Haiti finds itself trapped in a catch-22 situation, with both its security and political conditions contributing - in a vicious cycle - to the country's multifaceted crisis, the Security Council heard today, as speakers debated on the recent developments there.
Spotlighting such mutually conflicting and dependent conditions was the representative of Saint Lucia, who spoke for the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) - an intergovernmental union of that region. The lack of a strong political framework is breeding increased gang activity, while insecurity is undermining efforts towards political progress, she warned, stressing: Both "must be tackled in tandem, with equal vigour."
For its part, CARICOM recently dispatched its Eminent Persons Group to Haiti, she said, underscoring that stakeholders were able to find consensus on several aspects of the proposed draft political framework. However, to indicate a readiness to commence the final stage of negotiations, stakeholders must maintain their engagement, including through sustained informal discussions.
Today's meeting featured three briefers, as well as several non-Council delegations with stakes in Haiti.
María Isabel Salvador, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), reported that in 2023, BINUH documented over 8,400 direct victims of gang violence, up 122 per cent from 2022. The capital, Port-au-Prince, accounted for 83 per cent of killings and injuries, while violence also spread to other areas, specifically to Artibonite. BINUH is engaged in consultations with stakeholders to ensure that the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, authorized by the Council, is deployed promptly and effectively to Haiti.
She highlighted continuous support to the Haitian National Police, the rapid deployment of the MSS mission, effective sanctions and a sustained political process resulting in credible elections as fundamental elements necessary to restore security and stability in the country.
Ghada Waly, Executive Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), cautioned: "As long as the gangs continue to have access to very sophisticated firearms, they will have the capability to subject the Haitian population to terror." Turning to UNODC's latest report, she said that there are 11 recorded informal or clandestine airstrips in Haiti, spread out across the country.
They represent a blind spot that is possibly being used by traffickers and smugglers, she observed, adding that smaller aircraft flying directly between the United States and Haiti are difficult to monitor. The report also looks at the dynamics of arms trafficking in Haiti, showing that a relatively small number of Haitian gangs, such as the "5 Segond" and "400 Mawozo" groups, have become highly specialized in the procurement, storage and distribution of weapons and ammunition, she added.
Tirana Hassan, representative of Human Rights Watch, pointed out that the persistent political deadlock in Haiti remains a significant impediment to effective governance, emphasizing the lack of access to fundamental rights and essential services by many Haitians has further fuelled recruitment by criminal groups.
Underscoring that the security component should be just one facet of a response to address the human rights and humanitarian crisis in Haiti, she called for well-coordinated humanitarian and development assistance and the establishment of a transitional Government. In addition, she called on the Council to encourage troop-contributing countries to implement a robust human rights due diligence policy, including vetting force members before deployment, to avoid past mistakes.
Jean Victor Geneus, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Haiti, said that "the Haitian people have had enough of the armed gangs' savagery." Hailing the Council for adopting resolution 2699 (2023) and Kenya for leading the MSS mission, he stressed that "every passing day that this long-awaited support has not yet arrived is one day too many."
On the political dialogue, he expressed regret that "political players have still not come to an agreement", calling on the international community's support to the intra-Haitian dialogue in the run-up to the MSS mission's deployment. "Haiti will not collapse because we are not alone," he declared.
Roberto Álvarez Gil, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic, rejected claims that his country - which shares the border with Haiti - was a transit route for weapons, emphasizing that it did not produce them, had strict legislation on the use or holding of weapons, and audited its ports. He then urged an early deployment of the MSS mission, pointing out that every day of inaction led to criminal organizations being able to increase power and expand control.
Kenya's representative detailed his country's domestic process towards deploying the MSS mission. Following the adoption of resolution 2699 (2023), it began the constitutionally mandated administrative and legal processes to authorize the deployment of formed police units. On 13 October 2023, its National Security Council and Cabinet approved and ratified the deployment. Subsequently, on 16 November 2023, a joint session of the National Assembly and Senate approved the deployment of 1,000 National Police Service personnel. Kenya is currently awaiting the ruling of its High Court, scheduled for 26 January 2024, in response to a private citizen's lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of deploying Kenyan police to Haiti.
