(2024) Rapport du Groupe consultatif ad hoc sur Haïti (E/2024/7)

United Nations E/2024/7 Economic and Social Council Distr.: General 18 April 2024 Original: English 24-07116 (E) 160524 *2407116* 2024 session 27 July 2023–24 July 2024 Agenda item 12 (e) Coordination, programme and other questions: long-term programme of support for Haiti Report of the Ad Hoc Advisory Group on Haiti Summary The present report is submitted pursuant to Economic and Social Council resolution 2023/32, by which the Ad Hoc Advisory Group on Haiti was requested to submit a report on its work, with recommendations, as appropriate, to the Council for its consideration at its 2024 session. The report covers the activities carried out by the Group from April 2023 to March 2024, including meetings with national authorities and representatives of civil society, the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti, the United Nations country team, regional organizations and international financial institutions. Deeply concerned by the deteriorating security situation and the continued worsening of the living conditions of the Haitian people, the Group has focused its attention on identifying concrete avenues by which the international community can support Haitian-led and Haitian-owned solutions to strengthen the country’s stability and sustainable development in line with its mandate, which was extended by the Economic and Social Council in its resolution 2023/32. The Group reiterates that security measures should be complemented by a comprehensive and sustainable long-term strategy, accompanied by resources, to address the drivers of violence, such as political instability, economic and social inequalities, extreme poverty, high unemployment, human rights violations, impunity, corruption and weak public institutions. A long-term solution for Haiti requires addressing the root causes of the country’s vulnerability and instability. Strengthening Haitian capacities to protect and support vulnerable populations, deliver essential services, promote and sustain peace at the community level, build resilient food systems, invest in education and vocational opportunities for youth, promote inclusive economic growth and job creation and strengthen the rule of law are crucial steps towards the country’s sustainable development. E/2024/7 24-07116 2/19 The Group calls upon the international community, United Nations entities, international financial institutions and other partners, including from the region, to scale up their support in a coordinated manner. E/2024/7 3/19 24-07116 I. Introduction 1. The Ad Hoc Advisory Group on Haiti was initially created in 1999 by the Economic and Social Council through its resolution 1999/4 and was reactivated five years later through Council decision 2004/322. It is composed of the Permanent Representatives of Argentina, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, France, Haiti, Jamaica, Kenya, Mexico, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, the United States of America and Uruguay to the United Nations. One new member – the Permanent Representative of Jamaica to the United Nations – joined the Group on 26 July 2023 (Council decision 2023/201 D). Since November 2004, the Group has been chaired by the Permanent Representative of Canada to the United Nations. As stipulated in decision 2004/322, the President of the Council and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Haiti are invited to take part in the meetings of the Group. 2. In its resolution 2023/32, the Council decided to extend the mandate of the Group until the conclusion of the 2024 session, with the purpose of following closely and providing advice on the long-term development strategy of Haiti to promote socioeconomic recovery, reconstruction and stability, with particular attention to the need to ensure coherence and sustainability in international support for the country. The Council requested that the Group submit a report on its activities for the Council’s consideration at its 2024 session. 3. The present report is the twentieth submitted to the Council by the Group since its reactivation in 2004. It highlights the main findings and recommendations of the Group following its meetings with Haitian authorities and various stakeholders, including representatives of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the Organization of American States. Given the deteriorating security situation in Haiti during the reporting period, the Group did not conduct a visit to Haiti but consulted a wide range of stakeholders through hybrid and in-person meetings. The annex to the present report contains an overview of the activities undertaken by the Group during the reporting period. II. Current Haitian context A. Political and security situation 4. Haiti continues to be characterized by a complex multifaceted crisis with political, security, human rights, development and humanitarian challenges. Taking advantage of the political impasse and institutional vacuum since the assassination of the President, Jovenel Moïse, on 7 July 2021, armed gangs have expanded their influence, leading to a severe security crisis with a high level of violence, including sexual violence, human rights violations, killings, kidnappings and forced displacements. The systemic use of sexual and gender-based violence and the recruitment of children and youth by armed gangs continue with impunity. The trafficking and diversion of small arms, light weapons and ammunition to gangs have compounded the already dire security situation. Impunity and corruption remain prevalent, affecting the security situation, the functioning of national institutions and the country’s economic life. 5. On 2 October 2023, acting under chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations, the Security Council authorized, through its resolution 2699 (2023), the deployment of a multinational security support mission, in close cooperation and E/2024/7 24-07116 4/19 coordination with the Government of Haiti. The Security Council also emphasized the need for Member States, United Nations organs, bodies and agencies, and other international organizations, including international financial institutions, to redouble their efforts to promote the institutional, social and economic development of Haiti, in particular for the long term, in order to achieve and sustain stability and combat poverty. The Group welcomes the willingness of Kenya to lead the proposed multinational security support mission and other countries’ commitments to provide personnel and financial resources. 6. While efforts to support the deployment of the multinational security support mission have continued, the security situation has deteriorated further, as armed gangs have intensified their attacks on critical infrastructure, including airports, ports, police stations, penitentiaries, schools and hospitals. 7. Following months of dialogue among Haitian stakeholders on the restoration of the country’s democratic processes, and mediation efforts led by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), on 11 March 2024, Haitian stakeholders, together with CARICOM and international partners, announced, through an outcome declaration, 1 their commitment to a transitional governance arrangement, which would pave the way for a peaceful transition of power, continuity of governance, an action plan for near-term security and the road to free and fair elections. The Prime Minister, Ariel Henry, announced that he would resign once the transitional presidential council was established and a new Prime Minister was appointed. The Group appreciates the sustained engagement of CARICOM in supporting an inclusive dialogue among Haitian stakeholders. It encourages Haitian stakeholders to implement the transitional governance arrangement and pave the way for credible, free, fair and transparent elections. 