S/PV.6732: Security Council meeting on Haiti, 2012-03-08

United Nations S/PV.6732 Security Council Provisional Sixty-seventh year 6732nd meeting Thursday, 8 March 2012, 10 a.m. New York President: Sir Mark Lyall Grant/Mr. Parham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland) Members: Azerbaijan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . China . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Colombia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . France . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Germany . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Guatemala . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . India . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Morocco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pakistan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Portugal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Russian Federation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . South Africa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Togo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . United States of America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr. Mehdiyev Mr. Li Baodong Mr. Osorio Mr. Briens Mr. Berger Mr. Rosenthal Mr. Hardeep Singh Puri Mr. Loulichki Mr. Haroon Mr. Moraes Cabral Mr. Zhukov Mr. Mashabane Mr. Menan Ms. Rice Agenda The question concerning Haiti Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (S/2012/128) This record contains the text of speeches delivered in English and of the interpretation of speeches delivered in the other languages. The final text will be printed in the Official Records of the Security Council. Corrections should be submitted to the original languages only. They should be incorporated in a copy of the record and sent under the signature of a member of the delegation concerned to the Chief of the Verbatim Reporting Service, room U-506. 12-25487 (E) *1225487* S/PV.6732 The meeting was called to order at 10.05 a.m. I take this opportunity to welcome the presence of the Haitian ambassador. Adoption of the agenda I would like to start by quoting the speech President Michel Joseph Martelly delivered on 9 January on the occasion of the inauguration of the Haitian Parliament. In a moving speech, the President stated the following: The agenda was adopted. The question concerning Haiti Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (S/2012/128) The President: In accordance with rule 37 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representatives of Brazil, Canada, Chile, Haiti, Japan, Peru, Senegal, Spain and Uruguay to participate in this meeting. In accordance with rule 39 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite Mr. Mariano Fernández, Special Representative of the SecretaryGeneral and Head of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti, to participate in this meeting. Under rule 39 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite Mr. Thomas Mayr-Harting, Head of the Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations, to participate in this meeting. The Security Council will now consideration of the item on its agenda. begin its I wish to draw the attention of Council members to document S/2012/128, which contains the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti. I now give the floor to Mr. Fernández. Mr. Fernández (spoke in Spanish): I would like to thank you, Sir, and the other members of the Security Council for having organized today’s meeting, the purpose of which is to present to the Council the most recent report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (S/2012/128). I welcome today’s opportunity to share with the Council an assessment of the most recent developments in the political and security situation in Haiti, and of the activities carried out by the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) over the past six months in support of peacebuilding, political stability, the strengthening of the rule of law and recovery work after the earthquake of 12 January 2010. 2 “Eight million Haitians, out of an estimated population of 10 million, live without electricity. Five million cannot read or write and are in the dark both day and night. Eight Haitians out of every 10 are living on less than $2 a day. Two per cent of Haitians control 69 per cent of the country’s wealth. With a working population that is put at 4.2 million, fewer than 200,000 have regular formal work. At least 84 per cent of university graduates live abroad.” I wish today to highlight the relevance of those words, which dramatically reflect and unambiguously confirm a situation that Council members were able to observe during their recent visit to Haiti a couple of weeks ago. After the nearly eight years that MINUSTAH has been in Haiti, the results of peacebuilding and stabilization efforts are visible. However, the earthquake of 12 January 2010 was a serious setback caused by large-scale human and material losses, the traces of which Council members saw during their recent visit. In order to move forward in strengthening the rule of law, public security and the socio-economic sphere, a major effort of the entire international community has been necessary for Haiti’s reconstruction and the recovery of its institutions, the re-engineering of its police security structure, and broad cooperation and aid to stimulate socio-economic development. Our main goal is to ensure that present and future progress allows us to consolidate efforts to ensure stability and peace so that Haiti can overcome the situation described by President Martelly once and for all and so that the country can take off politically and socio-economically. With regard to the current political situation, the report of the Secretary-General mentions the recent resignation of Prime Minister Garry Conille after only four months in office. His resignation was a worrying and telling sign of the state of the governability of Haiti. The credibility and strength of democratic 12-25487 S/PV.6732 institutions depend on their ability to respond to political crises and to avoid negative cyclical situations, the majority of which are artificial, that threaten Haiti’s progress towards democracy. As noted by the Council during its visit, throughout our mission we have emphasized the importance of avoiding such Government crises and of reducing disputes between the executive and legislative branches. Avoiding such unproductive conflicts must be part of an ongoing effort to improve the quality of Haitian politics. The main problem is the severe difficulty encountered by the political class in achieving collective agreements that would allow consensus to strengthen institutions and public action. We have therefore stressed the need for a pact for democratic governance that would facilitate consensus and provide solutions for Haiti’s main political problems. We have worked for all of society: members of Parliament, political parties, unions, employers, the church and representatives of civil society. Today the President put forward a candidate for Prime Minister — the current Foreign Minister, Laurent Lamothe, who must be approved by Parliament. MINUSTAH is working in earnest to ensure that Haiti can soon again have a Government. The times when there has been no Prime Minister and no Cabinet in Haiti have seen a rise in insecurity and a clear decline in governability, with obvious negative repercussions for development. We are therefore working with Parliament and the Government to achieve the appointment of a Prime Minister as soon as possible. As to the rule of law and security, without solid rule of law institutions and an agreement on governability, it will be difficult if not impossible to lay a firm foundation for peace and security for all Haitians. Despite the slow pace, after five years Haiti finally has a fully staffed Supreme Court. The Court had no President or members for five years. No democratic judicial system can work without an independent and self-regulating judiciary. This progress is very significant when we consider all that has occurred in Haiti. The Security Council’s visit provided members with a snapshot, as it were, that was in many instances quite upsetting. For us, however, it is more like watching a film that allows us to discern some progress. I stress the establishment of the Supreme 12-25487 Court because it is extremely important in moving towards the rule of law. We have worked to strengthen the rule of law and institutions, not just conceptually but physically. MINUSTAH has built 50 courthouses to ensure the effective provision of justice, and will build another 30 to complement its support for the judicial system in Haiti. Another fundamental pillar of the rule of law — apart from the judiciary, on which we continue to work — is the main instrument of the rule of law, namely, the police force. In this regard, we have been working for quite some time now, and I can assure the Council that, over the past six months, the MINUSTAH police, together with the Haitian National Police (HNP), has carried out 21,000 patrols and more than 31,000 actions in camps for refugees or internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Port-au-Prince and the provinces. Alongside the military component of MINUSTAH, the HNP has conducted operations to disband criminal gangs that posed one of the most serious challenges to stability in Haiti. Although the response of the police to security challenges has improved, much remains to be done. Our current task is to remove the obstacles to better police action and to strengthen the Haitian National Police. Today, the HNP numbers 10,000, which is nearly three times as many as in 2004. However, for a country of 10 million people, it is still insufficient. Together with the international community, MINUSTAH has developed a support programme to ensure that, by 2016 — the last year of President Martelly’s term in office — we will have provided professional training to 5,000 or 6,000 officials to endow Haiti with a significant Police force, thereby enabling a MINUSTAH drawdown by the end of that period. In the context of this five-year programme, we convened a special seminar between the Police and the international community in order to consider, assess and improve the efforts under way to ensure that the outcome will be highly positive. As is noted in the most recent and important Security Council resolution 2012 (2011) on Haiti, the reduction of the military and police components of MINUSTAH is to be completed by June, pursuant to the Secretary-General’s reports and the resolutions of the Council. This has not affected security, and we have had an effective redeployment of forces. We have maintained the staffing levels of the United Nations police. There are fewer soldiers and formed police 3 S/PV.6732 units, but the same number of United Nations police, which remains unchanged. We trust that this will continue to be the case, given its important cooperation with the Haitian National Police. Political violence has virtually disappeared. Ordinary crime — principally murders — is relatively low compared to other countries in the Caribbean and Central America. However, very serious challenges remain in ensuring security for the most vulnerable sectors, in particular with regard to domestic violence and the abuse of women. In order to be more effective against such crimes, we have increased patrols, trained police officers, set up solar-powered street lighting, and patrolled 24 hours a day, seven days a week in the main IDP camps. Today, 8 March, International Women’s Day, I wish once again to affirm MINUSTAH’s commitment to countering gender-based abuse and to contributing to the promotion of Haitian women in their daily lives and in their professional and civic roles. Another problem affecting the rule of law and security is the emergence of illegal military forces in the wake of programmatic campaign statements made by President Martelly concerning the restoration of the Haitian army dissolved in 1995. MINUSTAH and the international community have clearly told the Government that, without prejudice to the sovereignty of Haitian institutions, they will not lend support to such forces. We believe and have reiterated that illegal armed forces are unacceptable. The Government responded to our demands in a communiqué issued on 3 March, containing a five-point plan to regularize the situation. The measures proposed include prohibiting the use of military uniforms and weapons, reviewing the pensions received by retired military personnel, ensuring the smooth conduct of this process, and liberating those areas occupied by the military. Yesterday, the Haitian Government convened an important meeting with MINUSTAH, seeking cooperation in putting an end to this issue once and for all. We asked the Government to formally declare the illegality of these groups and to proceed to identify retired military personnel who are owed pensions in order to distinguish them from the young people who are participating in such activities due to lack of employment. We are ready to assist and to mitigate the unnecessary tensions that these activities are raising. 4 The Government has said that it wants Haiti to be open to business, and we have said that in this regard words must be followed by deeds. The Government has yet to address the issues of constitutional reform, elections, the creation of a land registry and a civil identification registry, a constitutional tribunal and a law on political parties. As I have mentioned, the Government has already completed some of those tasks, such as with regard to the Supreme Court, and has announced the upcoming establishment this month of the Superior Council of the judiciary, which will be responsible for discipline in the judicial system. All of that represents a significant step forward. We have said that Haiti must hold elections soon. The elections that were scheduled for November did not take place. We have told the President that he has a historic opportunity to organize transparent and irreproachable elections, with the assistance of the international community. We have also said that successful elections could serve to strengthen the socio-political consensus; conversely, delayed, contested or postponed elections will without a doubt undermine the efforts to promote the image of a stable and dynamic country looking towards the future. Last week, the President invited the entire diplomatic corps accredited to Haiti to a meeting intended to launch the electoral process. We view that as a positive sign. MINUSTAH, which is serving as the international community’s focal point, will this week meet with Haitian technical experts in order to prepare pre-election steps. A few moments ago, I said that MINUSTAH believes that it is essential for there to be a Government in Haiti. In the past, when there has been a President but no Cabinet or Prime Minister, violence has increased and economic developed has fallen off. The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) projected that there would be 10 per cent economic growth in Haiti during 2011. But five months without a Government meant that, in the end, growth would only be 4.5 per cent. ECLAC projects 8 per cent growth in 2012, which, in the midst of the economic crisis, is quite high. We have no doubt that, if the President continues to be without a Government, growth in Haiti will decrease, resulting in serious harm to the Haitian people. That is yet another reason that we are working hard to ensure that the Haitian President can soon count on a Prime Minister and that the State can function normally. That will help 12-25487 S/PV.6732 to reduce violence and will improve economic results, as has been shown in various situations that we have studied. Major efforts have been made with regard to human rights, correctional matters and humanitarian issues. The Council, which had an opportunity to visit prisons and camps, knows first-hand what is taking place. We are making strenuous efforts in order to make significant progress in this area. In recent months, our team of lawyers has succeeded in securing the release of 230 people who had been imprisoned without trial for many years. There is similar success with regard to prisons. We are working to improve conditions for prisoners and are contributing materially to building prisons in Haiti. Last September, we announced that displaced persons still included 634,000 victims of the earthquake. However, that figure represented only a third of the original 1,800,000. We can today say that the number of displaced persons at the end of January stood at 515,000, a reduction of 120,000 since September. In our view, those are positive statistics, as those reductions have made it possible to identify new populations and resources and to abandon certain sites where habitation is increasingly difficult owing to a reduction in international assistance with regard to food, sanitation and supplies necessary for camp living. I would like to say that those efforts by MINUSTAH, which include many positive aspects, are marred by the moral attributions that Haitian society attach to the effects of the cholera epidemic, which has resulted in more than 7,000 deaths, as well as the sexual abuse committed by military and police personnel members of our force. I personally believe that there can be no immunity with regard to crimes committed against minors, such as rape. I support a fair trial that includes protections for the rights of the accused. But they must be carried out in a transparent manner and include penalties adequate to the severity of the crimes. And there must be a lifetime ban against those convicted working with the United Nations, as the moral values intrinsic in peacekeeping operations are what gains them respect throughout the world. It is both an honour and a privilege to be part of them, both for individuals and for the countries that contribute personnel for the noble task of contributing to defending peace in any part of the world where there is a need. 12-25487 In conclusion, I believe that we have an arduous task before us in Haiti. However, there is no denying, from the impression that I have developed during the eight months that I have been in my post, that this is a slow process that includes certain reversals but that, in the end, produces a degree of stabilization vis-à-vis living conditions, political activity, economic development and attention to social issues. Some things in Haiti are a matter of history, including the risk of authoritarianism and a winner-takes-all situation. But today there is also a process wherein the President is learning to work with the Parliament and vice versa. Between them, with the assistance of the international community, institutions are being built for the rule of law in a way that, slowly, a legal order is being put in place that is much more acceptable today than it was three to five years ago. The President: I thank Mr. Fernández for his briefing. I shall now give the floor to the members of the Security Council. Ms. Rice (United States of America): I would like to thank Special Representative of the SecretaryGeneral Fernández for his briefing. As Council members saw on our recent trip, and as the report (S/2012/128) of the Secretary-General makes clear, Haiti’s stands at a moment of decision. In the two years since the earthquake, Haiti has made progress. Haitians have strengthened their democracy, maintained security and begun rebuilding their shattered country. But serious problems remain, most notably a lack of Haitian political consensus and resolve. The achievements that have been made are fragile at best. The United States stands in solidarity with the Haitian people as they tackle the many challenges that face them. We will continue to be firmly committed to helping Haiti build a better future. Over the past two years, we have seen a peaceful electoral process and transfer of power, followed by the filling of key executive and judicial positions. Today, however, the political stalemate threatens those hard-won gains. Haiti’s politicians need to temper their partisan interests, put aside winner-take-all politics and work together in a spirit of compromise. We urge the authorities in Haiti to confirm a new Prime Minister as soon as possible. Otherwise, they risk undermining the gains made in the areas of security and reconstruction. 