S/PV.9757 Security Council

In accordance with rule 37 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representatives of the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Kenya to participate in this meeting. On behalf of the Council, I welcome His Excellency Mr. Roberto Álvarez Gil, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic. In accordance with rule 39 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the following briefers to participate in this meeting: Ms. María Isabel Salvador, Special Representative of the Secretary- General and Head of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti; Ms. Catherine Russell, Executive Director of the United Nations Children’s Fund; and Ms. Rosy Auguste Ducéna, Programme Manager, National Human Rights Defence Network. 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/2024/742, which contains the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti. I now have the pleasure of giving the floor to Ms. Salvador. Ms. Salvador: Since my previous briefing to the Council in July (see S/PV.9679), the situation in Haiti has regrettably worsened. There are more than 700,000 internally displaced persons, which means a 22 per cent increase in the past three months. The political process, despite initial advances, which I reported already in July, is now facing significant challenges, turning hope into deep concern. The security situation remains extremely fragile with renewed peaks of acute violence. Haitians continue to suffer across the country as criminal gang activities escalate and expand beyond Port-au-Prince, spreading fear and terror, overwhelming the national security apparatus. The humanitarian situation is even more dire today. On 3 October, a horrific and brutal gang attack on the small town of Pont Sondé, in the Artibonite department, left 115 civilians dead and dozens injured. The attack highlighted the insecurity in which Haitians are forced to live and has further exacerbated the humanitarian crisis. That horrific event, which shocked the country, drove thousands of residents to flee their homes, seeking refuge in other areas, and is yet another reminder of the deepening insecurity that continues to wreak havoc on the daily lives of Haitian people. Gangs are also attacking at sea. Small boats transporting civilians from the capital to other areas in Haiti have been attacked. Personnel of international cargo freight companies have been kidnapped, causing international freight companies to suspend services to Haiti. Over the past five days, this weekend, various areas of Port-au-Prince  — such as Solino, Nazon, Lower Delmas, Cité Militaire, Drouillard, Tabarre, Croix-de-Bouquets, Cité Doudoune and Arcahaie, in the West department, as well as L’Estère, in the Artibonite department  — have been consistently attacked by different gang groups of the Viv Ansam alliance. (spoke in French) I would like to emphasize the devastating impact that violence has on the people of Haiti. Women, men and especially children feel the full brunt of the atrocities committed by the gangs, manifested in killings, kidnapping, sexual violence and unheard-of brutality in the affected regions. The gangs systematically use sexual violence as a weapon of terror and submission, inflicting untold suffering on women and girls and other vulnerable groups. The Haitian people continue suffering in terrible living conditions, with increasingly limited access to essential services, in particular in those areas to which thousands of people have been displaced as they fled that terror. (spoke in English) Since the first deployment in June, the Kenyan contingents of the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti have been joined by counterparts from the Bahamas, Belize and Jamaica. Approximately 430 personnel are deployed, and their presence is a welcome development. However, it is far from enough. The announcement made by President Ruto of Kenya on the deployment in the coming weeks of further contingents to complement the already deployed forces is of course very well received. Despite some pledges to the trust fund, the Mission remains critically underresourced, which could impact deployment and impede it from carrying out its tasks in support of the Haitian National Police and of the Haitian Armed Forces. I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the members of the Council for the renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) in July. The renewed mandate provides the necessary framework for BINUH to continue its critical work in supporting Haiti during this transition period. In response to the Council’s request, we have actively developed a comprehensive strategy to support the Haitian-led political process. The strategy incorporates the need for strengthened, inclusive national dialogue, reinforced support for electoral and constitutional reforms and increased public security through enhanced cooperation with the Haitian National Police and the Multinational Security Support Mission. I would also like to take this opportunity, of course, to thank members for their decisive support to resolutions regarding Haiti, including on the renewal of the sanctions regime and the mandate of the Multinational Security Support Mission mandate. Throughout the reporting period, the limited progress achieved by national authorities in implementing transitional governance arrangements agreed upon was seriously overshadowed by increasing divergences within the dual-headed executive. On 7 October, Mr. Leslie Voltaire succeeded Mr. Edgard LeBlanc as President of the Transitional Presidential Council, in a modified order of the pro tempore presidency of the Council amid corruption allegations against three of its members. Tensions between the Transitional Presidential Council and the Government have increased. As a result, public frustration over the conflictual dynamics affecting the work of the transitional authorities has increased, and it is eroding trust in the current political process. Delivering on its mandate, BINUH is working to strengthen collaboration within the two-headed executive, urging them to set aside differences and focus on addressing insecurity, governance reforms and electoral preparations. The two-headed executive needs to act in unity and with a greater sense of responsibility to address the country’s most pressing challenges. (spoke in French) In that environment, the joint efforts by the transitional authorities, be it in the security, political or good governance area, must be accompanied by firm measures to counter impunity and corruption and by strengthening the rule of law. Strengthening the judicial institutions in Haiti and their capacity to work completely independently so as to ensure that justice is served remains fundamental in order to restore and build the confidence of citizens and their leaders and Government institutions. (spoke in English) The Transitional Presidential Council mandated a national conference, an inclusive multi-stakeholder mechanism, to provide recommendations on constitutional reforms, the development of a new social contract and the redefinition of State-society relations, including reforms to the judicial system and the organization of State institutions. Empowering, enabling and supporting the work of the national conference is urgent, including to avoid delays in the implementation of its mandate, which could have a negative impact on the electoral timetable. The nomination and installation, on 18 October, of seven out of nine members of the provisional electoral council in their functions is a first step in the right direction. Nevertheless, the full establishment of the provisional electoral council is urgently required. I urge the remaining sectors to nominate the representatives promptly to allow the completion of the provisional electoral council. The active participation of all sectors is crucial and allows for electoral preparations to move forward at full speed, including with regard to the road map as requested by the Council. Women and human rights sectors cannot be absent from that process. Further delays will necessarily have an impact on the agreed electoral timeline. The humanitarian situation remains extremely dire. Food insecurity affects nearly half of the population, and gang control over key access roads has severely disrupted the distribution of essential goods and services. As a result, prices have increased and many communities are on the verge of collapse owing to food shortages and ongoing violence, which has left large swaths of agricultural land unproductive. That combination of insecurity and economic instability has led to widespread displacement, which I already mentioned. The International Organization for Migration has reported a significant increase in the number of internationally displaced persons. In addition, only 20 per cent of health facilities in Port- au-Prince are operational, and 40 per cent nationwide. Some 45 per cent of the population lack access to clean drinking water. Access to education is critically hindered, with 1,000 schools closed owing to insecurity. The new governance arrangements for the transition, the expected deployment of the Multinational Security Support Mission and the prospect of holding elections before the end of 2025 offered a glimmer of hope some months ago. Nevertheless, time is marching on. Guaranteeing inclusive, credible and participatory elections, including both a referendum and general elections, a steadfast commitment by all stakeholders to revitalizing the national consensus and placing national interests above their own is of the essence. It is only through unwavering dedication to the implementation of the commitments agreed upon in March that the elections can truly contribute to restoring governance and stability in Haiti. Further efforts are needed to rebuild public trust and ensure the legitimacy of the political process. Support to the Haitian security apparatus and the funding of the Multinational Security Support Mission are fundamental. (spoke in French) The road to follow for Haiti is full of pitfalls. We therefore urge the political actors to ensure the political process does not become derailed, and we call on the international community to maintain its unflagging support to the people of Haiti as they look for stability. BINUH, together with its partners, will continue providing the needed strategic support to navigate this critical period. Political progress, improving the security situation and the targeted measures against spoilers who continue to threaten Haiti on the road to restoring democratic institutions will all remain essential in the future. The resilience and the strength of the people of Haiti are extraordinary and merit our unflagging support across the board. We should remain determined to help Haiti on its road towards security, stability and prosperity.

