The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, hosted a ministerial meeting today with key partners to discuss the security situation in Haiti.
Minister Joly thanked the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), including Jamaica and other participants, for facilitating the political dialogue among Haitian stakeholders held in Jamaica from June 11 to 13, 2023. She noted that Canada will continue to support the various dialogues aimed at broadening political consensus about the crisis in Haiti.
Minister Joly also reiterated that Canada will continue to build on its significant investments in Haiti by establishing a Canada-led Joint Security Coordination Cell (JSCC). This cell will look to enhance the coordination and mobilization of international efforts in security assistance, working closely with the Haitian National Police (HNP), international partners, and the United Nations to foster a sustainable environment for long-term peace and security in Haiti. Canada will continue its efforts, in coordination with key partners, to disrupt armed gang activities through logistical, technical and operational support and through cooperation with the HNP.
The Minister announced that Canada has imposed sanctions on 2 more individuals: former member of parliament Prophane Victor, and former senator Gracia Delva. These sanctions impose a dealings prohibition that effectively freezes any assets these individuals may hold in Canada. These individuals are now also inadmissible to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
It was also announced that Canada will allocate $10 million in funding to the UN Development Programme's (UNDP) multi-donor basket fund on security in Haiti and $3 million in funding to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes' (UNODC) anti-corruption project. These contributions will help bolster the HNP capacity to address immediate security needs and long-term capacity-building, as well as strengthen Haiti's capacity to fight corruption and impunity.
