UNITED NATIONS – The United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, Wednesday described the crisis in Haiti as a “protracted human tragedy” and urged the international community to “to step up to support the Haitian people in their efforts to restore stability”.
UN Secretary General, Antonio GuterresIn a message to the Ministerial Meeting on Haiti held under the theme ““Building on Progress to Restore Security in Haiti” Guterres said that the human tragedy in Haiti has a long and well-known history.
“It is one of the most disastrous humanitarian situations in the world. The international community has a responsibility to step up to support the Haitian people in their efforts to restore stability.”
Guterres said that recently, there have been some progress in putting transitional governance structures in place in the French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country, which he described as “a vital step on the way to inclusive democracy and the rule of law.
“But the Haitian people are still subjected to egregious human rights abuses by gangs. Young women and girls continue to suffer appalling levels of sexual violence and abuse.”
Guterres said that during the first half of this year, the United Nations documented 3,638 homicides, an increase of nearly 74 per cent over 2023.
He said despite the imposition of the arms embargo in October 2023, gangs and other non-state actors continue to procure arms and ammunition illicitly.
But he said that the first deployments of the Kenya led United Nations Security Council sanctioned Multinational Security Support mission (MSS)are a positive step, commending the African country “for its leadership as well as those countries that have pledged to contribute with personnel, equipment, and necessary logistical resources.
“I also commend countries that have contributed to the Trust Fund for the mission, set up by the Secretary-General in accordance with the request of the Security Council. The fund now stands at US$85.3 million.
“However, funding for the mission, and for the Haitian National Police, remains totally inadequate. I urge all those who have made financial commitments to deliver on them urgently.”
The UN Secretary General said there is need to keep working to mobilize sufficient resources for the mission, and for the humanitarian response in Haiti.
He said close to 703,000 people have been displaced and more than 5 million Haitians are food insecure – almost half of the population.
“There is an urgent need for resources to support humanitarian efforts. The Humanitarian Needs Response Plan for Haiti, totaling US$674 million, is currently only 39 per cent funded.
“A durable solution to the current crisis can only come from a political process that restores democratic institutions through elections. Improving security is crucial to creating the conditions necessary for these elections.”
Guterres said that the UN will not waver in its commitment to Haiti, adding “we continue to support the transition process, in line with the mandate of our current mission, BINUH – the UN Integrated Office in Haiti.
“I also welcome CARICOM’s support to the Haitian-led efforts and its cooperation with BINUH. Like people everywhere, Haitians demand and deserve to live in dignity, free from the threat of violence,” Guterres said.
Haiti has been without an elected government since July 2021 when President Jovenel Moise was assassinated at his private residence overlooking the capital, Port au Prince.
