The Caribbean country remains in the control of a deeper multidimensional crisis that affects political, security, human rights and humanitarian spheres, with implications for the region.
Armed gangs control large stripes of the territory, more than six million people need urgent assistance, and 1.4 million have fled their homes, mainly women and children. The murders and kidnappings are rampant, while cases of sexual and gender violence have increased significantly.
Affected ordinary people
The meeting was convened under the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) whose ad hoc advisory group is chaired by Canada Bob Ra Ambassador.
He brought news of the last violence when eight children were killed that day in an unmanned aircraft strike in the Cité Soleil neighborhood of the capital, Prince Port-Au.
“We need to understand that this is not a theory problem,” he said. “This is a problem that is affecting people’s daily lives.”
The discussions were carried out while the Security Council prepares to resume the debate on a proposal by the Secretary General to establish a new UN Support Office in Haiti.
Promise of one million dollars from Canada
It would provide logistics and operational support for the multinational security support mission (MSS) led by Kenya that is already in the field that supports the National Police in their efforts to combat gangs and create a safe environment conducive to the celebration of elections.
At the meeting, Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand announced that her country is prepared to promise additional $ 40 million to MSS and her successor mission.
“We are clearly committed to their success, and we have other partners so that they also intensify their support, since the resolution currently proposes an increase of five times in size, financing, personal and equipment,” he said.
Canada will also contribute another $ 20 million to help improve maritime security in the Caribbean, he added.
Priorities and progress
The situation in Haiti “is like Damocles’ sword above us,” said the country’s foreign minister Jean-Victor Harvel Jean-Baptiste, remembering words that he told Bloc Caricom Regional on Monday.
He described the priorities, including the need to “restore social peace so that people can vote safely” and support the government in the implementation of development, economic and social programs to resolve the violence of gangs.
“Despite these security challenges, there has been progress,” he said. “We have shown that we can use your help effectively. We now need more support to conclude this effort.”
Critical stability
In a video message, the UN general director Amina Mohammed emphasized that while security support is indispensable, “it is not enough to break the cycle of crisis” faced by the population of Haiti.
“Stability will only occur when security is matched by a political process, credible elections and economic recovery,” he said.
“That means bold financing, combining the support of donors with investment to mobilize resources at scale and place them where they care more: in the hands of the Haitian people.”
The new UN special representative for Haiti, Carlos Massieu Ruiz, expressed hope that the Security Council urgently acts on the proposals of the Secretary General.
He urged countries to take this opportunity and reaffirm the commitment to Haiti.
“The way forward demands political will, vision, but above all it is resolved,” he said. “Together, we can help Haiti and Haitian society, the Haitian authorities, to change the course and embark on a path of recovery of peace and inclusive development.”