5 S/PV.6732 Haiti cannot afford further gridlock. Effective Haitian leadership is critical. The economic and security programmes supported by the United Nations and other external partners do not run themselves. They require policy guidance from a fully functioning Haitian Government. Towards that end, the Government needs to hold the next round of elections for local Government positions and one third of the Senate as soon as possible. While the security situation has been largely stable, significant threats remain. The United States believes that any determination of the future size of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) forces must be based on security conditions on the ground, including the ability of the Haitian National Police (HNP) to take on greater responsibilities. That said, MINUSTAH cannot be a permanent solution to Haiti’s security needs. The Government of Haiti’s next budget proposal to Parliament provides a critical opportunity to commit the resources and demonstrate the political determination needed to strengthen the Haitian National Police so that it has the right quality and quantity of personnel to assume full responsibility for Haiti’s security. That is what Haitians have told us they want. We urge the Parliament and executive branch to commit sufficient and lasting budgetary resources to the HNP, in particular to strengthen the administrative and logistical systems that will enable the HNP to function on its own. The international community, of course, is there to help. The United States urges the United Nations and the Haitian Government to maintain their focus on strengthening the HNP. We hope that MINUSTAH and the HNP will work jointly to implement a development plan that bolsters the HNP’s capacity to meet Haiti’s law enforcement needs and that enables the gradual transfer of responsibility from United Nations forces to the HNP. United Nations training and police mentoring can deliver important results, and United Nations technical assistance can truly help the HNP to plan its future. The Government of Haiti announced an ambitious goal of training 2,000 new HNP officers this year. Close collaboration between the HNP and MINUSTAH is necessary to achieve this target. Beyond the HNP, we encourage the Government of Haiti and the United Nations to collaborate in 6 strengthening other rule of law institutions, including courts and prisons. We urge the United Nations to work collaboratively with the Haitian presidential commission on the rule of law to present the updated criminal code and criminal procedure codes to Parliament. Those updated codes will help address the issue of prolonged pre-trial detention and reduce corruption in the legal system. As we saw ourselves, prison overcrowding remains a grave problem — one where MINUSTAH and Government of Haiti collaboration can yield real benefits. Haiti and its international partners have built a new prison at Croix des Bouquets, but the prison is unutilized because the Haitian Government has avoided making some key decisions that would enable the prison to open. Turning to economic development, we applaud the Government’s desire to shift Haiti away from dependence on international assistance to reliance on investment to create jobs and spark sustainable economic growth. But for now, political friction and weak rule of law institutions may in fact deter investors from coming to Haiti. The executive branch needs to fulfil its commitment to reducing the time it takes to register a business and to easing the processes for obtaining permits in the construction industry. Both would help empower Haitian entrepreneurs. Getting those reforms through Parliament would send a clear signal that Haiti is indeed open for business and determined to create jobs. The Government of Haiti needs to set clear reconstruction and development priorities and work more actively with donors. When the mandate for the Interim Haiti Recovery Commission ended, the Prime Minister’s office became the focal point for working with international donors on post-earthquake reconstruction and creating economic opportunities. That office, of course, is now in the hands of a caretaker and the reconstruction effort risks loosing direction. Let me close with a few words about MINUSTAH. The United States greatly appreciates the dedicated service of the men and women of MINUSTAH. They perform important services under difficult conditions. However, we are and remain deeply concerned by serious accusations that some MINUSTAH personnel have engaged in sexual exploitation and abuse. Any occurrence of such misconduct is absolutely unacceptable. It violates the principles of the Organization and destroys the bonds 12-25487 S/PV.6732 of trust between Haitians and the United Nations. The United Nations must increase its efforts to prevent any incidents of sexual exploitation and abuse. It must ensure that all allegations are thoroughly investigated and that those responsible are held fully and transparently accountable. When the Council visited Haiti, many Haitians told us of their appreciation for all that MINUSTAH has done over the years to improve the country’s security. The United States shares this gratitude and will continue to support MINUSTAH, its troop- and police-contributors and its Haitian partners in this crucial work. Mr. Mehdiyev (Azerbaijan): At the outset, I would like to thank the United Kingdom for convening this debate on the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH). We also thank SecretaryGeneral Ban Ki-moon for his report, (S/2012/128) and his Special Representative, Mr. Fernández, for his briefing. Azerbaijan commends the efforts undertaken by the Government and people of Haiti to achieve stability and sustainable growth in the country. MINUSTAH and the United Nations country team have also played an important role in supporting the recovery and stability of Haiti. At the same time, as we witnessed during the recent visit of the Council to Haiti and as the report of the Secretary-General makes clear, more should be done by the national authorities and the international community in the broader interests of the Haitian people. Political stability in the country is a key priority for the stabilization and development of Haiti. It is important that all political leaders responsibly approach and engage in constructive political dialogue to address their differences in a spirit of compromise. We encourage MINUSTAH to continue facilitating political dialogue among the branches of Government and other key political actors. As Haiti approaches its elections, the United Nations should further support the electoral process. We note with satisfaction that the overall security situation has been relatively stable in recent months and that the politically motivated violence has significantly diminished. However, the high crime rate remains a matter of serious concern. Therefore, the continued close cooperation between the Haitian National Police and MINUSTAH is vital to effectively 12-25487 addressing the security challenges and to ensuring that the former move towards reaching the capacity necessary to handle full responsibility for the provision of internal security. It is also important that the Haitian National Police not only react to criminal acts but also undertake preventive measures, including through public information and education programmes for youth and vulnerable groups. The development of border security is also critical to addressing the challenges of organized criminality. The humanitarian situation in Haiti has shown improvement as the number of people living in tents has declined. However, the country continues to face significant challenges, with more than 1 million Haitians remaining in camps and many others continuing to lack access to housing and basic services. Strong international engagement is crucial to ensuring that all pressing humanitarian needs are met. At the same time, external assistance and support do not release the Haitian authorities from carrying out their responsibilities in providing at least basic services, housing and protection to those still displaced by the earthquake. We are confident that, against the background of unprecedented international support, Haiti and its people have an opportunity to make genuine progress in rebuilding the nation, strengthening institutions and promoting sustainable development. Mr. Briens (France) (spoke in French): At the outset, I would like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Mariano Fernández, for his briefing. I align myself with the statement to be made by the observer of the European Union and the representative of Uruguay on behalf of the Group of Friends. This biannual debate comes just a few weeks after the Security Council visit to Haiti. That visit allowed us to reaffirm our collective support to the Haitian population and its representatives. That support is combined with recognition of the progress made since the earthquake, be it in terms of the 119,000 Haitian refugees who have been able to leave camps since June 2011, or as it pertains to the removal of debris. I bear in mind the numerous humanitarian challenges that the country continues to face, which were mentioned by the Secretary-General in his report (S/2012/128). For its part, France is determined to deliver on the commitments undertaken by its 7 S/PV.6732 President, which now total €326 million, including our share of European aid. countries. And we provide it with significant resources every year for it to carry out its mission. However, the challenges facing Haiti today require the mobilization of the international community and of all the Haitian leaders. In Port-auPrince we saw how the current level of tensions — aggravated since the Council’s return by the resignation of Prime Minister Garry Conille — is such that it is impeding the regular functioning of institutions and risking generating unrest within the population. That situation is all the more unfortunate since, on the other hand, certain progress has been made at the institutional level. The police are increasingly visible and respected. The President and Vice-President of the Superior Council of the Judiciary have finally been nominated. An encouraging sign in the struggle against impunity is that those responsible for the massacre that took place in Les Cayes prison in January 2010 have been brought to justice. At the same time, however, it is well known that the task of the peacekeeping operation is not to remain indefinitely in Haiti to maintain order or to carry out reconstruction and development. It is therefore important to have a clear idea of what we want to achieve and by when. Finally, as the Secretary-General’s report notes, the security situation is relatively stable, although still fragile. To continue its stabilization and reconstruction efforts, the international community needs political stability. It needs an established Government. It also needs coordination on the part of donors, as such coordination is no longer carried out by the Interim Haiti Recovery Commission since October 2011. The foreign investment requested by President Martelly also requires political stability. We would therefore remind the Haitian authorities of their responsibilities to the people who elected them. We expect them to set a date for interim local and legislative elections, adopt a budget, swiftly promulgate the constitutional amendments with guarantees for the President, establish a permanent electoral council, appoint a Prime Minister and respect a truce between the executive and the legislature. We also call on President Martelly to take all the steps necessary to halt the grouping of armed men claiming to be former members of the Haitian armed forces. MINUSTAH has been deployed in Haiti for eight years. It is responsible for maintaining order and stability and support to the Haitian police. It has gradually strengthened the capacities of the Haitian National Police, which today numbers 10,000 men. It has several highly professional civilian and military staff that have been provided by troop-contributing 8 During the years of presence in Haiti, the Missions that have accumulated via mandates, the inexcusable conduct of certain elements deployed in Haiti and the tragedy of the cholera outbreak have tainted our image in the eyes of Haitians. We can regret that but certainly not ignore it; just as we cannot ignore the will expressed by some Haitians to see the departure of MINUSTAH one day. After the tragedy of the earthquake, we decided urgently to increase the MINUSTAH contingent. Today, what we must do is to pursue the dual movement of drawdown and adaptation set out in resolution 2012 (2011), taking into account, of course, the conditions on the ground. We must refocus MINUSTAH’s efforts on police training and improving the rule of law. To do that, we need to improve the balance within the Mission among troops, police and civilians. Although outbreaks of violence are still possible, the basic tendency is towards an improved security situation that will enable a significant reduction in MINUSTAH’s overall strength. The status quo and the current drawdown are both fraught with instability and tension. Because the United Nations presence in Haiti is viewed in the long term and we want MINUSTAH to be the last peacekeeping operation deployed in Haiti, we want the Mission to evolve in a gradual, responsible manner towards a withdrawal in good conditions. Mr. Osorio (Colombia) (spoke in Spanish): Allow me, first of all, to welcome and thank Mr. Mariano Fernández, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Haiti, for his briefing and for his introduction of the report of the Secretary-General (S/2012/128) before the Council today. I would also like to thank him for the welcome and guidance that he provided to Council members during our recent visit to Haiti. In that regard, I also welcome the briefing on 28 February (S/PV.6724) by Ambassador Susan Rice, 12-25487 S/PV.6732 which presented the opinions and analysis of all Council members. The purpose of the Council’s visit was to reassert its commitment to help and support the Haitian people in building peace, stability, democratic governance and the rule of law, as well as in promoting recovery and sustainable development. Given the report of the Secretary-General and the meetings and visits carried out during the Council’s mission, I should like to make several comments. First, we were able to witness first-hand the weak political relations between the Executive and the Parliament, the challenges and expectations as well as the increased divisions, which, as we know, led to the resignation of the Prime Minister a few days after our visit. We learned subsequently that President Martelly had proposed to Parliament that his Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Laurent Lamothe, become the new Prime Minister. We trust that the problem will be resolved in line with a settled political environment that will enable all political persuasions to join together for the good of the nation in addressing the major challenges facing the nation. In that respect, all possible assistance must be welcomed, and provided to those endeavouring to bring about national unity, if we are asked for such help. The Secretary-General and Special Representative Fernández should also continue to strengthen efforts to that end. Secondly, it is only right to acknowledge that the country, under the helm of the President, has started to deal with the major challenges of education, job creation and the protection of the environment. But much remains to be done. I am very concerned about the reference made by the Director of the World Food Programme to the risk of the school meals programme in Haiti coming to an end in June, due to a lack of funding. It would be shameful for that to happen, given that 1 million children partake of those daily meals — a fact that has indirectly enabled them to remain at school. They can expect to rely on international support to continue that programme. Given that situation, the programme requires food and financial aid, as well as support at meetings of the Organization aimed at preserving the programme. The third aspect I wish to address has to do with the relationship between the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) and the Haitian people, referred to in detail by Mr. Fernández. 