S/PV.9430 Security Council

I should also like to take this opportunity to pay tribute, on behalf of the Council, to His Excellency Ambassador Ferit Hoxha, Permanent Representative of Albania, for his service as President of the Council for the month of September 2023. I am sure I speak for all members of the Council in expressing deep appreciation to Ambassador Hoxha and his 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 representatives of Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica and Kenya to participate in this meeting. On behalf of the Council, I welcome His Excellency Mr. Jean Victor Généus, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Worship of the Republic of Haiti. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. Members of the Council have before them document S/2023/709, which contains the text of a draft resolution submitted by Ecuador and the United States of America. I should also like to draw the attention of Council members to document S/2023/596, which contains the text of a letter dated 14 August 2023 from the Secretary- General addressed to the President of the Security Council. The Council is ready to proceed to the vote on the draft resolution before it. I shall put the draft resolution to the vote now.

The draft resolution received 13 votes in favour, none against and two abstentions. The draft resolution has been adopted as resolution 2699 (2023). I shall now give the floor to those members of the Council who wish to make statements after the voting.

Today Security Council made history in authorizing the Multinational Security Support Mission to Haiti. We have stepped up to create a new way of preserving global peace and security, answering the repeated calls of a Member State facing a multidimensional crisis amid alarming, spiralling gang violence. I would like to acknowledge the presence of Haitian Foreign Minister Généus, who joins us today, and to thank Haiti for its partnership. And I welcome the participation of the representatives of Jamaica, Guyana and Kenya in today’s meeting. I would also like to thank Ecuador as the co-penholder for its tireless work on resolution 2699 (2023). With participation from countries all over the world, and with many thanks to Kenya for positively considering leading the Mission, the international community can now move forward with the Multinational Security Support Mission for Haiti. This Mission comes at the request of the Haitian Government and Haitian civil society to address the insecurity and dire humanitarian crisis the country has faced for far too long. The deployment of the Mission will help to support Haiti’s critical near-term needs and to foster the security conditions necessary for the country to advance long-term stability. Importantly, the resolution recognizes the need to learn lessons from past missions and calls for safeguards to promote respect for human rights and accountability. The resolution makes clear that the Multinational Security Support Mission to Haiti will operate in strict compliance with international law and include dedicated expertise in anti-gang operations, community-oriented policing, children and women’s protection and preventing and responding to sexual and gender-based violence. The Mission must take necessary action to ensure appropriate conduct and discipline and to prevent sexual exploitation and abuse. It was a year ago that the Secretary-General called on the international community to send a mission to Haiti. It took us one full year to get to where we are now. But let us be clear: our work is far from finished. Our focus now turns to making the Mission operational and successful in restoring the security conditions the Haitian people have called for. The Mission will give the Haitian National Police additional support to secure Haiti’s streets, but it is only one part of the larger effort to address the multidimensional crisis in the country, including acute food insecurity as well as other humanitarian, economic and political challenges. As part of that effort, the Mission will coordinate closely with the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti and relevant United Nations agencies. The Mission is an example of multinational action to address this grave security crisis. It is designed to be truly multinational in its resourcing and nature and requires a collective effort if it is going to succeed. The response from the region and much of the world has been united and strong. We extend particular thanks to the leadership of the Caribbean Community and countries such as Jamaica, the Bahamas, Barbados and Antigua and Barbuda, which have all publicly pledged personnel to the Mission and more, as in the case of Kenya. Today’s resolution under Chapter VII is a legal requirement for many of those countries and others that are willing to contribute and participate. As President Biden said in his address to the General Assembly last month, “The people of Haiti cannot wait much longer”. With the adoption of this resolution, we can collaborate to realize that vision as we work to help the Haitian people in their time of dire need.

