(2005) Rapo Sekretè jeneral Nasyonzini sou Misyon Nasyonzini pou Estabilizasyon ann Ayiti (S/2005/124)

United Nations S/2005/124 Security Council Distr.: General 25 February 2005 Original: English 05-24397 (E) 010305 *0524397* Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti I. Introduction 1. The present report is submitted pursuant to Security Council resolution 1542 (2004) of 30 April 2004, by which the mandate of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) was established, and resolution 1576 (2004) of 29 November 2004, by which its mandate was extended until 1 June 2005. It covers major developments since my report of 18 November 2004 (S/2004/908). 2. MINUSTAH continues to be led by my Special Representative, Juan Gabriel Valdés; his Deputies, Hocine Medili and Adama Guindo; the Force Commander, Lieutenant General Augusto Heleno Ribeiro Pereira (Brazil); and the Civilian Police Commissioner, David Charles Beer (Canada). II. Security situation Deployment and operational activities 3. During the reporting period, the deployment of MINUSTAH troops continued, with troop strength reaching 6,013 as at 15 February 2005 out of a total authorized strength of 6,700 (see annex I). The civilian police component was also strengthened by the arrival of additional staff; as at 15 February 2005, the number of its personnel stood at 1,398 out of a total authorized strength of 1,622, comprising 648 civilian police officers and six formed police units with a combined strength of 750 (see annex II). 4. In my report of 18 November 2004, I informed the Council about the deteriorating security situation, mainly in the capital. Although the Transitional Government and MINUSTAH still face many challenges in this area, significant improvement has been achieved since late November 2004, with the increased military and civilian police manpower allowing MINUSTAH, in cooperation with the Haitian National Police (HNP), to conduct successful security operations, thus clearing the way towards improved stability. 5. On 14 December 2004, MINUSTAH troops and civilian police officers, jointly with HNP, launched a major operation to restore law and order in the shantytown of Cité Soleil in Port-au-Prince. The forces met little resistance, and no casualties were 2 S/2005/124 reported. The Mission, with HNP, has maintained a permanent presence in the two police stations and conducted extensive patrols. In addition to providing security to the local population, this operation has facilitated the partial resumption of daily activities, as well as the provision of humanitarian assistance, which had been paralysed by gang violence. MINUSTAH troops also distributed food and water and cleaned up the main streets. This successful operation was only the first step towards improving public security in Cité Soleil. Sporadic shooting, including against the Mission’s positions, has been observed regularly since the establishment of a permanent presence in the area. A further step to ensure security was taken on 7 January 2005, when 96 suspects, including four identified gang members, were arrested and placed in HNP custody. During this operation, two MINUSTAH soldiers were wounded. 6. Meanwhile, MINUSTAH continued to pay particular attention to the poor district of Bel-Air, which had also been severely affected by gang violence. Since the establishment of a joint HNP/MINUSTAH post in October 2004, the Mission has maintained a strong presence in the area. On 5, 13 and 27 January 2005, three clean- up operations to remove accumulated waste that was restricting security patrols were launched by MINUSTAH, with the voluntary support of the local population. In the course of the last clean-up operation, medical consultations, and in some cases medication, were provided by MINUSTAH troops to several hundred local residents, including children and women. School kits were also distributed. 7. In December 2004, as the holiday season approached, there were warnings of a possible increase in violence by armed gangs associated with former President Aristide. At the same time, a number of kidnappings took place in the capital. To ensure a peaceful holiday season, MINUSTAH conducted its largest patrolling operation in Port-au-Prince to date, which involved 4,000 military and civilian police officers. This intensive patrolling resulted in a peaceful and secure environment, in which the population was able to enjoy the holidays without any major disturbance. A total of 41 suspects were arrested and six weapons seized. Rounds of ammunition of various calibres were also confiscated. 8. MINUSTAH also conducted operations targeting members of the former military to prevent or end some of their illegal activities in both the provinces and the capital. For instance, MINUSTAH helped the Transitional Government to enforce the prohibition of armed demonstrations. On 18 November 2004, the 201st anniversary of the Battle of Vertières, which led to Haiti’s independence, the strong presence of MINUSTAH successfully prevented former soldiers from conducting a widely announced armed march through Port-au-Prince. The former soldiers cancelled the planned march because they refused to demonstrate without their weapons. 9. On 15 December 2004, a group of former soldiers illegally occupied the abandoned private residence of former President Aristide in the Port-au-Prince suburb of Tabarre. Upon learning of the occupation, the Transitional Government issued a communiqué outlawing “those who, in the name of the Haitian Army, seize official vehicles, circulate in military fatigues and carry heavy weapons, and occupy public and private buildings”. At the request of the Transitional Government, MINUSTAH and HNP surrounded the residence in the early hours of 16 December. A delegation from the Transitional Government and another one composed of political parties and civil society leaders failed in their attempts to reach a 3 S/2005/124 negotiated solution. As a result, MINUSTAH troops took over the residence on 17 December and disarmed the 43 individuals who occupied it (16 of whom were not demobilized soldiers) without firing any shots. The self-styled leader of the group had previously left the scene and remains at large. As requested by the Transitional Government, MINUSTAH troops took the 43 individuals to the Police Academy and handed over their weapons to the Haitian authorities. 