12-25487 While the efforts of MINUSTAH are acknowledged — as we ourselves personally witnessed, as in the case of the work of the military engineers on reconstruction and damage repair, as well as on security — there is concern with regard to the reports of violence and sexual abuse on the part of some members of the Mission and the alleged responsibility for the introduction of the cholera epidemic. In that regard, we must reiterate the commitment of the United Nations to ensure the achievement of its zero-tolerance policy in the context of sexual abuse related to its peacekeeping operations and the commitment to investigate and punish such conduct, as well as the positive attitude of Governments in the investigation of such cases. Situations of this kind cannot continue to occur within MINUSTAH, or in any other United Nations mission. The Security Council must be absolutely firm on this issue. We fully support the remarks of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in that regard. As far as we are concerned, given the stated need to re-establish the Haitian army as a key element in MINUSTAH’s eventual withdrawal, which will have to take place, although that remains a sovereign matter for each country, we must nonetheless bear in mind the importance of ensuring that the process encompasses the necessary reform, strengthening and consolidation of the Haitian police as a viable, safe force capable of providing stability and security. While security during the period covered in the Secretary-General’s report was relatively stable and fragile — and the figures we were offered today show significant progress — MINUSTAH’s work in that context remains vital. Any reduction in numbers must not discount that important vision in the future. Two other important aspects that I would like to emphasize concern the judicial system and correctional issues. In our view, the lack of across-the-board institutionality creates difficulties in access to prompt justice, which in turn gives rise to disputes and conflicts among groups of the population. The same may be said of the Court of Cassation, which should be the guarantor of last resort in judicial proceedings. We need to reinforce international efforts to consolidate a broader, more robust presence of the judicial system, including more humane prisons, which we have seen are overcrowded and in precarious condition. 9 S/PV.6732 With the dissolution of the Provisional Electoral Council last December, it will no longer be possible to hold the elections originally scheduled for ay. We therefore urge the Government to swiftly establish an electoral authority that will guarantee the timely issue of a schedule allowing the population to express its views through a democratic process. Last but not least, we are concerned that, despite the considerable efforts of the Haitian people and the international community, the impact of the earthquake is still clearly visible in the streets and buildings, revealing the magnitude of the damage. It is also evident in the refugee camps, where more than 500,000 people are still living in 700 separate locations, the majority of them on the outskirts of Port-au-Prince. International support, including that of MINUSTAH’s corps of engineers, should be maintained to enable them to surmount their precarious living conditions and to offer new alternatives for living. As a final word of conclusion, I would like to emphasize the importance and necessity of achieving solid institutionality and the rule of law, which are essential conditions for advancing on the path towards economic and social prosperity and for guaranteeing the security of the Haitian people. Mr. Loulichki (Morocco) (spoke in French): Allow me first of all, Sir, to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Mariano Fernández, for his presentation, and to congratulate the entire team of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) for their efforts on the ground. I would also like, through their Permanent Representative, who is here today, to convey my thanks to the Haitian authorities for organizing and hosting the Council’s visit. A little more than two years after the catastrophe that struck Haiti, the joint efforts of the Government, donors, the United Nations and the population have brought improvements to the overall situation of the country. Indeed, as we saw, Haiti is making its long way back. We also witnessed close-up the extent of the damage and the scope of the challenges that lie ahead. But no one can question the progress made by the Haitian authorities in enabling their country to recover from the aftermath of the earthquake, or the relevance of the initiatives taken to improve the security situation and regenerate the economy and the social fabric of Haiti. 10 We hope that the establishment of a new Government will help to ensure greater unity of Governmental action and lead to a national consensus on long-awaited major reforms. Morocco hails the efforts of the Haitian authorities to promote the reforms under way, including those concerning the Permanent Electoral Council, the Supreme Court and the signing of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. Those reforms deserve to be fully implemented and should be complemented by measures to strengthen the rule of law in all its dimensions. We particularly commend the improvements in the security situation and MINUSTAH’s decisive contribution to maintaining a stable environment. We observed not only the Haitian people’s aptitude but also their pride in being able to take responsibility for their own national security by their own means. With respect to the process of recovery and development, huge challenges remain despite the rebuilding efforts undertaken by the Government and MINUSTAH, and also despite the notable progress made in terms of clean-up and the reconstruction of schools and housing. The problem of employment, especially for young people, is easy for any visitor to see. Young people deserve the priority attention of the Government and the support of the international community. Improving the climate for foreign investment is critical in that regard, in order to attract, reassure and encourage investors from abroad. The day after the earthquake of January 2010, the response of the international community was one of spontaneous, unanimous and generous solidarity and assistance. It made all the difference in comforting the Haitian people. From the outset, the United Nations, through MINUSTAH, played an early and decisive role. Nothing, and I repeat, nothing can tarnish the sacrifices that the Mission has made or the devotion and integrity of the thousands of men and women who compose its ranks. Mr. Moraes Cabral (Portugal) (spoke in French): I would like at the outset to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Mariano Fernández, for his most useful report (S/2012/128), which reminds us of the progress that has been made but above all also of the immensity of the task that remains to be accomplished. 12-25487 S/PV.6732 I welcome the presence in the Chamber of our Haitian colleague, Ambassador Jean Cazeau. Like other colleagues, I thank him for all the support his Government provided to our recent visit to Haiti. We naturally share the perspective that will be presented later in this meeting on behalf of the European Union. Today’s discussion naturally concerns not only the activities of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), but also the situation in Haiti and its challenges: security, reconstruction, economic and social development, functioning institutions and strengthened rule of law, as well as the defence and promotion of human rights, all in a context affected by very considerable obstacles, as we have just heard and as we recently saw for ourselves. Indeed, the Haitian people and authorities face the particularly daunting challenge of building a working democracy in a context of weakened security, widespread shortages of basic goods, generalized suffering and specific problems with respect to economic and social development. This is not, unfortunately, an entirely unprecedented situation. In order to confront it, however, and to overcome the challenges, the first requirement is political stability, clearly defined goals, determination and effective cooperation among the institutions that were legitimized by the democratic election. The resignation of Prime Minister Conille a mere four months after his appointment is naturally cause for increased concern, since it affects the normal functioning of national institutions and the accomplishment of critical and urgent tasks. My delegation has full confidence in the sense of responsibility of Haitian officials and in their commitment to democratic values and practice, the reconstruction of the country and a democratic State. We call on them to act accordingly. Security has long been a central issue in Haiti. Despite being strengthening, the Haitian National Police it is still not in the position to enforce law and order throughout the country. That is why MINUSTAH still has an important role to play in this sphere, even in the context of the progressive drawdown of its personnel. Nevertheless, the drawdown to the level of January 2010 must take place without reducing capacities of the MINUSTAH police and the Haitian National Police. It is evident that ensuring security and peace in Haiti is first and foremost the responsibility of the 12-25487 Haitian people and authorities. The international community does not want to substitute for the national authorities and can act only in support of the stabilization and development that Haiti itself carries out. During the recent Security Council visit, the issue of training a Haitian national army was raised. We know that the question was discussed during the electoral campaign and studied at the national level. Naturally, we do not question the right of Haiti’s independent and sovereign State to an army. The question is rather to determine whether this is the right moment to allocate and spend significant material and human resources on a project whose effective contribution to resolving the serious and urgent problems that Haiti faces remains unclear. That is why we call on the Government of Haiti to act to ensure that the issue is broadly and transparently discussed, allowing conclusions anchored in reality. The humanitarian situation and the protection of human rights remain causes of concern for us. The marginalization of particularly vulnerable groups, the significant number of internally displaced persons and gender violence are a problem for us. We congratulate MINUSTAH on its work with UNICEF and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to harmonize the law on human trafficking with the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, ratified by Haiti in 2009. The Secretary-General’s report also voices concerns regarding impunity. The efforts carried out by the Haitian authorities and MINUSTAH are commendable, but we believe that additional efforts, above all the in the cases specifically highlighted in the report, will still be necessary in the key area of consolidating the rule of law. In conclusion, MINUSTAH is adapting to new human and material conditions in order to fulfil its mandate in a difficult and sometimes adverse environment. It is sometimes the object of denigration the basis for which cannot be objectively determined. This increases the pressure on MINUSTAH officials, international partners and the Haitian authorities. It is important that we be able to continue giving our solidarity to the Haitian people and to MINUSTAH, 11 S/PV.6732 which is clearly committed to its mission. For our part, this unwavering support cannot be called into question. Allow me also to assure the Ambassador of Haiti of the continued support of Portugal for the stability, reconstruction and development of his country. Mr. Rosenthal (Guatemala) (spoke in Spanish): We thank the Secretary-General for his report (S/2012/128) and welcome his Special Representative, Mr. Mariano Fernández, to New York. We commend him for his endeavours. For many years, we have followed the evolving situation in Haiti and have been a formal stakeholder, given our participation in the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) as a troop contributor. However, this is our first statement on the matter as a member of the Security Council. Haiti, of course, faces many challenges, which were only compounded by the legacy of the horrific earthquake of January 2010. Addressing those challenges requires a comprehensive approach, but today I would like to focus on three areas of special concern. First is the matter of political stability. The year 2012 began with promise. On 9 January, we were encouraged by President Martelly’s pledge before Parliament, as he announced his priorities for the year, to seek close coordination with all branches of Government. Of particular importance was an agreement with the ¬legislative branch regarding, among other aspects, the appointment of a Prime Minister. Unfortunately, our optimism of some months ago has been mitigated by the recent resignation of the Prime Minister and the mounting tensions between the legislative and the executive branches. We therefore meet today as events continue to unfold in a context of greater political uncertainty, as outlined in paragraph 55 of the Secretary-General’s report. Some slightly more encouraging aspects were indicated by Mr. Fernández. Obviously, the absence of a duly constituted Government adversely impacts decision-making on key issues. At the same time, the experience of recent decades in Haiti has shown that the holding of elections and democratic governance, in accordance with the Constitution, are the only way to achieve long-term stability. Municipal elections and the 12 renewal of one-third of the Senate are now overdue, although we note the President’s recent remarks that these elections are of high priority to his Administration. We trust that these will take place as soon as possible, especially since the SecretaryGeneral’s report reminds us that the outgoing Senators’ terms expire in May. I would also like to take a moment to comment on the status of the Provisional Electoral Council. Its temporary nature should not prevent the preservation of the know-how and technical capacity for future elections. In that respect, it would be worth considering the establishment of a permanent support office to this effect. On the other hand, if the idea of a permanent electoral council evolves, it is of utmost importance to guarantee its independence. At the same time, we invite the Government to begin engaging with MINUSTAH to take the logistical, operational and concrete measures necessary for the preparation for holding these elections. The second area of concern is recovery and reconstruction efforts. I stress the importance of renewing the mandate of the Interim Haiti Recovery Commission that expired last October. We believe that the added value of that mechanism is unique, not only for the donor community but in particular for Haiti. The Government is an essential player in attempts to rebuild a country. The Commission makes it easier to take the Haitian view as the basis of its proposals. We further believe that the public sector must be strengthened and that international assistance should take that carefully into account. The Commission offers a practical, transparent and inclusive solution to closing the gap between existing capacities and the unmet needs of the Haitian people. Although it is currently intended to be an interim commission, its establishment as a long-term institution should be considered so that the country has a national focal point through which to channel international assistance. This brings me to the matter of the remaining internally displaced persons camps. We appreciate the 19 per cent reduction of the total number of persons in camps cited in the report. We also support enhanced efforts to protect vulnerable groups exposed to the cholera epidemic, food insecurity and gender-based violence, among other threats. However, we believe that more must be done to adopt a comprehensive camp closure plan and to find alternative long-term housing 12-25487 S/PV.6732 and sites. We note that, on average, displaced persons in Africa spend well over a decade in temporary settlements. Unless this remains a priority, we risk replicating that distressing situation in Haiti. The third concern is security, a subject to which my previous remarks were also related. It is now broadly acknowledged that security gains could be undermined by weak socio-economic development and governance and that, consequently, there is a need for a balanced approach to security and non-security considerations. The report before us reminds us of the important role that MINUSTAH fulfils in Haiti, particularly on the security front. It is understood that peacekeepers cannot remain in Haiti in perpetuity, but it is equally important not to abandon Haiti prematurely. We look forward in the following months to receiving detailed information on the request made to the Secretary-General in paragraph 24 of resolution 2012 (2011) concerning a comprehensive assessment of threats to security in Haiti, including options, as appropriate, to reconfigure the composition of MINUSTAH. Finally, we take note of paragraph 56 of the report and of the initial steps taken by the Government to contain the emergence of uniformed militias that are organized without official approval. These observations are also based on our recent visit to Haiti in February. The international community, in particular the countries of Latin America and from the Caribbean, have a clear stake in Haiti’s success and we fully commit to continuing to support the process of political, economic and social development. I recall that, while the international community is willing to play a supporting role, the primary responsibility rests first and foremost with the Haitians themselves. Mr. Mashabane (South Africa): We would like to thank Mr. Mariano Fernández, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, for his comprehensive statement. At the outset, we wish to express and reiterate