China would like to express its deep sympathy with the tragic situation of the Haitian people. We have been working to increase the Council’s attention to the question of Haiti, demanding that the Haitian authorities and all political parties and factions effectively assume their responsibilities and calling on United Nations agencies and the relevant international and regional partners to provide Haiti with targeted assistance. China appreciates Kenya’s willingness to lead a multinational security support mission and play an active role in improving the security situation in Haiti, along with some of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) nations. In the past few weeks we have been engaging Council members in thorough consultations with the aim of delivering an appropriate framework to facilitate the deployment of multinational security support. Among other issues, the consultations have centred on invoking Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations. Proceeding from the principles of State sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs, China has always taken a cautious and responsible approach to the Council’s invocation of Chapter VII in authorizing the use of force. There have been some precedents for abuse of that authorization in previous practice. However, in view of the current security situation in Haiti and the concerns and appeals of the international community, especially those of the CARICOM nations, and based on our trust in friendly countries, China has taken a constructive position on the Council’s adoption of resolution 2699 (2023). In accordance with the resolution, we hope that the countries leading the Multinational Security Support Mission to Haiti will hold in-depth consultations with Haiti on specific arrangements for the deployment of security forces, with a view to reaching an agreement and ensuring that the arrangements will have the support of the Haitian people. Moreover, reporting to the Council should be done in a timely manner. At the same time, the implementation of the resolution must comply with international law and the basic norms governing international relations, so as to avoid infringing on other countries’ sovereignty or interfering in their internal affairs. Without a legitimate, effective and accountable Government in place, it is hardly possible for any external support to have a lasting impact. The Haitian authorities and all the parties and factions involved should reach the broadest possible consensus on transitional arrangements as soon as possible and come up with a feasible and credible timetable. Regrettably, today’s resolution does not send the strongest possible message in that regard. With China’s facilitation, the resolution recognizes CARICOM’s efforts to promote a political settlement of the Haitian crisis. We urge the Haitian authorities and all parties and factions to respond positively to the mediation efforts of CARICOM and the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), work in the fundamental interests of the people, show sincerity in conducting dialogue and taking on their responsibilities, and create conditions conducive to holding free and fair elections as soon as possible. At China’s strong request, and with the support of a majority of Council members, the penholders have finally taken China’s views on board and have used the resolution to explicitly request that all countries take all possible steps to cut off at their source the channels by which Haitian gangs obtain small arms, light weapons and ammunition. That is a very important decision. If the Council had taken that step sooner, the security situation in Haiti might not have deteriorated to where it is today. From now on all countries are obliged to take concrete action in accordance with Council resolutions and to contribute to curbing the gang violence in Haiti and protecting the safety and lives of its people. The multiple crises in Haiti are intertwined, and security issues represent only one dimension of that. A comprehensive approach is therefore essential to finding a comprehensive solution. The Council will have opportunities this month to hold in-depth consultations and discussions on the political situation in Haiti, the sanctions regime and the work of BINUH. China looks forward to working with the international community and Council members to support and assist the Haitian people in finding the right path out of their crises.

At the outset, we congratulate Brazil on assuming the presidency of the Security Council for October and hope it will be a successful one. We welcome the presence at today’s meeting of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Haiti. The Russian Federation abstained in the voting on resolution 2699 (2023), drafted by Ecuador and the United States, authorizing the Multinational Security Support Mission to Haiti. At the same time, we are fully aware of the scale and urgency of the security problems that Haiti is facing. We have consistently advocated for offering it responsible international assistance while taking into account the opinions of the widest possible cross-section of Haitian society. Against the backdrop of the authorities’ powerlessness and the national police’s limited capacities, the violence in Haiti has reached a level that has compelled Port-au- Prince itself to ask the international community for armed assistance. Considering that request, along with the appeals from the Secretary-General, the opinions of countries in the region and the willingness of Kenya to lead such an international mission, we have no objections in principle against the initiative as such. Nonetheless, it must be understood that sending the armed forces of another State to any country, even at that country’s request, is an extreme measure that must be thoroughly thought through. However, during the planning of the Mission and the preparation of the corresponding resolution, we found that our perfectly fair requests for more detailed information about the concept of operations, the modalities for the use of force and the contingent’s withdrawal strategy went unanswered. We also got the feeling that attempts were being made to hastily confer United Nations legitimacy on a non-United Nations mission with the help of a decision by the Council that was not fully thought through or calibrated. We all realize that authorizing an operation under Chapter VII is an extremely serious step that requires a full acknowledgement of the responsibility for it and its possible consequences. Unfortunately, we did not feel confident of that during the negotiations on the draft. As a permanent member of the Security Council, Russia cannot agree to what is essentially a blind invocation of Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations. Haiti has historically experienced an enormous amount of irresponsible foreign interference, which is precisely what gave rise to the downward spiral that Haitians have been unable to overcome for years. Authorizing yet another instance of the use of force in Haiti without a precise understanding of the parameters of the Mission being authorized is short- sighted. Moreover, the Security Council should approve the concept of operations rather than be presented with it after the fact. We would nevertheless like to highlight some positive elements of the resolution, including the call to all Haitian political forces to reach a broad consensus through a dialogue, with the assistance of the United Nations and the Caribbean Community, and the expansion of the arms embargo to all actors not operating under State auspices or with the Organization’s approval. In particular, we hope it will help to significantly reduce the illegal flow of weapons to the island and shed light on smuggling sources and routes. We hope that the Mission that has been authorized will help to stabilize the situation in Haiti as soon as possible, while respecting the country’s sovereignty and the rights of its people. Any interference in internal political processes by external forces is unacceptable. We wish Nairobi successful preparations in composing and deploying the forces. We await the detailed information on the Mission that was requested in the resolution.

