July and the devastating 7.2-magnitude earthquake together with the hurricane in August, adversely impacting the progress on benchmarks. Those tragic events have compounded the challenges facing Haiti and slowed down the efforts towards a new constitution and the holding of long-overdue elections. The interim Administration, led by Prime Minister Henry, has huge tasks ahead. That includes the restoration of functional democratic institutions, security and the rule of law. Haiti’s regional partners, the international community and the United Nations need to continue supporting the Haitian authorities in this hour of need. The interim Administration has managed to engage political parties, opposition groups and civil society with regard to sociopolitical challenges. Prime Minister Henry referred to those efforts in his address to the General Assembly at its seventy-sixty session and reaffirmed the commitment to hold credible, transparent and inclusive elections as soon as possible (see A/76/PV.14). The political agreement on peaceful and effective governance during the transition reached on 11 September among political parties and civil society organizations, including former opposition and ruling coalition groups, with the Prime Minister is a welcome development. We also welcome the measures to strengthen women’s participation in the upcoming elections. We hope that all Haitian stakeholders will continue engaging constructively to find inclusive solutions to the sociopolitical challenges, including the drafting of the new constitution. Decisions need to made by including all Haitian stakeholders, considering the political and security measures needed to ensure credible elections. Therefore, we call on all parties to engage constructively and purposefully. The improvement of the security situation is fundamental to the restoration of institutional order and to create enabling conditions for holding elections. In that regard, transparent investigations and swiftly bringing to justice those involved in the assassination of President Moïse are of paramount importance. The Haitian authorities also need support from their partners, including the United Nations, in undertaking justice reform and the capacity-building of the security and police sector to fight the menace of gang violence. On the socioeconomic front, we welcome the continued progress in the implementation of the projects of the Peacebuilding Fund involving community violence reduction and disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, including capacity-building for the National Commission for Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration. We are also happy to note the recent roll-out of the community violence reduction project aimed at fostering socioeconomic development in gang- affected areas in the Port-au-Prince neighbourhood of La Saline. The recent earthquake and hurricane caused immense damage to life and property. We note with concern the funding gap of more than $150 million in the humanitarian response plan and hope that donor countries will respond positively. We also support the efforts by the United Nations country team towards the creation of a georeferenced disaster response database, thereby providing the country with detailed multi-risk maps and the capacities to update them. Haiti may need support to accelerate the vaccination of its population against the coronavirus disease, as delays in vaccinations would lead to the expiry of the vaccine doses that have already arrived in Haiti. The relevant United Nations bodies should coordinate with and assist the Haitian authorities in their vaccination drive. India has had a long association with Haiti and its people. India was a major troop-contributing country to United Nations peacekeeping operations in Haiti and contributed three formed police units in the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti. India will continue to support the people of Haiti in these challenging times.

It is indeed a privilege for me to deliver this statement on behalf of the three African members of the Security Council — Kenya, the Niger and Tunisia — as well as Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (A3+1). On behalf of the group, allow me to congratulate Ireland for its outstanding presidency in September. We also warmly welcome Kenya to the role and wish it every success. We also thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms. Helen La Lime, and Ms. Emmanuela Douyon, founder and Executive Director of Policité, for their presentations. We further welcome His Excellency Mr. Claude Joseph, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Worship of the Republic of Haiti. In our previous statement on 17 June (see S/PV.8799), the A3+1 expressed deep concern about the multifaceted crises facing Haiti and stressed that our sister Caribbean nation required urgent attention and specific and sustained support from the international community. We also emphasized that political inertia cannot continue if Haiti is to achieve its aspirations for peace, stability and prosperity. Today the situation in Haiti requires the intensified attention of the international community to restore some semblance of normalcy. The dastardly attack on Haiti’s democracy through the abhorrent assassination of President Moïse has complicated an already- worrisome situation, especially on the political and security fronts. That, together with the devastating earthquake on 14 August and Tropical Storm Grace, compel the Security Council and the international community to deepen solidarity, enhance partnership and strengthen cooperation with Haiti. We urge all Haitian law enforcement authorities to spare no effort to ensure that the