our continued support for the United Nations efforts in Haiti. Haiti has undergone significant change since its emergence from the devastating earthquake of January 2010 and the conflict. The country had to face the daunting task of reconstruction while at the same time 12-25487 it had to deal with the challenges of governance and democracy. Despite these seemingly very difficult challenges, Haiti has made significant progress. Towards the end of last year, we saw progress on the political front after the compromise between the President and Haiti’s legislators that led to the swearing in of a new Government and the appointment of a Prime Minister. However, we are concerned that the strained relationship between the presidency and Parliament has paralysed progress towards developing a consensual legislative agenda and the adoption of the national budget, as well as progress relating to the upcoming elections. The resignation of Prime Minister Conille should not be allowed to hamper any political progress achieved so far. We hope that the Haitians are able to reach consensus on all these outstanding issues. Stable governance is essential if the Haitian people are to lead efforts to rebuild their country. We encourage collaboration between the executive and legislative branches of the Government. A rapid resolution of this crisis will allow the Haitians and the international community to focus on the key challenges of development and the reconstruction of Haiti. The Council has previously recognized the interconnected nature of the challenges facing Haiti. We reaffirm that security, institution-building — such as in the area of the rule of law — the consolidation of national government structures, democracy and development are mutually reinforcing. The strengthening and capacity-building of the Haitian National Police is critical to ensuring stability in Haiti and to laying a firm basis for the withdrawal of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) in the future. The Haitian Government, working with MINUSTAH, must identify critical capacity gaps within the police service and develop strategies to address them as soon as possible. Importantly, the promotion of the rule of law at all levels is critical to ensuring stability and to facilitating development in Haiti. In this regard, we also welcome President Martelly’s appointment of the President and Vice-President of the Supreme Court, which further strengthens the rule of law institutions in the country. We note from the Secretary-General’s report (S/2012/128) that the overall security situation is stable. However, we are concerned over reports of the increased mobilization of several hundred armed 13 S/PV.6732 former members of the Haitian armed forces. We share the view expressed by the Secretary-General that this mobilization poses a threat to the stability of the country and that the Government should take necessary measures to address the issue. South Africa commends MINUSTAH’s military and police personnel, as well as the Haitian National Police, for their contribution to the improvement of the overall security situation in Haiti. While we welcome this positive development, we are mindful of the fragile stability of the situation, due to civil unrest related mainly to socio-economic grievances. We hold the view that addressing these socioeconomic challenges should be prioritized, as they also contribute to security and stability. Given the strong linkages between peace, stability and development, we welcome President Martelly’s pronouncement of his Government’s priorities, which include security, the resettlement of the displaced, job creation, environmental protection, health care, education and schools, among others. The case of Haiti clearly illustrates the relationship between security and development. We note the positive contribution of MINUSTAH’s engineering components and quick-impact projects to improving the lives of those most in need. These aspects of MINUSTAH’s work help to establish conditions conducive to long-term reconstruction and recovery, and support the notion of peacekeepers as early peacebuilders. My delegation welcomes the work done by MINUSTAH’s Conduct and Discipline Unit to address the allegations of sexual misconduct by the Mission’s personnel by strengthening prevention measures, accelerating disciplinary case management and taking remedial action, in line with the United Nations zero tolerance policy regarding misconduct by its personnel. We recognize that Haiti continues to face humanitarian challenges. The cholera epidemic and food insecurity necessitate enhanced international assistance in Haiti. It is therefore incumbent on the international community to continue to support Haiti in its recovery from the humanitarian challenges it faces, without which the country will not be able to achieve stability and development. South Africa is committed to assisting the people of Haiti. In addition to our bilateral assistance, South 14 Africa will continue to work with its partners in the India-Brazil-South Africa IBSA Facility for Poverty and Hunger Alleviation. In conclusion, Haiti has made significant strides towards peace and stability. Challenges remain and it is imperative that the Haitian people, with the sustained support of the international community, work with MINUSTAH to overcome all these obstacles. Mr. Berger (Germany): Germany aligns itself with the statement to be made by the observer of the European Union. I thank the Secretary-General for his report and Special Representative Mariano Fernández for today’s briefing. At the outset, let me underscore our continued willingness to help and support the Haitian Government in its efforts to build a better life for its people. Since the earthquake Germany has, bilaterally and through the European Union, provided €146 million for reconstruction and €41 million for humanitarian assistance, apart from €230 million in private donations. At the same time, we wish to underline that the primary responsibility for recovery and reconstruction lies with the Government of Haiti. Against that backdrop, we note with concern the continued stand-off between the executive and legislative authorities and the resulting state of blockage and inaction, which prevents Haiti’s State institutions from delivering on promises made to their people. Haiti and the Haitians simply cannot afford to wait any longer for effective Government. We join the Secretary-General in his call on all political actors in Haiti to engage in constructive political dialogue. Haiti’s political leaders must work together in a spirit of compromise. A new, widely accepted Prime Minister must take office expeditiously. The appointment process must not again become the object of partisan infighting, but rather must be accomplished without delay in the best interests of the country. Germany strongly encourages Special Representative Fernández in his efforts to advocate a political pact to advance the stabilization and development of Haiti. In that context, we cannot overemphasize enough the importance of the rule of law and good governance. A lack of political and legal certainty is a major impediment to development, including to increased foreign investment. 12-25487 S/PV.6732 I would like to focus on three aspects, namely, the Haitian National Police, elections and human rights. First, we note the Secretary-General’s assessment that “the Haitian National Police is gradually improving, [but] … the institution is not yet in a position to assume full responsibility for the provision of internal security.” (S/2012/128, para. 11) That indicates that political support of the Government in building the capacity of Haiti’s National Police is key and must be enhanced. The United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) still has a crucial role to play in maintaining a secure environment and protecting human rights, including the fight against sexual and gender-based violence. With the primary focus currently on enhancing policing capacity, the Council should consider further downsizing MINUSTAH’s military capacities, in line with developments on the ground. Efforts aimed at enhancing the Haitian National Police should not be diluted by plans to reintroduce Haitian armed forces. In that context, we note with concern that armed groups consisting of former members of the Forces armées d’Haiti have resurfaced in several departments, and former army elements and new recruits were witnessed conducting training exercises throughout the country. Haiti’s international partners have clearly indicated that they are not willing to fund any military in the country. Germany strongly shares that view. Secondly, regarding elections, we urge the political leadership to take the steps necessary to avoid a continued institutional vacuum, in a timely manner, as discussed with representatives of the Security Council on 1 March in Port-au-Prince. In order to build confidence and trust, Germany encourages the Haitian leadership to invite external missions to observe the upcoming electoral processes. Haiti cannot afford to enter into another period of political stalemate — in a phase when the ability of the administration to act and govern is of the utmost importance. Thirdly, Germany joins the Secretary-General in his call on Haiti’s authorities to spare no effort in the fight against impunity. The establishment of accountability and of the rule of law remains a central benchmark for success. Accountability and the rule of law are not only of key importance in their own right, but they also help to create conditions for sustainable economic development. Strengthening the rule of law 12-25487 is an investment that pays off. Capacity-building, including in the justice system and corrections facilities, must therefore remain a priority. Germany also underlines the importance of continued enforcement of the United Nations zero-tolerance policy on misconduct by its personnel, and appreciates the steps that have been taken so far, as outlined by the Special Representative. Indeed, that is important for the acceptance of all peacekeeping forces — not only in Haiti. In conclusion, MINUSTAH remains a prerequisite for the stability and development of Haiti and for peace and security in the region. At the same time, it is evident that the agenda for MINUSTAH needs adjustments, streamlining and focus in line with developments on the ground. While Germany is open to discussions on the scope of MINUSTAH’s mandate, we are of the opinion that civil reconstruction is best placed in the hands of specialized United Nations organizations dedicated to that task. Given the multifarious nature of MINUSTAH’s mandate, the Council might also wish to look into ways of making the priorities among MINUSTAH’s tasks clearer for all concerned. Finally, I would like to join previous speakers in thanking all countries that have contributed troops to MINUSTAH and would like extend sincere thanks to the personnel of the Mission in Haiti for their dedicated work. Mr. Li Baodong (China) (spoke in Chinese): I wish to thank Special Representative of the SecretaryGeneral Mariano Fernández for his briefing. With support and help from the international community, Haiti has recently been actively carrying out post-disaster reconstruction, taking forward the political process, scaling up its national security and building institutions, showing considerable progress — which deserves our recognition. We also note that Haiti is still faced with grave challenges ahead in maintaining stability and promoting development — calling for greater efforts on the part both of Haiti and the international community. I wish to underscore the following points. First, political reconciliation is the key to the maintenance of peace and stability in Haiti. China is concerned by the current political situation in Haiti. We hope that the parties will seize the opportunity, strengthen unity, enhance mutual trust, settle disputes 15 S/PV.6732 through consultations, form a new Government as soon as possible and consolidate the hard-won gains. Secondly, post-disaster reconstruction and development is the central task for Haiti. At present, recovery and reconstruction is slow. Problems such as poverty, unemployment, a weakened education system and poor infrastructure are so acute that they warrant great attention. The Haitian Government needs to be better able to bear the primary responsibility for development, improve governance, attract investment and create job opportunities. It is also our hope that the international community will fulfil its assistance commitments, improve the efficacy of its aid and provide constructive support to Haiti for its reconstruction and development. Thirdly, the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) is playing a significant role in maintaining peace and stability in Haiti. China thanks Special Representative Fernádez and MINUSTAH for their efforts and their contribution to the maintenance of security and stability in Haiti, and it hopes that MINUSTAH will actively implement its Security Council mandate and complete its drawdown as scheduled, while continuing to assist in maintaining security and stability, taking forward the political process and strengthening the rule of law and institution-building. Mr. Zhukov (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): We are grateful to Special Representative of the Secretary-General Fernández for his briefing on the situation in Haiti and the work of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH). We have listened with interest to the briefing and have taken note of the Secretary-General’s report (S/2012/128), whose assessments we share. The Security Council’s mission to Haiti has proven a significant resource for information. Unfortunately, despite some stabilization, the situation in Haiti remains complex. We are concerned about political rivalry, including between the executive and legislative branches of the Government. We hope that the resignation of Prime Minister Conille will not lead to even greater political and social division. Regrettably, political upheavals have overshadowed the country’s socio-economic recovery. The Government must take urgent steps to achieve national consensus and to unite society. It must assume leadership in tackling key tasks, in particular economic and 16 humanitarian issues. There should be no delay in adopting crucial decisions directly linked to the country’s recovery. That applies to stepping up the constitutional process, the adoption of relevant laws and the implementation of reforms. In that regard, questions have been raised over the announcement by the executive of tentative plans to re-establish the country’s armed forces. We do not question the sovereign right of Haiti to independently take decisions on security sector reform, but while the key challenges are linked to the imperative for economic recovery and the need to combat crime and strengthen legality and the rule of law, the primary task in that regard should be improving the effectiveness of the National Police. We believe that the implementation of such plans, if they become a realistic possibility, can only increase political tension and cause concern among the international community, which is giving Haiti its firm support. I would like to note MINUSTAH’s significant contribution to stabilize the situation in the country, in particular its assistance towards maintaining security, establishing State institutions and enhancing the capacities of the national police in improving law and order. We are pleased that the reconfiguration of the Mission, in accordance with resolution 2012 (2011), is going according to plan. MINUSTAH must smoothly conclude the reform process under way and work within a new format, both quantitatively and qualitatively. We can then assess the effectiveness of the implementation of its mandate under Chapter VII of the Charter, and possibly consider additional measures. With regard to the accusations of peacekeepers committing serious crimes, we think that exacerbating the negative atmosphere concerning the Mission’s work would be counterproductive. Such incidents should be promptly and thoroughly investigated, with the involvement of the troop-and police-contributing countries. If certain troops are found to be guilty by the relevant national judicial bodies, they should definitely face punishment in line with the criminal legislation of the countries of which they are citizens. The Mission needs to focus on enhancing the degree of discipline and to do its utmost to prevent the recurrence of such cases. Only through actual acts can it repair the damage to its authority. 