8. As part of its efforts to increase international attention on the deteriorating situation in Haiti and mobilize support to help Haitians address the complex and multifaceted challenges facing the country, the Group convened a high-level meeting of the Group with Caribbean partners on 21 September 2023, during the seventy- eighth session of the General Assembly. Addressing the root causes of instability in Haiti requires Haitian-owned political solutions. The Group continues to urge the country’s political actors, religious leaders, the private sector and civil society, including women and youth groups, to strengthen their efforts to pave the way for credible, free, fair and transparent elections. In that regard, the Group has welcomed the continued efforts of CARICOM to support Haiti towards establishing political stability and in addressing security concerns through dialogue among Haitian stakeholders, including civil society. B. Escalating humanitarian crisis 9. The humanitarian situation in the country continues to deteriorate. The levels of insecurity and human rights violations, provoked by armed gangs, continue to create situations of extreme vulnerability for Haitians. Around 5.5 million people in Haiti require humanitarian assistance and protection, with 4.4 million experiencing high levels of acute food insecurity. According to the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification figures, 2 Haiti faces a humanitarian crisis, with nearly 4.97 million expected to experience high levels of acute food insecurity, including 1.4 million in __________________ 1 Caribbean Community (CARICOM), “Outcome declaration of CARICOM, international partners and Haitian stakeholders”, 11 March 2024. 2 Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, “Haiti: acute food insecurity situation for August 2023 – February 2024 and projection for March – June 2024”, IPC Analysis Portal. Available at www.ipcinfo.org/ipc-country-analysis/details-map/en/c/1156571/?iso3=HTI. E/2024/7 5/19 24-07116 emergency situations, for the period from March to June 2024. In 2023, Haiti ranked 115 out of 125 countries in the Global Hunger Index 3 and acute malnutrition among children increased by 30 per cent. 10. As of February 2024, around 362,000 people were internally displaced, with 93 per cent of those displacements due to violence. 4 This is a notable shift in the country’s pattern of internal displacement, which was predominantly due to disasters. Furthermore, an additional 17,000 people were displaced in early March due to increased levels of violence, most of whom had already been displaced. Of the total number of internally displaced persons, more than half were women and girls. 11. The deteriorating security situation has also significantly hindered access to essential services and exacerbated health, water and hygiene needs. The country’s health-care system is facing collapse due in part to limited access to fuel for health infrastructure, targeted attacks on hospitals and a shortage of health-care workers due to high attrition rates. The looting of United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) containers filled with critical supplies for children 5 is further burdening the health system in Haiti. Furthermore, the crisis has disrupted the education sector, resulting in school closures and irregular operations, affecting children’s access to learning opportunities. Around 1.2 million teachers and students have been affected by 755 schools being closed, 139 schools being occupied and almost 600,000 children living in gang-related areas. 6 12. The Group was informed that United Nations-supported initiatives for food security, including locally sourced school feeding programmes, were not only providing children with a safe space and reliable meals but were also supporting local agricultural production. Such assistance, in the form of food, school feeding programmes and cash, helped to contribute to stabilization efforts. Productive safety net approaches linked agriculture to local needs. Internally displaced persons were also receiving assistance in the form of hot meals and cash. 13. The Group learned that, with regard to emergency livelihood assistance, only 13 per cent of people targeted for food assistance were also targeted for livelihood support during the first half of 2023. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), emergency agriculture interventions remain very cost-effective and impactful in promoting food security. For example, investing $413 in seeds could provide a vulnerable household with enough agricultural produce to meet the essential food needs of an entire family for up to 6 months, which represents less than $70 per month per household. Such emergency humanitarian investments provide sustainable solutions, as a small part of the food produced could be kept to provide seeds for the following season. Furthermore, emergency livelihood assistance allows rural populations to remain in their homes, preventing the rural exodus that drives overpopulation in the suburbs of Port-au- Prince, and helps to build the resilience of communities to future shocks. To maximize their impact, food security interventions need to be complemented with livelihood assistance based on the priorities of local communities. 14. The Group welcomes the efforts of the United Nations country team and the humanitarian country team in Haiti, which have been mobilized, together with United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), to support national authorities in __________________ 3 Klaus von Grebmer and others, 2023 Global Hunger Index the Power of Youth in Shaping Food Systems (Bonn, Welthungerhilfe; Dublin, Concern Worldwide, 2023). 4 International Organization for Migration, “Haiti: situation report”, February 2024. 5 United Nations Children’s Fund, “Critical supplies for children looted at the armed-group- controlled main port of Port-au-Prince”, 16 March 2024. 6 United Nations, Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, “Haiti: humanitarian needs and response plan – executive summary”, January 2024. E/2024/7 24-07116 6/19 delivering on key priorities. The Group was informed that the humanitarian country team had established a platform for dialogue, exchange of information and coordination between the humanitarian community, the Haitian National Police and BINUH. Representatives of the multinational security support mission will join the platform once the mission arrives in the country. Furthermore, the United Nations country team is working on an integrated plan to assist the Government with restoring the delivery of essential services in communities affected by gang violence, among other priorities, which are to be undertaken once the multinational security support mission arrives and State authority can be restored. 15. The Group is encouraged that despite the dire situation, civil society and humanitarian partners in the country have been mobilized to address food security. Humanitarian access has remained possible because local partners are engaged in community-based approaches, such as school feeding programmes. The World Food Programme (WFP), for example, has built a local network of partners over a number of decades, which has enabled community access in the provinces. 