I thank Ms. Salvador for her briefing. I now give the floor to Ms. Russell. Ms. Russell: It is good to be here for this very important discussion on the deepening humanitarian crisis in Haiti. I would like to express my appreciation to Ambassador Pascale Baeriswyl for hosting this briefing during Switzerland’s Security Council presidency and for inviting me here today. I speak here both as UNICEF Executive Director and as the designated Principal Advocate on the Humanitarian Situation in Haiti for the Inter-Agency Standing Committee. Since I briefed the Council six months ago on the crisis in Haiti (see S/PV.9613), the catastrophic situation has continued to deteriorate. Each day, Haitians endure some of the worst abuses, rights violations and threats to their lives that we are seeing anywhere in the world. According to a report issued last month by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, more than 3,600 people have reportedly been killed in 2024. Armed groups are regularly committing grave rights violations against children, including killing and maiming. And so far this year, we have seen a staggering increase in reported incidents of sexual violence against women and children, including gender-based violence. Armed groups are also actively recruiting and using children in their operations. We estimate that children account for 30 to 50 per cent of armed group members. They are being used as informants, cooks and sex slaves, and they are being forced to perpetrate armed violence themselves. Across the country, 5.5 million people, including 3 million children, needed humanitarian assistance so far this year, with nearly half of the population facing severe food insecurity and increasing malnutrition. More than 700,000 people, including more than 360,000 children, are now internally displaced. Many have sought shelter with relatives and host families far from their own homes, while thousands are living in overcrowded camps or shelters, where they are still at risk of violence and exploitation. Just this past weekend, attacks in the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince left an additional 4,000 people displaced. That cycle of violence and displacement is now a lethal pattern that is upending the lives of children and families. The crisis is also depriving children of their right to education. So far this year, more than 300,000 children have lost out on learning, with schools being closed, attacked or repurposed as temporary shelters for displaced people. As the new school year gets under way, children who are out of school will be at a heightened risk of violence and recruitment by armed groups. In addition, the violence and insecurity are undermining the ability of humanitarian actors to consistently reach Haitians in need. While our teams have worked tirelessly to reach areas controlled by armed groups, with some success, our access remains limited, uneven and unpredictable. Consequently, many of the 1.6 million women and children who live in besieged communities are largely cut off from humanitarian aid. Despite the rampant violence and dire humanitarian conditions, children and families are still being returned to Haiti. Many of those being returned are highly vulnerable, often lacking resources, official documentation and access to essential services. In some cases, children who have been returned have little to no family support in Haiti, and they are left to fend for themselves. Even in the face of violence and limited access, aid workers are staying and continuing to deliver assistance to people in need. So far this year, the United Nations and our partners have reached more than 1.2 million people with food and almost half a million with critical water, sanitation and hygiene supplies, screened nearly 300,000 children for wasting and provided nearly 600,000 people with health services. But that is far from enough. With conditions worsening by the day, we must urgently expand the humanitarian response, including in the areas controlled by armed groups. That response should also strengthen the capacity and resiliency of Haitian organizations and institutions over the longer term. I must emphasize that a scaled-up and sustained response will be successful only with robust support from the Council. Now is the moment for all of us to invest in Haiti, its people and its future. But the window for action is shrinking. I urge Council members to commit to a series of critical steps to help the population of Haiti. First, the Council must use its leverage with State actors and armed groups to protect human rights, to end grave rights violations against children and to cease attacks on civilian infrastructure. Secondly, flexible humanitarian funding must be significantly increased to humanitarian actors on the ground. The humanitarian response plan for Haiti remains just 42 per cent funded for 2024. Thirdly, complementary investments must be scaled up in basic social services and development assistance to support recovery and resilience-building. Fourthly, protection support for humanitarian operations on the ground must be improved. Today is my last occasion to speak with the Council as the Principal Advocate on the Humanitarian Situation in Haiti for the Inter-Agency Standing Committee. I take this opportunity to thank members for their efforts to date to alleviate the crisis, and I implore all of us to urgently prioritize increased political and financial commitments for Haiti. This is a pivotal moment for the country, with the Transitional Presidential Council and the Government now in place leading the effort, and with the Multinational Security Support Mission supporting security initiatives. Those are both very important steps. Now we must do our part. The international community has the tools and the resources to help Haiti emerge from this crisis and to embark on a sustained road to recovery. The question is one of will. Do we have the will to do what is needed — to work hand in hand with the Haitian people to build a peaceful, prosperous society where human rights are respected and upheld? I believe that we do. Haitians, and particularly the children of Haiti, are counting on us. We must not — and we cannot — let them down.

I thank Ms. Russell for her briefing. I now give the floor to Ms. Ducéna.

I thank you, Madam President, for giving me the opportunity to update the Council today on the general human rights situation in Haiti. I am Rosy Auguste Ducéna, a lawyer, human rights activist and programme manager at the National Human Rights Defence Network, where I have been active since 2002, and President of the group Together Against Corruption. The social, political and economic drama we are experiencing in Haiti is motivated by the impunity for financial and common crimes. For a long time, we believed that struggling for the prosecution and conviction of those involved in crimes against the lives and property of citizens was enough. We did not fully appreciate the weight of impunity for financial crimes. Corruption plagues the country. The handling of the latest scandal, which tainted members of the Transitional Presidential Council desperate to hold on to power, is irrefutable proof of that. The Haitian public administration is the victim of a vast operation to plunder State resources, in which officials and managers siphon off public funds and illegally enrich themselves. In addition, weapons, ammunition and drugs are being sold illegally on national territory. And all that dirty money, generated by those illegal activities, flows easily into a financial system that has very few controls. Because of that impunity around financial and common crimes illegal weapons circulate in the country, fuelling the insecurity that has become a system. Armed bandits continue to wreak havoc on the population, killing people every day, abducting and kidnapping them, orchestrating massacres and armed attacks, in the knowledge that they will never be tried by a highly complacent judiciary. And the sums allocated to the intelligence services of the various State bodies are misappropriated. Also because of that impunity for financial and common crimes the bandits arrogantly continue to set up toll booths and demand that the Haitian population pay for the right to pass. Makeshift camps set up by citizens fleeing the massacres and armed attacks by bandits are multiplying unchecked. Sexual assaults continue to be perpetrated in a country where women and girls are constantly at risk, because gang rape is used as a weapon and the bodies of women and girls are used as a battleground. Age does not protect us — girls as young as 3 years old and elderly women are raped with impunity. Our place of residence does not protect us — we are hunted down in makeshift camps or even in our own homes, to be gang-raped. And the survivors, totally destroyed physically and psychologically, receive no assistance from the State authorities. The Haitian justice system is as dysfunctional as it is corrupt. Several first-instance courts are littered with Government magistrates and deputy magistrates who release members of armed gangs in exchange for bribes. Judges with little courage do not want to rule on the cases before them for judicial investigation. Corruption cases are dismissed or dismantled, and in some jurisdictions in the country, justice is sold to the final bidder. Haiti is in the throes of a multidimensional crisis that is having a huge impact on the enjoyment of civil and political rights, as well as economic and social rights. We are mired in extreme poverty, and our lives are punctuated by armed gangs that control our neighbourhoods, schools, hospitals, commerce and movement for economic, financial, electoral and political purposes. While the sanctions regime put in place by the United Nations is a tool in the fight against impunity for financial crimes and human rights violations, for it to be more effective the sanctioned leaders and members of armed gangs must also include all those who have supported and continue to support them. Today the international community must not repeat make the mistake of believing that holding elections under any conditions will help to pull the country out of the doldrums. Similarly, the worrisome security situation will not be resolved by multinational or even United Nations forces that fail to take account of the scale of the disaster — the bandits are heavily armed and highly organized assassins. Because of the seriousness of the sociopolitical situation, the impoverished Haitian people resigned themselves to entrusting a Council of nine members, including two observers, with a task that should have been carried out by a single person. They are costing us so much that, when they leave, they will leave the country in the lurch, even though they are producing very little in the way of results. However, the restoration of security, constitutional reform and the organization of elections, with a view to a return to constitutional order, presuppose a commitment in good faith on the part of both the State authorities and the international community to the definitive resolution of this never-ending Haitian crisis. We therefore propose that the Council remain attentive to the needs of the Haitian people; apply sanctions to all those responsible for the situation in the country; fully apply them, in particular the arms embargo and the freezing of assets of those on whom sanctions have been levied; demand that the United Nations States Members faithfully and fully respect the sanctions; ask that the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti , whose mandate was just been renewed, work together with law enforcement to effectively take down the armed gangs; ask the Haitian authorities to move forward with the vetting of the country’s various public prosecutor’s offices to clean up the justice system; proceed with the vetting of the police and strengthen that institution so as to avoid that the Security Council has to send yet another force to Haiti a few years after the Mission’s departure; call on the Haitian authorities to adopt appropriate measures to protect women and girls from sexual assault; demand that the Haitian authorities clean up public administration and public finances; and, lastly, call on the Haitian authorities to commit themselves to effectively combating corruption and impunity, which have become part of the system.