perpetrators of such heinous acts are brought to justice and extend our call for the assistance of the international community. The A3+1 also takes this opportunity to offer the following observations. The deteriorating political situation needs to be arrested immediately, security needs to be restored fully and the rule of law needs to prevail. We are aware of ongoing political dialogue initiatives, but note difficulties among stakeholders and political forces to engage in a comprehensive national dialogue process. The only solution to the existing political impasse is through a genuine, inclusive, broad-based Haitian- owned and Haitian-led national dialogue process. That must include the full participation of women and youth and also be accompanied by a national reconciliation process. The A3+1 therefore calls on all Haitian stakeholders and contending political forces to set aside their differences, build trust and unite in the common interests of the Haitian people, including advancing towards a democratic electoral process. To that end, we echo the view of Caribbean Community (CARICOM) on the importance of creating the enabling conditions without which there can be no transparent, inclusive or secure elections. We fully support CARICOM’s offer of its good offices to facilitate a Haitian-led and Haitian- owned solution to the current situation, which remains a serious regional concern. We encourage our Haitian brothers and sisters to maximize the use of the tools and instruments available through CARICOM to assist in that process. The assassination of President Moïse has laid bare the security deficiencies. While we acknowledge efforts to strengthen the Haitian National Police and bolster the State security apparatus, including through the Peacebuilding Fund projects on community violence reduction and disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, gang violence, sexual and gender-based violence and kidnapping continue unabated — exemplifying the inadequacies of existing measures to ensure the safety of citizens. We therefore repeat our call for international support to strengthen the State’s security machinery. We need to cast our net wider and extend our support to the Haitian Government to include measures that address corruption and illicit financial flows into and out of the country. In that way, we may be able to counter the ever-increasing and evolving threat to the people of Haiti and neighbouring States posed by armed gangs that are becoming more emboldened. The ever-deteriorating human rights and humanitarian situation is extremely troubling. Impunity cannot continue, and investigation into emblematic cases — such as those of Grand Ravine, La Saline and Bel-Air — must be conducted swiftly and the perpetrators must be held accountable. It is disturbing that high-profile cases, including the assassination of Monferrier Dorval, Emmanuel Constant and Netty Duclaire, remain unresolved. We are appreciative of the immediate response by all international partners and humanitarian agencies to assist in the delivery of humanitarian support. We commend the launching of the $187.3 million flash appeal in support of the most vulnerable communities and encourage the international donor community to support that initiative, as well as scale-up contributions to the humanitarian response plan, which remains only 30 per cent funded. The A3+1 must pronounce its deep concern about the distressing situation surrounding the inhumane large-scale deportation of Haitians witnessed in recent weeks. We express our fervent hope that elemental humanity and international human rights law will be strictly observed, even during times when countries are securing their borders. The challenges facing Haitian migrants and refugees are stark reminders that addressing their root causes is critical. That brings us to our repeated call for reparations for Haiti. Clearly, Haiti’s legacy of underdevelopment cannot be divorced from the historic injustices meted out against it in standing up against slavery and preparing the foundation for the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and inspiring many liberation struggles. Just a few weeks ago, during the general debate of the seventy-sixth session of the General Assembly, our leaders renewed their commitment to implementing the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action — a landmark anti‑discrimination framework adopted 20 years ago. It is time to put that Programme of Action into operation, commencing with placing the issue of reparations for victims of the slave trade high on the agenda. The current situation presents a unique opportunity for the international community to assist in preventing Haiti from further descending into the abyss. The common citizen in Haiti is frustrated with the systemic instability and the daily struggle to put food on the table. The expression of fatigue in relation to the situation in Haiti is totally unacceptable. We must show greater solidarity and stand side by side with Haiti, while shouldering our responsibilities as the international community, including unity within the Council. Having celebrated more than 200 years as an independent nation, Haitians must also own their existing challenges to overcome the current crises through the indomitable spirit of their forebears, such as Dutty Boukman, Cécile Fatiman, Jean-Jacques Dessalines, Toussaint Louverture, Marie-Jeanne Lamartiniére and Henri Christophe. The magnificent and triumphant Haitian Revolution is a testimony to us all that, no matter how difficult the challenges and ordeals, Haiti will overcome. Kenya, the Niger, Tunisia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines stand in solidarity with Haiti.