12-25487 S/PV.6732 The international assistance given to Haiti, in which the United Nations plays a leading role, is unprecedented in terms of scale and solidarity. We believe that efforts to provide comprehensive assistance to Haiti, including for the strengthening of State authority structures, must continue so that the Haitians can independently tackle all issues in the areas of security and recovery and of ensuring sustainable national development. Mr. Hardeep Singh Puri (India): At the outset, I would like to join others in thanking Special Representative of the Secretary-General Mariano Fernández for his comprehensive briefing on the recent developments in Haiti and for presenting the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (S/2012/128). Despite periods of political uncertainty and the resultant instability during the past year, Haiti has made a notable recovery from the devastating earthquake of January 2010. Today, there are fewer people living in camps than last year. More than 1 million people have been relocated so far. Several hundred schools have been rebuilt. Health services have improved. More than 100,000 temporary shelter units have been built to accommodate 400,000 affected persons. Emergency food assistance now covers 4 million Haitians, and 5 million cubic metres of debris have been removed. That would not have been possible without the strong commitment and support of the international community. We commend the role played by the United Nations and its agencies, as well as the Interim Haiti Recovery Commission. The security situation has also improved, although it remains fragile and suffers from an insufficient policing capacity. Moreover, the country witnessed the peaceful transfer of power last year, which reflects the faith of the Haitian people in democracy. In December 2011, the International Monetary Fund noted that the economic situation in Haiti is improving, and it predicted positive gross domestic product growth for the year 2012. Progress in recovery and reconstruction has, however, been slowed down due to the continuing political uncertainty in the aftermath of last year’s elections. The delay in the formation of a Government for several months, the lack of understanding between two important organs of the Government and avoidable controversies are, unfortunately, affecting the overall 12-25487 gains made on the recovery front. That has affected donor confidence, and the appeal of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs was funded to the tune of only 55 per cent in 2011. The political infighting has also delayed the adoption of a number of legislative measures and preparations for elections to the Senate and local bodies appear stalled. The resignation of Prime Minister Conille last month has further exacerbated political tensions. We hope that the process of parliamentary approval for the new Prime Minister and the formation of a new Government will be completed soon. The need of the hour is for the Haitian leaders to set aside their differences and to work collectively for an effective administration that can implement the reforms necessary for economic growth and strengthen the capacity of rule of law institutions. Political stability is fundamental to effective governance, which alone can stimulate development, investment and the confidence of the international community. Given the prevailing situation, the role of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) continues to be critical to recovery efforts, to ensuring the overall security and stability and to the capacity-building of Haitian national institutions, particularly the national police. That will also help the national authorities deal with the reported emergence of new armed groups belonging to the disbanded army. We commend the leadership of MINUSTAH and its peacekeepers and engineers for doing excellent work in the most demanding circumstances. MINUSTAH has provided security for the distribution of humanitarian assistance to some 4.3 million Haitians and helped provide temporary shelter to 1.5 million people. Military engineering companies have played a significant role in removing rubble, repairing roads and setting up temporary shelters. MINUSTAH’s important role in assisting the authorities to respond to the epidemic and the hurricane can hardly be overemphasized. We hope that the Haitian national institutions will gradually assume a larger role and ultimately take over MINUSTAH’s responsibilities. Against that backdrop, MINUSTAH should focus its efforts on supporting the political process, capacity-building and the consolidation of Haitian national institutions, including the national police force. The future force configuration of the Mission should be based on overall improvement of the security situation, as well 17 S/PV.6732 as stabilization of the political and socio-economic situations. India has contributed three formed police units, totalling 458 personnel, to MINUSTAH. The performance of the Indian units has been widely appreciated in view of their exemplary dedication and devotion to duty. India also made a modest contribution to the efforts of the Haitian authorities to deal with the earthquake devastation in 2010. In the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, India made a cash contribution of $5 million to the Government of Haiti towards relief measures as a token of our solidarity with the people of Haiti. India has also contributed $500,000 every year since 2009 to the Central Emergency Response Fund, which continues to play an important role in the recovery work in Haiti. We have also undertaken a waste management project through a joint India-Brazil-South Africa initiative. In addition, India will soon undertake a project for the construction of low-cost housing units. In conclusion, the continuing support of the international community, coupled with stable and effective governance, remains critical for sustainable peace, security, stability and development in Haiti. We remain committed to continuing our support for the efforts of the Haitian authorities to rebuild the country. It is our hope that Haiti will soon emerge from its current problems and move towards stability and development. Mr. Menan (Togo) (spoke in French): I would like first of all to thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Mariano Fernández for introducing the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) (S/2012/128). The report, it must be said, supports and adds to the observations made by members of the Security Council during the Council’s mission to Haiti in February. After the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti in January 2010, the entire world wondered how the country would ever be able to recover. Fortunately, with the will and the determination of the people of Haiti and the support of the international community, the reconstruction of the country is on the right track. The measures that the Government is implementing in many areas to bring about the welfare of its people are aimed at that goal. They involve, inter alia, free schooling, the rehousing of those who lost their homes 18 in the disaster, and the establishment of a national programme to fight against hunger and malnutrition. We also note the adoption of other measures in the justice sector, in particular, such as the revision of the criminal code, the appointment of additional judges to the Court of Cassation and the announcement of the establishment of the Superior Council of the Judiciary. Those measures are likely to reassert the authority of the State and enable the Haitian people to flourish, which is something that my country welcomes. However, a feeling of satisfaction does not dispel our concern with regard to political, security and humanitarian problems that remain in the country. Politically, differences run deep, and the political will to resolve them appears to be lacking. The problems no doubt feed into the instability characterized recently by the resignation of Prime Minister Garry Conille, just four months after his appointment. Moreover, the lack of consensus, which is very perceptible between the executive and legislative branches, remains a source of major concern. These differences in viewpoints do not inspire confidence and are likely to undermine the efforts of the international community. It is important that the authorities and all those involved in politics in Haiti work to find consensus on the major issues that divide them. In that regard, Togo wishes to invite them to follow the road of dialogue and compromise, overcome partisan differences and keep firmly on course for reconstruction and development in a climate of brotherhood, solidarity and shared responsibility. With regard to security, which has always been a major challenge for the Governments of Haiti, it is encouraging to note that there has been some improvement. Violence of a political nature has shown a clear drop, and crime rates for murder, rape and kidnapping have also declined considerably. My country commends the efforts being made in that area and urges the Haitian authorities to continue to pursue them. However, the perceptible improvement would not have been possible without the help of MINUSTAH, which has sought to train the National Police while providing support in the fight against organized gangs. We congratulate MINUSTAH for that cooperation and urge that it be pursued. In the humanitarian sphere, concerns continue with regard to the still very high number of internally displaced persons living in camps, where there has 12-25487 S/PV.6732 been a decline in water and sanitation services due to a lack of funding. The shortage of financing is likely to deal a severe blow to that major programme for helping people, since the State does not yet have sufficient means to respond and cholera has still not been eradicated. The overall situation in Haiti today requires that the international community continue its efforts. This is the right place to welcome the role played by the United Nations, in particular MINUSTAH, in the country before and in the hours immediately after the earthquake. Its involvement in many reconstruction, security and rule of law programmes must be commended because it renews hope in a country where fear, fatalism and uncertainty had taken hold in people’s hearts and minds. Looking at the progressive drawdown of the MINUSTAH surge after the earthquake, it is extremely urgent, as the report mentions, for the Haitian Government to take over the process of reconstruction and development. However, the road to reconstruction in Haiti seems to be a long one. In that regard, efforts undertaken by the country’s authorities should remain supported by those from international organizations, donors and bilateral actors. Helping Haiti to rebuild itself means bringing peace to the country and the entire region. Even if there is a role for the international community to play, it is first and foremost the Haitians themselves who must work to build a stable and prosperous State in their country. That is why we continue to say that now is not the time for divisiveness or for settling political accounts. Quite the opposite, Haitians must roll up their sleeves, and the authorities must establish a policy of dialogue and national reconciliation so that all citizens, both in the country and abroad, may take part in the reconstruction of their country. Mr. Haroon (Pakistan): I would like to thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Mariano Fernández for his very insightful briefing. I would also like to thank the Secretary-General for his report (S/2012/128). From the opinions we have heard around the table today, it is clear that there is a shared objective among the United Nations, the people of Haiti and the international community. Until 2010, Haiti had made important strides towards stability, development and a better future. The devastating earthquake of 2010 reversed those positive 12-25487 gains made incrementally over many years. Those gains area now lost to Haiti, and it will be difficult to move back to that period of recovery where the country was emerging from the shadows. As noted by the representative of Haiti in the Security Council in 2011, the country had virtually collapsed after the earthquake. Rising from such devastation is no ordinary task. Most earthquake recovery is challenging in the best of circumstances, but becomes almost impossible in a post-conflict country. We therefore urge the Security Council and the international community to demonstrate patience towards, and solidarity with, the Government and the people of Haiti. Pakistan is proud to stand with the people of Haiti, not only before but also during and after the devastation of 2010. Our support has been in the form of men on the ground, materiel and our strong personal belief in and commitment to Haiti and its future. The biannual report of the Secretary-General is a useful tool for measuring progress and reversals in Haiti. It is satisfying to note that the report under consider lists important progress in the area of security. Improvement in the security situation, with a diminishing trend of politically motivated violence, is a propitious development that can lead to long-term stability and economic recovery. This can be attributed to the positive efforts of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), especially with regard to the protection of vulnerable groups, including women and children, through community-based policing strategies. The contribution of the Haitian National Police to improving the security situation can neither be denied nor denigrated, but Haiti will need a more robust judicial system in the future. As an evolving institution of significant promise, the Haitian Police has also improved its work and capacity, and works alongside MINUSTAH contingents in the form of joint patrols and anti-crime operations. Our delegation has taken serious note of allegations of misconduct in MINUSTAH, as reported in the Secretary-General’s report. Such allegations are taken with utmost seriousness. As a contributor to MINUSTAH and other United Nations missions, Pakistan is elaborate in its arrangements and legal provisions to investigate, prosecute and sentence anyone guilty of misconduct, with actions ranging from 19 S/PV.6732 dismissal without benefits to imprisonment. These are serious matters that cannot be the subject of compromise. Let my voice ring out loud and clear in this Chamber. The zero tolerance policy for misconduct is also our policy. There will be no stepping down or away from it. The high operational standards of our peacekeepers must match a similar level of excellence conduct and discipline on the part of its administrators. The Secretary-General’s report mentions slow progress in regard to the humanitarian and recovery situations. The ongoing cholera epidemic, food insecurity and extreme vulnerability to natural disasters augment the humanitarian challenge. To an extent, slow progress in the humanitarian and recovery situations is understandable given the natural trajectory of post-disaster recovery, where the initial period of high performance usually tapers off into a steady phase and a decline after some time. We are seeing this happen in Haiti. However, we must not be complacent and try to build further on positive achievements. That is why I do not hesitate to say that the cholera epidemic has severely tested Haiti and we must, in every way possible, not only apologize but try to help alleviate this problem with not only more materiel but with whatever we have available to set this situation right. We will urge greater coordination and cohesion among different actors engaged in humanitarian work. We will also caution against the donor fatigue that can result from such protracted crises. Political uncertainty and lack of national consensus can erode the nascent gains in the security and humanitarian sectors. Fissures and divisions among stakeholders are the usual ingredients of political discourse. A modicum of national consensus on the future course is essential. Such consensus has been eroded in Haiti following recent political events. Our delegation supports the call for a genuine and inclusive dialogue in order to achieve political agreement and reconciliation based on mutual tolerance, and we must allow Haitians to proceed on deciding their future by their own thinking and mechanisms. I would suggest that we listen more closely to them and to what they visualize, and help them in any way we can to proceed towards the future they envisage. Pakistan has been a participant in United Nations peacekeeping missions in Haiti since 1993. As a part of 20 MINUSTAH, two formed police units from Pakistan have been deployed since 2010. Not just the Pakistani contingent but all components of MINUSTAH are implementing a challenging mandate under difficult circumstances. From a surge of strength in 2010, the military and police capabilities of MINUSTAH are set to be drawn down to the pre-earthquake phase by the middle of this year, and that is what I believe is also wanted by the people of Haiti. MINUSTAH’s drawdown must be the result of tangible improvements in the ground situation, which I am sure will happen. We hope that the Secretariat, in conjunction with the Haitian authorities, has conducted a national assessment of the ground situation in the present and future scenarios. We hope that any achievements of MINUSTAH will also be duly acknowledged, here and by the Haitians. Pakistan supports the sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity of Haiti. It will be important that a similar message of support be communicated to the brave and resilient people of Haiti from our collective deliberations in the Security Council today. The President: I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of the United Kingdom. Haiti has seen repeated efforts of the international community that have attempted and failed to provide stability in the medium to long terms. The United Kingdom does not want this pattern to continue. It is in no one’s interest that the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) should leave before the security that it has established can be sustained by the Haitian authorities. The United Kingdom notes that MINUSTAH finds itself in an increasingly difficult position, however. On the one hand, Haiti is heavily dependent on the Mission to provide security. On the basis of current trends, that will remain the case for some years. On the other hand, Haitians from all levels of society are becoming increasingly vocal in their calls for MINUSTAH to leave. There is a very real risk that, if political uncertainty in Haiti persists, MINUSTAH will be dragged into the debate, making its task harder still. In part, these calls are being exacerbated by allegations of misconduct by MINUSTAH personnel. The United Kingdom is concerned by such allegations, 12-25487 S/PV.6732 which should be taken extremely seriously. We firmly support the Secretary-General’s zero tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse, and we urge a rigorous and transparent approach to these allegations. This would help MINUSTAH to restore its credibility with the people of Haiti. In its efforts following the earthquake in 2010, MINUSTAH has played a significant role in recovery and in helping to ensure access to basic services. These efforts have built support among the local population — support that has been reinforced by the quick-impact projects that the Mission has delivered. But the United Kingdom believes that it is now vital that the Mission focus on working to ensure that stability and security can be sustained once MINUSTAH has departed. To that end, the Mission has two clear tasks. First, MINUSTAH must build the capacity of the Haitian National Police so that it can take full responsibility for Haiti’s security. There needs to be a clearer matching of Mission personnel to the various aspects of this task. This is not a task solely for MINUSTAH, but there needs to be clarity among all those involved, in the Mission and beyond, as to what capacity the Haitian National Police needs to build and what the benchmarks and timetable will be for achieving it. Secondly, there needs to be greater effort to support the political process, including elections, democratic governance and related State institutions. Political uncertainty is the most likely trigger of instability. Again, MINUSTAH cannot be expected to do this alone, and needs to coordinate its efforts with those of other actors. All actors need to play their part, working in a cooperative and constructive manner, respecting the Constitution and helping to ensure political stability. In conclusion, the United Kingdom believes, of course, that conditions on the ground will determine when MINUSTAH draws down. However, in order that security and stability can be sustained when MINUSTAH does draw down, it needs to begin planning for that drawdown now. Only by doing that can the right balance be struck between the Haitian National Police taking up the security burden and a measured drawdown of MINUSTAH that does not jeopardize security gains. 