S/PV.9684 Security Council

In accordance with rule 37 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representatives of Haiti and Saint Kitts and Nevis to participate in this meeting. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. Members of the Council have before them document S/2024/540, which contains the text of a draft resolution submitted by Ecuador and the United States of America. I wish to draw the attention of Council members to document S/2024/508, which contains the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti. 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 15 votes in favour. The draft resolution has been adopted unanimously as resolution 2743 (2024). I shall now give the floor to those members of the Council who wish to make statements after the voting.

The United States was proud to vote for this resolution (resolution 2743 (2024)) and is grateful for the leadership of our co-penholder, Ecuador. Today’s vote is a much-needed victory for the people of Haiti, and it is a strong statement by the Security Council that this reauthorization was achieved by consensus. It offers a strong signal that however deep our divisions are on other matters, we are united behind efforts to steady Haiti, because we know the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) plays a critical role in getting Haiti on the path to a democratic transition and to the future that Haitians deserve — a future free from the violence and chaos, from threats to their lives and livelihoods, from the scourge of gender-based violence and sweeping food insecurity. It is a future in which the voices and aspirations of Haitians are heard and valued. This adoption is not just the signal of the Council’s support for that future. It provides the tools necessary to achieve it. That includes coordination between BINUH and the Multinational Security Support Mission. I would like to take a moment to commend  — no, to thank  — Kenya for its leadership, without which the Mission would not be a reality. There is a clear and direct link between the success of BINUH and that of the Multinational Security Support Mission. If the Mission can succeed in supporting the Haitian National Police and improve Haiti’s security environment, BINUH will be able to better implement its mandate and have a positive impact on Haiti’s future. We therefore call for close coordination between BINUH and the Mission in the days ahead. There is reason to be hopeful today. The adoption of this mandate is a positive step. But we can do more — in fact, we must do more. The Council must promote accountability by considering sanctions on individuals and entities who are responsible for or complicit in actions that threaten peace and security in Haiti. On that note, we were deeply disappointed by the unexplained hold placed on the nomination of Youri Latortue by the Committee established pursuant to resolution 2653 (2022) concerning Haiti. As the Haiti Panel of Experts publicly reported, Latortue exerts considerable control over political and economic life in the Artibonite department, including through the use of violent gangs, which he has been financing and arming. We urge for the hold to be lifted expeditiously. Finally, the international community must step up and commit to fully funding the Multinational Security Support Mission, and we must continue to work together with BINUH, the Haitian Government, the Mission and the international community to drive progress forward and help the Haitian people secure a more just and peaceful future.

The renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) comes at a crucial moment in time for Haiti. After an intense wave of violent acts carried out by criminal gangs during the first six months of this year, which deepened the humanitarian crisis and displaced thousands, Haiti has made some progress. These are initial steps towards overcoming the multidimensional crisis. In the context of this transition, it is clear that we need to coordinate efforts to ensure the success of the governance agreements and guarantee that free and fair elections will be held before February 2026. In that regard, I would like to highlight three fundamental aspects of resolution 2743 (2024). First, I stress BINUH’s important role in supporting the political process during the transition, strengthening its main function as a special political mission. Secondly, with this mandate renewal, BINUH is boosting support for the justice and penitentiary system, with strategies to reduce community violence. Thirdly, with the arrival of the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti, the Council should continue to closely monitor the situation on the ground and to promote effective coordination among the transition authorities, BINUH and the Multinational Security Support Mission. That is why the resolution stresses BINUH’s role in coordinating foreign assistance to boost Haiti’s security. The resolution aims to provide an answer to the serious situation faced by the Haitian people, who are victims of violence that disproportionately affects women and children. We must redouble efforts to help Haiti overcome its economic, political and security crises. The adoption of the resolution reflects Ecuador’s goal to strengthen the coordinating role of BINUH in all of the areas previously described and, in particular, in the current context of the deployment of the Multinational Security Support Mission, as a watershed moment in the positive change that Haiti needs in order to bring about peace and development. I would like to recognize the valuable and constructive support demonstrated during Council negotiations. Today’s unanimous adoption sends a clear, powerful message to the people of Haiti: Haiti can count on the support of the international community.