I have the honour to deliver this explanation of vote after the voting on behalf of the three African members of the Security Council (A3). Allow me first of all to warmly congratulate Brazil on its assumption of the presidency of the Council for the month of October. I take this opportunity to commend the Albanian presidency for the work well done. Let me also recognize the presence here today of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Haiti, which bears testimony to the importance of the deliberations we are undertaking in the Chamber. The A3 fully supported the adoption of resolution 2699 (2023), authorizing the Multinational Security Support Mission to Haiti under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations. We hold the view that our action at this time, in support of and at the request of Haiti, is an action for the country and humankind. Through our decision today as a Council, we are standing up together for Haiti and fulfilling our responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. The A3 welcomed the consensus reached by the members of the Council on the text of the resolution, as submitted by Ecuador and the United States. The text responds to the unbearable situation that the people of Haiti are going through at this moment. We therefore view the resolution as an important stepping stone to curtail the activities of criminal actors and gangs, which are paralysing Haiti and seeking to destroy that noble and heroic country, which has always stood for and cherished liberty and independence. We wish to commend Kenya’s engagement in the difficult negotiation process of the resolution. We highly praise Kenya for offering to lead the Multinational Security Support Mission to Haiti. That allows us to move from rhetoric to action in a country whose history should compel us all to examine our consciences. We reiterate our strong support for Kenya’s important role and urge all Member States to cooperate with the Multinational Security Support Mission to Haiti. The A3 acknowledges and highly appreciates the important role of the Caribbean Community and other Latin American States in the region and the confidence it brings to the process of accompanying the people of Haiti on their path to the restoration of law, order, peace and stability. Our collective commitment to Haiti today must also enjoy the support of all partners and friends of the Haitian people. We appeal for a national consensus aimed at an inclusive political process and transition, as well as transparent elections that fairly and credibly establish the will of the Haitian people. We call on all segments of Haitian society that have not yet done so to join the consensus to chart a path towards the country’s recovery. Finally, we look forward to the early deployment of the multinational force in Haiti. We strongly hope that, in combination with other levers of action, such as targeted sanctions, a blockade of arms transfers to the gangs, essential humanitarian support, compliance and monitoring mechanisms aimed at preventing all forms of abuse or overreach of the mandate and enhanced efforts to promote social and economic development, it will help to restore hope, stability and a better future for Haiti.

Since this is the Security Council’s first formal meeting of the month of October, I would like to begin by congratulating you, Mr. President, on assuming the presidency of the Council and thanking Albania for the sterling work it carried out in the month of September. We welcome the participation in today’s meeting of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Haiti and the representatives of Kenya, Jamaica and Guyana. I express our appreciation to the co-penholders, Ecuador and the United States. We thank them for their tireless efforts in engaging with Council members over the past weeks and striving to incorporate all perspectives and concerns into the text of the resolution (resolution 2699 (2023)). Malta voted in favour of the resolution. We did so considering the desperate situation on the ground and the Council’s responsibility to respond with urgency. We welcome Kenya’s offer to consider leading the Mission. We also commend all Member States that have pledged their support. The Mission must perform to exemplary standards. It must implement all aspects of the resolution and operate fully and transparently under international law, including human rights law, to contribute to the protection of Haiti’s population. Oversight of the resolution will be central to its successful implementation, as will the clear delineation between the role of the Mission and humanitarian action on the ground. However, the Mission will not resolve all the issues the country continues to face. Stabilizing the security situation will require significant international support. We also recognize the urgent need for free and fair elections to restore Haiti’s democratic institutions. We reiterate our call on the Haitian authorities to build broad and robust consensus on Haiti’s political road map. The adoption of this resolution demonstrates the seriousness with which the Council is prepared to act to bring peace and security to Haiti. The international community must stand with Haiti now. There is no more time to lose.

As this is our first meeting under Brazil’s presidency of the Security Council, I would like to congratulate you, Sir, and assure you of Switzerland’s full support to you, and I also thank Albania for its excellent work in September. I welcome the presence of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Haiti in today’s meeting. Switzerland welcomes the Council’s decision today, which sends a strong message of solidarity with the Haitian people. We would like to thank the co-penholders, Ecuador and the United States, as well as members of the Council for their efforts to reach a consensus. Today’s authorization of the Multinational Security Support Mission to Haiti bears witness to the fact that the appeals for help from Haiti have been heard. Switzerland is aware of the expectations riding on the international response and of the precarious security situation. With that in mind, we welcome the fact that respect for international law, and for human rights in particular, is an integral part of the Mission and reinforces its mandate. We call on all actors to respect and protect the human rights of every individual. We welcome the importance afforded to the protection of children and to considering the dimensions of sexual and gender-based violence. With today’s resolution (resolution 2699 (2023)), we therefore mandate the Mission and the participating States to respect those principles by setting the best possible example. Finally, Switzerland welcomes the announcement by Kenya and other States, particularly those in Haiti’s region, of their intention to contribute to the Multinational Mission. We also call on the international community to ensure that the Mission is coordinated with the other components, both current and future, of international aid in the country. Through an integrated, holistic approach they can pave the way for implementing an inter-Haitian dialogue to respond to the complex crises affecting the country.