Council members broadly concurred on the urgency with which to tackle gang violence, the humanitarian situation and advance the political process.
THE QUESTION CONCERNING HAITI
Briefings
MARÍA ISABEL SALVADOR, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), painted a dire picture of the multifaceted crisis in that country, noting an unprecedented surge in kidnappings, rapes and other crimes committed by armed gangs. "Multiple protracted crises have reached a critical point," she warned, reporting that in 2023, BINUH documented over 8,400 direct victims of gang violence, up 122 per cent from 2022. The capital accounted for 83 per cent of killings and injuries, while violence also spread to other areas, specifically to Artibonite. Adding to that, civilian vigilante movements - that have emerged as self-defence against gangs - have killed at least 75 people since her last briefing in October 2023.
BINUH has continued working towards enhancing the capacity of the Haitian National Police with a special focus on intelligence-led performance and training, she said. However, its ability to counter gang violence and maintain security was compromised by high attrition rates. Although 795 new recruits will join the police in March, some 1,600 officers resigned in 2023. The Government and the international community have made commendable efforts to increase their support for the police. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)-managed basket fund allowed them to purchase 20 patrol vehicles and 250 motorcycles to increase their mobility. BINUH is closely engaged in consultations with the Haitian national authorities to better understand their expectations regarding the potential impact that the deployment of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission authorized by this Council. This mission must adhere to the human rights due diligence policy and establish strong mechanisms to prevent sexual exploitation and abuse. The mission must also participate in the liaison unit recently created by the humanitarian country team. She urged Member States to contribute generously to ensure the timely deployment of the mission.
While improvement in the security situation is essential to breaking the cycle of crises in Haiti, long-term stability can only be achieved through a nationally-owned and inclusive political process, she stressed. In this regard, she acknowledged the efforts of the Eminent Persons' Group of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to help bridge different political stances. Following their last visit to Haiti, Government, political and civil society stakeholders continue to seek a definite agreement on a governance framework that could pave the road for credible elections. Although inter-Haitian dialogue continues, some divergences remain on governance arrangements, hampering progress on the political front. It is essential to prioritize and uphold the interests of the Haitian people above all, she insisted.
Regrettably, since her last briefing, new violent actors have been gaining prominence. They could erode Haitian institutions and divide the Haitian population, she warned, calling on stakeholders from across the spectrum to engage peacefully and constructively in the political process. The sanctions regime is vital in curbing impunity and disrupting the financial resources and operational streams associated with criminal gangs. Lastly, she highlighted the continuous support to the Haitian National Police, the rapid deployment of the MSS mission, effective sanctions and a sustained political process resulting in credible elections as fundamental elements necessary to restore security and stability in the country.
GHADA WALY, Executive Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), said that the security situation in Haiti continues to deteriorate sharpy, with rampant gang violence in the streets amplified by the illicit flow of weapons and ammunition into the country. This is evidenced by the recent wave of gang violence that has forced people out of their homes and cost the lives of others in Solino, Nazon and elsewhere. "As long as the gangs continue to have access to very sophisticated firearms, they will have the capability to subject the Haitian population to terror," she warned. Turning to UNODC's latest report, she said that there are 11 recorded informal or clandestine air strips in Haiti, spread out across the country. They represent a blind spot that is possibly being used by traffickers and smugglers, she observed, adding that smaller aircraft flying directly between the United States and Haiti are difficult to monitor. The report also looks at the dynamics of arms trafficking in Haiti, showing that a relatively small number of Haitian gangs, such as the "5 Segond" and "400 Mawozo" groups, have become highly specialized in the procurement, storage and distribution of weapons and ammunition. They move firearms from points of entry to their strongholds, before distributing or selling them to other armed groups.
