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Haiti - FLASH : Presentation of the situation in Haiti to the UN Security Council 22/04/2025 08:38:39
Statement by Maria Isabel Salvador : "Mr. President, Distinguished Members of the Council, Excellencies, Thank you for welcoming me once again today to address you at this critical time for Haiti. Since my last briefing to the Council in January, the security situation in Haiti has deteriorated once again. This time, I want to issue a cry and an appeal that may help you better understand what risks becoming a point of no return in the Haitian crisis. Since late January, organized criminal groups have launched coordinated attacks to expand territorial control and undermine the state authority. They targeted Kenscoff, the last road out of Port-au-Prince not fully under gang control, and advanced simultaneously into Delmas, downtown Port-au-Prince, and Pétion-Ville—areas previously spared—deepening the city's destabilization. Attacks also spread across the West, Centre, and Artibonite departments, signaling a strategy to stretch national security forces. Most recently, gangs seized Mirebalais. During the attack, over 500 inmates were freed https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-44597-haiti-flash-mirebalais-under-attack-numerous-victims-more-than-500-escapees-on-the-run-video.html in the fifth prison break in under a year—part of a deliberate effort to entrench dominance, dismantle institutions, and instill fear. The scale and duration of this violence overwhelmed the Haitian National Police, despite support from the Armed Forces of Haiti and the Multinational Security Support Mission, further obstructing stabilization. In February and March alone, 1,086 people were killed and 383 others injured. According to the International Organization for Migration, over 60,000 were forcibly displaced in the past two months https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-44511-haiti-social-60-000-people-displaced-by-violence-in-1-month.html , adding to the one million already displaced by December 2024. https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-44066-haiti-flash-more-than-a-million-people-in-haiti-have-been-displaced-by-violence-2024.html These numbers are expected to rise. The scale of the violence has sowed panic among Haitians, who fear the total collapse of the state under pressure from criminal groups. Many have organized to protect their neighborhoods, families, and communities. In recent days, frustration has driven thousands of citizens to demonstrate to demand more effective measures, while some politicians have exploited this growing insecurity to challenge the ruling power. National authorities have stepped up efforts, within their means, to strengthen security forces and improve coordination between the police, the Haitian Armed Forces, and the Multinational Security Support Mission. On April 14, a revised budget was adopted to bolster the capacities of the police and the military https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-44578-haiti-flash-billions-of-gourdes-allocated-for-the-pnh-and-the-fad-h.html and https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-44704-haiti-economy-war-budget-more-impressive-in-words-than-in-practice.html . It is essential that any future measures strengthen security institutions, respecting the rule of law, under civilian authority, and in compliance with human rights standards. However, I must be very frank, responsible and honest: no amount of effort by the Haitian government will be enough to significantly reduce the intensity and violence of criminal groups. In this context—and this might sound repetitive—stepping up international support for Haiti is more critical than ever, particularly through increased funding and operational capacity for the Multinational Security Support Mission. I commend Kenya’s steadfast leadership and thank all contributing Member States. But at this critical juncture, all Member States must increase support to Haiti’s security forces—particularly the Multinational Security Support Mission—not as a matter of choice, but of necessity as no viable alternative remains. The Secretary-General’s 24 February letter to the Council provides proposals that must be urgently considered. Download the letter from the Secretary General : https://www.haitilibre.com/docs/S_2025_122-EN.pdf Mr. President, Excellencies, As the security crisis affects all aspects of life in Haiti, the UN’s presence is also strained. The ongoing isolation of the capital—due to suspended commercial flights since November 2024 and blocked road access—remains the greatest operational challenge. In response, BINUH and UN agencies have adopted hybrid modalities and reduced their presence in Port-au-Prince to maintain operations and deliver life-saving support. However, without sufficient and predictable funding, even a minimal UN presence may become unsustainable, jeopardizing our ability to meet mandate priorities. I thank the World Food Programme and UNHAS for ensuring access under extreme constraints and urge continued and scaled-up support to WFP Haiti. Without this critical lifeline, UN operations could be further reduced—at a time when the country needs us most. Mr. President, Despite the enormous security challenges, the Haitian authorities, with the