‘Dire’ circumstances
“There is no doubt that the circumstances are dire, but the Haitian people have not given up”said Massieu, who met with multiple political, international and civil actors in the country over the past two and a half months.
As armed groups increasingly attack farming communities on the outskirts of the capital and other areas, he highlighted that the scale and impact of internal displacement is unprecedented and amounts to more than 1.4 million displaced people.
“The human rights situation also remains deeply worrying, with widespread abuses related to gang attacks, violence involving self-defense groups and even some security operations,” he added.
Political transition underway
“I am concerned that a firm path towards the restoration of democratic governance has not yet emerged,” Massieu said, referring to the transfer of authority to elected officials that is expected to take place on February 7 next year.
He welcomed the actions of the Haitian authorities to consult with political representatives about the elections to avoid a political vacuum beyond February, noting that “Sustained inter-Haitian dialogue remains crucial to forging a renewed consensus on the way forward..”
BINUH will provide technical and logistical support before the elections, he said.
UN agencies distribute humanitarian aid in Bassin Bleu, Haiti, which was attacked by gangs in September.
New strength, a sign of tranquility
Massieu welcomed the Security Council’s endorsement of the Gang Suppression Force and encouraged authorities to take appropriate measures to increase security and ensure that communities most affected by violence, particularly children, are protected.
He warned that the hostile security environment continues to impact Haiti’s international partners in the capital, but that he is leading efforts at BINUH to achieve “a 100 percent staff presence in the capital as a matter of urgency.”
“The recent action of this Council was a sign of reassurance to the Haitian people that they are not alone. – that the international community supports them during this critical moment,” he praised.
“Now is the time to quickly translate this signal into real progress and turn the tide on violence..”