We thank Ms. Helen La Lime for her briefing on the very difficult situation in Haiti. We listened with interest to the statement delivered by Ms. Douyon. We welcome His Excellency Mr. Claude Joseph, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Haiti, to today’s meeting. Regrettably, alarming reports continue to emerge at every meeting of the Security Council concerning Haiti. In the three months since we considered the previous report (S/2021/559), Haiti has endured another major upheaval. We are very disappointed about the fact that the quest for a long-overdue solution to the protracted internal political crisis has again been deferred. The failure over the past few years to establish effective mutually respectful dialogue among the key political forces has spawned a situation in which the levers of governance are concentrated in the executive branch. Internal political tensions could have been reduced by an effective legislature and judiciary, as well as professional, well-equipped and well-funded law enforcement agencies. Yet that has not transpired in the country. The absence of adequate political will has meant that the parliamentary elections required for the stabilization process to begin have been postponed for three years already. It is clear that the situation will not be resolved in the near future. The absence of stable governance, required to effectively resolve day-to-day issues, has resulted in an intensificaiton in the activities of illegal armed groups that continue to fight for spheres of influence. As a result, a volatile mix has emerged — weak governance, a breakdown in the rule of law and ongoing violence by the groups I mentioned. The suffering of ordinary Haitians is exacerbated by recurring natural disasters. There is an urgent need to address issues common to all States, such as combating unemployment and improving overall standards of living. However, ordinary citizens are most concerned about the staggering absence of physical safety for the population. We are concerned by information contained in a World Bank report that in 2021, 60 per cent of Haitians will be living below the poverty line. The Government’s paralysis has created onerous obstacles for international cooperation and assistance. We note the efforts made by the United Nations system in very difficult circumstances, including the Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund, to support the country’s authorities in advancing crucial programmes to curb violence and achieve disarmament, demobilization and reintegration. It is clear that the dire situation in this coastal State requires consolidated international support, primarily from its neighbours in the region. In that connection, we are puzzled by the decision to forcibly return to Haiti those who cobbled together all they had to leave Haiti in search of a better life for their children. Plans to return to Haiti 14,000 individuals, in addition to the 8,000 Haitians who have already returned, are very troubling. During discussions on the previous report in June, we all expressed the hope that the initial glimmers of a fragile nationwide political dialogue process would help facilitate proper preparations for, and the holding of, presidential and parliamentary elections. However, all our optimistic predictions collapsed in the wake of the abhorrent assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, on 7 July. Regardless of who was responsible for that crime, a blow was dealt to all Haitians. For that reason, there is an urgent need to identify and hold accountable the perpetrators of that grisly crime. The Secretary- General’s report (S/2021/828) mentions the request for the United Nations to assist with an investigation. There is an important need to ensure that all available means be used to help the Haitian people in that process. It is clear that the decision as to how the country can extricate itself from the crisis must be made solely by Haitians themselves, through a broad-based nationwide dialogue. We therefore welcome efforts to seek consensus among opposing social forces in the country about the issue of their future. We have taken note of the agreement reached on 11 September for elections to be held by the end of 2022. We are convinced that the imposition of any convenient solutions on the Haitian people by external actors or experts will only further complicate the situation. The United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti and its Head, the Special Representative of the Secretary- General, have been called upon to facilitate an inclusive intra-Haitian dialogue. Port-au-Prince needs responsible international assistance, and the current situation places particular responsibility on the United Nations presence in the country. Russia is prepared to continue to provide Haiti with all the necessary assistance, both bilaterally and multilaterally. In order to help mitigate the consequences of natural disasters, we have delivered medical and surgical kits as part of a joint effort with the World Health Organization. We intend to continue encouraging the Security Council to play a constructive role in normalizing the situation in Haiti, strengthening the sovereignty and self-sufficiency of the country and improving the lives and security of its citizens.