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

I thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms. María Isabel Salvador, for her briefing. The work that the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) is doing on the ground is critical to support Haiti on its path to a democratic transition. Let me also thank UNICEF Executive Director Cathy Russell and Ms. Rosy Auguste Ducéna, of the National Human Rights Defence Network, for their sombre, but important, perspectives on the horrific challenges that the Haitian people continue to face. I want to begin by acknowledging the horrible massacre at Pont Sondé. We remember the lives lost, many of which were those of women and children. Their deaths remind us why the work of BINUH and the international community for the people of Haiti is so important. We strongly condemn the horrific attacks on civilians, just as the United States condemns ongoing gang violence aimed at destabilizing the Government. Despite that tragedy, there are some signs of progress. First, on the political track, we saw the standing up of the Transitional Presidential Council in April and the appointment of the Prime Minister in May and the new Cabinet in June. The United States appreciates that Haiti’s leaders are putting aside their differences and working together to put the country on the path to free and fair elections. We strongly support the efforts of Prime Minister Conille and his Cabinet in advancing the national priorities established by the Transitional Presidential Council. Now is not the time for political infighting. Now is the time for Haitian national unity in the international fight against the gangs. As the political process moves forward, in parallel, so too must the necessary efforts to provide a strong security foundation. In that regard, we must work to sustain the gains made by the Multinational Security Support Mission, re-authorized by the Security Council, following the deployment of the first contingent of the Mission in June, which was then followed by another tranche in July. The unanimous renewal of the Mission mandate sends a strong message to the people of Haiti that the world is standing with them. While we work to bolster the Mission now, we also must heed clear calls from the Haitian Government to ensure long-term sustainability of this effort. As President Leblanc of the Transitional Presidential Council said before the General Assembly, a transformation of the Mission to a United Nations peacekeeping operation would secure more stable funding and expand the Mission’s capabilities. The United States, with Ecuador, stands ready to work with the Council and its members to heed Haiti’s call and to urgently transition the Mission to a United Nations peacekeeping operation. In recent weeks, the Mission, with the Haitian National Police (HNP), has increased joint operations, taking the fight to the gangs and delivering a powerful message — the Haitian people, not Haitian gangs, will write the country’s future. We stand with the Haitian people, the HNP and the Multinational Security Support Mission, including the brave Kenyan, Jamaican, Belizean and Bahamian forces, in their efforts to restore security. The Mission and the HNP have managed to protect residents of several areas, repel gangs, capture weapons and eliminate multiple gang members. As a result, the airport reopened. Commercial flights have resumed, allowing goods to enter the country. In parts of Port- au-Prince, we have seen the confidence of the citizens increase. There is more economic activity, more markets have opened and more people are venturing out. But at this critical moment we need more funding, and we need more equipment to sustain and carry out the critical objectives of the Mission. Let us also be clear: individuals who aim to destabilize Haiti for personal gain should be more concerned for Haiti and its people. Those responsible will be held to account by Haitian and international authorities. We welcome Haitian efforts to address corruption allegations and promote transparency and accountability. They are essential for the Transitional Government to maintain the trust of the Haitian people. On 27 September, Prophane Victor and Luckson Elan were designated for United Nations assets freezes and travel bans after the United States nominated them to the Haiti Sanctions Committee. Those designations, based on the reporting of the Panel of Experts established pursuant to resolution 2653 (2022), serve as a deterrent to other individuals whom the Panel identifies in its public reporting for enabling gang violence. We will use every tool that we have to promote accountability for those who facilitate violence, drug trafficking and instability. We have seen a good start to moving Haiti forward, but much remains to be done. We are determined to continue. We are determined to help the Haitian people write the future that they deserve.

I would like to express my thanks for the valuable briefings, and I acknowledge the presence of high-level representatives of countries at this meeting. On 24 January 2023, at the first meeting at which the situation of Haiti was considered during Ecuador’s fourth term as an elected member on the Security Council (see S/PV.9247), we confirmed taking on the role as co-penholders on this issue and committed ourselves to strengthening the support of the Council and the United Nations system for Haiti, within the framework of full respect for its sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and unity. Ecuador has historically supported Haiti. Since then, six resolutions have been adopted, five of them unanimously, which reflects our deep commitment to a proactive discussion that has allowed us to overcome geopolitical tensions, with the contribution of all the members of the Security Council. Resolutions 2692 (2023), 2699 (2023), 2700 (2023), 2743 (2024), 2751 (2024) and 2752 (2024) mark a solid legal and political foundation on which to build so that Haitians themselves may move forward without delay towards a future of peace and sustainable development. In the area of security, thanks to the leadership of Kenya, several Caribbean Community countries and the region, the Multinational Security Support Mission has become a reality and constitutes an ideal tool to face the immediate challenges, which deserves the full support of the international community. Concrete and increased support for the trust fund is now required to sustain and accelerate the deployment of the Mission. And in order to let the criminal gangs know that they will have no rest, we must responsibly consider initiating possible alternatives to strengthen security in Haiti, including a future exit strategy for the Mission or its transition into a peacekeeping mission, as the Haitian people already requested. The political process and transitional governance arrangements, under Haitian ownership, must move forward, paving the way for free and transparent elections, in line with the 11 March agreement facilitated by the Caribbean Community, with a view to ensuring that the country is governed without corruption and impunity, and under the rule of law. We recognize the instrumental role of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) in that regard, as well as the need for it to coordinate the implementation of its strategy to facilitate dialogue through a transition process, which can be successful only if it is inclusive and representative, with a focus on empowering young people and women. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime is a key body for combating arms trafficking in Haiti and tracking illicit financial flows. The latter feed into transnational organized crime, which does not respect borders and is fuelled by the most depraved forms of human exploitation. On the humanitarian front, several speakers this afternoon raised the issue that nearly 50 per cent of Haiti’s population is food insecure, in addition to the exponential increase in displaced persons in the country, which puts children in a situation of greater vulnerability. There is no need to further elaborate on the diagnosis of this distressing humanitarian and human rights crisis; we need to continue to address it with mitigation measures. As I mentioned at the beginning of my statement, in the nearly two years that Ecuador has been on the Council, six resolutions have been adopted with a view to realizing Haiti’s aspirations for peace and development. However, those resolutions are insufficient when we consider the words of Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed on 21 December 2022 in this very Chamber, which I would like to repeat, because they are so pertinent, when she said that “There are many other crises around the world, but very few crises, if any, test our commitment and values like the one we are witnessing in Haiti. It is a test of the common humanity that should be at the heart of international cooperation.” (S/PV.9233, p.3) I therefore would once again like recall a question that we have asked on several occasions. If we, as members of the Security Council, are not able to contribute to ending the state of violence and cruelty in Haiti caused by gangs, how can we aspire to resolve much larger conflicts in the world? That is why resolving the Haiti issue is central to ensuring confidence in the United Nations and in multilateralism. With that in mind, and given that this is the last meeting in which my delegation is discussing a quarterly report (S/2024/742) from BINUH, I feel compelled to renew Ecuador’s call on the international community to redouble its support for the Haitian people. We also call on all responsible actors to learn from the past and to act with courage and in good faith towards the collective good. Ecuador will continue to do its part.

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the three African members of the Security Council plus (A3+), namely, Algeria, Mozambique, Sierra Leone and my own country, Guyana. We wish to thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Salvador for her update on the situation in Haiti and for the comprehensive report of the Secretary-General (S/2024/742) on the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), provided in advance of today’s meeting. We welcome the assessment provided by Ms. Russell and listened carefully to the briefing by Ms. Ducéna. We also welcome the participation of the Permanent Representatives of Haiti and Kenya, as well as Mr. Roberto Álvarez Gil, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic, in today’s meeting. Today’s meeting comes on the heels of Dessalines Day, a day of special significance for Haitians as they commemorate the life and legacy of the founding father of Haiti, Jean-Jacques Dessalines, and reflect on the country’s long struggle for freedom. We extend our best wishes to the Haitian people and hope that this time of reflection will once again bolster their collective resolve to break free from the current crisis and forge a brighter future for Haiti — one of peace, unity and prosperity. The journey to a better future for Haiti has started and demands that political actors and other stakeholders in Haiti show unity of purpose and safeguard the gains already achieved, by faithfully implementing the transitional governance arrangements and building public confidence in State institutions. This remains the most viable path for restoring stability and security, free and fair elections and the restoration of democratic institutions, thereby meeting the foremost expectations of the Haitian people. The A3+ notes positively that some aspects of the transitional governance arrangements have begun and looks forward to their completion, including the full establishment of the provisional electoral council, the formation of the national security council and the Government action control body. We also welcome the timely completion by BINUH of its strategy of support for the Haitian-led political process, as requested in resolution 2743 (2024), and take note of the six priority areas identified. There is reason for cautious optimism about the transition process in Haiti; however, free, fair, inclusive and transparent elections require a safe and secure environment in which voters can exercise their franchise without fear of intimidation or harm. In that context, the security situation remains an urgent and pressing concern that must be effectively addressed. The A3+ condemns the shocking attacks carried out by armed criminal gangs on 3 October in Pont Sondé and extends our condolences to the bereaved. The scale and brutality of that recent attack demonstrate the severity of the security crisis confronting Haiti, as gangs attempt to relocate and recalibrate in response to the arrival of security reinforcements. It also underlines the urgent need for the full deployment of the Multinational Security Support Mission to effectively turn the tide in the battle against brutal criminal gangs. We once again commend the countries that have committed to providing personnel to the Multinational Security Support Mission and welcome the deployment thus far of personnel from Kenya, Jamaica, Belize and the Bahamas. The A3+ calls for greater solidarity and cooperation from Member States to address the resource gap impeding the Mission’s full deployment so that it can fully and effectively carry out its mandate. We welcome the concrete pledges announced during last month’s high-level meetings and hope that they will be swiftly disbursed. On the institutional side, we commend the leadership of the Multinational Security Support Mission for the proactive stance taken to establish the human-rights compliance mechanism and strengthen technical and operational coordination with BINUH. We also take note of the progress achieved in elaborating guiding documents such as the oversight, accountability and compliance policy and the awareness-raising sessions held on the principles of the use of force, the treatment of children associated with gangs, the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse and humanitarian principles. The A3+ feels compelled to reiterate its call for greater efforts to be made by Member States to curb the illicit trafficking and diversion of arms and ammunition, as well as illicit financial flows, to Haiti. Without access to illegal weapons and ammunition, armed criminal gangs would not have been able to hold nearly the entire country hostage. Those weapons are also being used to commit sexual and gender-based violence and to forcibly recruit and attack children, including targeting institutions for children with disabilities. The A3+ condemns those heinous crimes and demands that the perpetrators be brought to justice. We note the Government’s commitment to judicial reform, curbing corruption and implementing the national strategy for disarmament, disengagement, reintegration and community violence reduction, which we hope will soon be concretized. We also welcome the Council’s decision last week (see S/PV.9752) to renew the sanctions measures and expand the arms embargo. We underscore the need to fully implement and enforce the arms embargo and other sanctions measures and remain prepared to expand the sanctions list. The A3+ is deeply concerned about the worsening humanitarian situation in Haiti, described by the Secretary-General as “the most disastrous humanitarian situation in the world”. More than 703,000 people, including children, have been forced to flee their homes due to gang violence. Many children are also impacted by school closures in the Ouest and Artibonite departments and cannot access adequate food and health care. The rising food insecurity incidence in Haiti is of particular concern as malnutrition levels soar and more than 2 million people face emergency levels of acute food insecurity. The Artibonite department, which accounts for more than 70 per cent of the country’s rice production, has seen declining production levels due to insecurity and water shortages. Moreover, gang attacks against cargo ships and the blocking of key access routes also impact the availability of food and essential goods. Together with the security response, the A3+ urges scaled-up support for the humanitarian response and encourages Member States and regional organizations to provide technical and other forms of support to Haiti to sustain its core public services. In conclusion, the A3+ urges every Member State of the United Nations to extend its hand in friendship and solidarity to the Haitian people, through the provision of tangible support so that they can surmount this devastating crisis.

I thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Salvador and Executive Director Russell for their briefings. I welcome the participation of the Permanent Representatives of Haiti and Kenya, as well as Foreign Minister Álvarez Gil from the Dominican Republic, in our meeting today. I would also like to thank Ms. Auguste Ducéna for joining us today. As she and the other briefers made clear, the crisis in Haiti continues to bring unimaginable daily suffering and misery to the Haitian people. The Council remains shocked and appalled by the barbarity and human rights abuses committed by gangs. The United Kingdom welcomes the unanimous renewal of the mandate of the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti, and we pay tribute to Kenya’s leadership. We welcome the deployment of personnel from Kenya, Jamaica and Belize to the Mission, as well as the pledged contributions from other nations. The Mission remains vital to supporting Haitian efforts to resolve instability, and we commend the initial progress it has made alongside the Haitian National Police. It is important to ensure that international security efforts are sustainable and to support the Haitian Government in addressing the root causes of the crisis. We are also grateful to the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti for its work to establish coordination among Haitian stakeholders, the Mission and the international community. The United Kingdom has pledged more than $6 million to support the deployment of the Mission by strengthening the Mission’s human rights compliance framework. We expect the first tranche of funding to be released imminently. The Transitional Presidential Council must work together for the benefit of the Haitian people. We urge Haitian political and civil society, with the active participation of women and youth, to seize this opportunity to create the conditions necessary for lasting change. In a welcome step, the Security Council decided to expand the United Nations Haiti sanctions designation list and, for the first time, targeted an individual responsible for financing destabilizing gang activity. In conclusion, we call on all political actors to work together to address Haiti’s serious challenges and to refrain from acting based on personal or partisan interests. There is a chance to bring the peace and security that the Haitian people need and deserve.

I thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Salvador and Executive Director Russell for their briefings. I also thank Ms. Ducéna for her remarks. I welcome the presence of the Foreign Minister of the Dominican Republic and the Permanent Representatives of Haiti and Kenya at today’s meeting. Over the past three months, the Security Council has unanimously adopted three resolutions extending the mandates of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), the Multinational Security Support Mission and the Committee established pursuant to resolution 2653 (2022), concerning Haiti, for one year each, demonstrating the firm determination of the international community to remain united and help Haiti to cope with the crisis. However, the efforts of the international community have yielded few results, and the recent situation in Haiti has not improved. The prospects of escaping the predicament are still very slim. It shows once again that external support can address only the symptoms, but not the root causes of issues. The key to emerging from the current crisis lies with the Haitian people, the Haitian authorities and the Haitian parties and factions effectively assuming their responsibilities and taking substantive steps forward. I would like to highlight the following three points. First, staying committed to advancing the political process, establishing a legitimate, accountable and effective Government as soon as possible and implementing a Haitian-led and Haitian-owned political process are fundamental to resolving the crisis in Haiti. Special Representative Salvador’s briefing indicates that the progress in Haiti’s political transition has been slower than expected and that the prospects for general elections remain highly uncertain. If the situation remains unchanged, it is bound to be difficult for the international community to establish true confidence in Haiti. China once again calls on all Haitian parties and factions to put the interests of the country and its people first, demonstrate unity and commitment, intensify political consultations and build more consensus to ensure a legitimate and compliant transition process that proceeds in an orderly manner. We recognize the efforts of BINUH, in consultation with the Haitian authorities, to develop a dedicated strategy to support the political process. We appreciate the ongoing mediation efforts of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and support BINUH, CARICOM and countries of the region in continuing to play an active role in this regard. Secondly, it is important to persist in combating gang violence. China is concerned about the spread of gangs in Haiti and an increasingly out-of-control security situation. We strongly condemn the killing of innocent civilians by gangs. We hope that the Mission will strengthen its coordination with the Haitian police and military and play a positive role in improving the security situation on the ground. We hope that the countries that pledged troops will deploy the personnel as soon as possible and that those that pledged funding will promptly provide financial and equipment assistance. We hope that the international community will work together to ensure that the Mission plays its due role as expected. We believe that the discussion of other options right now will only interfere with the advancement of the mandate of the Mission. Meanwhile, the role of sanctions should be further leveraged, especially to ensure that the arms embargo on Haiti is implemented. It is very important to combat gun violence. To that end, resolution 2752 (2024), adopted by the Council last week, sets out new strict and clear provisions on the arms embargo in Haiti. We urge all Member States to implement it in good faith and take effective measures to prevent the flow of arms to Haiti from their territories or through their citizens at the source. We also call on the Haitian authorities to strengthen arms, ammunition and border controls and support the Sanctions Committee, the Panel of Experts, BINUH, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and countries of the region in strengthening coordination and cooperation around sanctions implementation. Thirdly, it is essential to continue to improve the humanitarian situation. Under the compounding impact of the political and security crisis, the humanitarian and development situation in Haiti has become increasingly grim. Half of the population is mired in a food crisis. Some 700,000 people are displaced, and the population cannot sustain production and livelihoods, with vulnerable groups such as women in difficult situations. Children, who are the hope of the nation, have lost their homes and schools to gang violence and are even forced to take up arms and join the gangs. China deeply sympathizes with the tragic situation of the Haitian people and hopes that the Haitian authorities will increase the advancement in people’s livelihoods and enhance the protection of civilians, especially those vulnerable groups. We support the efforts of United Nations agencies and departments to continue to increase humanitarian aid to Haiti and call on international and regional partners to provide more help to the Haitian people in overcoming their difficulties. China appreciates and supports the efforts and the role of BINUH, under the leadership of Special Representative Salvador, in helping Haiti cope with the crisis. China is ready to work with the international community to support Haiti in continuing to strengthen its own mechanisms and capacity-building and to gradually accumulate favourable conditions to emerge from its difficult situation at an early date and achieve peace, stability and development.