12-25487 I now resume my functions as president of the Council. I give the floor to the representative of Haiti. Mr. Cazeau (Haiti) (spoke in French): We are pleased to see you, Sir, presiding over the Security Council this month. We wish you every success and are confident that, under your guidance, our debates will be successful. On behalf of the people and Government of Haiti, I would like to thank Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for his 29 February report (S/2012/128) on the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH). It must be acknowledged that, far from being a routine exercise, the report is first and foremost an outline of the progress that has in fact been made. However, much remains to be done in a socio-economic environment that continues to be somewhat precarious. But our people, especially youth and women, are demanding from the powers that be that they be able to participate in public affairs. Haiti very much appreciates the ongoing attention to the situation in our country. That commitment was reaffirmed by the recent field visit to Haiti by the Security Council, when the Council was able to see for itself what is taking place. The Council also heard a briefing on its mission (see S/PV.6724) for Ambassador Susan Rice, who led the mission. We thank her for the dedication and insight. I am hopeful that, thanks to her leadership and that of the Security Council, Haiti will one day no longer figure in United Nations reports and resolutions as a “threat to international peace and security”, as that phrase strikes fear in investors. Haiti wants to move from humanitarian assistance towards sustainable development through investment, including foreign direct investment. During his meeting with the members of the Council’s mission, President Michel Joseph Martelly pointed out that Haiti was not a threat to anyone. The presence here today of Ambassador Mario Fernández, Special Representative of the SecretaryGeneral for Haiti and Head of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti, is a sign of the attention focused on MINUSTAH’s accomplishments and, above all, on the state of the Haitian people, who are determined to fashion a better future for their country, which has been forced to choose between stability, 21 S/PV.6732 respect from human rights and sustainable development. We thank him for having agreed to serve in our country to help the Haitian Government and the United Nations to coordinate efforts to find lasting solutions to the situation of my brothers and sisters, in a word, to change the country’s image. The political and security situation in Haiti has remained on the Security Council’s agenda for almost eight years, which, to a certain degree, may seem like a long time or serve as a source of discouragement. We understand that tensions and the all too frequent political crises are major obstacles to our country’s stability and development. The Prime Minister and the members of the Cabinet recently resigned, but the Government continues to function pending the confirmation of a new Prime Minister. President Martelly immediately took the necessary steps to appoint a new Prime Minister, namely, Foreign Minister Laurent Salvador Lamothe. He also submitted Mr. Lamothe’s candidature to the Parliament for confirmation. We have heard that members of Parliament, aware of their responsibilities and the powers conferred upon them as elected officials, are already at work looking into the nomination of the Prime Minister. All indications are that the confirmation process will be treated as a matter of urgency and that Haiti will soon have a new Prime Minister, provided that it meets the demands of the Constitution and our country’s laws. We fully share the Secretary-General’s observation that it is up to Haiti’s executive and legislative branches to act in the broader interests of the Haitian people and proceed expeditiously with the appointment of a new Prime Minister. There have been some recent improvements in the security situation, thanks to better coordination between the Haitian National Police (HNP) and MINUSTAH. That does not mean that there are no spoilers, on the contrary. Spoilers emerge from time to time to undo the progress made to date in the security sector. In that regard, bearing in mind that the troops arrived in the country in the wake of the earthquake are beginning to leave, it is appropriate to step up training and capacity-building for the HNP in order that, in due course, it is able to take on its responsibilities and be a true agent for change and development, that is to say, a professional police force. 22 With regard to the rule of law, in less than five years, the Government has been able to complete the Supreme Court. The public is up in arms about the presence of former demobilized members of the Haitian armed forces who have returned to their former barracks, with some even engaging in military training. They have yet to return to their homes, despite repeated calls for them to do so from President Martelly, who wants a negotiated, peaceful solution to this situation, which serves to stir up problems and is only fuelling tensions. There are still approximately 500,000 people living in tents. With the rainy season almost upon us, the Government has decided to significantly lower that number by June. The Council will understand that this effort requires considerable financial recourses, for it is not enough just to encourage people to leave their tents. They must be helped financially to find housing, as well as allowed to take the first steps in an environment that is sometimes completely new. The Haitian Government has made this situation one of its priorities, which we continue to work on. Allow me to pay well-deserved tribute to the various national and international non-governmental organizations and United Nations agencies that are doing outstanding work on the ground. By June, some of them, such as the World Food Programme, will face disastrous economic situations that will force them to downscale their activities in tent encampments and school feeding centres, including considerable reductions in the number of local personnel, thereby increasing unemployment, which is already too high. I take this opportunity to call on Haiti’s friends and on donors to think about those organizations, the international community’s valuable and talented ambassadors on the ground in Haiti, and help them find the necessary resources to provide a glimmer of hope for the poorest: education and food. Haiti is grateful for the assistance and support it has received from United Nations staff who work for peace, specifically MINUSTAH, whose plans for a progressive and coordinated withdrawal from the country are perhaps already in the works. Those plans will be made known, in coordination with the Haitian Government, once the international community sees that the HNP and Haiti’s judiciary are mature enough to move the country forward. 12-25487 S/PV.6732 I again wish to thank Ambassador Fernández for his comments today, as he is on the ground in Haiti on a daily basis. I also welcome the comments made by the members of the Council. Finally, I would like to emphasize the courage of the national authorities of two troop-contributing countries, to which I shall not refer by name, who took a resolute decision to try in their own courts members of their contingents accused of sexually abusing Haitian minors. Their decision should serve as an example of the implementation of a zero-tolerance policy in cases of such allegations, in Haiti as well as anywhere else in the world. The President: I now give the floor to the representative of Brazil. Mrs. Viotti (Brazil): I would like to thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Mariano Fernández for his briefing and, more important, for his continued dedication and firm support to the Haitian people in their efforts to consolidate democracy and stability, make further progress in post-disaster recovery and achieve higher levels of socio-economic development. Today, the Council is called upon to assess the situation in Haiti. We have witnessed both significant progress towards stabilization as well as persistent economic and political challenges. Brazil encourages Haitian leaders to work together to ease tensions and allow for the timely appointment of a new Prime Minister and for the effective organization of legislative elections, which will enhance Haitian democracy. We remain confident in the ability of Haitians to overcome differences and strengthen their political institutions in an environment of continued improvement in the human rights situation. Also key to making institutional progress in Haiti today is responding effectively to the illegal occupation of the former armed forces by groups of individuals in military fatigue. We take note with satisfaction of the measures announced by President Martelly in that regard. We strongly encourage sustained commitment in this matter of the utmost importance for Haiti’s stability. Improvements in the capabilities of the Haitian National Police (HNP) and enhanced cooperation between the HNP and the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) police and military components are very positive developments. Further consolidating the HNP is essential to allow for its 12-25487 timely assumption of security tasks currently undertaken by MINUSTAH’s troops, which we believe remain indispensable. In calibrating the pace of the future military drawdown, the Council must assess the challenges still ahead and progress in building capacity, training and equipping the Haitian National Police. Some of the challenges include the risk of resurgence in gang violence and specific security needs of the most vulnerable Haitians, in particular women and children. Strong political commitment on the part of the Government to strengthening the HNP will ensure Haiti’s ability to secure a stable environment in the country. As we have stated on many occasions, the promotion of peace in situations such as that which prevails in Haiti cannot be dissociated from the promotion of development in a context of respect for the sovereignty of the host country. We are glad that the Security Council, during its recent mission to Haiti, noted that Haitians’ levels of poverty are incompatible with the country’s long-term stability. We praise the work of the United Nations agencies and MINUSTAH in fostering local capacities and helping to build strong Haitian institutions. The work of MINUSTAH’s military engineers serve as catalytic actions that contribute to further stability, to saving lives and to supporting the work of local and international development actors. The international community has a constructive role to play in improving the effectiveness and national ownership of development efforts and fully honouring its commitments. In her visit to Haiti last month, President Dilma Rousseff reiterated Brazil’s solidarity with the Haitian Government and people and our commitment to a longterm partnership based on mutual respect. In addition to the continuation of bilateral cooperation projects in areas such as public health, food security, nutrition and professional training, Brazil continues to lead plurilateral efforts towards the construction of the hydroelectric plant of Artibonite 4C. This project will generate jobs while providing a large segment of the Haitian population with a valuable source of renewable energy. Brazil has committed $40 million to the construction of this plant. We continue to seek the engagement of a wider group of partners to complete 23 S/PV.6732 this work, which has been defined as a priority by the Haitian Government. We are fully aware of the challenges ahead in Haiti’s path towards sustainable development and peace. At the same time, we see that, although much remains to be done, the progress achieved since the tragic earthquake of 2010 is significant. The population still living in camps has been considerably reduced and a new dynamism is felt in some areas of business. It has also allowed for a partial drawdown of MINUSTAH’s military surge capabilities, with an increased participation of the police contingents and of the HNP in providing security and stability. We hope that further political and institutional progress will sustain this trend. We are confident that Haiti will succeed in its efforts with the support of the international community in an environment of full respect for Haiti’s sovereignty, mutual respect, commitment and constant dialogue. That is what Brazil has been doing and will continue to do. The President: I now give the floor to His Excellency Mr. Thomas Mayr-Harting, Head of the Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations. Mr. Mayr-Harting (spoke in French): I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union (EU) and its member States. The acceding country Croatia; the candidate countries Iceland, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, the former Yugoslav Republic of and Turkey; the countries of the Stabilization and Association Process and potential candidates Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina; as well as Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova, align themselves with this statement. I first wish to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Fernández, for his briefing to the Council. I also thank the Permanent Representative of Haiti for the comments he has just made. Last September, during the previous debate (S/PV.6618) on the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), we welcomed the peaceful and democratic election of a new President and called for the creation of a new Government. Four months later, our predictions of a period of political stability and reconstruction have been undermined by 24 the recent resignation of the former Prime Minister, Mr. Garry Conille. The executive and legislative branches must engage in a constructive dialogue in order to work in a spirit of compromise and move effectively towards the appointment of a new Prime Minister. In the coming months, Haiti’s Parliament will lose a third of its senators as their terms expire, while the mayors are already working beyond their four-year terms of office. The timely organization of partial legislative and municipal elections is therefore essential to the effective functioning of Haiti’s democratic institutions and local administration. In the context of a new reconfiguration of MINUSTAH’s forces, it will be important for the Mission to remain focused on its core mandate of supporting the political process and strengthening the rule of law and security institutions. The European Union and its member States will continue to work hand in hand with the relevant authorities to support the transition process so that they can take increasing responsibility for the country’s stability, in particular the training of a strong and effective National Police. Progress in this respect should not be undermined by the establishment of a second security force. The criticisms of MINUSTAH based on allegations of serious professional misconduct remain a reason for grave concern. It is important that the Mission continue to demonstrate the highest standards of integrity. It should respond to those allegations with appropriate investigations and disciplinary measures. Over the past two years, the European Union has made an significant contribution to Haiti. In 2010, €522 million were pledged from the European Union’s budget to assist the Haitian Government. Today, more than €358 million have been disbursed. Our assistance has brought immediate relief to over 5 million Haitians and aims to ensure the long-term recovery of their country. Today, half a million Haitians still live in camps and cholera persists. Women and children are particularly affected. The efforts of donors, including the European Union, to reduce the risk of natural disasters have increased the country’s ability to better cope with those disasters. Nevertheless, the country remains vulnerable. 