10. In retaliation, former soldiers undertook a number of attacks on HNP officers and police stations in the regions where the former military still maintain a significant presence. MINUSTAH responded promptly by retaking control of HNP stations that had been seized by the former soldiers in Grand-Goâve, Mirebalais and Petit-Goâve. Former soldiers, however, are still present in the second police station in Petit-Goâve, where the situation remained volatile at the time of the issuance of the present report. HNP officers were successful in holding off an attack in Miragoâne, killing two former soldiers and injuring a third one. An attack on the Thomazeau police station was prevented by the rapid deployment of MINUSTAH troops. Demonstrations were held in Hinche and Petit-Goâve in support of the former military, during which stones were thrown at MINUSTAH troops. Media reports and contacts by the Mission indicated, however, that the majority of the population approved of MINUSTAH’s actions. 11. Although the general security environment across Haiti has improved, the Mission’s determination to take action against gang members and former soldiers has increased the risk of retaliation against MINUSTAH and other United Nations personnel. During the reporting period, a number of incidents targeting MINUSTAH personnel took place, including hostile fire and other aggressive acts encountered in the course of military and police operations. On 21 November 2004, a United Nations vehicle transporting 11 off-duty MINUSTAH military personnel in plain clothes was carjacked by armed men who forced the driver to enter Cité Soleil. All of the MINUSTAH personnel were released shortly thereafter and most of their belongings returned. Three of the assailants were later detained by MINUSTAH and handed over to HNP. On 10 January 2005, a clearly marked MINUSTAH ambulance was fired upon by unknown assailants in Port-au-Prince; no casualties were reported. Two days later, a MINUSTAH civilian police patrol came under heavy gunfire in Port-au-Prince. The vehicle was hit and disabled; the civilian police officers had to flee on foot, chased by a group of 12 heavily armed assailants. MINUSTAH and HNP reinforcements arrived quickly on the scene, and the civilian police officers were rescued uninjured. However, two innocent bystanders were wounded by the attackers. Disarmament, demobilization and reintegration 12. The Transitional Government, despite assurances, has yet to publish a presidential decree establishing the national commission for disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, which would provide the national institutional framework for the implementation of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programmes. Nonetheless, on 20 December, the Transitional Government announced the launching of a compensation programme for those members of the former military who were demobilized in 1995 and has made approximately $2.8 million available for this purpose. Governmental delegations travelled to Cap Haïtien, Les Cayes and Petit-Goâve to meet with former soldiers and to explain the 4 S/2005/124 Government’s proposed compensation programme. Despite their willingness to accept the indemnity they were offered, the former soldiers refused to disarm and demanded the creation of an interim security force. Interim President Alexandre reiterated that the possible reinstatement of the Haitian army would be examined by the next elected Government of Haiti. Payment of the first of three instalments to the demobilized soldiers began on 28 December 2004 and is expected to be completed in March 2005. MINUSTAH advised the Transitional Government that any further payments should be linked to disarmament and entry into the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration process, but no official position has yet been taken on this by the authorities. 13. The robust military and police operations of MINUSTAH in some of the most volatile areas have contributed to an improved environment conducive to the implementation of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programmes. Preliminary discussions on these programmes have begun with gang members and community leaders, particularly in the poor districts of Port-au-Prince and Gonaïves. 14. The development of the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programme is progressing through the activities of the Interim Cooperation Framework (ICF) Sectoral Round Table on Disarmament, which has held weekly meetings since October 2004. MINUSTAH and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) activities are integrated in order to ensure that the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programme responds to immediate peacekeeping and stabilization imperatives while ensuring long-term results. However, funding currently pledged for disarmament, demobilization and reintegration activities, including from ICF, remains very limited, and additional financial support from the Transitional Government and the international community is urgently needed. Support for the rule of law and public security 15. The MINUSTAH civilian police have maintained their presence in the 10 administrative districts of Haiti and participated in joint patrols with HNP in the main cities throughout the country. The formed police units are present in Port-au- Prince, Les Cayes and Gonaïves. In view of the fragile security situation, MINUSTAH civilian police continued to focus on providing operational support to HNP. 16. As of February 2005, due to its increased strength, the MINUSTAH civilian police component has also been in a position to place greater emphasis on the training and capacity-building of HNP, through a co-location programme, which consists of mentoring, advising and assisting HNP at all levels. The training of 200 officers (185 men and 15 women) belonging to the fifteenth HNP class was completed; they graduated on 21 January 2005, together with 193 former military who are to be integrated into HNP. Currently, 38 civilian police advisers are deployed at the Police Academy to supervise and assist in the training of the sixteenth HNP class, consisting of 370 new recruits (355 men and 15 women), which started on 10 January 2005. The training programme for the cadets consists of four months at the Police Academy and two months at police stations. The training for HNP inspectors (96) and commissioners (25) began on 14 February. Field- service training has already been conducted for 285 HNP officers in Jacmel 5 S/2005/124 (150 officers) and Jérémie (135 officers). Similar training sessions began in Hinche on 10 January 2005. 