16. The Group is very concerned that the 2023 humanitarian response plan for Haiti received only 34 per cent of its $719.9 million funding requirement. On 28 February 2024, the 2024 humanitarian needs and response plan for Haiti was launched. As at 16 March 2024, only 6.4 per cent of its $673.8 million funding requirement had been met. 7 The main drivers of humanitarian needs experienced by the population of Haiti are health needs (4.7 million people); food security (4.4 million); water, sanitation and hygiene (3.4 million); shelter/non-food items (3.2 million); and global protection (1.6 million). The 2024 plan is aimed at providing multisectoral emergency assistance to 2.2 million people in areas affected by sudden shocks linked to insecurity, forced population movements, natural disasters and epidemics, and at implementing activities to enhance the resilience of 3.6 million people, including actions that promote sustainable solutions and emergency preparedness. 17. Emphasizing that the dire humanitarian needs in the country require urgent attention, the Group calls upon the international community to immediately provide the funding needed to support humanitarian response efforts aimed at ensuring that the most vulnerable people receive assistance. In this regard, humanitarian corridors are critical to ensuring unhindered and safe access to humanitarian aid for Haitians in need. C. Sustainable development 1. Economic outlook 18. According to the World Bank, the economy of Haiti contracted for four consecutive years, by 1.7 per cent in 2019, 3.3 per cent in 2020, 1.8 per cent in 2021 and 1.7 per cent in 2022. 8 It is estimated to have contracted by 2.5 per cent in 2023. The Group is concerned that gains in poverty reduction have been reversed in Haiti. The high-frequency phone survey of the World Bank, carried out in March 2023, indicated that two thirds of households in Haiti had experienced a reduction in their income, in part due to deteriorating labour market conditions and a drop in __________________ 7 Ibid., see also United Nations, Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, “Besoins humanitaires et plan de réponse Haïti”, January 2024; and United Nations, Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, “Haiti: country snapshot for 2024”, Financial Tracking Service database. Available at https://fts.unocha.org/countries/96/summary/2024. 8 World Bank, “GDP growth (annual %) – Haiti”, World Bank database. Available at https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG?end=2022&locations=HT&start=20 14&view=chart. E/2024/7 7/19 24-07116 remittances. 9 Furthermore, World Bank estimates suggest that the proportion of people living on less than $2.15 per day (the international poverty line) increased to 34 per cent in 2023. 19. According to the Human Development Report 2023/2024, Haiti was ranked 158 out of 193 countries, with a life expectancy of 63.7 years (66.7 years for women and 60.9 years for men). In 2022, 28 per cent of the female population had at least some secondary education, while the figure was 36.9 per cent for the male population. In the same year, labour force participation was 48.8 per cent for women and 66 per cent for men. 10 20. In its 2023 country report on Haiti, IMF indicated that there were signs of resilience despite the very challenging environment. It noted that: (a) net international reserves had been rebuilt, although from a low base; (b) custom duties had helped to boost fiscal revenue by 50 per cent in the first six months of fiscal year 2023, starting in October 2022; and (c) monetary financing of the budget had declined. 11 The deficit had declined due to a reduction in subsidies and better revenue generation. However, while the debt situation had improved, Haiti remained at high risk for debt distress. 12 There was also progress in terms of transparency of the presentation of the budget, which was approved ahead of the start of the year for the first time. The revised law on countering money-laundering and the financing of terrorism was approved by the Council of Ministers in April 2023. 21. In its 2023–2024 national budget, 13 approved in October 2023, the Government of Haiti has prioritized macroeconomic stability, thereby supporting vulnerable populations and addressing security issues. Priority actions include the implementation of government social programmes to mitigate the impact of inflation on the poorest; agricultural development; promotion of the private sector for job creation; and addressing tax evasion and money-laundering. 22. According to the National Institute of Statistics and Informatics of Haiti, 14 remittances from Haitians abroad amounted to around $3.8 billion in 2023. That figure reflected a slight decrease of 1.2 per cent in 2023, compared with a more substantial drop of 4.9 per cent in 2022. The Multisectoral Emergency Programme for the Social Appeasement and Reintegration of Vulnerable Groups, set up by the Government and financed by the Treasury, was aimed at supporting households to mitigate the impact of inflation on their purchasing power. 23. The Group was informed that millions of Haitians did not have access to electricity, water, sanitation or health care due to deteriorating conditions. Moreover, a low rate of tax collection means that the Government cannot generate sufficient revenues to deliver basic services. The Group emphasizes that bolstering Haitian capabilities requires enhancing human capital development through increased investments in essential services such as education and health care. __________________ 9 See www.worldbank.org/en/country/haiti/overview. 10 Human Development Report 2023/2024: Breaking the Gridlock – Reimagining Cooperation in a Polarized World (United Nations publication, 2024). 11 International Monetary Fund (IMF), Haiti: Staff-Monitored Program-Extension and Modification of Performance Criteria-Press Release; and Staff Report, IMF Staff Country Report, No 2023/315 (2023). 12 IMF, “List of LIC DSAs for PRGT-eligible countries”, 29 February 2024. 13 See https://budget.gouv.ht/loi-de-finances/Lettres%20de%20Cadrage. 14 Institut Haïtien de Statistique et d’Informatique, “Les comptes economiques en 2023”, December 2023. E/2024/7 24-07116 8/19 2. Health sector 24. The health-care system in Haiti remains on the verge of collapse due in part to a lack of funding and supplies, limited access to fuel for health infrastructure, targeted attacks on hospitals and a shortage of health-care workers due to high attrition rates. The departure from the country of skilled health-care personnel and the security risks faced by those who stay are major concerns. The country continues to face a cholera epidemic, with nearly 72,000 suspected cases and 1,000 deaths since its resurgence in October 2022. 15 The security crisis and other challenges, such as fuel shortages and economic instability, are hindering the response efforts, including surveillance and access to treatment. The health-care system is also struggling to address maternal and child health, injuries related to the ongoing violence and mental health issues. There is a risk of the re-emergence of diseases such as polio and measles. It is critical to increase efforts to strengthen the country’s health sector. 25. PAHO, in collaboration with the World Health Organization, the Ministry of Health of Haiti, Médecins sans frontières and other partners, has been addressing various health-related challenges in Haiti, including active cholera outbreaks, maternal health issues, and sexual and gender-based violence, in a challenging security situation. Despite the difficulties faced, PAHO continued its efforts by strengthening community health services, providing mental health support and coordinating humanitarian efforts. Key concerns included maternal mortality; limited access to health care due to security issues; and shortages of health-care workers. PAHO continues to work in the areas of water, sanitation and hygiene. It has also been prioritizing women’s health, including the provision of medical supplies and training for health-care workers, while stressing the importance of maintaining equitable and neutral access to health services. 