Country Representative, Calling for Specialized International Force, Stresses without Security, Fair, Transparent, Democratic Elections Not Possible
Despite worsening security and humanitarian crises, key developments — including the establishment of a sanctions regime and the recent signing of a national accord — can bring accountability, the rule of law and democratic institutions back to Haiti if they are properly supported, the United Nations top official for that country told the Security Council today.
Helen La Lime, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Haiti and Head of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), updated the 15-nation organ on the worsening humanitarian and security developments, which included close to 5 million people facing acute hunger, unprecedented levels of gang violence and “not one elected official left in the country”. Despite this, she called attention to notable progress being made, with sanctions creating space for additional political dialogue and necessary reform, including encouraging developments in the judiciary and the reduction of pre-trial detention levels.
She also highlighted the December 2022 signing of the National Consensus for an Inclusive Transition and Transparent Elections agreement, which has already resulted in the establishment of a High Transitional Council to make nominations to Haiti’s highest court, the Provisional Electoral Council, and an appointed committee to review the Constitution. However, this agreement is by no means a done deal as those in positions of influence and leadership must put aside their differences and do their part for the country, she emphasized.
The reality, she underlined, is that without the deployment of an international specialized force operating with the Haitian National Police, such progress remains fragile and vulnerable to being reversed. Haitians, who overwhelmingly want this assistance so that they can go about their daily lives in peace, are all too conscious of the limitation of the National Police, she reported. “The people of Haiti are counting on you,” she stressed to the Council.
In the ensuing debate, speakers voiced their concern over the deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in Haiti, with some expressing cautious optimism over political progress while others articulated their views on providing international support, which included recommendations for the sanctions regime.
The representative of Haiti, calling on the Council to facilitate the immediate deployment of a specialized international force, emphasized: “We have continued repeating the fact that the situation is grave and that a great deal more action is needed — there is no room for complacency now.” There cannot be fair, transparent and democratic elections nor the restoration of its institutions without security, he said.
Roberto Álvarez Gil, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic, however, observed that such a demand is without a clear road map and should include a peacemaking process. Further, spotlighting the threat to his country’s national security through its shared land border with Haiti, he pointed out that the governance of that border — a source of problems including the trafficking of persons, arms and illicit substances — is unimaginable when the neighbouring State cannot secure the rule of law.
Albania’s delegate emphasized that there will be no “deus ex machina” miracle as the solutions to Haiti’s problems must be Haitian-borne and led. In voicing his support for an international security mission, he encouraged the Council to broaden its targeted sanctions. Gangs, criminals and their affiliates have “made democracy an empty word, human rights an illusion and normal life impossible,” he said.
In that vein, the representative of Brazil, observing that such criminal actors are willing to foment humanitarian crises for their own narrow goals, said it is “high time” that the sanctions committee established pursuant to resolution 2653 (2022) concerning Haiti starts its deliberations. The lack of democratically elected officials could trigger an even-deeper crisis if left unaddressed, he added.
China’s representative, while calling the National Consensus agreement a step forward, also called for the sanctions committee to become operational as soon as possible to deter gang violence. In addition, he expressed support for regional actors in providing capacity-building support to the Haitian National Police, underscoring that Haiti is facing the most severe economic and humanitarian crisis in decades.
Echoing that, the representative of France also spotlighted the need to effectively support the Haitian National Police, including through equipment, funding and training. Sanctions alone, however, will not solve all the country’s problems, as rebuilding justice is an imperative. Fighting against impunity and strengthening the entire criminal justice system must be a priority to bring an end to the violence, she stressed.
The United Kingdom’s delegate, while noting her country’s readiness to consider further sanctions designations, underscored that sanctions alone do not offer a solution. “Now is the time for Haitians to come together to address the political impasse” and tackle the deeply rooted challenges blighting their daily lives, she said.
The representative of Mozambique, also speaking for Gabon and Ghana, said that as “Africa’s sixth region” and the first Black nation to gain independence from colonialism and slavery, Haiti has demonstrated remarkable resilience despite recurring challenges. With the support of the international community, the Haitian people will be able to advance onto the path of stability, sustainable development and unity, he declared.
At the top of the meeting, the Security Council observed a moment of silence in tribute to Michael Moussa Adamo, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Gabon, who died on 20 January.
Also speaking today were the representatives of the United States, United Arab Emirates, Malta, Ecuador, Switzerland, Russian Federation, Japan and Canada.
Source: UN Security Council