17. On 1 December, a riot took place at the National Penitentiary in Port-au- Prince, during which at least 10 prisoners died and 28 were wounded. The riot was the most violent prison incident since the establishment of the Transitional Government. A joint team of MINUSTAH human rights and civilian police officers visited the prison and the morgue to make an initial assessment. MINUSTAH civilian police investigators, along with investigators from the HNP General Inspectorate, conducted an examination of the crime scene and met witnesses, including current detainees and prisoners who have since been released. 18. My Special Representative, the Force Commander, the Police Commissioner and other senior staff continued to attend the weekly meetings of the Conseil supérieur de la police nationale, headed by the Prime Minister and composed of the Minister of Justice, the Minister of the Interior, the Secretary of State for Public Security, the HNP Director General and the HNP Inspector General. The main objective of MINUSTAH participation is to improve coordination and collaboration with senior government officials on security issues and institution-building activities related to HNP. III. Political situation 19. Most political actors now appear to be in favour of a national dialogue and the holding of elections according to the calendar proposed by the Provisional Electoral Council (see para. 28 below). The interim President and the Prime Minister started the year by publicly renewing their firm commitment to ensuring a successful political transition through the holding of elections in 2005 and the peaceful handover to a democratically elected Government in February 2006. 20. In his 11 January address to the nation, the Prime Minister set out the Transitional Government’s priorities for 2005. He invited all illegally armed groups to hand over their weapons and to participate in the process of reconstructing the country. The Prime Minister also requested the support of political parties to successfully conclude the transition process and specifically invited Fanmi Lavalas to participate in the elections. Throughout his address, the Prime Minister thanked MINUSTAH for its support for HNP and called on the international community to proceed with the disbursement of funds pledged during the International Donors Conference held in July 2004. 21. The Transitional Government continued to uphold the Consensus on the Political Transition Pact, signed on 4 April 2004. During the reporting period, the Consensus was signed by new political parties, including the Mouvement démocratique réformateur Haïtien and the Front pour la reconstruction nationale. The Prime Minister cited the Consensus as the framework within which he launched exploratory consultations on the national dialogue (see paras. 23-27 below) and established the Committee on Assistance for Victims of Violence. That Committee, installed on 26 November 2004, is tasked with providing assistance to those who have been wounded, lost relatives or been displaced because of their political beliefs. The commission created on 6 October 2004 to investigate the financial management of the Lavalas Government between February 2001 and February 2004 is continuing its activities. 6 S/2005/124 22. On 3 February 2005, the Prime Minister reshuffled his Cabinet for the second time since the establishment of the Transitional Government. The Minister of the Interior and the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism were replaced, and a Secretary of State for Tourism was appointed. The incumbent Minister of the Interior was appointed Foreign Minister. National dialogue and reconciliation 23. On 6 December 2004, the Prime Minister addressed a letter to a leader of the Congrès national des mouvements démocratiques, a political party member of the Convergence démocratique, inviting him to contact “the various political, social and religious sectors, as well as interested personalities, in order to formally advance the process of national dialogue”. An ad hoc group was set up (Groupe de réflexion et de promotion du dialogue national) and held a number of meetings and submitted a report, which has not been made public, to the Prime Minister on 31 December. Since then, interim President Alexandre has expressed his intention to personally launch the national dialogue. 24. Discussions among political actors and civil society continued on the issues of inclusiveness, structure and the timing of the dialogue in relation to the electoral process. Before the elections, the dialogue may focus on the development of an electoral code of conduct and a governance pact, without undermining a broader dialogue that would include discussions on the country’s structural problems at all levels. 25. My Special Representative continued to conduct extensive consultations with several sectors throughout the country to discuss their approaches and proposals. A working paper, prepared by MINUSTAH, was submitted to the interim President and the Prime Minister for their consideration. The Mission has reiterated its readiness to support the process by organizing focus groups throughout the country, presenting case studies from other countries, preparing reports on specific issues and providing technical advice on the methodology of the dialogue. In addition, an agreement for the launching of a $1.7 million project to support national dialogue was signed by the Transitional Government, MINUSTAH and UNDP on 14 February 2005, during a ceremony held at the Office of the Prime Minister. 