In its next report, UNODC will be analysing gang dynamics in Haiti in more detail, she pointed out, highlighting its focus on regional dynamics as "the deepening crisis in Haiti is not occurring in isolation". Across the Caribbean region, illicit firearms are a growing concern and are feeding gang-related activity and drug trafficking in a vicious circle. In November 2023, Caribbean States highlighted the need to curtail the flow of illicit arms in the region, reinforce regulatory frameworks, empower law enforcement and enhance data collection and reporting. The flow of firearms into Haiti is directly affected by efforts and capacities in the region. Whereas UNODC's previous report detailed how illicit arms and munitions purchased in the United States are trafficked to specific seaports in the Dominican Republic and onwards to Haiti via land border crossings, its latest report shows that after the land border was closed in September 2023 and stronger measures were taken by the Dominican authorities, the difficult accessibility of these routes has diverted trafficking to other unofficial crossing points in more remote regions.
Further, she spotlighted efforts to curb corruption and illicit financial flows, which are major factors enabling violence and organized crime, and plaguing Haiti's own justice institutions. Haiti's Anti-Corruption Unit and the Financial and Economic Affairs Office are stepping up their efforts. In November 2023, the former submitted 11 corruption investigation reports to the Prosecutor's Office, cutting across various public sectors and involving public institutions. Meanwhile, the latter investigated over 375 cases and handed over 75 of them to prosecuting authorities in 2023, including five on corruption. Nevertheless, anti-corruption efforts continue to be impeded by insufficient capacity, lack of forensic equipment and limited expertise in conducting complex investigations. Given the great uncertainty facing Haiti in the coming months, she emphasized that "it is more important than ever to take every measure possible to prevent illicit flows from further destabilizing the country".
Accordingly, she reiterated the importance of supporting Haitian capacities on firearm registration, control and regulation, as well as collection and analysis of firearms seizures. She also underlined the need to build Haitian border and customs control capacities, including along the Haiti-Dominican Republic border as well as maritime borders. Regionally, stronger intelligence-sharing and control mechanisms between United States law enforcement agencies and Caribbean Member States, as well as better oversight of international flights involving small aircraft, can help reduce trafficking to Haiti. Additionally, to curb illicit financial flows, Haiti needs better corruption risk evaluation, criminal justice procedures and guidelines, technical and investigative capacities and legal and regulatory frameworks. To this end, UNODC is working on the ground with Haitian authorities to improve capacities and equipment for border management and maritime security. Moreover, it is assisting in fighting corruption, she added.
TIRANA HASSAN, representative of Human Rights Watch, acknowledging the Council's efforts in October 2023 to address the crisis in Haiti, pointed out the unfortunate stalling of the MSS mission deployment. This has led to the worsening of the security situation in the country, marked by killings, kidnappings, sexual violence and a distressing doubling of fatalities in 2023 compared to the previous year, with nearly 4,700 lives lost. The persistent political deadlock in Haiti remains a significant impediment to effective governance, she stressed, emphasizing the lack of access to fundamental rights and essential services by many Haitians, which has further fuelled recruitment by criminal groups.
Against this backdrop, she shared a story of a nurse in Haiti, whose three-year-old daughter suffered physical distress, with diarrhoea and vomiting, while the community came under attack. The assailants, attempting to breach her home, eventually left after throwing a Molotov cocktail. Two months later, the child remains deeply traumatized, unable to sleep and expressing fears of impending harm. Speaking to Human Rights Watch, the mother stressed the urgency of an international response, adding "we are suffocating". Despite the past failures and abuses associated with international interventions in Haiti - allegations of sexual abuse by peacekeepers and the outbreak of a cholera epidemic - international support is crucial to avoid repeating past mistakes, she said.
On that, she called on the Council to encourage troop-contributing countries to implement a robust human rights due diligence policy, including vetting force members before deployment. "The Council should reiterate zero tolerance for any misconduct by members of the international force and support independent oversight," she stressed. Underscoring that the security component should be just one facet of a response to address the human rights and humanitarian crisis in Haiti, she called for well-coordinated humanitarian and development assistance and the establishment of a transitional Government. Additionally, measures to ensure accountability for leaders of criminal groups and their supporters are required, alongside with the efforts to curb the illicit flow of weapons and ammunition to criminal groups. "We also call on the Council to remind all countries to stop returning Haitians who are fleeing this severe violence," she concluded.