I would like to start by conveying our best wishes to you, Sir, for your presidency, and thanking Albania for its successful presidency last month. I would first like to thank the co-penholders, Ecuador and the United States, for their leadership during today’s negotiations on resolution 2699 (2023). Japan voted in favour of the resolution because of the gravity of the situation in Haiti, where the levels of violence and criminal activity are escalating and the need for effective international support in response to the Haitian Government’s repeated appeals is urgent. We are very pleased that the Council was able to come together today to authorize the deployment of the Multinational Security Support Mission to Haiti in support of the efforts of the Haitian National Police. We welcome Kenya’s willingness to lead the Mission and other countries’ offers to contribute. The adoption of the resolution is only the first step. If the Mission is to operate effectively and successfully, extensive and thorough preparation is crucial. It should include careful examination and awareness of the situation on the ground; an assessment of the capability and resources that the Mission will need; clarification of the rules of engagement and the establishment of an appropriate command structure and division of labour among the stakeholders. In that regard, we call on Member States to contribute and share their experiences and expertise to ensure maximum preparation and support for the Multinational Security Support Mission’s operation. For its part, Japan will engage actively with the international community and will spare no effort to ensure the Mission’s effective and successful operation. We also want to emphasize that addressing the issue of security alone is not sufficient. It should go hand in hand with Haitian efforts, supported by international partners, to restore resilient democratic institutions and accountable governance, as well as to provide people with basic services and development opportunities. Those endeavours will help to gain the people’s trust, which will be crucial to achieving sustainable peace and security in Haiti, and we will continue to support such efforts. And let me conclude by reaffirming our unwavering solidarity with the Government and people of Haiti.

I would like to begin by congratulating Brazil on its assumption of the presidency of the Council this month. I also want to join others in welcoming Foreign Minister Généus of Haiti, and the representatives of Kenya, Jamaica and Guyana, to our meeting. The United Kingdom is pleased to have voted in favour of resolution 2699 (2023), which authorizes the Multinational Security Support Mission to Haiti, as requested by the Haitian Government, under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations. We are grateful to the United States and Ecuador for their tireless efforts to build support for it within the Council. The Multinational Security Support Mission is an important step in helping the Haitian National Police address the deteriorating security situation in their country, and it paves the way for further efforts to address the connected security, humanitarian, political and economic crises. We look forward to seeing the Mission uphold the highest international standards. The United Kingdom pays tribute to the leadership shown by Kenya in stepping forward to lead the Mission, and we also welcome the engagement of States members of the Caribbean Community and others beyond in the multinational effort to help the people of Haiti. We call on all actors in Haiti to engage constructively in preparing for the holding of inclusive, free and fair legislative and presidential elections as soon as the local security situation permits. Today’s adoption is an important step in helping to address the dire security situation. But in the longer term, only a political solution can give the Haitian people the security and prosperity they deserve.

I would like to join others in congratulating Brazil on its assumption of the presidency of the Council and thanking Albania for its very capable leadership last month. When the world met two weeks ago, a clear call rang out from the General Assembly. It came from Haiti, from the Caribbean Community and from across the globe. They all spoke with one voice in acknowledging, in the words of Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados, that the world owes Haiti a resolution. Some of the countries that made that call have joined us here today, and we welcome the participation of Haiti, Kenya, Jamaica and Guyana in today’s meeting. The international community called on the Security Council to take action, and resolution 2699 (2023) answers that call. By voting in favour of it today, the United Arab Emirates reaffirms the fact that decisive action, as the Secretary-General has called for, is necessary to help Haiti back on a path towards peace and stability. We acknowledge the diligent work and flexibility of the co-penholders, Ecuador and the United States, and the constructive engagement of all Council members on the resolution. As a result, the resolution includes safeguards that will ensure that the authorization to deploy the Multinational Security Support Mission to Haiti will be implemented effectively and in close coordination with the Government of Haiti. We welcome Kenya’s willingness to lead the Mission and that of other Member States to participate in it. We especially thank Kenya for stepping in so responsibly to contribute to international peace and security in this way. The text of the resolution recognizes that the situation in Haiti is dynamic and continues to escalate rapidly. In order to respond effectively and appropriately to the challenge, the Council should have entry points to review, adjust and give feedback to the Mission mandate as the situation and the plans for the response develop. Because of that, we are pleased to see a time-bound authorization for 12 months included in the resolution, along with a mandated review nine months in and regular reporting to the Council. We also welcome the fact that the authorization is not gender-blind. Ensuring that the Mission is adequately equipped to address the horrific sexual and gender- based violence wielded by armed gangs against the people of Haiti must be central to its mandate. We encourage all contributing Member States to invest in dedicated expertise and training for their contingents so that they can respond adequately to such crimes. As the humanitarian situation in Haiti remains dire and is compounded by the ongoing insecurity in the country, we also welcome the fact that the Multinational Mission has a critical role in facilitating the safe and unhindered access of humanitarian aid. The security support that the Mission will provide is critical, but it is not a panacea that by itself can transform Haiti into a secure and safe country. We reiterate our call for a holistic, comprehensive and sustainable response to the challenges Haiti faces. The relevant stakeholders must work together towards an inclusive and inter-Haitian dialogue for a Haitian-led and -owned political settlement. That should be done in tandem with efforts to reinstate the rule of law across the country, for the sake of the people of Haiti and the region. We also stress the need for the Multinational Security Support Mission to Haiti to coordinate with the Caribbean Community and relevant United Nations agencies, including the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, to complement various efforts to support the people and Government of Haiti. For its part, the United Arab Emirates will remain committed to supporting all efforts towards achieving peace and stability in Haiti.