26. Relations between Fanmi Lavalas and the Transitional Government continued to be tense, despite the provisional release of several party leaders (see para. 37 below), while differences within Fanmi Lavalas itself have resulted in growing ambiguity regarding its legitimate representatives in Haiti. Some of its moderate members and leaders are considering joining the political transition process provided that certain demands, such as the release of members of the party still detained without charge, are met by the Transitional Government. They publicly condemned violence and attended meetings with other political parties and the international community, but were publicly disowned by popular organizations in Port-au-Prince and the Fanmi Lavalas’ Communications Commission. They were also not included in the 19-member commission created by Fanmi Lavalas on 16 December 2004 (the anniversary of former President Aristide’s first presidential election victory in 1990). According to a press release, this commission only, headed by former President Aristide himself, would be allowed to engage in political discussions on behalf of Fanmi Lavalas. 7 S/2005/124 27. On 1 January 2005, interim President Alexandre addressed the nation from Gonaïves during the commemoration of the 201st anniversary of Haiti’s independence. Sparking mixed reactions from political leaders, he extended his hand in a gesture of peace to former President Aristide and urged him to publicly distance himself from the violence of his armed supporters. In his address, the interim President also announced high-level diplomatic missions to seek the political support of the Caribbean Community, Venezuela and South Africa for the process. On 18 and 19 December 2004, the Chairman of the Commission of the African Union, Alpha Oumar Konaré, visited Haiti. A month later he met South African President Thabo Mbeki and former President Aristide in Pretoria and declared that the African Union would like to contribute to the creation of a framework for inclusive and non-violent national dialogue. Preparations for elections 28. Following the resignation of its former President on 8 November 2004, the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) was brought back to full membership with the swearing in of the new representative of the Catholic Church on 6 January 2005. The presidential decree adopting the new electoral law was published by the Transitional Government on 11 February 2005. The law was drafted by CEP and was discussed with political parties and civil society before being presented to the interim President and the Prime Minister. In January 2005 CEP presented to the Transitional Government a proposed electoral calendar that provides for local elections on 9 October 2005 and the first round of parliamentary and presidential elections on 13 November, with the possibility of a second round on 18 December. The proposed calendar allows for an elected Parliament to be installed on 9 January 2006 and an elected President to be sworn in on 7 February 2006. 29. The work of CEP has been enhanced through training programmes. In cooperation with the Organization of American States (OAS), MINUSTAH helped to organize a training workshop for CEP members, which was conducted and hosted by the Federal Electoral Institute of Mexico from 21 to 27 November 2004. Members of electoral institutions from the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Panama and Venezuela also participated in providing relevant training. 30. Resource requirements for the elections have been determined by CEP in coordination with MINUSTAH and OAS. On 10 January 2005, a global funding agreement for a total of $44.3 million was signed between the Transitional Government, CEP, MINUSTAH and UNDP. The Government of Canada contributed 17 million Canadian dollars and the Government of the United States of America $9.4 million to the OAS voter registration programme. The European Union and the Transitional Government pledged €10 million and $2.9 million, respectively. UNDP contributed $400,000. This will allow CEP to prepare for the elections with activities such as infrastructure rehabilitation for voter registration offices and the purchase of vehicles and office equipment. Funding, however, remains a concern. Not only is there a shortfall of $5.6 million in the amount pledged to the global funding agreement, but the budget on which the agreement was based will be insufficient to allow CEP to carry out fully its necessary activities. Discussions are ongoing between CEP, MINUSTAH, OAS and donors to review the budget, determine the additional amount required and identify appropriate mechanisms to provide the required financial support. The Prime Minister stressed the importance 8 S/2005/124 of providing financial assistance not only to CEP, but also to political parties so that they may have the means to participate in the elections. 31. An operational plan of activities has been prepared jointly by CEP, OAS and MINUSTAH. OAS and CEP have invited tenders for the procurement of voter registration equipment; the registration exercise is scheduled to begin in April 2005. MINUSTAH military, civilian police and security components have established an Electoral Security and Operations Task Force, which includes a risk-analysis team. The Task Force will be responsible for developing a global security and logistical plan. 32. On 4 February 2005 a memorandum of understanding was signed between UNDP and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) for the conduct of a three-week-long security and logistical assessment mission under the leadership of MINUSTAH and with the participation of CEP and OAS. The mission, launched on 9 February, consists of the deployment of 15 teams that are conducting extensive regional visits to evaluate the security and logistical conditions for the elections. The final mission report will be presented on 15 March 2005. Restoration of State authority and strengthening of public administration 33. As previously reported, almost all municipal councils have been appointed by the Transitional Government. During the reporting period, several of their members resigned in order to be able to run in the upcoming local elections, thus hindering efforts to resume the provision of public services to the population. Resignations were also announced within the Ministry of the Interior in December 2004, affecting units responsible for local administration and good governance. However, new teams have been put in place, and MINUSTAH, together with UNDP, the Office of the Prime Minister and local authorities, continued to work in the area of decentralization to ensure a smooth transition after the elections of 2005. IV. Human rights 34. During the reporting period, the human rights situation remained of great concern despite the improving security situation. Armed gangs continued to carry out acts of violence in Port-au-Prince. Former soldiers continued to unlawfully arrest and detain civilians and run illegal detention centres in some localities, such as Petit-Goâve, Hinche and Lascahobas. National and international human rights organizations also denounced alleged cases of arbitrary arrest, wrongful detention, ill-treatment and extrajudicial killings. 