12-25487 S/PV.6732 The current political stalemate must end. Haiti and its citizens cannot afford further political turmoil and instability. The European Union and its member States remain fully committed to supporting Haiti in its efforts to build a brighter future for the Haitian population. The European Union Development Commissioner, Mr. Piebalgs, was in Port-au-Prince yesterday for a two-day visit in which he announced a new contribution of €100 million aimed at strengthening the reconstruction process. The President: I now give the floor to the representative of Spain. Mr. De Laiglesia (Spain) (spoke in Spanish): Allow me to start by thanking the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ambassador Mariano Fernández, for his briefing and commending him for his excellent work at the head of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH). My delegation aligns itself with the statement read out by the Head of the Delegation of the European Union. I will make some additional comments in my national capacity. Spain continues to follow with concern the new political crisis affecting Haiti after the resignation of Prime Minister Garry Conille. It is a potential source of instability and a serious obstacle to the reconstruction of the country and the use of economic opportunities for its development. We trust that the crisis will be resolved as soon as possible with the appointment of a new Prime Minister who can carry out the intuitional, economic and social reforms needed in Haiti in order to effectively accomplish the task of reconstruction. Cooperation from all political actors, particularly an understanding among the legislative and executive branches, is vital at this critical time. Two additional measures that will certainly assist in restoring political stability are, on the one hand, the promulgation of the constitutional reforms and, on the other, the holding of partial legislative and municipal elections through the establishment of a credible electoral council. Means must be found to effectively channel international aid to Haiti, in particular after the expiration of the Interim Haiti Recovery Commission this past October. We must effectively undertake the vast responsibility of channelling such aid and ensuring that it leads to better conditions for the people of Haiti, and of establishing a foundation for sustainable and 12-25487 durable economic development. It must not be forgotten that while three-quarters of the people live on less than $2 a day, approximately half of the people live on less than $1 a day. I have two thoughts on the issue of security. First, Spain expresses its great concern and condemns the emergence of armed groups that have increased the atmosphere of instability and insecurity. The high potential number of incidents involving those groups or irregular militias remains of concern. We trust that there will be an appropriate response from the Haitian authorities, in particular from the Minister of the Interior. Secondly, Spain believes that prioritizing the security sector will promote the strengthening of the Haitian National Police (HNP). My country considers it a priority that the HNP be able to assume full responsibility for security as soon as possible. In that respect, we share the concern of the Secretary-General and the Security Council, as expressed in its report on the mission in Haiti, over the slowdown in recruitment efforts. The current pace is insufficient for meeting the target in 5 years and increasing the current 10,000 police to 16,000 by 2016, in compliance with the HNP Development Plan 2012-2016. Finally, with respect to MINUSTAH, I will limit myself to two comments. First, my country believes that the partial reduction of the post-earthquake surge carried out under resolution 2012 (2011) adopted in October 2011, must be continued until its completion in June. Secondly, we also trust that the response to the cases of misconduct of which Mission staff have been accused will be dealt with correctly in accordance with the zero tolerance policy of the United Nations. Internal investigations have started and disciplinary measures have been promptly taken. My country remains firm in its commitment to providing assistance. Spain is the third-ranking bilateral donor to Haiti. When President Martelly visited my country last July, we set up a fund of €50 million for small and medium-sized enterprises. I am pleased to inform the Council today that the fund is already available. The President: I give representative of Uruguay. the floor to the Mr. Cancela (Uruguay) (spoke in Spanish): I have the honour of speaking on behalf of the Group of Friends of Haiti, comprised of Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, France, Guatemala, Peru, the 25 S/PV.6732 United States of America and my country, Uruguay. I would like to congratulate you, Sir, and the United Kingdom delegation on having organized this debate to discuss the most recent report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (S/2012/128). The Group of Friends of Haiti welcomes the presence today of Mr. Mariano Fernández, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Haiti, and thanks him for his comprehensive briefing. The Group of Friends of Haiti expresses its continued support for the Government and people of Haiti in rebuilding their country, consolidating peace, democracy and stability, and promoting recovery and sustainable development. The Group of Friends recognizes the achievements made since the prior report (S/2011/540) with respect to post-earthquake reconstruction and peacebuilding, including progress in the strengthening of the rule of law in Haiti, such as the long-awaited appointment of the President and Vice-President of the Supreme Court. However, the Group notes with concern the information contained in the recent report of the Secretary-General on the political tensions among the branches of the Government, in particular as noted in paragraphs 54 and 55. The Group of Friends encourages the representatives of the executive and legislative branches to coordinate their efforts in a spirit of compromise in order to strengthen democratic institutions and the rule of law and, above all, to meet the needs and aspirations of the people of Haiti. The Group notes that the overall security situation in Haiti has remained stable, albeit fragile. In that context, the Group reiterates that political stability is essential to maintaining progress towards stabilization and reconstruction, and underlines the importance of mitigating the potential negative impact of political uncertainty on the situation. In that respect, the Group of Friends emphasizes the critical role of the Haitian National Police (HNP), and stresses the importance of completing the process of strengthening and reforming the HNP to enable its full assumption of the responsibility for security in Haiti. The Group acknowledges once again that, since the prior report of the Secretary-General, the military and police personnel of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) have continued to play a vital role in maintaining overall security and stability and in supporting the reform and 26 strengthening process of the HNP, which remain priorities for MINUSTAH, as well as in reconstruction and other efforts. It also takes note of the ongoing process of the drawdown of staff, pursuant to resolution 2012 (2011), and encourages its smooth and orderly conduct. The Group of Friends of Haiti expresses its grave concern regarding the allegations of serious misconduct by some MINUSTAH personnel, which have negatively affected support for the Mission and risk undermining its work. The Group of Friends urges all actors involved to assume their responsibilities in order to prevent such cases, to investigate allegations and to eventually hold those responsible accountable. I would like to add a brief note on that issue in my national capacity. I take this opportunity to affirm that, since our last attendance at a meeting of the Security Council to discuss this issue (see S/PV.6618), Uruguayan authorities have continued to take the allegation of a case of grave misconduct in Port Salut very seriously. The case has now been referred to the ordinary criminal court, which is now considering the case under statutory norms and developing sustained cooperation with the Haitian authorities and the Secretariat in order to achieve justice based on transparency and due process. The Group acknowledges with satisfaction the reduced number of internally displaced persons in Haiti. However, it would like to underscore that Haiti continues to face significant humanitarian challenges, such as the more than 500,000 camp residents, the ongoing cholera epidemic and dependence on food assistance. Those challenges remind us of the importance of maintaining the cooperation between the international community and the Government of Haiti to meet the needs of the Haitian people. In that regard, the Group of Friends of Haiti acknowledges the efforts of the donor community and calls on them to fulfil the pledges they have made without delay. The Group of Friends of Haiti stresses that security, development and stability are closely related, interlinked and mutually reinforcing. At the same time, the Group stresses that there can be no genuine stability or sustainable development in Haiti without a strengthening of its democratic institutions. In that context, the Group emphasizes the importance of promoting the rule of law in strengthening Haitian institutions and further reaffirms the responsibility of 12-25487 S/PV.6732 MINUSTAH to support the Haitian State in the fields of the rule of law, good governance, the extension of State authority and the promotion and protection of human rights, in accordance with its mandate. and devastated infrastructure. The resulting difficulties in the political, economic and humanitarian spheres naturally led to an increase in the size of MINUSTAH’s staff. Finally, the Group reiterates its solidarity with the Haitian people and its commitment to working closely with the Haitian authorities and MINUSTAH, and encourages the Haitian political leadership to work cooperatively to provide the political stability necessary to strengthening democracy, institutions and economic development in Haiti. Based on a reading of the current report, it is clear that significant progress has grown out of the intelligent collaboration among the various components of MINUSTAH and the Haitian authorities. In that regard, we would do well to emphasize the overall improvement in the security situation, which is reinforced by the significant drop in the number of murders, rapes and kidnappings. The Group of Friends of Haiti expresses its support for and recognition to the women and men of MINUSTAH for their dedication and tireless efforts to support the recovery and stability in Haiti. The President: I now give the floor to the representative of Senegal. Mr. Diallo (Senegal) (spoke in French): Allow me, Sir, to express my warmest congratulations on your country’s assumption of the presidency of the Council for the month of March and to thank your predecessors for the work they accomplished in guiding this body. I would also like to welcome the renewed commitment of the Council, which has just returned from a mission to Haiti, to better understanding the situation prevailing there. Indeed, the number of resolutions adopted by this organ with respect to Haiti — more than 10 altogether between 2004 and 2011 — bears ample witness to the interest it attaches to the recovery of that country, which more than ever needs the support of the international community. I also thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for presenting the Secretary-General’s report (S/2012/128), which further informs us about the status of the implementation of the mandate of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) and its prospects for the months to come. Through resolution 1542 (2004), members will recall, MINUSTAH was made responsible for helping the Haitian Government and people to establish a safe, stable environment in Haiti, supporting the political process under way and improving the human rights situation, in cooperation with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. Meanwhile, the earthquake of 12 January 2010 dealt a severe blow to the convalescing Haitian nation, adding the loss of life 12-25487 I would like to congratulate MINUSTAH on the progress made to date, as well as the efforts undertaken by the Haitian Government, despite a difficult political context. Nonetheless, concerns remain with respect to the effects of the prolonged absence of a stable Government on the Haitian political situation, which has been severely weakened. The absence of a consensual road map among the different political forces for strengthening institutions and improving the rule of law could undermine the encouraging results already achieved. Ultimately, such a consensus is necessary in order to draft reforms that could help Haiti to establish an effective, independent judiciary and a fully operational police force, and, most importantly, to hold free, democratic elections in 2012. That is the fraternal message that Senegal would like to offer the political class of that friendly country. But the challenge facing Haiti is not merely political. It is also humanitarian and involves public health. We must help that devastated country to manage the aftereffects of the earthquake, deforestation, and above all the epidemics that find fertile ground under such circumstances. Just as numerous countries came to Haiti’s bedside, in 2005 Senegal offered MINUSTAH an entire police unit comprising 85 gendarmes, before raising that number to 140 in 2010, without counting the 24 police officers already on the ground. In addition, because of the centuries-old historic links between Haiti and the African continent, Senegal pursued its efforts in solidarity with the Haitian people in the aftermath of the 2010 earthquake by signing a cooperation agreement and a protocol covering the hosting, training and professional integration of Haitian nationals in Senegal. To date, 160 Haitian students have been enrolled in Senegalese universities. 27 S/PV.6732 That process has been broadened by Senegalese citizens who meet within private organizations such as the Senegal-Haiti Initiative Committee to grant scholarships to Haitian students and to donate medicines. This attests to the great hope that the Government and people of Senegal attach to the return of stability to Haiti so that it can embark on the path of true development. persist and security gains remain fragile. As expressed in the report, Canada’s sincere hope is that Haiti’s political stakeholders in the legislative and executive branches will rise above partisan bickering. They must fully assume their responsibilities to ensure continuity of governance, the proper functioning of democratic institutions, sound management of public funds and the strengthening of the rule of law. Senegal endorses the recommendations contained in the report and remains convinced of the capacities of the Haitian political class and the unswerving commitment of the international community to meeting the challenges. (spoke in English) To conclude, I assure the Council of the unflagging will and commitment of the Government of Senegal to contributing to the implementation of MINUSTAH’s mandate and to all the other goals set by the United Nations system to aid in Haiti’s recovery. The President: I now give the floor to the representative of Canada. Mr. Rishchynski (Canada) (spoke in French): I would like to start by addressing my most sincere thanks to you, Sir, and to the United Kingdom delegation for having organized this debate on Haiti. I also stress that we stand side by side with the people of Haiti, who yesterday relived the fear and chill of a new earthquake. I thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ambassador Mariano Fernández, for introducing the SecretaryGeneral’s report (S/2012/128). Today’s discussion is taking place at yet another moment of political instability in Haiti. That instability is most unfortunate. Prime Minister Conille resigned on 24 February after only four months in office. His appointment followed five months of political deadlock as the Government and Parliament squabbled over a nominee. Too many in the political elite remain indifferent to the dire needs of the average Haitian and the serious hardship Haitians face in rebuilding their livelihoods and their country. Canada welcomes the latest report of the Secretary-General on the situation in Haiti. We commend the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) for its vital contribution to the maintenance of overall security and stability in Haiti. As the Secretary-General highlighted in his report, there has been some progress, but daunting challenges 28 Canada observes with great concern the mobilization of armed groups in Haiti. We note that President Martelly is moving forward to address the issue, and we hope that actions taken by the Haitian Government will allow for the dismantling of those groups to prevent them from destabilizing the country. We strongly remind the Council that the priority to which President Martelly has formally subscribed is the development of the Haitian National Police and the implementation of all its operational components. We must not, on any account, distract ourselves from that objective, in which Canada, along with international and Haitian partners, has made a very important and massive investment. Moreover, only a sincere and hard-fought battle to eliminate corruption and establish the rule of law will realize the value of efforts to attract foreign investment and repair the country’s image. Trust can only be built on concrete and significant action — on courageous action motivated by the public interest and based on democratic principles, and not simply on words. Canada will therefore look to the Haitian Government to urgently implement concrete actions. The Government must take firm steps against corruption, including through providing necessary support and independence to bodies such as the audit commission established to investigate contracts awarded following the earthquake, and to the independent experts commission mandated by the Minister of Justice to investigate unresolved assassination cases. (spoke in French) Canada’s commitment to supporting Haiti is longterm, both in the delivery of humanitarian assistance as well as the ongoing reconstruction and longer term development efforts. From 2006 to 2012, Canada has committed more than $1 billion to Haiti. However, 12-25487 S/PV.6732 Haitian authorities must show real resolve to deal with the true problems still affecting their country. Two years after the earthquake, our thoughts are with the Haitian people, who are still struggling to rebuild their lives. Canada believes that the Haitian reconstruction process must be led by accountable political actors who prioritize and address the needs of the Haitian people and put those needs before issues of narrow personal and political interest. The process must be transparent and fair. We note that President Martelly moved quickly to designate a successor to Prime Minister Conille. We hope that the Parliament and the executive authorities will act expeditiously to reach an agreement on the nomination of the new Prime Minister, so that the work of the Government is not stalled further. Haiti faces many governance challenges that need urgent attention — not the least of which are constitutional reform, and work towards the creation of a permanent electoral council so that the elections, which already have been delayed, can be organized. We all recognize that the wholesale change of the magnitude required in Haiti does not happen overnight, but it will not happen at all without steadfast political will. Haitian leaders need to demonstrate a firm and unwavering commitment to democratic principles and the rule of law in order to achieve the sustainable progress that the international community expects and the Haitian people deserve. The President: I now give the floor to the representative of Japan. Mr. Nishida (Japan): At the outset, I would like to express my appreciation to Mr. Mariano Fernández, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), for his very comprehensive briefing. I also pay my respects to the men and women of MINUSTAH for the commitment and fortitude they have demonstrated in a difficult situation. I welcome the Secretary-General’s report (S/2012/128) on MINUSTAH issued last week. As the report mentions, MINUSTAH personnel have shown a continued dedication and commitment in support of the recovery and stability of Haiti. We commend them for that and for their concrete results. 