Statements
The representative of the United States, taking note of the "sobering picture" of reality in Port-au-Prince as set out in the briefings, pointed to the murder rate doubling in 2023, as kidnappings soared by 80 per cent. Meanwhile, he noted that criminal gangs had expanded their influence into formerly safe areas of Port-au-Prince and were controlling critical infrastructure, including its largest aquifer, while continuing to use sexual violence to consolidate their control. Amid an acute governance crisis, he called on Haitian political actors to consolidate a pathway to return to democracy. Recalling the Council's October 2023 resolution authorizing the deployment of a MSS mission to support the Haitian National Police in combating the violence unleashed by gangs, he stated that "tremendous progress" had been made towards the deployment of the force, in concert with Haitian and Kenyan leadership, as well as regional actors. However, he emphasized the need for an oversight mechanism to address human rights violations, as well as adequate financial support to ensure the mission's success.
The representative of Ecuador stressed the need to achieve agreements to restore democratic institutions and establish a road map for the holding of free and fair elections. To that end, minimum security conditions must be in place. Furthermore, it is fundamental to cement the progress made in strengthening the judiciary, penitentiary and police institutions to enhance measures to counter criminals. However, the high attrition rate within the police ranks is alarming, he said, expressing regret over the worsening security situation, particularly the spread of gang influence. The humanitarian situation in Haiti is also on fire, with about 5.5 million people in need of assistance. The persistent cholera outbreak, with 73,000 confirmed cases, speaks to the urgent need for a coordinated international response. His country trusts that the internal process will promptly conclude in Kenya to deploy the MSS mission, he added.
The representative of Malta, expressing alarm over the deteriorating security, political, human rights and humanitarian situations in Haiti, supported the Council's efforts to stop individuals and entities who are responsible for and profit from the country's insecurity. Member States must also ensure that sanctions are fully implemented, particularly in stemming the illicit flow of arms, she added. Gangs have further expanded their territorial control in Haiti, and gang-related violence, including sexual and gender-based violence, while homicide and kidnapping have increased, forcing hundreds of thousands to abandon their homes. Human rights abuses continue to intensify, with children bearing the brunt of this suffering, she observed, spotlighting reports of children being killed indiscriminately in their homes or on the streets, as well as being victims of sexual abuse, kidnapping and gang recruitment. Against this backdrop, she called on Haiti to swiftly strengthen its community violence reduction and arms control efforts, welcoming regional assistance to combat the illicit proliferation of weapons and ammunition which fuel these abhorrent crimes.
The representative of Japan expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation in Haiti, which has "backslid to disorder" despite long years of United Nations engagement. Armed gangs, using illicit weapons, employ criminal violence to expand control beyond Port-au-Prince, he observed, stressing that the rapidly declining number of the Haitian National Police and its fragile capacity limit anti-gang operations. Commending Kenya for its commitment to leading the MSS mission, he welcomed the predeployment training, adding that lessons drawn from past peacekeeping operations in Haiti necessitate an accountability mechanism to prevent human rights violations. The MSS mission should be deployed as soon as possible, he said, calling for a mutually beneficial relationship between BINUH and the mission. Noting that time has come to accelerate the implementation and monitoring of the sanctions, particularly focusing on the arms embargo, he urged all Haiti stakeholders to reach a consensus on the formation of a transnational Government.
The representative of Guyana, also speaking on behalf of Algeria, Mozambique and Sierra Leone, hailed the work of the Secretary-General and BINUH in seeking solutions to the multidimensional crisis in Haiti. Emphasizing the critical humanitarian situation in the country, she urged Member States to promptly increase their support for the significantly underfunded humanitarian response plan, which is vital to effectively address the acute issue of food insecurity. The forthcoming deployment of the MSS mission, working in collaboration with the Haitian National Police, will contribute to tackling gang-related violence - among the primary causes of the humanitarian situation in Haiti. Against that backdrop, she called on Member States and other partners to contribute to the trust fund as well as support the successful execution of the mission's mandate in keeping with the mechanisms outlined in resolution 2699 (2023).