35. Among the reported cases is that of a resident of Bel-Air who was apprehended in the course of a joint MINUSTAH/HNP operation on 5 January 2005 and remained in HNP custody. This person was later found dead at the morgue on 13 January, and police authorities told MINUSTAH that the detainee had been released on 12 January. Human rights groups have also reported the killing of a journalist, allegedly at the hands of HNP during a police operation conducted in the Village de Dieu district of Port-au-Prince on 14 January. The responsibility of HNP 9 S/2005/124 officers in these cases has not been established. MINUSTAH human rights and civilian police officers are currently investigating these allegations. 36. Also of concern was the 1 December 2004 riot at the National Penitentiary, which is being investigated by MINUSTAH (see para. 17). Human rights organizations, which have conducted initial investigations, denounced the deaths as having resulted from excessive use of force. These organizations have called for an independent commission of inquiry, and the Prime Minister has expressed his willingness to proceed with its establishment, but no concrete action has been taken so far. 37. Civil society groups and human rights organizations continued to express their dissatisfaction with the shortcomings in the administration of justice and the culture of impunity still prevalent in Haiti. The provisional release of some Fanmi Lavalas leaders, who had been held without formal charges or trial, was a positive step towards respect for human rights and the rule of law. Those released included Father Gérard Jean-Juste (on 29 November 2004), Senator Yvon Feuillé, former Member of Parliament Rudy Hérivaux and party activist Lesly Gustave (all on 23 December 2004). However, others, including former Prime Minister Yvon Neptune, remain in detention awaiting the judicial authorities’ rulings on their cases. 38. In coordination with the civilian police component, MINUSTAH human rights officers visited prisons and police stations, followed up and documented a number of individual cases, including sensitive cases of detention, and held interviews with victims of human rights violations and their relatives. They also participated in the preliminary investigation into the circumstances of the riot at the National Penitentiary and continued to provide advice to my Special Representative on human rights issues. 39. The independent expert on the situation of human rights in Haiti, Louis Joinet, conducted a mission to the country from 6 to 17 November 2004. Mr. Joinet met with representatives of the Transitional Government, MINUSTAH and civil society organizations, visited several detention centres in Port-au-Prince and conducted field visits to Gonaïves and Fort Liberté. He will present his report to the next session of the Commission on Human Rights in April 2005. Child protection 40. MINUSTAH and UNICEF, as well as national and international human rights organizations, drew attention to continued violence against children. According to witness testimony obtained by MINUSTAH, on 1 December 2004, while chasing suspected gang members, HNP officers shot at students inside a school near the Bel- Air district of Port-au-Prince, wounding several of them. Officials working at the morgue in the General Hospital in Port-au-Prince reported to MINUSTAH several cases of street children being shot dead by unidentified assailants. According to human rights groups and interviews conducted by MINUSTAH, among the perpetrators of the violence against children in the capital were individuals dressed in black, such as those who allegedly perpetrated the killings in the Fort National district in October 2004 (see S/2004/908, para. 13). This information has been corroborated through investigations conducted by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Haitian Office of the Ombudsman. MINUSTAH’s civilian police and human rights officers are currently carrying out investigations of several 10 S/2005/124 cases of alleged human rights violations. Some of these investigations are being conducted in cooperation with the General Inspectorate of HNP (see paras. 17 and 35). It is expected that the capacity of MINUSTAH in this area will soon be expanded to enable it to conduct a larger number of such investigations. Gang members have also been involved in violence against children. Human rights organizations, local associations and medical staff at the main hospital inside Cité Soleil told MINUSTAH that, during the months prior to the MINUSTAH/HNP December 2004 operation in Cité Soleil, an estimated 30 to 40 children had reportedly died violent deaths in the shantytown in the context of gang violence. MINUSTAH has also received consistent testimony, including from eyewitnesses, which indicated that children have played an active role in gang-related activities such as the torching and pillaging of residences, vehicles and shops. V. Humanitarian situation and development 41. Following the tropical storm of 17 and 18 September 2004 (see S/2004/908, paras. 