26. In response to the acute malnutrition challenges, a collaborative effort was spearheaded by the World Health Organization, in partnership with FAO, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, UNICEF and WFP. Together, they launched a global action plan on child wasting, 16 highlighting prevention and treatment as areas for priority action and identifying Haiti as a priority country for the initiative. In addition, PAHO has been supporting the Ministry of Health in developing tools and building capacity in various areas such as breastfeeding, the management of acute malnutrition and surveillance. 27. More work needs to be done to support survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, including through: the provision of medical assistance; mental health and psychosocial support; rehousing; and economic support. United Nations entities currently have a working group on addressing gender-based violence, which is led by the Ministry of Women and Women’s Rights and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The Group encourages the multinational security support mission and the Haitian National Police to collaborate with PAHO and relevant United Nations system entities on the provision of enhanced protection and effective response for victims of sexual and gender-based violence, using survivor-centred approaches and drawing on good practices from other countries. 28. Coordination efforts within the health sector extended to both the United Nations system and bilateral donors, with ongoing work on the humanitarian needs and response plan. __________________ 15 United Nations, Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, “Besoins humanitaires et plan de réponse Haïti”, January 2024. 16 See https://www.unicef.org/media/96991/file/Global-Action-Plan-on-Child-Wasting.pdf. E/2024/7 9/19 24-07116 3. Resilient food systems 29. Despite its considerable agricultural potential, Haiti has one of the highest levels of food insecurity in the world. Haiti now imports nearly half of the food and 83 per cent of the rice consumed in the country. Despite challenges, however, the country has maintained its exports of certain goods, in particular mangoes and coffee. The country’s food insecurity, which is anchored in deep-rooted structural problems, has been exacerbated by the ongoing high levels of violence perpetrated by armed gangs and the resulting insecurity and further threatened by climate-related events. Gang violence is disrupting markets, supply chains, access to local food and the safe movement of people and goods, including agricultural products. It also jeopardizes access to schools, which tens of thousands of children depend upon for a daily nutritious meal. 30. Building on the work of the Ad Hoc Advisory Group on Haiti, including its working group on supporting Haiti to meet the needs of crisis-affected populations and to build a more productive and resilient food system, the Economic and Social Council convened a special meeting on 16 June 2023 to address the food security needs of Haiti. As a result of that meeting, a presidential statement was issued, 17 calling for immediate action and resources for a Haiti free of hunger. The meeting underscored the urgency for both emergency food assistance and livelihoods assistance to build resilience for food security, especially for the most vulnerable. During the meeting, young Haitians shared their hopes, visions and solutions, and they called upon the international community to act. The Minister of Planning and External Cooperation of Haiti, Ricard Pierre, shared his country’s intention to launch an investment plan to increase food security. Strong calls were made to existing donors to demonstrate solidarity with the Haitian people and substantially increase their contributions, as well as to new donors to contribute to the urgent funding appeal to ensure the full operationalization of the humanitarian response plan for Haiti. 31. The Group received a briefing on the work of the United Nations climate security mechanism in Haiti. The Haiti climate security group, created in 2022 and comprising more than 60 organizations, conducted an introductory study on how climate change and environmental degradation were interacting with the insecurity crisis in Haiti. The Group learned about ongoing initiatives that were aimed at addressing those challenges, incorporating conflict sensitivity. Those initiatives included the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund project, implemented by the United Nations Environment Programme in collaboration with the International Labour Organization; the green reintegration of migrants with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), FAO and the United Nations Environment Programme; and the project of the Green Climate Fund and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on climate-smart agriculture. 32. During a meeting of the working group on supporting Haiti to meet the needs of crisis-affected populations and to build a more productive and resilient food system, suggestions were made for a contextual shift in approach to risk and resilience in order to cope with and address systemic risk and strengthen Haitian food systems. Such a shift requires prioritizing food system resilience and emphasizing a holistic approach by taking a multi-hazard perspective. To that end, the international community could support the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 and the Haitian national strategy for disaster risk reduction for the period 2019–2030. In that connection, the Group calls upon partners to support the Secretary-General’s Early Warning for All initiative and its __________________ 17 See https://ecosoc.un.org/sites/default/files/2023-06/ECOSOC-SM-on-Haiti-Presidential- Statement.pdf. E/2024/7 24-07116 10/19 implementation plan for Haiti as a measure to ensure anticipatory actions that could strengthen the resilience of food systems in the country. 33. The Group was informed that deforestation in Haiti also required a multi-hazard perspective and a systemic approach, taking into account the consequences of the climate crisis and social, technological, biological and geological hazards. Building capacity to measure risk was critical. Root causes of poverty must be addressed, and people must be offered alternatives to meet their needs. 34. The Group also received information about various food security initiatives carried out by United Nations entities, including FAO, the International Fund on Agricultural Development and WFP, as well as non-governmental organizations, that were addressing the immediate emergency food needs while also helping to build resilient and productive food systems. Limited funding due to donor fatigue had been affecting existing efforts to address food security. 35. Haiti requires investments and financing to improve local food production; promote sustainable and climate-smart agricultural practices; develop agricultural value chains that link farmers to markets; upgrade agricultural infrastructure; and strengthen the resilience of agrifood systems to climate, agronomic, economic and conflict shocks. 