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the three African members of the Security Council, namely, Algeria, Mozambique, Sierra Leone and my own country, Guyana (A3+). The A3+ welcomes the unanimous adoption of resolution 2743 (2024), renewing the mandate of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) until July 2025. We thank Ecuador and the United States for their continued leadership on this file and for conducting a transparent and consultative negotiation process. The A3+ voted in favour of this resolution in order to reiterate our full support for BINUH’s mandate and to ensure that the mission continues to support the Government of Haiti, especially during this critical transition period. This year’s mandate renewal takes place against the backdrop of significant developments on the political and security fronts, where the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti has already commenced operations and efforts are ongoing to establish transitional governance arrangements that would lead the country to free and fair elections and help restore key democratic institutions. The A3+ supports a strengthened mandate for BINUH, enabling it to effectively support the Haitian people during this time. In our view, Haiti’s security and political developments demand more robust support from the international community. While the text adopted today is not perfect, it certainly acknowledges that need and therefore requests that BINUH develop a strategy, in consultation with the Haitian Government, on how it will support a transparent, Haitian-led and Haitian- owned political process. We also welcome the attention given to supporting the Haitian National Police and judicial authorities and to ensuring accountability for the victims of criminal gangs, particularly women and children. Those efforts must prioritize the protection of the most vulnerable and establish a safe and just environment for all Haitians. In that context, collaboration and coordination between BINUH and the Multinational Security Support Mission is also critical. The A3+ will continue to support BINUH in the execution of its mandate. BINUH’s work is necessary to support the Haitian Government in strengthening political stability, security, good governance and the rule of law in the country and in preserving a peaceful and stable environment to advance the sustainable development of Haiti. We commend the dedicated efforts of the BINUH team in implementing its mandate and wish the mission every success in its work. In conclusion, the A3+ reiterates our firm support for the Government and people of Haiti. We are hopeful that the progress made in recent weeks and today’s renewal of BINUH’s mandate mark the beginning of a new and positive chapter for Haiti.

Malta welcomes the Security Council’s unanimous adoption of resolution 2743 (2024), which renews the mandate of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) for another 12 months. Malta warmly thanks the penholders, Ecuador and the United States, which engaged openly and tirelessly with all Council members in order to ensure a consensual and timely adoption. When the Council renewed BINUH’s mandate last year (see S/PV.9377), Haiti was in a different context. Recent developments in the political and security fronts have created new opportunities and hope in Haiti’s path to stability. We commend the political progress that has been made and look forward to BINUH further supporting the Government’s efforts to advance the Haitian-led and -owned political process towards the holding of free and fair elections. We reiterate that the full, equal, meaningful and safe political participation of women must be a priority. BINUH’s advisory support to the Haitian National Police will continue to be critical in its efforts to bring security and the rule of law to Haiti. Coordination among BINUH, the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti and the Haitian Government will also be key. We emphasize BINUH’s important role relating to human rights compliance reporting and monitoring. This work is crucial considering the high levels of violence, including systematic sexual and gender-based violence and grave violations against children. Malta strongly supports the use of targeted sanctions in Haiti, and we hope the Council will swiftly update the list of designated individuals and entities. The full implementation of the arms embargo to curb the illicit flow of weapons is also a priority. Malta offers our full support to the work of BINUH, under the leadership of Special Representative Salvador. We reiterate our solidarity with the Haitian people and call on all Member States to support Haiti by scaling up donations to the Multinational Security Support Mission and Haiti’s humanitarian response plan.