34-38), relief operations continued, with the support of MINUSTAH troops, who provided security for humanitarian activities. The situation in Gonaïves has improved as a result of the coordinated efforts of the Transitional Government, humanitarian organizations, United Nations agencies and MINUSTAH. Most basic services have been restored, but structural problems, already present before the disaster took place, will need to be addressed through more complex and long-term programming. Since the beginning of the humanitarian response in Gonaïves, nearly 4,000 metric tons of food commodities from the World Food Programme have been distributed in the affected areas. Since November 2004, as Gonaïves and other affected areas recovered from the disaster, general food distribution was gradually replaced by targeted programmes. Approximately 2,000 people who lost their homes continue to live in some 20 temporary shelters in Gonaïves, Port-de-Paix and other affected areas. Humanitarian organizations have made efforts to improve their living conditions, but a durable solution has yet to be found. 42. In November 2004, a National Commission for the Rehabilitation of Gonaïves was created by the Transitional Government to enhance the coordination of all rehabilitation programmes for the area and to incorporate national inputs, which were substantial in the areas of water and sanitation, health and education. On 7 January, the Prime Minister chaired a coordination meeting, attended by United Nations and donor representatives, during which the Transitional Government presented its priority rehabilitation requirements to ensure a rapid and sustainable rehabilitation of Gonaïves. Even though the focus of the operations has shifted to rehabilitation and reconstruction activities, there is still a need for continued humanitarian assistance, particularly targeting vulnerable groups and communities. The United Nations flash appeal, launched in October 2004, remained underfunded. As at 3 February 2005, only $13.7 million (approximately 36.9 per cent of the $37.3 million requested) had been pledged. 43. The Interim Cooperation Framework, presented during the International Donors Conference of July 2004 (see S/2004/698, para. 25), was a welcome step towards bringing together the objectives of the Transitional Government and those of the international community. However, obstacles to its full implementation remain. Particular concerns have been raised about slowness in project formulation, approval and implementation. This has been, in most cases, the result of the need to 11 S/2005/124 comply with established rules and regulations, which are binding on both the Transitional Government and the donors. 44. In December 2004, progress in the implementation of ICF was reviewed during a donors meeting held in Washington, D.C., attended by my Special Representative. Donors commended the Transitional Government’s achievements in stabilizing the economy and moving forward on economic governance. Participants at the meeting also agreed on several issues, including allocating priority funding to projects aimed at delivering quick results on the ground and creating jobs; strengthening the ICF sectoral round tables; identifying proper mechanisms to streamline and simplify disbursement procedures; and designing and implementing a comprehensive communications strategy with regard to ICF. There has been progress on all these issues since. In January 2005, the Transitional Government managed to settle all overdue service payments on loans, allowing both the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund to proceed with the implementation of their programmes in Haiti. 45. On 21 December 2004, the Mission’s military component started a road rehabilitation project on an essential part of the road network, which leads to the four administrative departments located in the southern part of Haiti. The project has an estimated cost of €123,000 and is expected to be completed at the end of February. In addition, as of mid-January 2005, MINUSTAH had funded 47 quick- impact projects throughout the 10 administrative departments of Haiti. Particular emphasis has been placed on extremely poor areas hit by violence — including the shantytown of Cité Soleil in Port-au-Prince — where rehabilitation, sanitation and health programmes are being implemented. These programmes will expand when the security situation has further improved. The MINUSTAH civilian and military coordination team conducted a series of humanitarian and socio-economic activities in the administrative departments of the north and north-east, in close collaboration with local authorities. In addition to helping in the implementation of quick-impact projects in these regions, MINUSTAH troops based in Cap Haïtien have offered technical training in electricity, mechanics, food processing and other areas to local youths. In Fort Liberté, MINUSTAH troops built a new well and a water pump system for the community. Gender 46. During the reporting period, MINUSTAH continued to participate in the development of the United Nations inter-agency national plan on violence against women, focusing on sexual violence. This work has brought together the Ministry for the Status of Women, women’s organizations and representatives of the international community. In the framework of ICF, MINUSTAH participated in the first meeting of the Sectoral Round Table on Gender, which is responsible for ensuring that all sectoral round tables of ICF integrate a gender perspective into their work. MINUSTAH supported women’s organizations in making recommendations on the draft electoral law that was presented by CEP. One of their recommendations was to grant a two-thirds reduction of the official fee required to register a candidate from a political party or coalition that has at least 30 per cent female candidates. This recommendation was accepted and incorporated into the electoral law. 12 S/2005/124 Prevention of HIV/AIDS 47. The MINUSTAH HIV/AIDS Unit continued to provide relevant training and information to Mission personnel and to liaise with its national and international counterparts. During the reporting period, training was provided to 3,111 people (including MINUSTAH personnel and 496 HNP officers). MINUSTAH also participated in the ICF Sectoral Round Table on HIV/AIDS. On 1 December 2004, MINUSTAH participated in the commemoration of World AIDS Day in Haiti, in coordination with the Ministry of Public Health and Population and the Ministry for the Status of Women. Approximately 1,500 people attended the activities, including people living with HIV/AIDS and members of youth organizations. VI. Coordination and cooperation with the Organization of American States, the Caribbean Community and other members of the international community 48. MINUSTAH continued to work closely with OAS in providing electoral assistance to CEP. On 11 January, my Special Representative addressed the OAS Permanent Council in Washington, D.C. He stressed the importance of the ongoing cooperation between the United Nations and OAS in support of the electoral process and of financial assistance to CEP. My Special Representative also briefed the OAS Permanent Council on recent military and police operations conducted by MINUSTAH, as well as the Mission’s efforts to assist in preparations for a national dialogue. 