36. The Group has continued to advocate for increased support to promote food security in Haiti, including by amplifying the work of its informal working group on supporting Haiti to meet the needs of crisis-affected populations and build a more productive and resilient food system. During its recent consultations, the Group encouraged international financial institutions to increase their support and collaboration with regard to food security, including through investments in local agriculture, home-grown school feeding programmes and initiatives that strengthen the resilience of households. The Group underscores the need to broaden the pool of resources, re-energize existing partners, raise awareness and mobilize new partners. In this regard, the working group on supporting Haiti to meet the needs of crisis- affected populations and to build a more productive and resilient food system is exploring ways to mobilize non-traditional donors to support food security efforts in Haiti. D. Human rights, rule of law and administration of justice 37. Many Haitians have suffered – and continue to suffer – severe violence and violations of their human rights. The Group is extremely concerned about human rights abuses committed with impunity, including murder, violent assault, kidnapping and sexual violence, as well as child recruitment by gangs, in Haiti. 38. The Group is very concerned about the systematic use by gangs of sexual and gender-based violence and underscores the urgent need for enhanced protection and an effective response for the victims and survivors. The Group emphasizes the need to strengthen efforts to protect women and girls, as well as to ensure adequate funding for sexual and gender-based violence programming. In this regard, close collaboration with security actors is critical. 39. Addressing the impact of violence on Haitian young people requires urgent attention, including through disarmament, reintegration and rehabilitation programmes. Concerted efforts by the Government of Haiti, international partners and local and international non-governmental organizations are needed to address the issue of young people who are gang members. 40. The Group continued to advocate for a holistic and coordinated approach, including through its informal working group on supporting Haiti to strengthen the E/2024/7 11/19 24-07116 capacity and accountability of its public institutions, including the security and justice sectors. The capacity of the Haitian National Police to combat gang violence has been diminishing. BINUH continued to support, train and advise the Haitian National Police, including through the UNDP-managed basket fund, which was valued at $25.5 million as of January 2024, focusing on institutional capacity, coordination and security management. In that regard, the Group notes the recommendation of the basket fund steering committee to expand the programme for two more years and intensify project implementation efforts. 41. The Group was informed of the challenges in the judicial sector and correctional systems, including long pretrial detention periods and prison overcrowding, with limited access to food and drinking water and challenging sanitary conditions. The Group welcomes efforts by BINUH that are under way to strengthen the country’s justice system, prioritizing victim protection, tackling corruption and bolstering oversight mechanisms for judges and prosecutors. Achieving stability in Haiti requires the dismantling of gang networks, as well as community rehabilitation and social and economic reintegration, including through the United Nations-supported national action plan devised by the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration and community violence reduction interministerial task force in collaboration with diverse stakeholders. The Group appreciates the continued efforts of BINUH to advocate for and encourage constructive and non-violent solutions. The Group underscores the urgent need to strengthen the capacity of the Haitian National Police to restore security, including through the deployment of the multinational security support mission authorized by the Security Council. 42. The Group underscores the need for a holistic approach that would entail interventions in the areas of development, livelihood, reintegration and disarmament, as well as a push to help Haitian security institutions. The Group has raised its concerns regarding the country’s judicial and correctional systems with international financial institutions. It has also underscored that further assistance is urgently required to strengthen Haitian capacity in those sectors. Clear and feasible plans for the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of gang members, in particular youth, as well as community violence reduction, are also urgently needed. III. Coordinated and coherent international support for sustainable development A. United Nations support for the efforts of Haiti towards stability and sustainable development 43. Any long-term solution for Haiti requires addressing the root causes of the country’s vulnerability and instability. The Group welcomes the signing by the United Nations and the Government of Haiti in April 2023 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for the period 2023–2027, with a budget of $1.1 billion. Through a common vision and strategy for achieving sustainable development over the period 2023–2027, the Cooperation Framework is focused on five priority areas, defined through a consultative process with national, public and private partners, as well as academia and civil society. Priority areas of work include governance, security and rule of law; inclusive economic transformation; social services; and the environment. In that regard, the Group calls upon partners, the United Nations system and international financial institutions to enhance their support to the Haitian people to address the socioeconomic root causes of the multidimensional crisis. E/2024/7 24-07116 12/19 44. In September 2023, the Government of Haiti, in collaboration with various stakeholders and United Nations entities, initiated a dialogue on financing the Sustainable Development Goals to identify priority actions for implementing the integrated national framework for financing sustainable development in Haiti. 45. The Peacebuilding Fund has continued to support Haiti, including through 11 projects carried out since April 2023, with a view to contributing to the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, in particular in the areas of governance and the rule of law; justice and human rights; and inclusive economic models. 18 As of September 2023, active Peacebuilding Fund investments were at valued $10.3 million. A number of United Nations system entities, including IOM, UNDP, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN-Women), UNFPA, UNICEF and the United Nations Office for Project Services, have collaborated in various Peacebuilding Fund projects to provide legal, psychosocial and community support in Haiti. Efforts focused on addressing gang violence and gender-based violence and engaging women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts. B. Promoting aid effectiveness 46. Official development assistance to Haiti declined from $949 million in 2021 to $906 million in 2022. 19 According to the latest figures for United Nations operational activities for development, funding for United Nations activities in Haiti in 2022 amounted to $297 million (39 per cent spent on development-related activities and 61 per cent spent on humanitarian activities), up from $270 million in 2021. Funding for 2022 represented 0.5 per cent of the total global expenditure of $54.4 billion for operational activities for development in 2022. 