I thank Special Representative Salvador, Executive Director Russell of UNICEF and Ms. Ducéna for their briefings. I also welcome the participation of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic and the Permanent Representatives of Haiti and Kenya in today’s meeting. Significant progress has been made in Haiti on the political front over the past six months. We welcome the establishment of the provisional electoral council as another important step. We urge all stakeholders to continue to build upon the progress made towards restoring democratic institutions through free, fair and inclusive elections before February 2026. We underscore the necessity of the full, equal, meaningful and safe participation of women in all aspects of the political process. Malta supports the efforts of the Multinational Security Support Mission on the ground, with contingents from the Bahamas, Belize, Jamaica and Kenya. We also call on the international community to urgently scale up financial and logistical support. Sustainable security support is critical to ensure that Haiti can overcome its long-term challenges, and we encourage greater United Nations involvement. The Multinational Security Support Mission must act with the highest standards of conduct and discipline, based on clear human rights protocols and with effective oversight, as stated in resolution 2699 (2023). Malta welcomes the unanimous renewal of the sanctions regime for Haiti and the expansion of the sanctions list. Member States must prioritize the full implementation of the arms embargo to stem the illicit flow of arms and ammunition into the country. The humanitarian situation in Haiti remains dire. More than 5.4 million Haitians are experiencing high levels of acute food insecurity and 6,000 people risk starvation. The expansion and escalation of gang activity in Artibonite has forced farmers to abandon their land, further diminishing Haiti’s food production. The number of displaced people has soared, with more than 700,000 internally displaced. More than half of them are children. Health care remains alarmingly inaccessible, which can lead to the serious risk of epidemics such as cholera. Humanitarian efforts must be expanded and intensified. We call on all Member States to urgently scale up funding for Haiti’s humanitarian response plan, which remains drastically underfunded. The alarming levels of human rights violations in Haiti cannot be overstated. We strongly condemn the devastating attack on Pont Sondé on 3 October, which left over 100 dead and thousands displaced. Children suffer grave violations at the hands of gangs, including indiscriminate killing, injury and sexual violence. The mass forced recruitment of children also puts them in grave danger and denies them access to education. Women and girls are subjected to sexual violence, including collective rape and sexual exploitation. We unreservedly condemn those crimes. Restoring security in Haiti must be our priority, while underscoring the urgent need to support the Haitian National Police and the Multinational Security Support Mission. Robust steps must also be taken to support State institutions to end impunity. We also call on Member States to abide by the principles of non-refoulement for Haitians who have sought refuge abroad. As this is Malta’s final quarterly meeting on Haiti, let me commend Special Representative Salvador and our United Nations colleagues who are working tirelessly to improves the lives of the Haitian people. The international community has a responsibility to support Haiti on its path to peace and prosperity. To its brave and determined people, we offer our solidarity. We will continue to support their pursuit of peace beyond our Council term.

At the outset, I would like to thank Ms. María Isabel Salvador, Special Representative of the Secretary- General, for her briefing and to reiterate France’s full support. I would also like to thank Ms. Catherine Russell, Executive Director of UNICEF, and Ms. Rosy Auguste Ducéna, Programme Manager of the National Human Rights Defence Network. France is concerned about the deteriorating security situation and human rights violations in Haiti. Gang attacks are continuing and spreading to new territories. The primary victims are the Haitian population, especially children, as we once again witnessed with the massacre in Pont Sondé on 3 October. France condemns those attacks in the strongest possible terms. The Council must continue to mobilize to help improve the situation of Haitians and must continue to use all the levers at its disposal to help Haiti return to stability. The Multinational Security Support Mission is one of those levers. The unanimous renewal of its mandate on 30 September sends a strong signal to the Haitian people of the Security Council’s unity and determination. We must work to ensure that the Mission has the human and financial resources it needs to fulfil its mandate. With that in mind, I would like to recall the contribution of €2 million we recently committed to the United Nations trust fund. France is also working with its European partners to secure financial support from the European Union. We must ensure that international support for security in Haiti is sustained over time. France is convinced that the United Nations has a crucial role to play through its strategic and operational expertise, as well as the logistical support it can provide. We must also respond to Haiti’s request to consider a possible transition to a United Nations peacekeeping operation. Security Council sanctions are another lever. France welcomes the Council’s unanimous renewal of the sanctions regime on 18 October. The broadening of the scope of the arms embargo and the addition of a new designation criterion attest to our determination to step up the fight against gangs. In that respect, France continues to call for individuals who support and finance gangs to be added to the sanctions list. The addition of two individuals at the end of September is a step in the right direction. In order to tackle Haiti’s multidimensional crisis, the efforts I mentioned must be accompanied by progress in the political transition process. France reiterates its support for that process, which is governed by the agreement of 3 April 2024 and includes the Transitional Presidential Council and Garry Conille’s Government. We note the installation of the provisional electoral council and encourage the Haitian authorities to press ahead with the full implementation of the road map for elections in 2025.

I would like to begin by thanking Special Representative Salvador, Executive Director Russell and Ms. Ducéna for their briefings. I also welcome the participation of Foreign Minister Álvarez Gil and the Permanent Representatives of Haiti and Kenya in today’s meeting. Let me begin today’s statement by condemning, in the strongest possible terms, the attack carried out by the Gran Grif gang on 3 October in the town of Pont Sondé, which resulted in over 100 civilian casualties. The brutal gang attack serves as a sobering reminder that the ongoing human tragedy, marked by the loss of life and widespread human rights abuses, remains an everyday reality for the Haitian population. It also underscores the urgent need for the international community to do more in supporting the Haitian authorities in their fight against gangs. It is increasingly concerning that gang violence is spreading from the capital to other departments, including rural areas, across the country. In that respect, we welcome the deployment to Haiti of more than 400 police officers and defence forces personnel as part of the Multinational Security Support Mission, which now includes personnel from Kenya, Jamaica, Belize and the Bahamas. At the same time, we reiterate our hope for the continued deployment of the Mission to effectively support the efforts of the Haitian National Police to re-establish security in Haiti. Urgently needed improvements in the security situation must be accompanied by tangible progress in transitional governance arrangements. Following the installation of the Transitional Presidential Council and the interim Government earlier this year, we are encouraged by the recent appointments to the provisional electoral council and express hope for its swift and full operationalization. The three resolutions (2743 (2024), 2751 (2024) and 2752 (2024)) unanimously adopted in recent months reflect the Security Council’s steadfast support for Haiti. Let me assure the Haitian people of our continued support as they transition, in the coming months, towards the restoration of democratic institutions through the holding of fair, credible, participatory and inclusive elections. In the same vein, we urge all relevant stakeholders in Haiti to leverage that support and responsibly commit to achieving a consensus that will enable a timely and transparent Haitian-led and Haitian- owned solution to the country’s political situation. Lastly, amid the persistent security crisis, the human rights abuses perpetrated by gangs continue at alarming levels. We condemn in the strongest terms all forms of sexual and gender-based violence, most often targeting women and girls, which is being used as a weapon to control and terrorize communities, and we express alarm at the increased forced recruitment and exploitation of children by the gangs. As highlighted by Ms. Russell, children bear the brunt of the insecurity and are subjected to unprecedented levels of serious abuses and violations. Urgent action is therefore required to protect their rights and safety and to ensure the safe handover of those who have been recruited by gangs to civilian actors for reintegration into society and the opportunity for a peaceful childhood. Furthermore, we are deeply concerned about the gang violence exacerbating the dire humanitarian situation, which has resulted in high levels of acute food insecurity for nearly half of the Haitian population. To that end, we continue to call for safe, rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access to all those in need to be allowed and facilitated. Through its latest contribution to the World Food Programme, Slovenia continues in its commitment to supporting humanitarian efforts in Haiti. And we echo the Secretary-General’s call to the international community to intensify its support in that regard.

I appreciate Special Representative of the Secretary-General Salvador’s insightful briefing. I also thank Executive Director Russell and Ms. Ducéna for their informative briefings. I welcome the Foreign Minister of the Dominican Republic, Mr. Álvarez Gil, and the representatives of Haiti and Kenya. Haiti’s security situation remains dire, with continued killings and kidnappings. We strongly condemn all forms of violence and illegal activities led by gangs, including sexual and gender-based violence, human rights abuses, trafficking and exploitation. Those actions have plunged innocent people into a severe humanitarian crisis. We also emphasize that any form of supportive actions to the gangs should be forbidden. Japan believes that uniting every effort is key to addressing Haiti’s security and humanitarian situation. Allow me to elaborate on the following four points today. First, Japan supports the central role of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti in coordinating national and international efforts. I am encouraged by Special Representative of the Secretary-General Salvador’s and her Office’s efforts to foster collaboration among Haiti and the transitional authorities, the Haitian National police (HNP), the United Nations country team, including UNICEF and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, civil society, the Panel of Experts of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 2653 (2022), concerning Haiti, and regional and international partners. It maximizes the impact of their activities on the peace and security of Haiti. Secondly, we commend the collaborative operation between the HNP and the Multinational Security Support Mission. We also commend Kenya, Jamaica, Belize, the Bahamas and all contributing countries for their efforts. Japan looks forward to the report to be submitted by the leadership of the Mission to the Security Council on the implementation of its mandate. Japan hopes to see more detailed information on the resources required for the Mission to effectively support the HNP, which will enable the international community to offer more targeted support. That will also allow the Council to consider potential options, including the Mission’s transition to a United Nations peacekeeping operation to sustain its achievements. Japan, for its part, has provided assistance of approximately $14 million to contribute to the Multinational Security Support Mission. That has included providing equipment to the HNP and improving its academy. Japan once again calls on the international community to provide further assistance to the Mission. Thirdly, Japan welcomes the unanimous adoption of the renewal of United Nations sanction measures last Friday (see S/PV.9752) and calls on all Member States, including Haiti, to implement the provisions diligently. The new resolution 2752 (2024) encourages greater coordination among relevant bodies to garner support for strengthening the capacity of the HNP and Haitian border and customs authorities. Last but not least, Japan stresses the importance of solidarity among Haitian stakeholders, especially during the upcoming political transition period. That will be the foundation of strong governance through the holding free and fair elections. We are encouraged by the appointment of seven members to the provisional electoral council from each sector. We also look forward to the swift establishment of the provisional electoral council, a justice, truth and reparation commission, a governmental actions oversight body and a national security council, among institutions, as Mr. Voltaire mentioned. We hope that all actors will work together in good faith and with dedication to the peace and security that the Haitian people deserve. Japan has stood, and will continue to stand, alongside the Haitian people. We recently signed and exchanged notes with UN-Women in relation to a project for enhancing women’s leadership for peace and social cohesion so as to provide approximately $2.5 million for the protection and empowerment of Haitian women. That is in addition to our ongoing security, electoral and humanitarian assistance. Once again, let me assure the Council of Japan’s continued commitment alongside the members of the Council and all other partners.