I would like to join others in thanking the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms. La Lime, for her briefing. I thank the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti and the United Nations country team for their continued efforts. I also thank Ms. Douyon for clearly sharing her views this morning. At this juncture, it is very important to hear and listen to the perspectives of Haitian civil society. I would also like to acknowledge the presence of His Excellency Mr. Claude Joseph, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Haiti, at the Security Council today. He is most welcome. I would like to focus on three issues that are of particular concern to my country, Ireland, at this crucial time. First, as we all know and as many have already said, the pandemic and recent natural disasters have exacerbated humanitarian needs in Haiti, which were already considerable. Ireland welcomes the effective Haitian response to the earthquake in August and the subsequent storms. Those timely actions, supported by the United Nations and non-governmental organizations, have met the needs of over 650,000 people. However, humanitarian needs remain very urgent. A robust response from the international community to that crisis is essential. Ireland has already contributed with funding from our humanitarian partners. We will continue to play our part in supporting the Haitian people. (spoke in English) The humanitarian and development challenges that predated the pandemic and earthquake remain and, sadly, grow. Those challenges include acute food insecurity, displacement caused by gang violence, the highest rate of maternal mortality in the Western hemisphere and high rates of sexual and gender-based violence. The basis for solutions to those and many more worrisome issues exist within Haiti; however, without structural change and institutional investment, those profound crises in Haiti will persist. That brings me to my second point. Solving Haiti’s challenges requires significant progress towards a negotiated political solution. The people of Haiti deserve stable, predictable and functioning democratic institutions. However, with the most recent postponement of the electoral calendar, that basic platform on which to build future stability and security is further pushed away. We welcome all efforts towards the achievement of an inclusive and consensual political agreement in Haiti; but in order for that to be successful, the widest possible base of engagement is required. That can be achieved only with the full, equal and meaningful participation of women and the active involvement of youth. Any future electoral framework must preserve, at a minimum, the commitment for 30 per cent representation of women in the Haitian Parliament, as highlighted last week at the first Haiti-focused independent evaluation group on women and peace and security. Ireland was pleased to co-chair, with Mexico, that important discussion on women’s political participation in Haiti. There is much work to be done. We encourage the Haitian Government and all political and civil society actors to guarantee the critical contributions of women as activists, as candidates and as citizens with full and equal rights. Throughout that process, the safety and security of all engaged with the political and electoral system remains vital. My third point is on the deteriorating security situation. Gang violence and kidnappings are a daily occurrence in Haiti, with entire communities pushed to the point of despair and, to quote Ms. La Lime, “to the brink”. Impunity for human rights violations and sexual and gender-based violence are of serious concern. Change, development and progress in Haiti will be impossible without guaranteeing the basic safety and security of its people. We welcome efforts, including by the Peacebuilding Fund, aimed at community violence reduction, disarmament and electoral violence prevention. However, the most significant change will come from adequate resourcing — both financial and technical — of the Haitian National Police. The urgent prioritization of police resourcing will build capacity, confidence and security for the Haitian people. The steadfast support of the international community will be crucial to facilitating that work. Ireland continues to believe that solutions to the complex crises in Haiti need the engagement and support of its own people. The responsibility of the international community is to stand with Haiti and facilitate efforts towards an inclusive national consensus. That offers a clear path towards addressing the needs and ensuring the rights of the Haitian people.