The surge in Haiti's brutal gang violence is fuelled by the influx of sophisticated firearms and ammunition, she stressed, adding that halting the transfer of illicit weapons and establishing a robust regulatory framework are critical to restoring stability in Haiti. On that, she welcomed the recent expansion of the sanctions regime. The achievement of sustained stability and development in Haiti hinges on a Haitian-led and owned political solution, inclusive of women and youth, to set the country on the path of recovery. Urging all Haitian stakeholders to swiftly pursue a national consensus for a political transition and the conducting of free, fair and credible elections, she added: "The Haitian people can wait no longer."
The representative of China, voicing concern over the worsening political, security and humanitarian crisis in Haiti, asked: "Where is the way out of the crisis? How can the international community be more effective in helping Haiti?" He emphasized the need to address the political process, "the crux of the messy situation", adding that, without an accountable Government, the impasse would not be reversed. Consensus was a "key aspect" of the transition programme, he said, voicing hope that transitional arrangements could be made to pave the way for free, fair and credible elections. Turning to the "overweening attitude of gangs", which were committing atrocities and leading to the deterioration of the security situation, he warned that if they were not addressed, they would intensify their activities and people would live in fear. On that, he called for vigorous measures to be taken, including through the review and updating of the sanctions regime, as well as the implementation of the arms embargo.
The representative of Slovenia emphasized that stabilizing the security condition is the first crucial step towards addressing Haiti's multidimensional crisis. Taking note of the continued preparations for the deployment of the MSS mission to the country, he encouraged all actors involved to enable it to carry out its mandate promptly. In this regard, further reinforcement of the capacity of the Haitian National Police by the Government, with the assistance of BINUH, must continue. Similarly, as foreseen in Council resolution 2476 (2019), the criminal justice and correctional systems must be strengthened and improved to accompany the work of the MSS mission and the police. The alignment of the Government efforts along with those of the MSS mission and the United Nations will be critical to address the security situation in Haiti.
The representative of Switzerland, pointing out the continued spread of insecurity in Haiti, underscored that lasting peace depends on progress in all areas - security, development, humanitarian aid and politics. He urged a swift deployment of the MSS mission in Haiti to quell gang violence, adding that ongoing efforts should focus on enhancing the capacity of the Haitian National Police and fully implementing the sanctions regime. Once security is restored, political dialogue must be pursued to enable elections, he asserted, welcoming the discussions around the formation of a national unity Government, a new Provisional Electoral Council and a constitutional reform process. As the humanitarian response plan remains largely underfunded, he appealed to the international community to maintain its commitment to solidarity in Haiti. "Our responsibility, our credibility and the future of the Haitian people is at stake," he concluded.
The representative of the United Kingdom, expressing concern over the suffering of the people of Haiti, noted that killing, kidnapping and severe restriction of movement continue. There are disturbing accounts of the widespread use of sexual violence - including collective rape - against women and girls by gangs to instil fear in the population. Gangs forcibly recruited children and use access to food and water as a form of control. Accordingly, he underscored the need to agree on a road map that commits all parties to working towards a return to long-term governance. This is the only way to ensure stability and safety for Haitians for the long term, he stressed, welcoming support from the international community to progress these talks, particularly efforts from the CARICOM Eminent Persons Group. He also expressed support for the MSS mission and welcomed the Council's action in December which agreed on new sanctions designations targeting those responsible for armed criminal violence in Haiti.
