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![]() Haiti - UN : Dark report on the situation in Haiti 23/01/2025 09:21:27
"Mr. President, Distinguished Members of the Council, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, I come before you hopeful for the signs of progress in the political front, despite serious setbacks in the security one. On 11 November, armed gangs targeted commercial aircraft near the Port-au-Prince international airport, forcing its closure and the suspension of all flights. At least three aircraft were hit, injuring a flight attendant in one instance https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-43623-icihaiti-insecurity-the-ministry-of-justice-condemns-the-shootings-on-planes.html. The resulting US Federal Aviation Administration ban on US-registered aircraft https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-43826-haiti-flash-faa-extends-restrictions-on-us-aircraft-flights-to-haiti-until-march-2025.html exacerbated Port-au-Prince's isolation, and at least one major airline has announced it will not return to Haiti for the foreseeable future. This marks the second time in less than a year that commercial operations at the airport have been suspended, leaving the population of the capital increasingly cut off from the rest of the country and the world. Shortly after, gangs launched coordinated and simultaneous attacks across the capital, including in areas previously untouched by such violence. These attacks, aimed at destabilizing state institutions, triggered violent responses from self-defense groups, with residents armed with machetes and firearms. This cycle of violence, in Port-au-Prince, led to at least 220 deaths and displaced nearly 41,000 people. In December, armed gangs carried out mass killings in Wharf Jérémie, in the commune of Cité Soleil, resulting in 207 fatalities https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-43913-haiti-flash-wharf-jeremie-massacre-more-than-207-dead-investigation-report.html, mostly among the elderly. Meanwhile, the Artibonite Department saw a sharp escalation in violence, with retaliatory attacks between gangs and self-defense groups leading to 114 deaths https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-43698-haiti-flash-more-than-100-bandits-killed-in-3-days.html . On 24 December, the Hospital of the State University in Port-au-Prince was attacked ahead of its reopening ceremony, resulting in the deaths of a police officer and two journalists https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-43943-icihaiti-insecurity-attack-on-general-hospital-death-toll-rises.html . On 18 January, an additional 217 Kenyan police officers (including an advance team of 5 women) were deployed to Haiti https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-44091-haiti-flash-218-kenyan-soldiers-arrived-in-haiti-video.html . In addition, 150 Guatemalans https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-43993-haiti-flash-a-second-group-of-75-guatemalan-soldiers-has-arrived.html and an advance team of eight Salvadorean troops have also arrived https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-43986-haiti-flash-first-reinforcements-from-guatemala-and-el-salvador-have-arrived-video.html . The Haitian National Police (PNH), supported by the Multinational Security Support mission (MSS) and, in some cases, by the Armed Forces of Haiti, has made efforts to respond to this surge in violence. Improved coordination between the MSS and national security forces has led to better planning and execution of anti-gang operations. The recent appointment of a Secretary of State for Public Security is a positive step https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-44067-haiti-politic-installation-of-mario-andresol-as-secretary-of-state-for-public-security.html , signaling a stronger focus on addressing Haiti's security challenges. A significant milestone was reached on 10 January, when 739 new recruits https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-44029-icihaiti-pnh-graduation-ceremony-for-700-new-police-officers.html , including 213 women https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-44035-haiti-pnh-34th-promotion-213-women-ready-to-fight-armed-gangs.html , graduated from the National Police Academy. The hope and pride reflected in these young recruits and their families provide a much-needed reminder of resilience and determination. However, challenges faced by the PNH remain immense, with high attrition rates, insufficient specialized training, and a lack of equipment. Enhanced international assistance is critical. I take this opportunity to thank Member States for their contributions in personnel and through the Trust Fund for the MSS, this honorable Council for its steadfast support of it and, once again, commend Kenya for its leadership. I urge Member States to provide additional contributions to ensure the success of this multinational effort. Excellencies, The worsening security crisis has significantly impacted United Nations operations. In response to the suspension of flights to Port-au-Prince and widespread violence, the UN decided to temporarily reduce its footprint in the capital, while continuing to provide lifesaving assistance. This mechanism has enabled BINUH, with a skeleton team, and UN agencies to continue to deliver on their mandates through hybrid efforts, combining national staff and critical