I congratulate Kenya on its assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of October. We assure you, Sir, of our full support in the fulfilment of your mandate. I also extend my congratulations to Ireland on the successful completion of its presidency in September, and I thank Ambassador Byrne Nason and her team for their work. China thanks Special Representative La Lime for her briefing. She and her colleagues have been working tirelessly in a difficult situation, and we wish to pay them tribute. I also listened carefully to the statement made by the Haitian civil society representative. In the past four months, we have witnessed continued political volatility in Haiti. Its security and humanitarian crises have not improved in the slightest — in fact, it has been going from bad to worse. We express our deep sympathy for the tragic plight of the Haitian people. The Haitian Government and political leaders must act in the interests of the Haitian people and the country by desisting from engaging in a power struggle, discharging their responsibilities in good faith and taking measures to put the country on a proper track towards development. First, the political transition must be moved forward with a sense of urgency. Although Prime Minister Henry recently reached an agreement with some parties on the electoral timetable and pre-election political arrangements, some civil society groups and political parties in Haiti have divergent views on those issues. The two camps remain divided. The repeated postponement of the constitutional referendum and presidential and parliamentary elections will only add to the uncertainty of the political situation in Haiti. We call on all parties in Haiti to act in the country’s best interests and in a spirit of mutual understanding and accommodation, while showing flexibility in order to move in the same direction and reach an agreement on the relevant arrangements without delay through broad political consultations so as to ensure the elections can take place as early as possible. Secondly, no effort can be spared when it comes to humanitarian assistance and post-disaster reconstruction. The earthquake and subsequent tropical storms in Haiti led to heavy casualties and property damage. An additional 650,000 people are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. China calls upon the international community to respond actively to the United Nations humanitarian emergency appeal, totalling about $187 million, and urges the Haitian Government to work closely with the United Nations system to ensure that supplies reach those most in need and in order to prevent waste and embezzlement. Thirdly, we must tackle the criminal gangs head-on. Gangs in Haiti are running amok, and they are capable of anything. Their egregious actions have generated chaos in society and have displaced 19,000 people since June alone. The Haitian Government should effectively build up the capacity of its police force and implement the national strategy for community violence reduction without delay in order to remove the tumour of gang violence as soon as possible. Politicians must divest themselves of any gang-related interests. Anyone associated with gang activities must be banned from politics and public office. In the face of natural and human-made disasters, many desperate Haitians had no choice but to flee their homes. Their basic rights have been undermined by their unfair treatment in foreign lands and their mass repatriation. China shares the concern expressed by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. We hope that the human rights and dignity of Haitian migrants will be duly protected. In his latest report (S/2021/828), the Secretary- General notes that international aid efforts since 2010, which total some $14.7 billion to date, have yet to deliver the expected results. In previous Council deliberations, the Chinese delegation has repeatedly stressed that there is no external solution to the Haitian dossier and that it is ultimately up to the Haitian people themselves to bring the country out of its current plight. The international community’s long-standing assistance model, which can be compared to a blood transfusion and oxygen supply to Haiti, has proven to be neither markedly effective nor sustainable. The Organization’s presence in Haiti should be improved and adjusted. We are ready to join the rest of the members of the Council members in addressing the systemic and structural impediments to peace and development in Haiti and to consider adopting a novel approach in order to help Haiti emerge from its plight. China is ready to hold in-depth discussions with all parties about the renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) and the renewal of its mandate, including the mandate’s time frame and content, the relationship between the work of BINUH and the corresponding efforts of the United Nations country team in Haiti, as well as the relationship between BINUH and the Organization of American States, in order to jointly find a way to help Haiti to overcome the crisis and get on the right track. Finally, I would like to stress that, regardless of what the United Nations is doing, what matters most is for all the political parties in Haiti to reflect on the current problems and genuinely shoulder their responsibility to the country and its people.

