Statement by the Special Representative of the Gang Suppression Force to the Security Council, 23 April 2026

Statement by Special Representative of the Gang Suppression Force Jack Christofides to the Security Council 23 April 2026 Mister President, Distinguished Members of the Council, Thank you for the opportunity to brief the Council today. I am honoured to do so alongside my colleague, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Haiti and Head of the United Nations Integrated office in Haiti Carlos G. Ruiz Massieu. At the outset, allow me to recognize the important contribution of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, led by Kenya. Under extremely challenging conditions, the MSS laid the groundwork under Force Commander Godfrey Otunge, and we are building upon that foundation. I would also like to express my appreciation to the Government of Haiti, and to Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, for their engagement and cooperation as we establish the Gang Suppression Force (GSF). I have been in close and constructive contact with the Prime Minister and his team. Page 1 of 6 I further acknowledge the strategic guidance and support of the Standing Group of Partners, as well as the important role of the Organization of American States in advancing coordinated efforts, including through its work on security and institutional strengthening. Mister President, We are at a critical early phase of establishing the GSF. We remain acutely aware of the suffering endured by the Haitian people, particularly those living under gang control. There is an urgent need for concrete action to restore security and hope. We are not starting from zero. But we are starting differently. The GSF is being built as a disciplined, accountable, and partnership-driven mission, designed to deliver targeted security results while upholding the highest standards of conduct and full respect for Haitian sovereignty. The mission is taking shape in a structured and deliberate manner. A deployment plan has been developed in consultation with the Haitian authorities, focused on priority areas and leveraging the specialized capabilities of contributing forces. The objective is clear: to degrade the operational capacity of gangs to a level that Haitian institutions can sustainably manage, Page 2 of 6 thereby creating the time and space necessary for the State to reassert its authority. In parallel, we are advancing civilian deployment and establishing the core structures necessary to support intelligence-led mission planning, coordination, and oversight. The Concept of Operations has been finalized, providing a clear framework for how the mission will operate in practice, including integration with Haitian counterparts. Pre-deployment and induction training are being prioritized to ensure that all incoming personnel are prepared to operate effectively in a complex and sensitive environment, and in full compliance with international standards. Mister President, Force generation is progressing, with impressive pledges from Member States. An initial deployment package has been approved in line with the authorized ceiling, and deployments will take place in phases over the coming months. Efforts continue to broaden participation and ensure that the mission is equipped with the capabilities required to fulfill its mandate. Maritime and border dimensions for the mission will be particularly important, including support for Haiti’s capacity to manage its ports and commercial entry points. Page 3 of 6 Expectations remain high. Many view the GSF as a potential turning point. It will be essential not only to deliver results, but also to communicate clearly with Haitian stakeholders – particularly the Haitian National Police and other national institutions – on how the mission will operate and how it will reinforce national efforts. Mister President, The success of the mission will depend on effective coordination. We are working closely with the United Nations system, including the United Nations Support Office in Haiti (UNSOH) and the United Nations Country Team, to ensure coherence across political, operational, and support functions. I welcome the appointment of Ms. Daniela Kroslak as Head of UNSOH. We are also engaging regional partners, including the Dominican Republic, to strengthen cooperation on border management and address shared security concerns. At the national level, we are advancing joint planning with the Haitian authorities, particularly with the Haitian National Police, to establish clear procedures for operations, including detention, transfer, and judicial processing. These arrangements will be critical to ensure that operational gains are translated into sustainable rule-of-law outcomes. Page 4 of 6 This is, at its core, a concerted international effort to strengthen security partnerships with Haiti on multiple levels. Mister President, We are fully aware of the risks inherent in this mission, and we are addressing them from the outset. Civilian protection, the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse, and adherence to international human rights law are central to our planning and operations. Clear guidance, training, and oversight mechanisms are being put in place to ensure that all personnel operate in accordance with the highest standards of conduct and accountability. We are working closely with the Haitian authorities to ensure that arrangements related to detention and the treatment of individuals are consistent with legal standards and operational realities. Particular attention is being given to the capacity of national institutions, so that apprehensions can be effectively sustained through the judicial process. We know that effectiveness without accountability will not build trust. But accountability without effectiveness will not deliver security. Both are essential. Page 5 of 6 Mister President, The people of Haiti have endured far too much for far too long. The scale of violence and displacement are simply unacceptable. The space for violence and impunity must now close. Those who continue to fuel instability will face increasing constraints, while those who choose to step away from violence will find that there is a different path forward. This is a focused and time-bound effort to support Haiti in addressing urgent security challenges. It will require sustained international support, disciplined implementation, and realistic expectations. The GSF is designed not as an end in itself, but as a means to enable Haitian institutions to regain control and to create the conditions for longer-term stability. We remain committed to working in close partnership with the Government and people of Haiti, with the United Nations system, and with Member States and regional groups. I thank you. Page 6 of 6