12-25487 Given the situation, we welcome the fact that MINUSTAH is refocusing its efforts on key mandated tasks. At the same time, many challenges remain to be addressed, such as the internally displaced persons camps, the cholera epidemic, unemployment and strengthening of the rule of law in Haiti. To ensure further success in the area of rehabilitation and reconstruction, Japan would like to underscore that both self-help efforts by the Haitian authorities, based on the ownership of the Haitian people, and international support for Haiti are of paramount importance and must be implemented in tandem. With regard to the security issue, as the Secretary-General’s report also mentions, we appreciate the endeavours of MINUSTAH and the troop- and police-contributing countries in maintaining a relatively calm security situation in Haiti. We also welcome the fact that the capacity of the Haitian National Police (HNP) to provide adequate protection to the civilian population has been further enhanced. Those achievements notwithstanding, we also recognize that, in order to achieve sustainable development, the Government of Haiti needs to secure a socio-economic foundation through efforts to strengthen the rule of law. In that regard, we would like to stress that, when it comes to the capacity-building of Haitian authorities, international partners should coordinate their efforts closely with the Government of Haiti. The Government, for its part, must deepen its commitment to those efforts. Japan is very concerned about political instability in Haiti, as evidenced by the sudden resignation of the Haitian Prime Minister, His Excellency Mr. Garry Conille, and the continuing stand-off between the legislative and executive branches. Political stability is an essential component for overall stabilization and reconstruction in Haiti. From that perspective, we urge all relevant political actors in Haiti to cooperate with each other from the broader perspective of the welfare of the people of Haiti, and not to allow political interests to dictate their priorities. It is also our expectation that the new Haitian Prime Minister will be approved by the Haitian Parliament in a timely manner and that the Government of Haiti will be ready to take renewed steps to accelerate the reconstruction process as early as possible. 29 S/PV.6732 With regard to the reestablishment of the Haitian army, while Japan respects the sovereignty of Haiti to make decisions regarding its own national agenda, we would like to underline our belief that one of the top priorities for the country should be to rebuild the Haitian National Police and to transform the HNP into a credible organization that can take full responsibility for security in Haiti. We also recognize that the resources that the international community can provide for Haiti are not unlimited, and that, therefore, such resources should be utilized in an effective and efficient manner. In addition, we are concerned about the increasing reports of the mobilization of armed former members of the Haitian armed forces, who have occupied a number of former training camps, and about the insecurity and instability to which this may give rise in Haiti. In that regard, we encourage the Government of Haiti to take appropriate measures to address this threatening mobilization and to investigate its sources of funding and logistical support. The cases of misconduct, such as sexual abuse, by members of MINUSTAH that have taken place recently are also cause for serious concern. Such dishonourable conduct, by arousing hostility among the Haitian people towards MINSUTAH and its personnel, may have a negative impact not only on the safety of other members of MINUSTAH but also on the overall security situation and on the reconstruction efforts in Haiti. We would like to call strongly on the Secretariat to implement a strict zero-tolerance policy with respect to the peacekeepers involved in such cases, and to take effective measures to prevent the recurrence of misconduct of that kind. The Government of Japan has dispatched an engineering unit of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force to MINUSTAH. The number of personnel who have served in that contingent since its deployment is already approximately 1,860. The contingent has made a contribution to the reconstruction of Haiti through various efforts, such as the removal of rubble, the dismantling of damaged buildings, the repair of facilities in internally displaced persons camps, road repair, the construction of orphanage facilities and water distribution in response to the outbreak of cholera. It is our hope that the rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts in Haiti will thus be further accelerated. 30 In addition, Japan has pledged $100 million for emergency relief and reconstruction for Haiti and has already disbursed an amount exceeding its original pledge. Japan intends to continue to extend support for Haiti, particularly in the field of basic social services such as health, hygiene and education. It has been almost a year since the Great East Japan Earthquake struck Japan on 11 March 2011. In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that occurred in Haiti almost two years ago, the Haitian people have made determined efforts to address many challenges similar to those that the Japanese people have now been facing. I am confident that Haiti and Japan, in close collaboration with the international community, will overcome these difficulties through mutual encouragement and steadfast efforts towards a brighter future. The President: I now give the floor to the representative of Chile. Mr. Errázuriz (Chile) (spoke in Spanish): I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for convening this meeting to address the situation in the Republic of Haiti. My delegation also wishes to thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Ambassador Mariano Fernández for the work done by the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), including the various United Nations agencies currently operating there. The comprehensive report that he has just given us described the progress made to date as well as the major challenges remaining. My delegation aligns itself with the statement made by the Permanent Representative of Uruguay on behalf of the Group of Friends of Haiti. We also reaffirm our support for the people and Government of Haiti in the areas of reconstruction, peacebuilding, democracy, stability and the promotion of sustainable development. Chile will continue to support the medium- and long-term cooperation programmes under way in Haiti. That exemplifies the continuity of the commitment to the people of Haiti that our country assumed in 2004. For Chile, the fragility of the relationship between the legislative and executive branches is a cause for concern, in particular because of its negative implications on governance and the socio-economic development of the Haitian people. The formation of a Government is a prerequisite for the country’s stability and for the development of Haiti’s institutions and 12-25487 S/PV.6732 economy. Similarly, the imminent convening of local, municipal and parliamentary elections is another prerequisite for the success of the democratic process in Haiti. We believe there is a need for the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Haiti and for the international community to continue to promote dialogue and political understanding among the Haitian authorities in order to meet the needs and aspirations of the people of Haiti. The remarks of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General have been encouraging in that regard. The Government of Chile recognizes and commends the achievements in the area of strengthening the justice system, as well as the implications for the rule of law, as reflected by the appointment of a new President of the Supreme Court. We should also highlight the authorities’ commitment to establish a High Judicial Council in the near future. Even so, much remains to be done and there is a need for continued progress on ensuring equality before the law and due process for all of the people of Haiti. Chile notes that the report of the SecretaryGeneral indicates the security situation remains stable but fragile. The role played by MINUSTAH in maintaining stability and security is central. In that regard, my Government believes that strengthening the Haitian National Police must be a top priority and one of MINUSTAH’s major goals, and we recognize the progress made and the challenges in this area. Chile will continue to strengthen police cooperation with Haiti through professional training, both at a basic level and at higher levels. Such training is necessary to ensure respect for human rights and the democratic development of the country. The Government of Chile is concerned about the emergence in recent months of groups challenging local authorities, as described in paragraph 8 of the report of the Secretary-General. We believe that those groups could become a source of instability affecting the social and political process in Haiti. We urge the Haitian authorities to make a strong appeal against such informal mobilization and to investigate and block its funding sources and support, in line, of course, with the country’s legal framework. My Government wishes to highlight the role of MINUSTAH’s corps of engineers, through the socalled quick-impact projects in priority areas identified 12-25487 in September 2011, such as cholera mitigation, security lighting and the repair of roads and other infrastructure, including infrastructure needed in the area of the rule of law. Those projects make a concrete contribution to the welfare and security of the Haitian population and should be strengthened. Security and development are two complementary concepts that cannot be addressed separately. Among the quick-impact projects, we would like to highlight the work of the joint corps of Chilean and Ecuadoran engineers, who have improved the canal system in Cité Soleil, including the thorough cleaning of the central canal, and repaved the road encircling Port-au-Prince, together with Korean military engineers. I must mention the allegations of sexual misconduct involving some members of MINUSTAH. Chile considers that unacceptable and believes that troop-contributing countries must follow a zerotolerance policy on the subject. In an organization of such prominent moral importance as the United Nations, such conduct cannot be permitted in any circumstances, and troop-contributing countries must prevent it and punish the perpetrators. As my Government has stated previously, Latin America is committed to the future of Haiti, through the implementation of coherent, sustainable strategies to confront the challenges it faces. That is worth underlining, because it means working together in a coordinated way with representatives of other regions. The Government of Chile believes it necessary to continue cooperating in Haiti’s institutional capacitybuilding, on the basis of national ownership, so that local communities themselves can gradually take on the various responsibilities entailed in national reconstruction. Along with strengthening cooperation in building policing capacity, we are also committed to improving primary education, through two early childhood centres where Chilean volunteers and Haitian educators work to provide the best educational conditions, with equal access, to develop skills, abilities and attitudes, to support Haitian families. Our country will continue supporting the efforts of the Government and people of Haiti in peace and security, development, the promotion and protection of human rights and the establishment of the rule of law. 31 S/PV.6732 The President: I now give the floor to the representative of Peru. Mr. Román-Morey (Peru) (spoke in Spanish): At the outset, I would like to commend the initiative of the United Kingdom presidency in convening this debate on the situation in Haiti. We also welcome the presence of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Haiti, Mr. Mariano Fernández, and thank him for his briefing. Since 2004 Peru has taken an active part in the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), with a military contingent of 366 troops, as well as military officers in the Mission’s command. Moreover, Peru is a member of the Group of Friends of Haiti, the Economic and Social Council’s Ad Hoc Advisory Group on Haiti, the Organization of American States Group of Friends of Haiti and the Latin American mechanism for political cooperation on Haiti. On that subject, my delegation would like to draw the attention of the Security Council to two aspects of the Secretary-General’s report (S/2012/128) that Peru believes to be of the greatest importance to address right away. The first is the need to maintain support for the Haitian authorities in creating and strengthening solid public institutions to deal with the security and development problems the country faces. And the second is the need to continue working to stabilize the fragile political situation in Haiti. Peru strongly believes that enduring, sustainable social and economic development is impossible without solid institutions that promote and support development. The work of MINUSTAH is essential in providing the Haitian authorities with the help needed to create the security under which to strengthen the rule of law, consolidate democracy and build capacities. However, as we have noted on previous occasions, the challenge remains to foster a principle of national ownership whereby the Haitian Government itself would take the lead in the process of reconstruction and institution-building, in keeping with its established national strategies and priorities. As already stated by previous speakers — especially in the statement made by the representative of Uruguay on behalf of the Group of Friends of Haiti, to which Peru subscribes — there is great concern about the fragile political situation in Haiti, especially around the most recent reported events. In that 32 connection, Peru calls on the Haitian authorities to find a prompt solution to the political crisis, which is directly affecting the reconstruction process in Haiti, and could undermine advances made in recent years. Along the same lines, and noting the democratic yearnings of the Haitian people, my delegation expresses its hope that the next electoral process will take place within the established time frame and in a democratic and transparent way. I would like to stress the importance of the work being done by MINUSTAH in that regard, as well as the support of other regional organizations, in ensuring that the electoral process takes place without irregularities. On the other hand, I want to recognize the progress made in institutionalizing and strengthening the Haitian National Police, which continues to take an active role in protecting the safety of civilians. We hope that in the near future the Haitian Police will stand as an example of a solid institution that promotes respect for the rule of law and safeguards the population. On the subject of security I want to underline that, while the situation is stable because of the presence of the MINUSTAH force, my delegation is greatly concerned by the irregular or illegal armed groups — as the Haitian authorities themselves call them — who take organized action, in military uniform, under the name of the Haitian armed forces. The Haitian authorities must without delay investigate the truth about those groups, and learn about their financing and training, as the Secretary-General states in his recent report. There have been indications that the groups might well have long possessed small arms and light weapons. Although that is most worrying, Peru also believes it is of great importance to improve coordination among the various United Nations agencies operating in Haiti. I should like to remind the Council that the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development, based in Lima, has broad regional experience in collecting and destroying small arms and light weapons that remained in civilian possession in various post-conflict situations. We believe the United Nations should at least consider making use of that opportunity. Finally, my delegation believes that the work of MINUSTAH is far from done and trusts that the Security Council will renew its mandate and maintain 12-25487 S/PV.6732 ongoing support to achieve reconstruction and solid national institution-building, so as to solidify the rule of law and fill the gaps created by weakened institutional capacity and the country’s lack of human and material resources, emphasizing the three factors directly affecting Haiti’s recovery and reconstruction process — governability, security and development. 12-25487 The President: There are no further speakers inscribed on my list. The Security Council has thus concluded the present stage of its consideration of the item on its agenda. The meeting rose at 1.10 p.m. 33