47. Despite the impact of the security situation on their work, international financial institutions continued their efforts in Haiti to respond to the dire needs of Haitians, including through close collaboration with United Nations entities, such as BINUH, the United Nations country team, UNFPA, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, UN-Women and WFP. 48. On 29 June 2023, IMF approved a staff-monitored programme with Haiti, which ended on 31 March 2024. The nine-month programme was designed by IMF staff and the Haitian authorities, taking into account the country’s fragility and capacity constraints while supporting the authorities’ economic policy objectives. In March 2024, IMF extended the programme through September 2024, and added new benchmarks, such as the publication of an IMF governance diagnostic assessment report and an annual audit of the central bank. The new programme was envisioned to strengthen the country’s domestic revenue mobilization and raise taxes by supporting the implementation of the tax code. Governance and anti-corruption measures are to remain key components of reforms under the programme. The Haitian authorities have also recently made a formal request to IMF for a governance diagnostic assessment, designed to help inform governance and anti-corruption strategies, including the sequencing of reforms. 49. The Group was informed that the World Bank Group’s portfolio in Haiti, which included around $1.2 billion in commitments that were being disbursed over a period of four to six years, had been affected by the security situation. The World Bank __________________ 18 Peacebuilding Fund, “Haiti”, September 2023. 19 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), “Aid (ODA) disbursements to countries and regions [DAC2a]”, OECD Data Explorer. Available at https://stats.oecd.org/ Index.aspx?datasetcode=TABLE2A. E/2024/7 13/19 24-07116 Group had provided $200 million through the International Development Association Crisis Response Window following the 2021 earthquake in Haiti. The World Bank Group has collaborated with other agencies, including in relation to the Government’s restructuring and recovery programme. Other examples of collaboration included the World Bank Group’s engagement with the United Nations Office for Project Services on energy, WFP on school feeding programmes, UNICEF on water and sanitation, FAO on agriculture and IOM on housing reconstruction in the south. The Group was also informed that the current World Bank Group portfolio in Haiti was focused on the following sectors: 35 per cent on infrastructure; 30 per cent on human development (education, health and social protection); 20 per cent on sustainable development (including agriculture, water and urban development); and 8 per cent on macrogovernance and financial institutions. As of 2023, the World Bank Group’s operations were concentrated mainly in the north (30 per cent) and south (40 per cent, mostly involving earthquake response), as well as on a nationwide health programme, which was focused disease surveillance. A new World Bank Group country partnership framework is under development for the period 2024–2028. 50. IDB has maintained its support to Haiti through collaborative grant programmes with local civil society organizations, capacity-building efforts and investments in the private sector. IDB has adjusted its approach, prioritizing social sectors, such as health and education, to address immediate needs. The Group was informed that with a portfolio of 24 operations totalling $1.3 billion, IDB was focusing on the education, social protection, health, agriculture and resilience sectors to promote economic stability and resilience to shocks. Recent approvals for funding included a $44 million education programme. Partnerships with organizations such as WFP highlight the collaborative nature of delivering impactful social projects. However, challenges persist, in particular in the health sector, where IDB envisions a comprehensive programme to address infrastructure, operational capacity and human resource needs. 51. The Group heard concerns regarding the negative impact of human capital flight (or “brain drain”) of skilled workers on all sectors and on international organizations. In this regard, the Group encourages international financial institutions to enhance their support to the Haitian authorities to address the issue of high attrition among public sector employees. 52. The Group continues to stress the importance of coordination and coherence among partners and meaningful engagement of and ownership by Haitians. The Group welcomes close collaboration between international financial institutions and United Nations entities. It also encourages continued dialogue between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations. IV. Conclusions and recommendations 53. The reporting period was characterized by a complex and multifaceted crisis facing Haiti, with political, security, human rights, development and humanitarian challenges. Throughout the period, the Group issued a range of recommendations underscoring the urgent need to restore security in order to help alleviate the suffering of Haitians, promote sustainable development and help humanitarian organizations and development partners to successfully deliver much-needed assistance. 54. The Group reiterates that security measures should be complemented by a comprehensive, sustainable and well-funded long-term strategy, in order to address the drivers of violence, such as political instability, economic and social inequalities, extreme poverty, high unemployment, human rights violations, E/2024/7 24-07116 14/19 impunity, corruption and weak public institutions. Such a comprehensive and sustainable long-term strategy must be Haitian-led and Haitian-owned. 55. Across all these lines of effort, it will be essential to have coordination and coherence among partners – including the United Nations, regional and subregional organizations, international financial institutions and bilateral donors – and, most importantly, the meaningful engagement of Haitians. 56. Strengthening cooperation and the effectiveness of global and regional partnerships is crucial for addressing the multifaceted crises in Haiti. Deepening North-South, South-South and triangular cooperation initiatives can open new pathways towards development and bring long-term benefits to communities in Haiti. 57. The recommendations below are set out for consideration by the Economic and Social Council. 58. The Group encourages the Government of Haiti: (a) To ensure a broad and inclusive national political dialogue, including women and youth, to chart a way forward towards putting the country back on the path to stability and sustainable development, including through the holding of credible, free, fair and transparent elections; (b) To strengthen efforts, including through partnerships with donors, to advance the implementation of the United Nations Cooperation Framework for Sustainable Development for the period 2023–2027 through the implementation of the integrated national financing framework for sustainable development; (c) To establish a reliable and transparent coordination mechanism composed of national authorities and international partners with a view to management focused on concrete and measurable results of the country’s external development assistance; (d) To foster close cooperation between the Haitian National Police and the multinational security support mission to ensure unhindered and safe access to humanitarian aid for the population receiving assistance; (e) To continue its efforts aimed at justice sector reform, focusing on guaranteeing the rule of law and implementing anti -impunity and anti-corruption measures; (f) To increase efforts to promote full respect for human rights, including by preventing and addressing sexual and gender-based