While Haiti has seen some improvements in its security situation and certain political processes, the country’s multidimensional crisis has yet to be effectively addressed and its people still suffer severe hardship. Resolution 2743 (2024), adopted unanimously just now, signals continued international support and assistance to the Haitian people and reflects the ongoing interest, attention and concern of the international community and the United Nations regarding the situation in Haiti. In that regard, I wish to stress three points. First, resolution 2743 (2024) calls for all Haitian parties to continue their inclusive dialogue and agree on a time-bound and commonly accepted road map for elections. We hope that all parties and factions in Haiti will implement the resolution and facilitate further positive progress in the political process, with a view to the fundamental and long-term interests of the country and people. We encourage the Haitian authorities to submit reports to the Council in a timely manner. Secondly, resolution 2743 (2024) emphasizes the Council’s wish to take immediate further action on strengthening the arms embargo on Haiti, in the light of sanctions extensions and other matters related to the timeline. We hope that the penholders will communicate with Council members promptly to put forward concrete action plans. We also urge the Haitian authorities to genuinely assume their responsibilities, as outlined in the resolution, to fill the gaps in arms regulation. Thirdly, resolution 2743 (2024) reiterates its support for the effective fulfilment of BINUH’s mandate and calls for it to fully resume its presence in Haiti as soon as possible and make full use of its mandate and resources to carry out its work. We hope that BINUH, the United Nations Country Team and the Multinational Security Support Mission can strengthen coordination and ensure complementarity to work in synergy in their engagement with the Haitian authorities. Last but not least, I wish to take this opportunity to commend the penholders for their efforts in the consultations. I hope that Council members are able to remain united in order to jointly assist Haiti in achieving stability and development on the basis of its own strengths.

I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of the Russian Federation. The Russian Federation voted in support of the resolution on extending the mandate of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) (resolution 2743 (2024)). The unanimous decision by the Security Council is a signal of support for the work that is being done by the special political mission, which, even under the most difficult circumstances, has remained on the ground and continued to implement its mandate. We are grateful to Head of BINUH and Special Representative of the Secretary-General María Salvador for her fortitude and courage in that position of important responsibility. We expect that, before the end of the mandate, the Integrated Office will be able to fully restore its presence in Port- au-Prince, so as to be more effective in implementing the key tasks of supporting political dialogue and assisting the Haitian National Police and the law enforcement system of the country as a whole. We note the constructive approach on the part of the co-sponsors of the resolution and the efforts seeking consensus on the part of all Council members, which allowed us to agree today’s document in advance. We do hope that the same positive stance will continue when we are working on the sanctions dossier and that the interests of individual members of the Council will not be prioritized above the task of supporting an inclusive political dialogue that is conducted by the Haitians themselves. I resume my functions as President of the Council. I now give the floor to the representative of Haiti.