I would like to thank Ms. Helen La Lime, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Haiti, and Ms. Emmanuela Douyon for their informative briefings and valuable work. This has been a very challenging year for Haiti — the assassination of President Moïse, the horrific earthquake and the continuing impact of the coronavirus disease pandemic. As a result, the political and humanitarian crisis has only worsened. We are concerned about the lack of progress on the political track. A worsening security situation will exacerbate instability in Haiti and can also affect the stability of the region. It is high time for the political leaders in Haiti to take action and put the country back on track. We take note of the announcement by Prime Minister Ariel Henry to hold a referendum to modify the country’s Constitution by February and the plan to organize presidential and legislative elections early next year. That is the key to overcoming this long-lasting crisis. We call on the authorities of Haiti to organize free, fair and transparent elections. It is crucial to build trust and create conditions for credible elections. We urge all political actors and stakeholders to set aside their differences in order to achieve a positive outcome and find a solution to the crisis. Inclusive dialogue is needed to move the political process forward and reach a national consensus. Another important element in regaining trust is enhancing accountability and ensuring that all cases of violence are properly investigated, including the assassination of President Moïse. In that connection, the security situation remains worrisome. This is a consequence of the armed gangs’ criminal activities, which need to be dealt with. We call on the authorities to address the violence and put more effort into stopping gang-related criminal activities. Measures need to be taken to protect the lives of human rights defenders, journalists and activists. Police forces need to be strengthened so that they can respond more effectively and offer greater protection to the Haitian people. Any further displacement of the population must be prevented. We encourage the authorities to support establishing an Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Haiti to safeguard continued collaboration with State authorities on human rights issues. It is important to maintain what has already been achieved. Haiti benefits from the presence of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH). I would like to express Estonia’s strong support for BINUH’s activities and the work of the Special Representative. We believe that joint efforts by all stakeholders can bring stability and sustainable development to the country.

At the outset, I would like to echo others in thanking Ireland for its extremely successful presidency during the month of September and to extend my best wishes to you, Mr. President, for a successful presidency in October. I would also like to thank Special Representative La Lime and Ms. Douyon for their briefings, and I welcome Mr. Claude Joseph, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Haiti, to today’s meeting. The transition period that is now beginning, following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, is extremely perilous. Parliament has not been in session for over a year and a half. State institutions are in shambles. And only dialogue can help Haiti emerge from this crisis. I therefore call on all political actors to build the necessary consensus to put in place an inclusive Government that is able to organize electoral polls in a peaceful climate. The 11 September agreement between the executive and certain opposition parties is a first step in reaching the goal of restoring the normal functioning of State institutions. The resurgence of gang violence threatens all Haitians. Kidnappings and human rights violations are on the rise. These gangs are acting with total impunity. The Government must therefore devote more resources to the Haitian National Police, which must be irreproachable. The investigation into the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse must be completed. Its perpetrators must be found and brought to justice. Haitians expect justice to be done. The same holds true for the murder of Monferrier Dorval and the massacres at Grand Ravine, La Saline and Bel Air. Corruption undermines institutions and destroys the confidence of the population. There are 4 million Haitians living in extreme poverty. The coronavirus disease pandemic has ravaged the country. There have been 400,000 doses of vaccine distributed; they must now be used. Faced with all those challenges, restoring security must be a priority. In addition to providing essential humanitarian assistance, the United Nations must support reform of the police and the justice system in the upcoming transition period. Allow me to express once again France’s deep sorrow at the toll of the earthquake that struck Haiti on 14 August. We have mobilized to provide assistance to the Haitian people by transporting 72 tons of humanitarian cargo, and we will maintain our commitment. Finally, I would like to commend the outstanding work being done by the United Nations in Haiti under extremely difficult circumstances. I reiterate our full support for the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti, its mandate and the renewal thereof. France, along with the European Union and the International Organization of the Francophonie, stands alongside Haiti to ensure a much-needed end to the crisis.

I now give the floor to the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Haiti.