Let me start by thanking you, Sir, and the members of the Security Council who expressed their appreciation for the presidency of Albania. At the same time, I would like to congratulate Brazil on assuming the presidency of the Security Council and wish you and your team the best of luck. We welcome the presence of Minister Généus of Haiti and of the representatives of Kenya, Guyana and Jamaica. Albania expresses its deep appreciation to the United States and Ecuador as co-penholders for leading the negotiations and to Council members for engaging constructively in the resolution authorizing the deployment of the Multinational Security Support Mission to Haiti (resolution 2699 (2023)) to support the Haitian National Police in restoring security. We commend the leadership shown by Kenya and the readiness of the Caribbean Community to take part in the Mission, responding to the Secretary-General’s appeal and Haiti’s request. Albania voted in favour of the resolution today, recognizing the vital role that the Mission will play in re-establishing security and creating the conditions for free and fair elections in Haiti. That is also a significant step towards addressing the humanitarian crisis in the country. We envision the Mission as working closely with the Government of Haiti in compliance with international law, international humanitarian rights law and international standards. In conclusion, Albania stands firmly with Haiti and its resilient people and is committed to assisting in the restoration of normalcy.

I acknowledge the presence of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Haiti at this meeting. I also acknowledge the presence of the delegations of Jamaica, Guyana and Kenya. I commend Albania on its presidency for September, and I wish Brazil every success as President of the Council for October. What better way to begin the Brazilian presidency of the Security Council than with the adoption of the resolution authorizing the deployment of the Multinational Security Support Mission to Haiti (resolution 2699 (2023))? I acknowledge Brazil’s central role in both the adoption of resolution 2692 (2023) of 14 July, which proposed the deployment of a support mission for the Haitian National Police, and the negotiations process to adopt the resolution authorizing United Nations Member States to form and deploy the Multinational Security Support Mission to Haiti. I also acknowledge the valuable contributions by all delegations, which have undeniably strengthened the resolution authorizing the Mission’s deployment at a time when Haiti needs it the most. Furthermore, I would be remiss if I failed to mention African leadership with regard to Kenya’s willingness to consider leading the Mission, the broad support provided by the three African members of the Council and the support shown by several other member States of the African Union, all of which clearly exemplifies South-South cooperation. I am particularly grateful for the close and continued cooperation of the United States delegation, as co-penholder of the resolution throughout the process spanning the months of August, September and even the first weekend of October. We hope that the adoption of this resolution will send a clear and strong message to the leaders and members of the gangs that are plaguing Haiti. Strategic communications therefore remain key, including before deployment. On 14 July, I explained that resolution 2692 (2023) was an important step, but not the end goal (see S/PV.9377). The crisis in Haiti is multidimensional and therefore requires a comprehensive response. For the same reason, I reiterate today that the resolution that we have just adopted is not the final goal either. It is a historic and significant milestone on which we can build. The resolution that we have adopted reaffirms the Security Council’s strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and unity of Haiti. At all times during the negotiation process, we bore in mind the importance of not repeating past mistakes. We also included robust language and provisions concerning human rights, sexual violence, prevention, accountability, the protection of children, and appropriate wastewater management and other safeguards to guard against the introduction and spread of communicable diseases. And decisive progress was made on efforts to prevent the transfer and illicit trafficking of arms and ammunition into Haiti, which is a long-term commitment. We also included provisions such as the call for the Mission to support the Haitian National Police in its efforts to protect and guarantee access for humanitarian aid. We underscored the importance of the political process, in which the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti will continue to play a key supporting role. Lastly, we encourage countries able to do so to support the Mission that we have just authorized, as requested by Haiti, and to increase their support and economic and social cooperation, which will enable the Haitian people to overcome the current — and most precarious — humanitarian situation.