violence; (g) To strengthen efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of internally displaced populations; (h) To strengthen health systems to provide essential health services for the population; (i) To build resilient food systems to promote food security for all Haitians; (j) To explore ways to address the issue of high attrition among public sector employees; (k) To strengthen cooperation with countries in the region to promote and protect the human rights of Haitian migrants. E/2024/7 15/19 24-07116 59. The Group recommends that the international community and other development actors: (a) Intensify efforts to support the 2024 humanitarian needs and response plan for Haiti to ensure that humanitarian and protection needs are met; (b) Take urgent measures to help address the emergency food needs of Haitians while also providing emergency livelihood assistance to build a more resilient and productive food system; (c) Support the multinational security support mission to urgently restore security through financial voluntary contributions to the trust fund and the provision of personnel, expertise and capabilities; (d) Provide coordinated assistance to build the capacity of the Haitian National Police, including through contributions to the UNDP-managed basket fund; (e) Strengthen Haitian capacities to prevent and address sexual and gender-based violence, including through survivor-based approaches; (f) Urgently stem the flow of illegal arms into Haiti, including through the full implementation of Security Council resolution 2700 (2023); (g) Support efforts aimed at improving local production and productivity, promoting sustainable and climate-smart agricultural practices, developing agricultural value chains, linking farmers to markets, scaling up international demand for local products and services, investments and financing, upgrading agricultural infrastructure and generating more decent job opportunities and incomes; (h) Strengthen the capacity of the public sector of Haiti to deliver basic services to the population, in particular education and health, and address the issue of high attrition rates, especially in destination countries; (i) Provide additional financial support to the home-grown school feeding programme implemented by FAO, UNICEF, WFP and their partners, which is based on food sourced from local smallholders; (j) Support the accelerated funding and implementation of the 2020–2030 national education sector plan of Haiti, aimed at expanding access to primary and secondary education, as well as to higher education and vocational and technical training; (k) Join in a comprehensive regional approach to ensuring the protection of Haitian women, men, girls and boys moving throughout the region; (l) Support the fight against corruption and impunity in Haiti and the restoration of the rule of law through the strengthening of Haitian institutions, in particular the judicial and correctional systems; (m) Support the development and implementation of a national disarmament, demobilization and reintegration and community violence reduction action plan developed by Haitian stakeholders with the United Nations that includes measures to create space for dialogue and social cohesion in communities; (n) Support the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in its entirety to address the root causes of violence in Haiti, including through the United Nations Cooperation Framework for Sustainable Development for the period 2023–2027, with a focus on governance, security and E/2024/7 24-07116 16/19 the rule of law, inclusive economic transformation, social services and the environment; (o) Encourage partners to consider providing direct budgetary support to Haiti, for example, for the payment of salaries and debt relief; (p) Promote inclusive economic growth and job creation in Haiti, including through the strengthening of public-private partnerships, investment in medium-sized enterprises and vocational training; (q) Strengthen collaboration with the Peacebuilding Fund to capitalize on its crucial role in helping to build and sustain peace in Haiti; (r) Support preparedness, disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation measures to increase the resilience of Haiti to the disruptive impacts of disasters and climate change on communities, including through the Secretary-General’s Early Warning for All initiative and its implementation plan for Haiti; (s) Encourage cohesiveness and coordination in the area of development, working closely with the Haitian authorities and through consultations with various Haitian stakeholders, to ensure more impactful long-term development assistance; (t) Support the development of North-South, South-South and triangular cooperation initiatives and the exchange of best practices to build on existing expertise to address the food and humanitarian emergency, reduce food insecurity and establish a more productive and resilient food system; (u) Formulate a comprehensive approach that is informed by the interlinkages between peace, humanitarian action and development for Haiti. 60. The Group stands in solidarity with the Haitian people, who are showing extraordinary resilience in the face of a protracted and multifaceted crisis. It remains committed to supporting Haiti in its efforts to address its complex challenges and ensure stability and long-term development. 61. The Group expresses its appreciation to the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Haiti, the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (Resident Coordinator/Humanitarian Coordinator) for Haiti and the other members of BINUH and the United Nations country team for their continuous support to its work. E/2024/7 17/19 24-07116 Annex Activities of the Ad Hoc Advisory Group on Haiti during the reporting period 1. During the reporting period, the Ad Hoc Advisory Group on Haiti continued to follow closely the situation in Haiti and carried out a series of activities, as described below. A. Ad Hoc Advisory Group on Haiti 2. On 24 April 2023, the Chair of the Ad Hoc Advisory Group on Haiti and Permanent Representative of Canada to the United Nations, Robert Rae, together with representatives of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and the World Food Programme, convened a briefing on the humanitarian situation in Haiti. The Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary -General (Resident Coordinator/Humanitarian Coordinator) for Haiti, Ulrika Richardson, delivered remarks, which were followed by a briefing by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs interim Head of Office in Haiti, Alexandra De Sousa; and the Country Director of the World Food Programme, Jean-Martin Bauer; and a civil society representative. The briefing was focused on the 2023 humanitarian response plan to mobilize urgent assistance to support Haiti in addressing its humanitarian challenges and reaching the most vulnerable. 3. On 26 April and 6 July 2023, the Chair of the Group participated in the Security Council briefings on Haiti, stressing that immediate action to assist Haiti in restoring security must be accompanied by efforts to address the root causes of violence in the country, including extreme poverty, corruption, impunity and collusion between the political and economic spheres. 4. On 20 June 2023, the Chair of the Group participated as a panellist in the meeting of the Economic and Social Council on the transition from relief to development held under the theme “Taking action to promote resilience, sustainable solutions and recovery in climate-related disasters and crisis contexts”. During the round-table discussion, the Chair shared the Group’s assessment of the situation in Haiti and its recommendations. 