First of all, I would like to thank the Security Council for inviting me to take part in this briefing on the question concerning Haiti and, in doing so, giving me an opportunity to share the views and observations of the Government of Haiti with regard to the report of the Secretary- General on the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) (S/2021/828), which was just presented by the Special Representative. I would like to convey the deep appreciation and gratitude of the Government of Haiti to the Secretary- General for his commitment to Haiti and the Haitian people, as evidenced by his most recent report, which provides an objective and impartial account of the recent events in the country. The report’s observations and recommendations have been noted and meticulously considered by the Government of the Republic of Haiti. Allow me to take this opportunity to reiterate to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General my warmest congratulations for her sense of responsibility, her unfailing determination and the outstanding work she is doing as the Head of BINUH. The 7.2 magnitude earthquake killed more than 2,240 people in the southern region of Haiti, including Dr. Ousmane Touré from the Republic of Guinea, whose memory we pay tribute to. The earthquake also injured 12,700 people, not to mention innumerable material damage and the destruction of public and private infrastructure. Only two days later, the equally devastating consequences of Tropical Storm Grace were seen in the same region of the country. All those very complex problems added to the devastating consequences of the coronavirus disease pandemic on Haiti’s economic, social and health-care structures. In the face of such adversity, the Haitian people have shown great courage and resilience. I would like to express my deep respect for them and for the country’s Government. The unfortunate events that I have just listed have only exacerbated the sociopolitical crisis that the Republic of Haiti has been experiencing for more than three years, increasing its vulnerability and jeopardizing its sustainable development, as outlined in the Secretary-General in his report. The Government that I have the honour to represent before the Security Council is fully aware of that and is fully committed to implementing, as far as possible, the recommendations of the report — with, of course, the sustained support of its friends and partners in the international community. The Government is also aware of the importance of all the challenges to be met and the magnitude of the obstacles that hinder the economic and social development of the nation. We are determined to forge ahead and make progress on the structural reforms that are necessary to improve democratic governance, to fight against impunity and to strengthen the rule of law. To achieve those goals, it is imperative that we seek, in a proactive manner, to unite the Haitian family. The decades of infighting, unproductive divisions, hatred and rancour that followed the end of the Duvalier dictatorship have had many harmful consequences, including the fragmentation of the social fabric of the country, chronic political instability, the fragmentation of economic structures, the impoverishment of the majority of the population, the decapitalization of companies and capital flight and brain drain and the worsening of inequalities. In the wake of this, the unacceptable and irreparable happened on the night of 6-7 July: the murder, in his private residence, of a democratically elected President who was in office. It is undoubtedly with the imperative of ensuring national unity in mind that, since entering office as the Prime Minister, Mr. Ariel Henry has devoted himself to the search for the broadest possible consensus in order to contribute to the normalization of political life in Haiti and the regular functioning of democratic institutions. That is how, following broad consultations with stakeholders in the political class and civil society, Mr. Henry concluded a political agreement in order to put an end to those fratricidal divisions, which fuel instability and violence. His efforts have begun to produce results, with the signing on 11 September of the political agreement for peaceful and effective governance during the interim period, involving more than 200 political and civil society organizations. We must capitalize on that agreement to make it the basis for the broadest possible consensus in order to create an environment conducive to the calming of the sociopolitical climate in order to hold credible, transparent and inclusive elections as soon as possible. To that end, it is vital to ensure the spirit of self- sacrifice and go above and beyond the triumphs in order to ensure that the higher interests of the nation are at the forefront of our concerns and motivations. I am proud to have given the example of going above and beyond, at a crucial moment in national life, by stepping down, without any coercion, from the office of interim Prime Minister, after having made a dignified contribution to the stabilization of the State and the society following the heinous murder of President Moïse, to make way for Prime Minister Ariel Henry, in accordance with the last wishes of the late President Moïse. It is in that spirit of selflessness that I call on all those who, like me, were close to the late President Moïse, to facilitate the work of my Government, with the support of our international partners, civil society actors and even staunch opponents of President Moïse, within the framework of a broad inter-Haitian agreement as the only way to save our common homeland. In parallel with that political track, which is a high priority for Haiti, my Government attaches great importance to the strengthening of the judicial system, which must absolutely lead to the completion of the investigation into the murder of President Moïse so that justice can be served in accordance with the wishes of his family, his allies and the vast majority of the Haitian people. The days and weeks that followed his death have shown, and history will show in turn, that President Moïse was assassinated for his ideas, for his dreams for the Haitian people, for his commitment to a future that celebrates all Haiti’s children. The report gave