I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of Brazil. (spoke in French) I welcome the presence of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Haiti and of the Permanent Representatives of Guyana, Jamaica and Kenya at this meeting. Brazil thanks the United States and Ecuador for their tireless work as co-penholders of the resolution (resolution 2699 (2023)) and all the members of the Security Council that have intensely and sincerely contributed to its drafting. At the outset, we would like to reaffirm our firm con­ viction in the importance of respect for the sovereignty, in­ dependence, territorial integrity and unity of Haiti. How­ ever, in view of Haiti’s urgent security needs, we voted in favour of authorizing the Multinational Security Support Mission to Haiti under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations. We also voted in favour of a resolution that is comprehensive and addresses the fundamental as­ pects that must guide and support the operation, which is grounded in the rules and principles of international law, including international humanitarian law and internation­ al human rights law, and the Charter of the United Nations. The Council is therefore responding to a formal and clear request from Haiti, Kenya and other Caribbean countries that are ready to contribute police forces to this initiative. The resolution establishes a political and legal framework for the deployment and the provision of adequate fund­ ing for the parties concerned. For its part, Brazil under­ scores the fact that security assistance is a crucial step at the moment, but that multiple coordinated efforts will be key to finding a lasting solution to the Haitian crisis. In order for security efforts to succeed in the long term, a comprehensive approach is needed that will garner support for institutional and socioeconomic progress in Haiti. It is absolutely imperative to address the structural causes underlying the country’s violence and vulnerability. It is also clear that a broad national political consensus in Haiti is urgently needed and inescapable. The Mission must ensure security conditions so that the Haitian people can rebuild their country’s democratic and administrative institutions and resume economic activity. It must be clear, however, that it is up to the Haitians to forge their own path. Without a Haitian political solution, based on a free, fair and transparent electoral process, no amount of security assistance, humanitarian aid or development aid will guarantee lasting success. Our countries have gathered in this Chamber to assure the Haitians once again of the enormous solidarity of the international community in general and of the peoples of Africa and of our region, Latin America and the Caribbean, in particular. Brazil is prepared to continue its cooperation activities and to consider ways to contribute to the Mission. And I insist that this solidarity will be decidedly insufficient, even useless, if the other measures and actions it seeks to ensure or on which it depends are not taken in a committed, sincere and effective manner. Let me list the measures and actions. First, there should be a complete embargo on the arms to which gangs and paramilitary groups continue to have access with impunity, and those groups must be disarmed. The security of citizens and social peace in Haiti must be effectively restored. There must be a broad political agreement that will enable Haiti’s State institutions to get back on their feet and focus on normalizing the country’s political, social and economic life. Free and fair elections must be held in full security to restore hope to the brotherly Haitian people and to consolidate a new phase in the life of the country. There must be a strong resumption of humanitarian aid. And, finally, generous assistance, cooperation and support for Haiti’s sustainable economic and social development are necessary. That is the only way to ensure that the Haitian people can fully take their future into their own hands, and that this new international action of solidarity, endorsed by the Security Council, will succeed this time. (spoke in English) I now resume my functions as President of the Council. I give the floor to the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Worship of Haiti.