The representative of the Russian Federation deplored the catastrophic security situation in Haiti as it got worse by the month. Warning that gangs possess hundreds of thousands of firearms entering the country unimpeded, he expressed disappointment that the largest arms producer in the region either cannot or does not do anything about Haiti being flooded with its weapons. Over the last three years, the national police lost 3,300 staff members, he pointed out, underscoring Port-au-Prince's limited ability to counter crimes. Against this backdrop, Moscow is pinning high hopes on the MSS mission. Unfortunately, more than three months have gone by since Council resolution 2699 (2023) was swiftly adopted. Yet his delegation still hasn't received the requested information. Recalling that this intervention was agreed under Article VII of the Charter of the United Nations, he insisted that it should be conducted within clearly defined parameters. The country's independence and its hard-won sovereignty have been practically strangled, first by the former colonial Power and now by another State that sees itself as the hegemony in the West. As a result, "Haiti is descending into a quagmire of lawlessness and violence", he added.
The representative of Japan, voicing concern over the worsening gang violence, widespread impunity and human rights violations in Haiti, and its impact on the humanitarian situation, noted the optimism of some political actors and civil society groups that the deployment of the MSS mission could help foster peace and security. She welcomed efforts by Kenya in planning an appropriate command and operational structure for the mission and for conducting training so its personnel can coordinate with the Haitian National Police. She went on to spotlight her country's $14 million contribution to the mission, including through providing equipment to the Haitian National Police. As well, she underscored the need for security improvements to be sustainable, highlighting her country's support for equipment to the Educational Community Police and to improve the facility of the Police Training Academy. On the political front, she hoped to hear further plans and frameworks towards setting benchmarks, a timeline and institutional structures for free, fair and inclusive elections in the country.
The representative of France, Council President for January, speaking in her national capacity, reiterated her country's support to the Haitian National Police and for the deployment of the MSS mission. The establishment of a Haiti-related sanctions regime by this Council must also contribute to stemming the action of those who destabilize the country, she asserted, stressing that these sanctions shall concern all actors who contribute to deteriorating the security situation, in particular those who cooperate with gangs and participate in illicit trafficking. Noting that only an inclusive political dialogue will provide a lasting response to the challenges facing Haiti, she welcomed the role of CARICOM and BINUH in facilitating this inter-Haitian political dialogue. She also voiced deep concern over the deteriorating living conditions of Haiti's people, detailing her country's humanitarian aid of €13.5 million in 2023, including €11 million in food aid.
JEAN VICTOR GENEUS, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Haiti, said that each time he addresses the Council the situation in his country gets "sadder and bleaker" due to a deteriorating security and humanitarian situation. Expressing hope that this would be his last statement before the deployment of the MSS mission, he added "the Haitian people have had enough of the armed gangs' savagery". Hailing the Council for adopting resolution 2699 (2023) and Kenya for leading the mission, he stressed that "every passing day that this long-awaited support has not yet arrived is one day too many". Underscoring the urgency of the situation, he detailed statistics revealing a dire scenario, including over 5,000 murders in 2023 alone and the displacement of over 200,000 people. These figures likely underestimate the true extent of the suffering, he added. Turning to the humanitarian, social and economic consequences of the crisis, he emphasized the urgent need for well-coordinated humanitarian and development assistance.
Against this backdrop, he urged the adoption of measures in accordance with resolution 2700 (2022), which outlines Member States' obligations to take all necessary actions to mitigate or potentially halt the trafficking of illicit arms and munitions, which are used by violent gangs. On the political dialogue, he noted with regret that "political players have still not come to an agreement", calling for the international community's support to this intra-Haitian dialogue in the run up to the mission's deployment. "Haiti will not collapse because we are not alone," he concluded, emphasizing his country's willingness to receive and reciprocate support.
ROBERTO ÁLVAREZ GIL, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic, noting that he was appearing before the Council for the ninth time in less than four years, to speak about the crisis in Haiti, said that the prevalent violence and political instability was impacting Haitian democracy and regional security. The authorization by the Council in October 2023 of the training and deployment of the MSS mission provided a "glimmer of hope"; however, it had regrettably not been deployed, as Haiti remained on the edge of the precipice, he said, pointing out that every day of inaction led to criminal organizations being able to increase power and expand control. He therefore called on all relevant actors to act responsibly and decisively to endow the mission with the necessary tools to perform its duties, underscoring that its success will depend on the active participation of the Haitian Government and its people, particularly the elite.
