S/PV.8641: seyans Konsèy Sekirite sou Ayiti, 2019-10-15

S/PV.8641 United Nations Security Council Provisional Seventy-fourth year 8641 st meeting Tuesday, 15 October 2019, 10.05 a.m. New York President: Mr. Matjila. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (South Africa) Members: Belgium. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . China. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Côte d’Ivoire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dominican Republic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Equatorial Guinea. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . France . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Germany . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Indonesia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kuwait. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Peru. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Poland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Russian Federation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland . . United States of America. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mrs. Van Vlierberge Mr. Wu Haitao Mr. Ipo Mr. Singer Weisinger Mr. Ndong Mba Mrs. Gasri Mr. Schulz Mr. Djani Mr. Alotaibi Mr. Meza-Cuadra Mr. Lewicki Mr. Repkin Mr. Clay Mrs. Craft Agenda The question concerning Haiti Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti (S/2019/805) This record contains the text of speeches delivered in English and of the translation of speeches delivered in 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-0506 (verbatimrecords@un.org). Corrected records will be reissued electronically on the Official Document System of the United Nations (http://documents.un.org). 19-31648 (E) *1931648* S/PV.8641 The question concerning Haiti The meeting was called to order at 10.05 a.m. Statement of appreciation to the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Peru The President: I welcome Minister Meza-Cuadra to the meeting. It is such a great pleasure to see him here and to congratulate him, on behalf of my colleagues, on his appointment as Minister for Foreign Affairs of Peru. At least there is hope for Permanent Representatives — if they do their job very well, they are recognized and the road ahead is bright. His appointment is an inspiration to most Permanent Representatives. We will certainly miss him, but he should know that he will be assigned more responsibilities in his capital, Lima. Adoption of the agenda The agenda was adopted. Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti (S/2019/805) The President: In accordance with rule 37 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representative of Haiti to participate in this meeting. In accordance with rule 39 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations to participate in this meeting. In accordance with rule 39 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I also invite the following to participate in this meeting: Her Excellency Ms. Mona Juul, President of the Economic and Social Council; and His Excellency Mr. Silvio Gonzato, Chargé d’affaires ad interim of the Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations. begin its I wish to draw the attention of Council members to document S/2019/805, which contains the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti. I now give the floor to Mr. Lacroix. Mr. Lacroix (spoke in French): Fifteen years ago, the United Nations Stabilization Mission in 2/23 Haiti (MINUSTAH) was deployed to Haiti to support stability in the country. Today, on the last day of the mandate of the United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti (MINUJUSTH), and with Haitians themselves, we are turning the page on peacekeeping in Haiti, but we are not turning the page on United Nations support for Haiti. The chapter that is coming to an end has been characterized by successes shared with the people of Haiti, the tragic earthquake and lessons learned about what we should have done better. On this day, we must reflect together on all the aspects that are the foundation on which we can enter the next phase of Haiti’s partnership with the United Nations. In that perspective, I am delighted that His Excellency Mr. Patrick Saint-Hilaire, Chargé d’affaires of Haiti at the United Nations, and Her Excellency Mona Juul, President of the Economic and Social Council, are participating in the meeting today. (spoke in English) The question concerning Haiti The Security Council will now consideration of the item on its agenda. 15/10/2019 The current situation in Haiti certainly gives us a lot to reflect upon. The country is facing a significant political crisis, intertwined with socioeconomic challenges. Those in turn affect the security environment, which further feeds political instability — a cycle that the country has seen one too many times. I want to highlight the following key elements and latest developments in the crisis. First is institutional functioning. The President’s fourth Government has not received confirmation in Parliament, following two violent interruptions of senate sessions that were expected to do so last month. The scenes of political violence in the senate were deplorable, and the absence of a follow-up session did not allow for a democratic vote to determine the senate’s position. Without a confirmed Government, key tasks of the executive, such as the submission of the budget for the current year, remain stalled. As legislative elections cannot take place in the current political stalemate, the stage is set for an