Allow me first of all to congratulate the Federative Republic of Brazil, which has assumed the presidency of the Security Council for the month of October, and to congratulate Albania on the excellent work done last month at the head of the Council. On behalf of the people and the Government of Haiti, I would like to thank all those who, through their voices, their efforts, their support and their contributions of all sorts, have finally made today’s decision possible. More than a simple vote, it is in fact an expression of solidarity with a population in distress. The vote on resolution 2699 (2023) is a significant step towards resolving Haiti’s multidimensional crisis. It is a ray of hope for the people who have been suffering for too long from the consequences of a difficult politi­ cal, socioeconomic, security and humanitarian situation. I would therefore like to take this opportunity to publicly commend Haiti’s courage and resilience. The Security Council has taken stock of the crisis and understood the need to act urgently to give hope to millions of defence­ less women, men and children, who need liberty, peace and security to be restored and who have long called on the international community for help. By adopting the resolution authorizing the deployment of a Multilateral Security Support Mission, Council members today took a decision that was commensurate with the challenges. On behalf of the people and the Government of Haiti, I would like to take this opportunity to express our special thanks to the President of Kenya, his Government and the brotherly people of Kenya who agreed to lead this Mission. I also commend the United States and Ecuador for their leadership in managing this file, and I welcome the presence of the representatives of Guyana, Jamaica and Kenya. The resolution adopted today is of great historic significance. I urge Member States to make their contributions as quickly as possible to bring about the recovery of a safe and stable environment in Haiti, with a view to re-establishing democratic institutions. The adoption of this resolution, under Chapter VII of the fundamental Charter of the United Nations, responds to the need to provide assistance to a Member of our Organization that is in danger. The aim is also to prevent this serious crisis, which has lasted for far too long, from becoming a threat to peace and security in the region. I greatly appreciate the fact that the Council, in the resolution adopted today, reaffirms its commitment to the sovereignty, independence, integrity and unity of the Haitian territory, and recognizes that the Government of Haiti has the primary responsibility to ensure security, stability and respect for the law and the rights of the people on its territory. In that regard, the text clearly states that the rules of engagement and the use of force by the Mission must be carried out in consultation with Haiti and the other participating States and in strict compliance with Haitian sovereignty and international law. Similarly, I noted with great interest that the resolution fully recognizes the need for the international community and international financial institutions to continue to support Haiti, even after the restoration of its security environment, with a view to sustainable economic, social and institutional development. It called on Member States and regional organizations to contribute personnel, equipment, financial resources and logistics as required by the Multinational Security Support Mission. I would like to thank all those countries that have already expressed their support. And I would like to take this opportunity to commend the commitment of our friends and neighbours in the Caribbean Community. The use of force, as a first step, is essential to create a security environment conducive to the normal function­ ing of institutions, but it is not enough. Socioeconomic development must be taken into account to tackle extreme poverty, the source of all our problems, in a sustainable way. In that respect, it is just as necessary to continue to give greater support to the Government’s social pro­ grammes aimed at providing relief to the most destitute in needy neighbourhoods, which are a breeding ground for the recruitment of lost and marginalized young people. I note with satisfaction that the resolution stresses the importance for States participating in the Mission to en­ sure the highest level of transparency with regard to the disciplinary conduct of members of their contingents, and calls on them to establish strict mechanisms for the pre­ vention and investigation of human rights violations and abuses of all kinds, as well as for the treatment of waste­ water and other environmental controls. Lastly, I note that the resolution recognizes the need for all stakeholders in Haiti to reach agreement on the organization of free and fair presidential, legislative and municipal elections, as well as the rebuilding of demo­ cratic institutions. With that in mind, I reiterate the com­ mitment made by the Prime Minister, His Excellency Mr. Ariel Henry, during the general debate of the seven­ ty-eighth session of the General Assembly, to prioritize inter-Haitian political dialogue, which is the only way to achieve sufficient consensus for the organization of those long-awaited general elections in the country. I thank Council members for their kind attention and their active solidarity with the Haitian people.

I now give the floor to the representative of Jamaica.

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the 14 member States of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). And I am grateful for this opportunity to speak about the support that the international community must provide to Haiti at this most difficult time. I congratulate you, Mr. President, on Brazil’s as­ sumption of the presidency of the Security Council at this pivotal time. I also wish to thank the penholders of this important resolution, the United States and Ecuador, for the tireless work and commitment that has brought us to this point here this afternoon. The urgency of this mo­ ment cannot be overstated. I also wish to thank the other Council members that supported resolution 2699 (2023), just adopted, and those that acted to ensure its adoption. The blatant criminality perpetrated by powerful gangs and the resulting higher levels of insecurity for the average Haitian citizen are well documented, with women and girls being particularly affected and targeted. One of the direct consequences of this insecurity is that nearly half of the Haitian population is today in desperate need of humanitarian aid, with the situation worsening daily. That is the backdrop against which we are called to act in order to help restore security and contribute to a stable political, social and economic environment so as to foster Haiti’s sustainable development. The first step towards Haitian-led and -owned solutions to the multidimensional, multifaceted crises facing the country must be to alleviate the insecurity that has rendered impossible the normal functions of a civilized society. CARICOM therefore welcomes and reiterates its support for the Multinational Security Support Mission to Haiti, authorized today by a Security Council Chapter VII resolution, to provide urgent security assistance to the Haitian National Police. We commend Kenya’s steadfast commitment to lead the Mission in a strong demonstration of regional solidarity. Several CARICOM countries will also contribute personnel and other support to this cause. And we thank all the other countries from around the region and around the globe that have made commitments of support pending the adoption of resolution 2699 (2023). We urge more Member States to commit to contributing security, personnel, logistical and financial support to this vital effort. We also call on Member States to pledge to the security basket fund aimed at funding the needs of the Haitian National Police, as well as to contribute to the humanitarian response plan for Haiti. As we move forward now to address the insecurity challenges frontally, CARICOM remains committed to collaboration, at both the regional and international levels, in order to restore peace and stability and to support a long-term development strategy for Haiti. CARICOM’s Group of Eminent Persons continues to engage the Haitian Government and stakeholders in a mediation role in an effort to resolve the political impasse in Haiti and re-establish political stability. CARICOM therefore looks forward with clear, but hopeful eyes to the early deployment of the Multinational Security Support Mission, which we consider to be a sine qua non for a Haitian recovery. As we reiterate our commitments to ensure that the Mission on which we will now embark will be effective in delivering peace and stability for the people of Haiti, it is our fervent wish that Haiti, the first independent black Republic, will soon be able to deliver for its people the prosperity they have always deserved.