support of BINUH, have taken steps to advance the political process. The Transitional Presidential Council, led by Mr. Fritz Jean, reaffirmed its commitment to holding elections to transfer power to elected authorities by February 2026, in accordance with the agreement reached a year ago. The Steering Committee of the National Conference conducted extensive consultations in the country's departments and with the diaspora on the constitutional review https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-44691-haiti-washington-dialogue-on-diaspora-electoral-and-political-participation.html , while the Provisional Electoral Council launched consultations with political and civil society actors and advanced administrative and logistical preparations. The UNDP redefined its electoral support project, and a Task Force of UN agencies, led by BINUH, was established based on the recommendations of the Needs Assessment Mission. Despite this progress, many are concerned about the feasibility of the timetable, as the deteriorating security situation compromises essential preparations for the organization of an inclusive, participatory and credible referendum and elections. BINUH remains committed to supporting authorities and stakeholders in engaging constructively on how to realistically advance electoral preparations, while understanding that restoring security and a stable environment is essential to end the cycle of transitional arrangements and replace it with democratically elected institutions. In light of the deteriorating environment and based on the Secretary-General’s message, it is vital to align BINUH’s scope with on-the-ground realities. Strategic prioritization of the mandate—grounded in the current security context and available resources—is essential to allow the Mission to deliver meaningfully on core responsibilities: political dialogue, national capacity support, community violence reduction, human rights protection, and enabling conditions for democratic renewal. This is a call to focus BINUH’s efforts where they can be most impactful, sustainable, and credible. Amid widespread insecurity, BINUH continues to support governance improvements and political progress. We are working closely with the newly appointed National Commission for Disarmament, Dismantlement and Reintegration https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-44452-haiti-security-installation-of-members-of-the-national-disarmament-commission.html . Its installation reflects determination by national authorities to advance, despite the challenges. The work on the National Strategy for Community Violence Reduction and a draft law on weapons and ammunition are steps toward reducing violence. I welcome the Government’s recent decree creating specialized judicial units to address heinous crimes, financial crimes, and corruption https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-44549-haiti-justice-reopening-of-the-court-of-first-instance-of-port-au-prince.html , and its commitment to prosecuting white-collar criminals and financiers of criminal groups, as well as strengthening control over arms and illicit trafficking. The UN in Haiti has long supported these efforts through advocacy and technical assistance. I urge the authorities to implement these measures without delay. I also call on this Council to renew its engagement and support for the Sanctions Committee and Panel of Experts—including by adding names to the sanctions list and urging Member States to fully enforce the arms embargo. Justice is a system; it requires every part to act for it to function. Haiti’s humanitarian crisis has reached critical levels. Cholera outbreaks and gender-based violence—especially in displacement sites—are widespread. Insecurity has closed 39 health facilities and over 900 schools in Port-au-Prince. I urge Member States to support the 2025 Humanitarian Response Plan. The UN remains committed to helping deliver life-saving assistance—especially to women, girls, and children—and to promoting social peace through government-led efforts. Mr. President, Haiti has reached a pivotal moment. As I have already said, we are approaching a point of no return. As gang violence continues to spread to new areas of the country, Haitians experience growing levels of vulnerability and increasing skepticism about the ability of the state to respond to their needs. The national security forces, while deploying their utmost effort, cannot succeed without a unified, strategic command structure—free from political interference and operating under civil authority. In addition, they require more specialized anti-gang units, better equipment, and improved working conditions. However, and it must be said, without timely, decisive and concrete international assistance, the security situation in Haiti may not change. Haiti could face total chaos and any delay in your support could be a direct cause of such stark deterioration. I urge you to remain engaged and answer the pressing needs of the country and its people. For its part, notwithstanding the enormous security challenges that we face, BINUH, as mandated by this Council, will spare no effort in supporting the Haitian-led political process towards the restoration of democratic institutions, as soon as conditions are met." HL/ HaitiLibre
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