international presence in Port-au-Prince with remote work. The UN remains committed to scaling up its presence as soon as security conditions permit, continuously monitoring the security environment to ensure the safety of personnel while delivering assistance to those in need. Mr. President, Excellencies, The political landscape in Haiti has seen positive developments since I last addressed this Council. The appointment of Alix Didier Fils-Aimé as Prime Minister on 11 November https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-43607-haiti-flash-cpt-appoints-a-new-prime-minister.html has improved collaboration between the Government and the Transitional Presidential Council. This cooperation has helped advance key governance issues. Improved coordination between the Transitional Presidential Council and the current Government has helped to refine and successfully target the transition’s 'priorities of priorities' : 'security, elections and social appeasement', and has helped advance some key governance decisions that were previously pending. I commend the appointment of the two remaining members of the Provisional Electoral Council. Four of the nine members are now women, an important step towards greater gender inclusion in the electoral process https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-43841-elections-the-cep-is-now-complete-with-44-women-list.html . I also welcome the appointment of the Ministers Delegate for Electoral and Constitutional Affairs and for Solidarity and Humanitarian Affairs, which I hope will enhance the visibility of these two key portfolios. In response to a request from the Haitian government, the United Nations deployed an Electoral Needs Assessment Mission in November. The mission's recommendations, approved by the UN Focal Point for Electoral Assistance, include targeted support for constitutional and electoral processes. Meanwhile, the National Conference on constitutional reform continues its work. In November and December, the Working Group on Constitutional Review engaged with various sectors of society to gather perspectives on key constitutional tenets. Broader consultations with the Haitian diaspora and across the country are starting this week to ensure inclusivity. The constitutional referendum and general elections remain targeted for this year, requiring security increasing measures, sustained commitment and timely progress. The establishment of the National Security Council is another notable achievement. This planning and coordinating mechanism, has the potential to significantly strengthen Haiti's security efforts. I encourage authorities to fully operationalize this structure to maximize its impact. Mister President, Excellencies While there is progress on the political front and reason to be timidly hopeful, the transition framework remains fragile. The increasing fragmentation of the political sectors represented on the Transitional Presidential Council, combined with persistent criticism of this Council, complicates the process. Serious corruption allegations targeting three members of the Council have heightened tensions and called into question the legitimacy of its actions. Recently, some political actors have sought assistance from the CARICOM Eminent Persons Group to facilitate a national dialogue. A letter addressed to CARICOM by actors from three political groups that are part of the Presidential Transitional Council, proposes different options for resolving disputes around this issue. However, the letter's mention of a gang coalition sparked strong criticism, highlighting widespread opposition to any interaction with criminal gangs. These developments show that any attempt to legitimize armed gangs is rejected by the majority of Haitian actors and the public in general. Mister President, The humanitarian crisis in Haiti has reached alarming levels. Over 6 million people - nearly half the population - require humanitarian assistance, with 3.9 million targeted for aid. The number of internally displaced persons has tripled to over 1 million, with more than half being children. Displacement sites are overcrowded and lack essential services such as clean water, sanitation, and education. Food insecurity affects 48 per cent of the population, with nearly 2 million people in emergency conditions (IPC phase 4) and 6,000 in catastrophic conditions (IPC phase 5). Despite these challenges, humanitarian partners conducted 700 UN missions in the fourth quarter, including 500 directly related to life-saving assistance. The 2025 Humanitarian Response Plan requires USD 908 million, and I call on donors to contribute generously to alleviate suffering and support recovery. Excellencies, At this crucial time, Haiti needs your continued support more than ever. To organize a credible, participatory and inclusive constitutional review process and elections in this context of crisis, Haitian actors must overcome their differences and collaborate. A lasting solution requires simultaneous progress on the political and security fronts, supported by continued international solidarity. BINUH will continue to offer its good offices and strategic support to help Haiti address these complex challenges. Thank you." See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-44120-haiti-flash-un-warns-of-risk-of-gangs-taking-over-all-of-port-au-prince-report.html HL/ HaitiLibre
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