49. My Special Representative continued to chair the regular fortnightly meetings of the Core Group, as well as special meetings as necessary. The Prime Minister and other Cabinet members attended the extraordinary meeting convened to discuss the operation planned to retake former President Aristide’s residence in December. 50. The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has continued to express support for the dialogue initiatives in Haiti, as well as humanitarian relief efforts, but it has not yet recognized the Transitional Government as a legitimate representative of Haiti within the organization. A CARICOM Conference of Heads of Government, attended by my Special Representative, was held on 16 and 17 February 2005 in Paramaribo to discuss regional issues, including the situation in Haiti. VII. Mission support 51. MINUSTAH continued to experience operational difficulties due to the lack of an integrated headquarters. It remained located in several sites and continued to share common premises with several United Nations agencies in the UNDP compound in Port-au-Prince. As the intended integrated headquarters facilities offered by the Transitional Government on a rental-free basis were not cleared for security reasons, an alternative site has been selected. Renovation work in this building is ongoing, with the entire facility expected to be operational by the end of April 2005. 13 S/2005/124 VIII. Observations 52. The fact that MINUSTAH has almost reached its full authorized strength has substantially enhanced its capacity to respond to security threats, producing noticeable results and thus contributing to the improvement of the security situation in the country. This is a welcome development, and I would like to express my deep gratitude to those Member States contributing troops and civilian police personnel to MINUSTAH. 53. However, the security situation remains precarious, and the possibility of outbreaks of violence cannot be ruled out. The illegal activities of various armed groups that challenge the authority of the State continue to be of concern, and it is essential to continue to pursue a firm and even-handed approach when dealing with them. Our mandated task of achieving a secure and stable environment, which may at times require the use of proportionate and necessary force, must remain at the forefront of our priorities. 54. A comprehensive and integrated disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programme must be implemented, together with immediate measures that promote security. I call upon the Transitional Government to establish the national commission on disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, and I hope that all armed groups and individuals, including former members of the military and their associates, will avail themselves of this opportunity. I would like to reaffirm the United Nations position that compensation payments should be linked to disarmament and entry into a comprehensive disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programme in order to ensure a durable solution. A piecemeal approach will only postpone problems, not address them. 55. The process of stabilization requires a safe and secure environment in which political, social and economic objectives can be actively pursued. Our success hinges upon our capacity to achieve progress simultaneously in all these areas. The work ahead will prove challenging, and we will need to redouble our efforts to continue to make progress. To do so, we must ensure and maintain effective cooperation and coordination among all stakeholders committed to achieving sustainable peace and stability and to supporting my Special Representative in his work to bring together the international community to work with the Haitian authorities in an integrated manner. 56. The political transition is at a sensitive phase as we enter 2005, and preparations for the elections must be accelerated. I welcome the adoption of the electoral law by the Transitional Government and look forward to the publication of the electoral calendar. Encouraged by the Prime Minister’s invitation to Fanmi Lavalas, I call on all political parties and Haitian voters to join in the electoral process. I also reiterate the commitment of MINUSTAH to assisting the Transitional Government in this process. 57. In order to ensure the sustainability of the political process, national dialogue and reconciliation are essential. I hope that the official launching of the national dialogue, a key to the political transition and the consolidation of a democratic system, will take place soon. This process is for the benefit of the people of Haiti and therefore must be comprehensive and open, without exclusion, to all political forces and civil society groups that have renounced violence. The international community stands ready to assist them in this long-term endeavour. 14 S/2005/124 58. I welcome the provisional release of several Fanmi Lavalas leaders and encourage the efforts made to expedite pending sensitive cases, such as that of former Prime Minister Yvon Neptune, and to ensure due process for all citizens. However, I remain concerned about the human rights situation, including allegations of human rights abuses attributed to HNP officers, which have not yet been properly investigated by the authorities. I call upon the Haitian authorities to redouble their efforts to immediately investigate allegations of human rights abuses and to take the appropriate action if allegations are substantiated. Impunity for human rights violations must end. To uphold the rule of law and ensure full respect for human rights, it is clear that Haiti needs to reform its institutions, especially in the administration of justice. I would like to reaffirm the readiness and commitment of MINUSTAH to assist the Transitional Government to this end and to support local organizations in their efforts to ensure accountability. 