clear focus to the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, a tragic political event that, in conjunction with so many others, exacerbated the multidimensional Haitian crisis and increased uncertainty regarding the political future and the crucial stabilization of the country. The Secretary-General emphasized the security measures taken by the then Government, which had the lofty responsibility of ensuring the State’s continuity in order to avert the chaos that certain prophets of doom saw looming on the horizon or wished to see. It must be acknowledged that countless efforts have been undertaken on the ground in order to ensure progress in the inquiry into the assassination of President Moïse. However, the weaknesses of the Haitian judiciary system, combined with the clearly transnational nature of the crime, have not in any way helped the process and conclusion of the inquiry, not to mention ensuring that justice is done for that crime. With that in mind, judicial cooperation is required to complete the investigation and identify and punish the perpetrators. That request was made once again by Haiti during the general debate of the General Assembly at its seventy-sixth session (see A/76/PV.14). We would like that request to be duly taken into account in order to send a clear message that such acts are not tolerated by our international system. In that same vein, the Haitian Government noted the concerns expressed regarding the human rights situation, which, according the Secretary-General, has continued to worsen, including as a result of the clashes between armed gangs and the attacks perpetrated against the civilian population. In more general terms, the Government wishes to reiterate its commitment to guaranteeing the respect, protection and promotion of human rights, without any discrimination, in accordance with its commitments and obligations under the relevant international and regional treaties on human rights to which the Republic of Haiti is a party. As the Secretary-General states in his report, the efforts undertaken to reform the Haitian justice system have continued in spite of the problems beleaguering the judiciary as a result of the tragic events that have befallen the country. Positive steps have been taken such as the fact that the members of the Superior Council of the Judiciary were recently sworn in and took up the bench. Efforts are under way to improve conditions of detention in penitentiaries, reduce prolonged pretrial detention and, as a result, ease prison overcrowding. Allow me to refer to the troubling and shocking situation of the tens of thousands of Haitian compatriots who regularly, to escape the harsh realities of their situation, continue to flee Haitian shores to seek a better life elsewhere. All present have likely seen in recent weeks the horrific images of the atrocities that those Haitian men and women have experienced at the United States-Mexican border. I must say that no one takes the decision to leave this beautiful Caribbean country lightly to seek a better life elsewhere, imperilling their lives and often those of their children. All that we ask is that they be treated with dignity and humanity. Here I welcome the demonstrations of active solidarity shown by American society towards Haitian migrants at the United States-Mexico border. The Haitian Government takes note of the repeated excuses offered by the American authorities for the ill-treatment inflicted on Haitian migrants at the border, and it warmly congratulates the American Administration, in particular President Biden, for the corrective measures that have been taken. In the same vein, we convey deep and sincere thanks to the sister nation of Mexico for its efforts towards and support for a regional solution to the issues of migration through dialogue. The situation requires not only a humanitarian solution but also calls for cooperation to resolve those issues, which transcend by far our respective borders. The quest for a solution to the serious shortcomings that for a long time have compromised the social, political and economic stability of Haiti requires the commitment and involvement of all national stakeholders. The Government of the Republic is committed to ensuring the participation of all. We also have a dire need for a sustained, long-term commitment on the part of the international community at all levels. Haiti also requires the mobilization of technical and financial resources in the long term to guarantee the financial stability of the physical, social and economic infrastructure that is vital to its sustainable development. Hence the urgent need to create, in an irreversible manner, the conditions necessary for the long-term political and institutional stability of the country that the Haitian people desperately want, and that the international community earnestly desires. At a time when the Council is preparing to renew the mandate of BINUH, it must take account of the new realities that the country is facing and of the fact that the mandate must be adapted accordingly. Consequently, the strengthening of the operational capacities of security and law-enforcement institutions, in particular the Haitian National Police, requires the utmost attention. In that respect, we express our wish that the new BINUH mandate be focused essentially on the strengthening of security in the fight against violence by supporting the Government’s efforts in the spheres of security, stabilization and the protection of civilians. Those are all legitimate expectations on the part of a people that has suffered enough as a result of gang violence, kidnapping and widespread crime. While acknowledging the limits of BINUH in Haiti given its essentially advisory nature, we sincerely hope that the Security Council will make the necessary adjustments to its mandate to help the Haitian authorities to effectively tackle the grave situation of insecurity, which is worsening day by day. Allow me to conclude by launching a fervent appeal to the international community in general and to the United Nations system in particular to continue to strengthen its support, in a spirit of solidarity, to Haiti in order to help it to finally once again return to the path of peace, security, political stability, progress and economic and social development.