At the outset, I would like to thank the Russian presidency for organizing this meeting on the renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH). Allow me to take this opportunity to express to the Security Council the gratitude of the Government and people of Haiti for its efforts to help restore peace and stability in my country. The Haitian Government, through my office, welcomes the unanimous adoption of resolution 2743 (2024), which extends BINUH’s mandate for another year. It is a renewal of the international community’s commitment to work for peace, security and political stability in Haiti and to help our country combat the violence and insecurity created by armed gangs and restore peace and security. The adoption of this resolution is a strong endorsement by the international community of efforts to help Haiti re-establish democratic institutions and advance the political transition, with the participation of all sectors of society. In that regard, we appreciate the flexibility and constructive spirit shown by Council members during the consultations, which contributed to reaching a consensus on the text, demonstrating the unity of the Security Council in its support for my country. The Government notes with satisfaction that the Council welcomes the positive advances made on the political front, such as the establishment of the Transitional Presidential Council and the swearing-in of the Prime Minister and his Cabinet. It underscores the need for all Haitian stakeholders, with the support of BINUH, to continue to drive forward a Haitian-led and -owned political process leading to the holding of free and fair legislative and presidential elections. It welcomes the fact that BINUH’s role has been strengthened and includes new responsibilities. The call for BINUH to develop a strategy in consultation with the Haitian Government to continue supporting the political process with the aim of promptly re-establishing democratic institutions, encouraging the participation of all sectors of Haitian society and helping the Haitian electoral authorities to advance the political transition is therefore welcome. Support for the stabilization and strengthening of State institutions and major governance reforms are equally welcome. The Haitian Government also welcomes the Council’s decision to encourage BINUH to continue implementing a series of tasks already included in its mandate, including technical and advisory support to Haitian judicial and police authorities in such areas as anti-gang tactics, investigative capacity, respect for human rights, community engagement and violence reduction, border management and the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of gang members. We welcome the fact that the resolution, while noting the deployment of the first contingent of the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti, stresses the need for coordination between BINUH as the main focal point for United Nations entities in Haiti, the Multinational Security Support Mission and other stakeholders. Such collaboration remains essential to optimize the actions of the various players on the ground and to avoid duplication. Equally important is the call for BINUH to support the Haitian authorities in developing a strategic communications plan to combat misinformation and disinformation about the political transition. Haiti warmly welcomes those initiatives. In that respect, it is important that BINUH be provided with the resources it needs to properly carry out its new mandate. The extension of BINUH’s mandate is certainly a step in the right direction. But much more remains to be done. Renewing the mandate is not on its own enough to help the Government meet the security and humanitarian challenges that Haiti is facing. We need to bring about a convergence of synergies and come up with innovative ideas commensurate with the complexity of the situation. The arrival of the first contingents of Kenyan police officers from the Multinational Security Support Mission to support the efforts of the Haitian National Police in its fight against heavily armed gangs has raised high hopes among the Haitian population of an end to their suffering and to the violence being inflicted upon them. In that regard, I echo the Council in its call for Member States, including countries of the region, to provide security support to the Haitian National Police in response to Haiti’s request and the Secretary-General’s recommendations, stressing the need to redouble efforts to meet the budgetary and operational requirements of the Multinational Security Support Mission; in that regard further encouraging Member States and regional organizations to make voluntary contributions and to provide financial support, personnel and in-kind commitments; and requesting the United Nations Secretariat to assist Member States that have made pledges to the trust fund with the fulfilment of their pledges.

I now give the floor to the representative of Saint Kitts and Nevis.

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) welcomes the adoption of the resolution renewing the mandate of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) until July 2025 (resolution 2743 (2024)). We view this as a positive signal that the Security Council remains committed to assisting the Haitian Government and people in addressing the multidimensional challenges they face, and which impede their efforts at securing a better future. CARICOM acknowledges the important role that BINUH has been playing in our sister member State and reaffirms its steadfast support to BINUH in the implementation of its mandate. The renewal of BINUH’S mandate comes at a critical time, and it is a step in the right direction, since the Office continues to make an important contribution towards the restoration of good governance, peace and security in Haiti. The renewal of BINUH’s mandate, coupled with the recent deployment of the first contingent of the Multinational Security Support Mission, presents a crucial opportunity for progress in Haiti, and we continue to urge full support for both mechanisms. CARICOM echoes the call contained in the resolution for Haitian stakeholders to work with BINUH and for other partners to advance a Haitian-led, Haitian-owned political process towards the holding of free and fair legislative and presidential elections, with the full, equal, meaningful and safe participation of women and the engagement of youth and civil society. This is the immediate path to peace and stability, and we urge all relevant stakeholders to cooperate fully in charting that path forward. CARICOM calls on States Members of the United Nations to comply fully with the provisions of the resolution, particularly those related to the arms embargo. We underscore the prohibition on the supply, sale or transfer of small arms, light weapons and ammunition to gangs and actors engaged in or supporting gang violence, criminal activities or human rights abuses in Haiti, such as sexual and gender-based violence, as well as the need to take all appropriate steps to prevent their illicit trafficking and diversion. We cannot fuel instability in Haiti while simultaneously attempting to build the foundation for peace. As CARICOM continues to play an active role in assisting Haiti with overcoming its present challenges, as evidenced in its Eminent Persons Group and the region’s ongoing preparations to contribute to the Mission, we continue to appeal to all Member States to do more to partner with Haiti. Increased financial contributions to satisfy the budgetary and operational needs of the Mission are particularly critical at this time. In closing, CARICOM welcomes the decision of the Security Council to renew BINUH’s mandate and looks forward to receiving updates on its activities through its quarterly reports.