59. I welcome the agreements reached during the donors meeting in Washington, D.C., on 15 December 2004 on the streamlining of disbursement procedures, as well as the actions taken by some to release funds that have been pledged. The participation of MINUSTAH troops in reconstruction and development activities contributes to the normalization of everyday life. However, these measures cannot substitute for long-term development programmes. Socio-economic development must begin so that there is a tangible difference in the lives of the people of Haiti. I call upon the international community to work with the authorities and the people of Haiti to this end, and I urge the Transitional Government to develop concrete projects that could effectively utilize the assistance provided. 60. Much has been achieved in Haiti since the violence of last year. I should like to thank the Haitian people and the international community for their efforts that have made these achievements possible. I am grateful for the support of the Core Group in facilitating the implementation of the mandate of MINUSTAH and enhancing the effectiveness of the international community’s assistance to Haiti. I should also like to reiterate my appreciation to my Special Representative, Juan Gabriel Valdés, his leadership team and the men and women who are part of the military, civilian police and civilian components of MINUSTAH for their dedication to carrying out their work in advancing the transitional process in Haiti. Finally, I would also like to extend my gratitude to the United Nations funds, agencies and programmes and to all other organizations, agencies, contributors and donors for their commitment. 15 S/2005/124 Annex I United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti: countries providing military staff and contingents (as at 15 February 2005) Country Staff officers Troops TotalArgentina 7 549 556 Benin 3 — 3 Bolivia 6 — 6 Brazil a 12 1 200 1 212 Canada 2 — 2 Chile 6 533 539 Croatia 1 — 1 Ecuador — 66 66 France 3 — 3 Guatemala 1 70 71 Jordan 3 750 753 Morocco 1 163 164 Nepal 8 750 758 Paraguay 6 — 6 Peru 2 205 207 Philippines — 135 135 Spain — 200 200 Sri Lanka 1 750 751 United States of America 4 — 4 Uruguay 4 572 576 Total 70 5 943 6 013 a Including the Force Commander. 16 S/2005/124 Annex II United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti: countries providing civilian police officers and formed police units (as at 15 February 2005) Country Civilian police officer s Formed police units TotalArgentina 5 — 5 Benin 30 — 30 Bosnia and Herzegovina 12 — 12 Brazil 3 — 3 Burkina Faso 42 — 42 Cameroon 43 — 43 Canada a 99 — 99 Chad 19 — 19 Chile 38 — 38 China 8 125 133 Egypt 14 — 14 El Salvador 2 — 2 France 79 — 79 Ghana 27 — 27 Guinea 23 — 23 Jordan 4 250 254 Mali 8 — 8 Mauritius 2 — 2 Nepal 8 125 133 Niger 10 — 10 Nigeria 10 — 10 Pakistan — 250 250 Philippines 10 — 10 Portugal 3 — 3 Romania 4 — 4 Senegal 51 — 51 Sierra Leone 5 — 5 Spain 30 — 30 Sri Lanka 3 — 3 Togo 4 — 4 Turkey 8 — 8 United States of America 25 — 25 Uruguay 9 — 9 Zambia 10 — 10 Total 648 750 1 398 a Including the Police Commissioner. 17 S/2005/124 Grand-Gosier Banane Anse-à-Pitres Belle- Anse Cayes- Jacmel Marigot Gressier Carrefour Kenscoff Fond Parisien Fonds-Verrettes Pétion-Ville Arcahaie Magasin Pointe-à-Raquette Grande-Saline La Chapelle Saut-d'Eau Verrettes Dessalines Saint Michel de l'Attalaye Saint- Raphaël Petite-Rivière- de-l'Artibonite Savenette Baptiste Belladère Thomassique Thomonde Cerca-la-Source Cerca Carvajal Bahon Plaisance Terre-Neuve Gros-Morne Palmiste Limbé Port-Margot Acul du Nord Marmelade Grande Rivière du Nord Dondon Ennery Anse-Rouge Baie de Henne Bombardopolis PilateLe Borgne St. Louis de Nord Anse-à-Foleur Bassin-Bleu Jean-Rabel Môle St.-Nicolas Mont-Organisé La Victoire Vallières Trou-du-Nord Milot Caracol Limonade Quartier Morin Plaine du Nord Sainte Suzanne Phaëton Perches Ferrier Ranquitte Maïssade Cornillon Lascahobas Duvalierville Bainet Côtes-de-fer Côteaux Port-à-Piment La Cahouane Chardonnières Tiburon Les Irois Moron Jérémie Port-de-Paix Trou Bonbon Abricots Dame-Marie Les Anglais Anse d'Hainault Source Chaude Chambellan Baradères Petite Rivières de Nippes Grand-Goâve Vieux Bourg d'Aquin Aquin L'Asile Cavaillon Maniche Roseaux Pestel Corail Anse-à-Veau Petit Trou de Nippes Torbeck Roch-à-Bateau St.-Jean du Sud Chantal Camp-Perrin St. Louis du Sud Thiotte Miragoâne Trouin La Vallée de Jacmel Ganthier Croix des Bouquets Thomazeau Jimani Dajabón Monte Criste É ta n g Saum â t r e Cap Raymond Pointe Ouest Pointe de la Grande-Pierre Grande Pointe Cap-à-Foux Cap Saint-Nicolas Pointe Jean-Rabel ÎLE À VACHE ÎLES CAYÉMITES PRESQU'ÎLE DES BARADÈRES ÎLE DE LA GONÂVE ÎLE DE LA TORTUE Lac de Péligre Baie de Mancenille Baie de la Tortue Baie de Grand-Pierre Baie de Jacmel Canal de Saint-Marc Canal de la Tortue Golfe de la Gonâve Baie de Henne ATLANTIC OCEAN CARIBBEAN SEA Canal de la Gonâve OUEST CENTRE NORD - EST ARTIBONITE NORD NORD - OUEST SUD - EST SUD GRANDE - ANSE NIPPES DOMINICAN REPUBLIC CUBA HAITI 74 o 20 o 20 o 19 o 19 o 18 o 18 o 73 o 72 o 74 o 73 o 72 o The boundaries and names shown on this map do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the United Nations. Map No. 4224 Rev. 3 UNITED NATIONS February 2005 Department of Peacekeeping Operations Cartographic Section MINUSTAH Deployment as of February 2005 Town, villageInternational boundary Departmental boundary Main roadNational capital Departmental capital AirportBattalion boundary Force Headquarters Secondary road 30 0 10 20 20 10 25 mi 40 km 0 5 15 CHILE (-) ARGENTINA Gonaïves Cap-Haïtien Fort- Liberté Hinche Les Cayes Saint-Marc CHILE & ARGENTINA ARGENTINA HQ MINUSTAH HQ BRAZIL Léogâne MOROCCO & SPAIN (-) NEPAL PERU URUGUAY (-) SRI LANKA (-) URUGUAY SRI LANKA PHILIPPINES SRI LANKA MP GUATEMALA Jacmel PORT-AU-PRINCE NEPAL (-) Mirebalais Port- Salut Petit-Goâve CHILE & ECUADOR (-) JORDAN NEPAL PignonCHILE & ECUADOR CHILE SPAIN Ouanaminthe