5. On 22 June, 8 September and 3 November 2023, the Group convened meetings with the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (Resident Coordinator/Humanitarian Coordinator) for Haiti to discuss the evolving situation in Haiti and the implications for its work. The Group also received a briefing on the work of its working groups. 6. On 21 September 2023, the Group convened a high-level meeting with Caribbean partners, including the Caribbean Community, during the high-level segment of the seventy-eighth session of the General Assembly. The meeting, chaired by the Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, included various Heads of State and Government, and the President of the Economic and Social Council. The Prime Minister of Haiti, Ariel Henry, also participated. Participants discussed the multidimensional crises in Haiti and their profound impact on both the Haitian population and the region. They explored concrete avenues by which the international community could support Haitian-led solutions to strengthen the country’s stability and sustainable development. 7. On 21 November 2023, the Group convened a meeting to prepare for its visit to Washington, D.C., on 29 November, during which it discussed the key points to raise E/2024/7 24-07116 18/19 with interlocutors in Washington. The last hour of the meeting was devoted to a virtual discussion with the World Bank Group. 8. On 29 November 2023, the Group undertook a visit to Washington, D.C., for consultations with representatives of the Inter-American Development Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the Pan American Health Organization and the Organization of American States, on the need for strengthened, sustained and coordinated support for Haiti in view of the deteriorating situation in the country. 9. On 13 December 2023, the Group convened a meeting with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), María Isabel Salvador; the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (Resident Coordinator/Humanitarian Coordinator) for Haiti; and the Director of the Americas Division of the United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Department of Peace Operations, Laura Elena Flores. The meeting was an opportunity for the Group to receive an update on recent developments in Haiti and the engagement of the United Nations in preparing for the multinational security support mission established by the Security Council in its resolution 2699 (2023). 10. On 6 February 2024, the Group held a meeting to discuss the latest developments in Haiti and opportunities to strengthen Haitian institutional capacity, with a particular focus on justice; corrections; and disarmament, demobilization and reintegration. The discussion also focused on tools related to disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, such as community violence reduction and weapons and ammunition management promoting the disarmament and dismantling of the gangs. The meeting included presentations by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of BINUH; the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (Resident Coordinator/Humanitarian Coordinator) for Haiti; the Assistant Secretary-General for Rule of Law and Security Institutions of the Department of Peace Operations, Alexandre Zouev; and the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Haiti, William O’Neill. 11. On 13 February 2024, the Chair participated in the Security Council open debate on the impact of climate change and food insecurity on the maintenance of international peace and security. The Group called upon the international community to step up efforts to restore security in Haiti and to support urgently the deployment of the multinational security support mission. Stressing the urgent need to build resilience in Haiti and to support people in vulnerable situations, the Group urged the international community to intensify efforts to support the 2024 humanitarian needs and response plan to ensure that humanitarian and protection needs were met. 12. On 20 March 2024, the Group convened a briefing on the humanitarian situation in Haiti by the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (Resident Coordinator/Humanitarian Coordinator) for Haiti. The briefing was focused on the 2024 humanitarian needs and response plan to mobilize urgent assistance to support Haiti in addressing its humanitarian challenges and reach the most vulnerable. B. Working group on supporting Haiti to strengthen the capacity and accountability of its public institutions, including the security and justice sectors 13. On 4 April 2023, the working group on supporting Haiti to strengthen the capacity and accountability of its public institutions, including the security and justice sectors, convened a meeting with the Police Commissioner of BINUH, Papa Samba E/2024/7 19/19 24-07116 Mbodj, for a briefing on the overall security situation in Haiti, the critical state of the Haitian National Police and the dire situation of the jail system. 14. On 17 May 2023, the working group convened a meeting focused on community violence reduction in Haiti. The Group received a briefing by the Head of Community Violence Reduction of BINUH, Aimee Faye; the Chief of the Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration Section of the Office of Rule of Law and Security Institutions, Thomas Kontogeorgos; and the Peace and Development Adviser at BINUH, Diane Sheinberg. 15. On 27 March 2024, the working group convened a meeting to focus on the work of BINUH on disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, community violence reduction and weapons and ammunition management, emphasizing lessons learned and good practices. The Group received a briefing by the Chief of the Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration Section of the Office of Rule of Law and Security Institutions and by the Head of the Political and Good Governance Section of BINUH, Sancho Coutinho. C. Working group on supporting Haiti to meet the needs of crisis-affected populations and to build a more productive and resilient food system 16. On 14 April and 8 June 2023, the working group on supporting Haiti to meet the needs of crisis-affected populations and to build a more productive and resilient food system held meetings on the preparations for the special meeting of the Economic and Social Council on food security in Haiti. 17. On 26 October 2023, the working group received a briefing by the Haiti Emergency and Resilience Coordinator of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Fabien Tallec, who provided an assessment on the food security situation in Haiti. The working group agreed to elaborate on a road map for its work. 18. On 17 January 2024, the working group discussed its draft plan of action and potential entry points for the Group to mobilize attention and support to Haiti. 19. On 9 February 2024, the working group held a hybrid meeting that was focused on interlinkages between food security and climate action. The Group received a briefing by the Representative ad interim in Haiti of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Al Hassan Cisse; the Environmental Law Specialist and Mediator at the United Nations Environment Programme in Haiti, Paule Juneau, on behalf of the United Nations climate security mechanism; and the Caribbean Focal Point for Small Island Developing States of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, Jair Torres. The presenters highlighted United Nations system initiatives that were focused on the interlinkages between climate change, food security and peacebuilding in Haiti.