However, he voiced concern over the worrisome delay in the mission's deployment and the persistent timid attitude in implementing Council resolution 2653 (2022), warning that perpetrators should not be given free rein in an environment of impunity. Highlighting the need to restore democratic institutions, he welcomed efforts by BINUH and CARICOM's Eminent Persons Group to fostering dialogue between driving forces. Turning to the illicit trafficking of weapons, he called for the implementation of Council resolution 2692 (2023) to be stepped up. He rejected claims that his country was one of transit for weapons, emphasizing that it did not produce them, had strict legislation on the use or holding of weapons, and audited its ports. Finally, he rejected the harmful influence of new political players, putting themselves forward as messiahs, and calling for insurrection and political disobedience, whose influence was "as damaging and destabilizing as the gangs".
The representative of Saint Lucia, speaking on behalf of CARICOM, underscored that the MSS mission's delayed deployment threatens to diminish opportunities for the restoration of security, urging Member States to support preparations towards its launch. She also underlined the link between the security and political situations in Haiti as the "catch-22" scenario - the lack of a strong political framework breeding increased gang activity, and insecurity undermining efforts towards political progress. Both "must be tackled in tandem, with equal vigour", she stressed. During the last visit of CARICOM's Eminent Persons Group to Haiti, stakeholders were able reach consensus on several aspects of the proposed draft framework; however, to indicate a readiness to commence the final stage of negotiations, stakeholders must maintain their engagement, including through sustained informal discussions. The only durable solution is one conceptualized by - and emanating from - Haiti.
She also emphasized the dire humanitarian and economic situations. More than 40 per cent of the population faces acute food insecurity, with children being especially vulnerable. Yet, as of December 2023, the Humanitarian Response Plan was funded at a disappointing rate of 33 per cent. "Peace cannot be attained among those who are hungry," she said, underscoring the need for a long-term plan for economic restructuring that would give Haitians greater purchasing power, strengthen agriculture and food production, empower entrepreneurs and small businesses, and allow Haiti to become less dependent on foreign aid. CARICOM will continue to use its good offices, including within the context of the Eminent Persons Group, to support a Haitian-led, -owned and -focused solution that makes their ambition for peace a reality, she pledged.
The representative of Kenya said that, leading the MSS mission, his country has made significant progress in the preparatory phase. Following the adoption of resolution 2699 (2023), it began the constitutionally mandated administrative and legal processes to authorize the deployment of formed police units. On 13 October 2023, its National Security Council and Cabinet approved and ratified the deployment. Subsequently, on 16 November 2023, a joint session of the National Assembly and Senate approved the deployment of 1,000 National Police Service personnel. Kenya is currently awaiting the ruling of its High Court, scheduled for 26 January 2024, in response to a private citizen's lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of deploying Kenyan police to Haiti.
Highlighting his Government's significant progress in preparation for the deployment of the MSS mission, he said it undertook assessment missions to Haiti, engaging with its leadership and partners. Additionally, it engaged with critical actors on the ground in Haiti, as well as with Haitian authorities and members of CARICOM. His Government prepared the base documents that will guide the mission's operations, he said, also noting its involvement in selecting, vetting and training personnel who will be part of Kenya's contingent. Further, risk assessment and oversight mechanisms are currently being developed, in close consultation with relevant UN agencies, to ensure the mission aligns with the human rights due diligence policy. He appealed to all States to urgently support the mission by addressing the substantial resource gap.
Welcoming the impact of the sanction regime imposed by the Security Council to curb the proliferation of arms in Haiti, he urged the international community to continue supporting its implementation, particularly in ensuring that weapons do not fall into the hands of gangs. The success of the mission depends on strong multinational support, ensuring adequate resources in terms of funds, equipment and logistics. Further, it is essential to address the sociopolitical and economic challenges in Haiti, stem the flow of arms, curtail drug smuggling and trade and cut off financial support to criminal gangs.