I now give the floor to the representative of Kenya.

Kenya’s delegation congratulates Brazil on its assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of October. We recognize His Excellency Mr. Jean Victor Généus, Haiti’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Worship, and his Mission, calling on our collective solidarity. We unreservedly commend the Security Council and its membership for the judicious adoption of resolution 2699 (2023). Our special accolades extend to the co-penholders, the United States and Ecuador, whose tireless efforts have yielded a balanced resolution that accords with Haiti’s imperative needs. With this action, the Council has ignited a beacon of hope for the beleaguered people of Haiti by authorizing Member States to inaugurate the Multinational Security Support Mission to Haiti. We are steadfast in our belief that the Council’s adoption of this resolution will be a seminal contribution to the renaissance of Haiti’s security and a catalyst for the fortification of governance, socioeconomic uplift and the rule of law. In the spirit of solidarity and collective responsibility and in response to the clarion call of the Haitian authorities and the Secretary-General, Kenya signalled its willingness to spearhead the Council-mandated initiative. His Excellency President William Ruto, during his speech to the General Assembly on 21 September, echoed the call by Haiti and the Secretary-General and implored the Council to promulgate a tailored Chapter VII resolution to meet Haiti’s unique requirements. The members of the Council responded with an exemplary spirit of cooperation. We now invite Member States to contribute as ac­ tive participants, providing personnel, funds, vital equipment and logistical support to the Multinational Security Support Mission. Kenya reaffirms its com­ mitment to closely collaborate with Haiti’s allies, espe­ cially the member States of the Caribbean Community, represented here today by Jamaica and Guyana, and other nations of benevolent disposition, in constituting and operationalizing this Mission in accordance with this resolution. In the forthcoming weeks, Kenya, in concert with other contributing nations, will apprise the Council on the substantive preparations for the Mis­ sion’s deployment. Once again, Kenya salutes the Security Council on this accomplishment and reaffirms its unwavering solidarity with Haiti and its resilient people. We join the members of the Security Council in again affirming our respect for the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and unity of Haiti.

I now give the floor to the representative of Guyana.

My delegation congratulates Brazil on assuming the presidency of the Security Council for the month of October. We acknowledge the presence of His Excellency Mr. Jean Victor Généus, Foreign Minister of Haiti. Guyana aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and joins in commending the penholders, the United States and Ecuador, for their tireless efforts in bringing forward this important resolution, which authorizes the Multinational Security Support Mission to Haiti. The Security Council’s decisive action today firmly demonstrates the international community’s commitment to Haiti and to addressing the security and humanitarian concerns of her people. I take this opportunity to express Guyana’s unwavering solidarity with the Haitian people  — our Caribbean brothers and sisters — and our steadfast commitment to working with the international community in providing much-needed assistance to the Haitian National Police. We fully support Haiti’s request for the deployment of a multinational force. We applaud the Member States that have already extended support to Haiti and those that have pledged to support the Multinational Security Support Mission by contributing both human and financial resources. In particular, we commend Kenya for offering to lead this Mission, as well as our Caribbean brother and sisters that have agreed, upfront, to participate. We urge that this support must be sustained, once the Mission has achieved its goals, to ensure that the Haitian National Police is able to effectively rebuild its resources, restore morale and encourage recruitment to facilitate the long-term sustainment of peace and stability throughout the country. While we are gravely concerned about the security situation in Haiti, we wish to underscore that the crisis is multidimensional and requires urgent and coordinated international action along the political and economic tracks as well. Those are all inextricably linked and must be addressed in tandem. For any solution to be successful, it must not only be comprehensive, focusing on both security and socioeconomic challenges, but must also be Haitian-led, Haitian-owned and Haitian-focused. In addition, our attention must be sustained so that we are able to address the underlying and persistent challenges impeding Haiti’s efforts to pursue its own development path. My delegation takes this opportunity to underscore CARICOM’s message that all efforts to contribute to addressing the situation in Haiti must be undertaken in good faith and must prioritize the needs and circumstances of the Haitian people. Such efforts must also be free from the influence of geopolitics or political expediency. Moreover, we call for the humanitarian response plan to be properly funded and urge humanitarian partners to massively scale up financial assistance, bearing in mind the need to invest in agriculture for food security and to strengthen the resilience of the most vulnerable. For its part, Guyana is in the process of organizing humanitarian aid in the form of food and medicine, even as we contemplate other forms of assistance and support now that this resolution has been adopted. In conclusion, I reiterate that the international community has a crucial role to play in supporting Haiti in advancing towards a better and brighter future.