I would like to begin by expressing my gratitude to Special Representative María Isabel Salvador and UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell for their comprehensive briefings. I would also like to thank Ms. Ducéna for sharing her insights. As highlighted in today’s briefing, the security and humanitarian situation in Haiti remains dire, even with the deployment of the Multinational Security Support Mission. The crisis, driven by rampant gang violence, political instability and economic collapse, has left the people of Haiti in peril and despair. Allow me to reflect on our experience from 2010 to 2012 in Haiti. The Republic of Korea deployed its Danbi contingent, joining the relief efforts of the United Nations stabilization mission, following the earthquake in 2010. Danbi is a Korean word meaning the right amount of rain at the right time. Haiti still needs timely and effective international support. That is why the Republic of Korea, despite being geographically distant, continues to seek ways to contribute to Haiti’s stabilization and transition. The Security Council took a meaningful step forward by unanimously adopting three resolutions concerning Haiti this year (resolutions 2743 (2024), 2751 (2024) and 2752 (2024)). Those actions demonstrate our deep concern and political will and the unity of the Council to support Haiti and its people. I would like to stress four points in that regard. First, Haitian ownership must remain at the centre of all efforts towards stability, political transition and sustainable development. All Haitian stakeholders and authorities need to work together in a spirit of compromise to meet the February 2026 target for the establishment of a newly elected Government and Parliament. There is no room for internal power struggles. Secondly, the advancement of the political transition depends on security. That can be achieved by enhancing the capacity of the Haitian National Police with the support and collaboration of the Multinational Security Support Mission. We all know that the Multinational Security Support Mission needs more personnel and funding to make a tangible impact on the ground. The recent announcement by Kenya that an additional 600 Kenyan police officers would be ready for duty next month is encouraging. I also echo the Special Representative’s call for additional contributions to the Multinational Security Support Mission, particularly in terms of funding. To support that endeavour, the Republic of Korea is currently following its necessary internal procedures. Thirdly, the effective implementation of the Security Council’s sanctions measures, particularly the arms embargo, is crucial. Heavily armed gangs and criminals, equipped with illegally trafficked arms and ammunition, are the main culprits exacerbating the situation. In that regard, we believe that countries and organizations in the region have a unique role to play in preventing a surge in the trafficking of arms and ammunition linked to gangs. Fourthly, in the light of the fact that the situation in Haiti cannot be reversed overnight and requires sustained international efforts, it is necessary to strive to consolidate the presence of the United Nations in Haiti, along with its special political mission, the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH). To that end, the Republic of Korea stands ready to explore practical solutions with the members of the Council. In conclusion, the Republic of Korea reaffirms its support for Special Representative Salvador and BINUH.

We are grateful to Special Representative of the Secretary-General María Isabel Salvador and UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell for their briefings on the situation in Haiti. We also listened very closely to the briefing by the civil society representative, Ms. Rosy Auguste Ducéna. We welcome the participation in today’s meeting of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic, Roberto Álvarez Gil, and the Permanent Representatives of Haiti and Kenya. Of course, no one within the Council was labouring under the illusion that, with the appearance of the transitional authorities and the deployment of the first units of the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti, life in the country would automatically improve. Haiti remains in a deep crisis that manifests itself in humanitarian, socioeconomic and political spheres. The Transitional Presidential Council and the Government are trying to do their job, but there are growing tensions both between and within those bodies, which has an immediate impact on the functioning of the State authorities in the country as a whole. We call on all political actors in Haiti to set aside their differences and shoulder responsibility for the fate of their country, while acting independently and without any external interference. We note the work being done by the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) to promote political dialogue in the country and develop — in line with the Security Council resolution adopted in July (resolution 2743 (2024))  — a strategy to support the intra-Haitian political process with a view to restoring democratic institutions and holding general elections. We hope that, despite the well-known problems, the elections will take place within the agreed timeline, by the end of 2025. We are convinced that the Haitian people will be able to find a way to resolve their problems, provided that the external manipulation of the country comes to an end. What we have witnessed so far is either unilateral sanctions against certain Haitian individuals, aimed at cleaning up the country’s political landscape, or the cynical exploitation of Haitian migrants in the American electoral campaign. It is comforting that the Haitian authorities are not silent about the destructive role that colonialism and foreign interference as a whole played in the country’s history. In that regard, we support what was said at the General Assembly by the representative of Port-au- Prince, who referred to the proposal of recovering from Paris the modern equivalent of the amount that newly liberated Haiti was shamefully forced to pay to its former metropolis as reparations for independence. Supporting such legitimate aspirations is one of the goals of the draft resolution (A/C.4/79/L.8) on eradicating colonialism in all its forms and manifestations adopted last week in the Fourth Committee of the General Assembly on the initiative of a group of States, including Russia. What lies at the heart of the deeply troubling situation in Haiti is a complete security vacuum. The contingents of the Multinational Security Support Mission have certainly made headway in stabilizing the situation in some areas of the capital — they have allowed the local police and the country’s reconstituted armed forces to intensify their operations against the gangs. However, the presence of the Multinational Security Support Mission on the ground will not, on its own, be enough to change the situation. Hard facts show that there is continued violence in Haiti, and the scale of the violence is similar to what is seen in an armed conflict. Criminal gangs are expanding their illegal activities beyond the capital, which has already resulted in bloody clashes and attacks in neighbourhoods north and south of Port-au-Prince, blocked highways and the spread of gang activity to areas bordering the Dominican Republic. The most horrendous incident in that regard was the massacre in the town of Pont Sondé, in the Artibonite department, where members of the Gran Grif gang killed more than 100 people, including children. Of course, the picture cannot be reduced simply to a battle of good against evil, and neither can we forget that almost half the gang members are minors. Many of them were recruited by force, and they have no other way to survive or become functioning members of society. Therefore, they join the gangs out of desperation. All that should be taken into account both in operations to combat the gangs and in criminal trials and sentencing. The reports of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the Panel of Experts of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 2653 (2022), concerning Haiti, provide us with a very accurate picture of the arsenal used by the gangs and of their sources and supply routes. All small arms at their disposal are standard NATO weapons, and the main smuggling route starts in Florida. Trafficking is essentially unimpeded, since most shipments are not inspected at all. Meanwhile, the United States continues to ignore requests from the Panel of Experts to investigate illegal supply chains. Those involved in arms trafficking must be brought to account, including through the use of the Council’s sanctions toolkit. We note that there have been several successful weapons seizures by the Haitian authorities, and they have stepped up the fight against drug trafficking. However, those efforts alone cannot stop the influx of arms and drugs to the island unless appropriate measures are taken by the countries responsible for supplying illegal goods. The solution is obvious, and we urge members to bear that in mind when discussing the situation in Haiti in the Council.

I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of Switzerland. I would like to thank the Special Representative, Ms. Salvador, and the Executive Director of UNICEF, Ms. Russell, for their briefings. I welcome the presence in the Chamber of the Foreign Minister of the Dominican Republic, Mr. Roberto Álvarez Gil, and the representatives of Haiti and Kenya. I would like to underline our special gratitude to Ms. Auguste Ducéna for her ongoing and courageous commitment to her people. Nobel Peace Prize laureate Denis Mukwege reminded us that there is no lasting peace without justice, yet justice is not negotiable. The ongoing crisis in Haiti, marked by impunity for massive violence, including sexual violence, shows how far the Haitian people are from living in peace. While we welcome the political progress that has been made, we fear that it is once again under threat. Against that backdrop, Switzerland remains determined to continue its humanitarian support, while placing the interests, concerns and aspirations of the Haitian people at the heart of its actions. I would like to underline the following points. First, the cycle of violence, insecurity and poverty must be broken. We applaud the courage of humanitarian actors and call for rapid, safe and unimpeded humanitarian access to all those in need. With regard to the fight against insecurity, the implementation of the mandate of the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti remains a key factor in supporting the restoration of peace and stability, and we commend Kenya for its leadership. But it is also essential to protect progress, hard-won in the face of natural disasters in Haiti — a country highly exposed to natural hazards that exacerbate existing vulnerabilities. We must therefore invest more in resilience, particularly in response to the growing impact of climate change. To ensure a sustainable and effective response, Switzerland is working with local actors and Haitian institutions on risk reduction measures in the Sud department. Secondly, impunity must end. Those responsible for human rights violations and abuses, especially against women and girls, must be brought to justice. However, in order to deliver justice to the victims, it is also essential to address the root causes of that violence. The influx of weapons remains a direct threat to security and peace. It is therefore essential to intensify our efforts to enforce the arms embargo. In that regard, we welcome the unanimous renewal of the sanctions regime and call for its full implementation. With regard to immediate relief, Switzerland has actively supported efforts to provide medical assistance to the victims, while raising the awareness of and strengthening local actors to help them. Thirdly, the protection and well-being of children must remain a priority. We are deeply concerned about their increasing recruitment and use by gangs, which constitute serious violations. Those children, who are first and foremost victims, need more support for their reintegration in accordance with international standards. We encourage the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) to continue its important efforts in that area, and we also welcome the Multinational Support Mission’s engagement with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to strengthen its capacity to deal with child victims of gangs. Ultimately, every childhood shattered by violence calls on us to act with determination to provide children with a peaceful future. Ms. Ducéna stressed that justice, human rights and responsibility are the foundations on which Haiti will be able to build lasting peace and future prosperity. BINUH remains an essential pillar of the international response to achieve that goal. 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 express my gratitude to the members of the Security Council for their constant attention to the situation of my country, Haiti. Their ongoing commitment is tangible proof of the importance that they attach to the stability and well-being of the Haitian people. We take note of the various remarks and of the concerns that were just been expressed by the members of the Security Council. I welcome the presence of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic, Ms. Russell, Executive Director of UNICEF, Ms. Maria Isabel Salvador, Special Representative of the Secretary- General, and Ms. Ducéna of the National Human Rights Defence Network of Haiti. I would like to extend my special thanks to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for her presentation of the Secretary-General’s report (S/2024/742) and for her very informative briefing on recent developments in the country. It describes the actions undertaken by the United Nations system and by national, regional and international players to help the Government confront the crisis in Haiti. That document also captures the many challenges facing our country and the Government’s efforts to bolster security, improve governance and restore the rule of law in the country. We take note of the recommendations highlighted in the Secretary-General’s report, and we wish to affirm that the Haitian Government remains firmly committed to improving security and meeting the various urgent needs of our people. Haiti continues to face a complex, multifaceted crisis, encompassing security, economic, social, human rights, development and humanitarian challenges. Armed gangs continue to extend their perimeter of control over new areas with high levels of violence, including sexual violence, human rights violations, murders and kidnappings, forcibly displacing thousands. On 3 October, members of the Gran Grif gang, led by Chief Luckson, on whom the United States of America recently imposed sanctions, attacked the town of Pont Sondé, in the Artibonite department, massacring approximately 115 people and wounding many others, including women and children. They also forced 6,300 people to flee their homes. This week, several outlying neighbourhoods of the capital city of Port-au-Prince, including Tabarre, where the American Embassy is located, were the target of violent attacks by heavily armed individuals. The Secretary-General’s report states that, in response to the violence, the Haitian National Police, with the support of the Multinational Security Support Mission, launched large-scale anti-gang operations in multiple Port-au-Prince neighbourhoods. Those operations have had some success, freeing some roads and neighbourhoods from gang presence. However, over the past three weeks, targeted and sustained joint security operations have been carried out by Multinational Security Support Mission personnel and the Haitian National Police in gang- controlled areas, including downtown Port-au-Prince, Gantier and Delmas. The expected results are still a long way off. The security forces continue to face difficulties in maintaining control of the disputed areas, owing to a lack of resources, particularly staffing and material resources, limiting their ability to reinforce their physical presence, which currently comprises just upwards of 400 police officers, out of the expected total of 2,500. We must not lose sight of the humanitarian dimension of the current crisis in Haiti. Despite progress on the political and security fronts, the humanitarian situation in the country remains disastrous. Between June and September, the number of internally displaced persons rose by 22 per cent, from 578,000 to more than 700,000, with children accounting for more than half of all displaced persons. The Haitian healthcare system is facing collapse, owing, inter alia, to limited access to fuel for health infrastructure, targeted attacks on hospitals and a shortage of health-care workers due to high attrition rates. The situation has also affected the education system. Irregular school closures and operations have a major impact on children’s ability to learn. Food security, health and access to education remain crucial priorities for the Government. More than half of the country’s population is experiencing severe levels of acute food insecurity. As of 3 July 2024, Haiti’s 2024 humanitarian response and needs plan was funded at approximately 24 per cent of the $673.8 million required, clearly insufficient to address the humanitarian crisis that we are experiencing. The Secretary-General notes that the situation of children remains of particular concern, as they continue to be victims of grave violations, including murder, sexual violence and attacks on schools, in addition to trafficking and recruitment by gangs. Given the deteriorating situation, Haiti needs reinforced, sustained and coordinated support. Haiti continues to work closely with its international partners to meet the needs of the most vulnerable, and we are striving to strengthen the resilience of our institutions in order to tackle those challenges in a sustainable manner. The Secretary-General’s report notes that human rights violations, including murder, mutilation, rape, kidnapping and the looting of private property and social service facilities, persist in vast parts of the country. While murders and kidnappings have decreased in downtown Port-au-Prince, the report notes that the situation has deteriorated considerably in other neighbouring areas, such as the communes of Ganthier, Tabarre, Pernier and Gressier. In those neighbourhoods and in other gang-controlled neighbourhoods, gang members continued to treat their victims with extreme brutality, including by carrying out public executions and murdering entire families for alleged collaboration with the police. On the political front, the official installation of the provisional electoral council on 18 October marked a crucial stage in the return to democratic order in Haiti. Although the provisional electoral council is incomplete, with the notable absence of representatives from the women’s and human rights sectors, that long- awaited event constitutes an important milestone in the process of restoring democratic institutions. Through the Transitional Presidential Council and the Prime Minister, the Haitian Government has reaffirmed its commitment to organizing inclusive and transparent elections. Despite the challenges, that step is a strong signal of our authorities’ willingness to restore the legitimacy of the country’s institutions and lay the foundations for a more stable future for it. Nevertheless, restoring security remains the main concern for our leaders. The report of the Secretary- General on the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti calls on the international community to urgently provide additional financial support to the Multinational Security Support Mission to ensure its continued deployment and the achievement of its objectives. The current context, marked by growing insecurity, requires redoubled efforts to ensure an environment conducive to holding elections. The national security forces are still working to restore order and allow the population to participate safely in the electoral process. That dual effort  — to restore security and hold elections  — is essential to returning Haiti to the path to democracy and sustainable development. Recent initiatives to strengthen the national security forces, as well as cooperation with the Mission, show our determination to restore the State’s authority and ensure the security of our citizens. However, we are very concerned about the slow roll-out of the Mission, owing in particular to the difficulties encountered in finding the necessary funding for its operations. It is in that spirit that the President of the Transitional Presidential Council, His Excellency Mr. Leslie Voltaire, just sent a letter to the Secretary-General asking for the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti to be turned into a peacekeeping mission as soon as possible. We are counting on members to show understanding and good faith by looking favourably on that request. I would like to take the opportunity of this meeting to firmly deplore the alarming situation of the Dominican Republic’s mass deportations of our compatriots. While we recognize the inalienable right of every State to manage its borders and implement its migration policies, those actions must be in accordance with the fundamental principles of international law, in particular those that guarantee respect for human dignity and the rights of migrants. That is why, in accordance with international law and Article 2 of the Charter of the United Nations, the Republic of Haiti fully recognizes the right of the Dominican Republic to exercise its sovereignty over its territory, in particular regarding the management of migratory flows. However, that sovereignty must be exercised in accordance with international standards, in particular those relating to human rights. The practices of mass deportations of Haitian nationals by the Dominican authorities are not only violations of fundamental rights but are also contrary to international instruments. The deportations are also contrary to the bilateral agreements signed by Haiti and the Dominican Republic, in particular the 1999 memorandum of understanding on repatriation mechanisms. Haiti strongly denounces such practices, which are also contrary to the principle of good- neighbourliness. As a founding Member of the United Nations, the Republic of Haiti reiterates its commitment to the principle of the peaceful resolution of disputes, as prescribed by international law, and calls for international solidarity to put an end to these serious human rights violations, which fuel tensions and hinder peaceful relations between the two nations. It is therefore in that regard that Haiti reaffirms its willingness to work in cooperation with the Dominican Republic to find a positive outcome to this alarming situation but insists on the need to guarantee humane, dignified treatment that respects the rights of migrants. We call on the international community to observe the situation closely and to encourage a fair and united approach in dealing with the migration crisis. It is important to recall that the international community — in particular the Security Council — has a responsibility to prevent humanitarian crises and ensure respect for international humanitarian law. The lack of respect for international standards shown by these deportations aggravates an already critical situation for Haiti — a country that, as members know, faces monumental challenges in terms of security, governance and socioeconomic development. The sudden wave of people being brutally returned in an already extremely fragile context is testing our ability to respond to urgent humanitarian needs. That situation will only worsen the humanitarian crisis that we are currently experiencing. Today I want to emphasize the extreme urgency of the situation in our country, which is facing multiple challenges that not only jeopardize national security but also constitute a threat to the peace and security of the region. Haiti is still at a critical juncture, and we are aware that the Haitian authorities and people are the real protagonists of their future. The responsibility lies above all with them. Nevertheless, it is our collective duty as an international community to redouble our efforts to support Haitian institutions in their struggle to restore order, security and respect for human rights.

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

We welcome the report presented by the Secretary-General (S/2024/742) and recognize the great work done by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Haiti. We also thank the briefers for this afternoon’s informative presentations, which were also shocking and worrisome. Since I last spoke to the Security Council on 3 July (see S/PV.9679), the Council has renewed the mandates of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti and the sanctions regime, which are no doubt signs of the Organization’s growing commitment to Haiti. As the Secretary-General’s report mentions, the situation in Haiti remains very serious and worrisome. Territorial control by the criminal gangs over the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince is increasing, having now reached 85 per cent. Just yesterday, Prime Minister Garry Conille explained that he had had to take measures to reinforce the Haitian National Police given “the prevailing worrisome situation, in particular in Port-au-Prince and the Artibonite region. There is a real threat to strategic neighbourhoods, such as Solino, and other recently liberated areas”. State institutions remain precarious owing to criminal acts and violent attacks against public and private officials and facilities, as described in detail this afternoon by multiple speakers. Added to that is the deterioration of the economic, social and humanitarian situation, which further erodes capacities for confronting the activities of criminal organizations. The recent massacre of more than 115 people in the community of Pont Sondé  — the worst Haiti has seen in years  — is tangible proof of the suffering and uncontrolled violence that continue to affect our neighbour. We must remember that the gang responsible for that massacre, Gran Grif, was also responsible for the February 2023 closure of a hospital in the same area, which provided care for 700,000 people. That ominous scenario clearly indicates that Haiti must complete the promised robust force as soon as possible. Kenya’s leadership of the Multinational Security Support Mission has been invaluable, as has the support provided by the United States and the Caribbean Community, including the Caribbean countries that have already deployed troops, among them the recent arrivals from the Bahamas. I must also underscore Canada’s commitment to providing training for and equipping the Mission, as well as the support of other countries, including the Government of the Dominican Republic’s financial and logistical support. Our country has taken charge of the medical evacuation component of the Mission so that, when necessary, its members are treated in hospitals in the country. Several members of the Mission have already been treated in our hospitals. Four months after the deployment of the first members of the Mission, and despite their undeniable efforts, better results had been hoped for. Faced with such a situation, the Dominican Republic has been forced to take exceptional measures. At the beginning of this month, the National Security and Defence Council decided to step up migratory interdiction operations in order to reduce the continuous and massive flow of illegal migrants into the country. The Council has also taken into account the potential risk of the violence generated by organized crime in Haiti spilling over from that country’s borders. The Government of the Dominican Republic is in no position to heed the unreasonable call to halt repatriations, as that would be the equivalent of declaring an open border, encouraging further irregular migration into the country. We will never allow that to happen. Today there are 147,000 Haitian students in our preschool and primary schools; 16 per cent of the public health budget of the Dominican Republican has been earmarked for Haitians. There are limits. The crisis that is engulfing Haiti is its responsibility and has been exacerbated by the lack of timely and sustained support from the international community. We Dominicans have never been the source of any humanitarian, economic or insecurity situation in Haiti. However, we have dealt the crisis for decades practically alone. As President Luis Abinader Corona in his most recent statement before the General Assembly, “It is unacceptable that at this point the countries that have had an impact on the Haitian situation or that have committed themselves to resolving it have not fully lived up to their promises”. We cannot overlook the fact that ensuring stability in Haiti must include the holding of elections, which is of legitimate concern to us given that the current state of that country directly impacts our own. That is why we feel obliged to follow up on that process. It is impossible to think of organizing and holding elections under the current conditions. The delay in the re-establishment of order has greatly hindered the organization of the entire electoral process. Without territorial control; without the full and effective control of the provisional electoral council; without the completion of the electoral roll; and without a timeline for the basic processes, we cannot expect elections to be held on the set date. Work must be done in a coordinated manner with other regional actors to provide technical cooperation in electoral matters that will clear a path leading towards the re-establishment of democracy. In my July statement, I stated that BINUH has become a beacon of hope for the Haitian people, and in this new stage, it must remain an essential pillar to support the transitional Government, the Mission and the organization of the imperative electoral process. Our country has always been in solidarity with other peoples when they have been in need of our help. It is part of our tradition. We highly appreciate that other countries have been able to help us in our difficult situations. But the Dominican Republic is also guided by the non-negotiable principle of preserving its national security and the rule of law. We cannot allow ourselves to be defeated by the challenging set of circumstances that still persist. The time has come to redouble our efforts to support the Haitian people without further hesitation.

I now give the floor to the representative of Kenya.

Let me start by commending you, Madam President, and, through you the Swiss delegation, for the exemplary stewardship of the Security Council during the month of October. I thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Salvador for her comprehensive briefing on the important work of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) and the situation in Haiti. My thanks also go to Executive Director Russell of UNICEF and Ms. Ducéna for their insights. I acknowledge with gratitude the participation of my dear brother and colleague the Permanent Representative of Haiti, Ambassador Antonio Rodrigue, and I also acknowledge the participation of His Excellency Mr. Roberto Álvarez Gil, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic. We have witnessed a remarkable feat in the past three months in the Security Council’s handling of the Haiti file. The Council unanimously renewed three mandates on Haiti. It renewed the BINUH Mandate on 12 July (see S/PV.9684), the mandate of the Multinational Security Support Mission on 30 September (see S/PV.9735) and the Haiti sanctions regime on 18 October (see S/PV.9752). Kenya is grateful. I salute all members of the Security Council for the unambiguous assurance to the people of Haiti that the international community is unwavering in its support for them. By action, Council members have demonstrated resolve and have offered leadership consistent with their mandate to restore the dignity of women, men and children who have suffered protracted violence, deprivation and instability. The reported deterioration of security in Port- au-Prince is deeply concerning. However, hope is not lost, especially with the tested resilience of the Haitian people, the determination of their political leaders, the efforts of the Mission and the solid support of the Security Council. Kenya is honoured to provide leadership to the Mission, which is an innovation by the Council. Although it is still at its infancy stage of deployment, the Mission is a critical enabler that presents an opportunity for Haiti to make concrete strides on the security and political tracks in Haiti. It is an important enabler for the facilitation of humanitarian access to those in need, and it is also an important enabler for the provision of social services, including the reopening of schools and hospitals and the resumption of economic activity in hitherto gang-controlled areas. I applaud the bravery and determination of the Haitian National Police, supported by the Multinational Security Support Mission, to re-establish security, especially in part of Port-au-Prince. Despite the many odds, they have jointly launched large-scale anti-gang operations, succeeding in securing some critical infrastructure, including the Haitian National Police Academy, the National Palace, the international airport and its surroundings, the national hospital and the main seaport in Port-au-Prince. Those gains, achieved by the initial contingent of 410 police, which represents only 16 per cent of the assessed 2,500 officers required, are a proof of concept and demonstrate the success potential of a fully deployed and adequately resourced Multinational Security Support Mission. A surge in deployment of Mission personnel is urgently needed. We welcome the pledges of personnel by a number of countries, especially from the region, and we look forward to their deployment to join Belize, the Bahamas, Jamaica and Kenya, which contributed the 410 officers on the ground. Kenya is making every effort to fulfil its pledge of 1,000 police officers. Two weeks ago, Prime Minister Conille made a State visit to Kenya, during which President William Ruto reaffirmed Kenya’s readiness to deploy the additional 600 police officers. Those officers are currently undergoing predeployment training and will be mission-ready by mid-November. However, their deployment is subject to the availability of requisite resources and logistical arrangements. My delegation is grateful to all Member States that have made generous voluntary contributions of funds, equipment and logistical support, including through the trust fund established by the Secretary- General. However, a significant resource gap remains. We therefore welcome and support the Secretary- General’s appeal to the international community to urgently provide additional financial support to the Multinational Security Support Mission to ensure its full deployment and the achievement of its mandate. Let me reiterate that, while the Multinational Security Support Mission is a critical and innovative intervention, it is only part of the solution. Haiti’s stability will be achieved only through a multi-pronged approach that addresses the root causes of its challenges. The Mission will therefore continue to coordinate and work closely with BINUH, the United Nations country team and the Haitian Government. We welcome the measures taken by the Council to make more robust use of its tools, in particular the sanctions regime. Gang leaders and their accomplices should understand that the Council will not allow them to sustain transnational crime and violence against civilians in Haiti. Stronger implementation of the sanctions regime by all the relevant countries is urged in order to curb the flow of weapons to gangs. We commend the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime for assisting the Haitian authorities on that matter and other areas within its mandate. Finally, I reaffirm Kenya’s unwavering solidarity with its Haitian brothers and sisters. We will continue to work together to restore security in order to achieve social and economic prosperity for the people of Haiti.

There are no more names inscribed on the list of speakers. I now invite Council members to informal consultations to continue our discussion on the subject.