institutional vacuum at the beginning of next year, when the mandate of the members of the Lower Chamber and at least one-third of the Senate comes to an end. The second aspect is national dialogue. The President’s call on 25 September for national dialogue and for the formation of a unity Government is viewed by the opposition as being “too little, too late”. Opposition groups are putting forward the President’s acceptance of the principle of his departure as a precondition for 19-31648 15/10/2019 The question concerning Haiti dialogue, thereby leaving little room for negotiating a unity Government. Mistrust is making compromise difficult, yet the formation of such a Government may well provide a way forward to find the lasting political solutions that are desperately needed. It remains to be seen whether the formal designation by the President of former Prime Minister Evans Paul and six other figures, on 9 October, to conduct outreach with the opposition will create more space for problem-solving and rapprochement. The third aspect is security. The security situation has deteriorated in the past month as large segments of the population, dissatisfied with their leaders and the socioeconomic conditions in the country, are being mobilized in renewed demonstrations by opposition leaders demanding change, including in the presidency. Some among them are ready to use violence to achieve political goals, including by attacking national institutions and destroying public and private property. Preliminary MINUJUSTH estimates indicate that at least 30 people were killed during the protests between 15 September and 9 October, including 15 by police officers; an additional 71 individuals were injured. A rise in hate speech and the use of media to incite violence also represent worrying trends. Notwithstanding a demonstration in front of the MINUJUSTH logistics base on 4 October, there have not been any direct threats against United Nations staff or premises. The Haitian National Police (HNP) has already been facing its first test in managing security without international operational support, following the end of operations of the last formed police unit on 9 September. It has performed well, but continued advisory support by the United Nations, as well as material support from bilateral partners, are still needed to boost its operational, internal oversight and human rights capacities. The fourth aspect is the humanitarian situation. A struggling Haitian population is faced with additional challenges as roadblocks and general insecurity are paralysing normal activities and obstructing humanitarian operations. The current situation has affected the most vulnerable people’s access to food. Hospitals, orphanages, civil protection units and other emergency services have been severely impacted, functioning with limited capacity due to fuel shortages, lack of safe water and medicine and other essentials. S/PV. 8641 (spoke in French) The ability and responsibility to end the crisis, which risks undermining the progress made in recent years, belongs to Haitians of all political persuasions. Only their commitment to good-faith political dialogue, their rejection of violence and their willingness to seek compromise can pave the way for finding solutions to address, through reforms, the deepest political and institutional roots of recurring instability in Haiti. I commend the efforts, right up to the very last day of the mission, of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Helen La Lime, and MINUJUSTH colleagues to maintain dialogue, in consultation with international partners, with a wide range of interlocutors in order to bring them to the table and promote Haitian solutions to current challenges. Those efforts will have to be continued in the context of the new configuration of the United Nations in Haiti and beyond the resolution of the current crisis. That will be essential to help establish the conditions for longer-term dialogue from which a national vision of reforms can emerge. As we look to the future, I would also like to honour the sacrifice of the 188 Blue Helmets — military, police and civilian — who have given their lives in Haiti over the past 15 years. I would also like to pay tribute to the memory of all the victims of the tragic earthquake in 2010, which left its mark on everyone. (spoke in English) The current context is not ideal for ending 15 years of peacekeeping in the country. We must, however, look at how peacekeeping has contributed to progress in many areas over those years, as reflected in the handout distributed to members of the Council. That is particularly the case regarding the rule of law. The work undertaken to support the development of the Haitian National Police has led to significant changes on the ground. Between 2004 and 2019, the yearly intentional homicide rate has been almost cut in half — a result due in large part to an increase in the number and effectiveness of Haitian National Police personnel. Their number has increased from 2,500, when MINUSTAH was deployed in 2004, to approximately 15,404 officers today — 10.5 per cent of whom are women — thereby doubling the police-to-population ratio. Today, all of Haiti’s 145 communes have a fulltime Haitian National Police presence, with a total of 349 functional HNP facilities, including 171 police 19-316483/23 S/PV.8641 The question concerning Haiti stations that have been constructed or refurbished thanks to United Nations support. There have also been improvements in the area of justice. Key legislation has been promulgated since 2004, including on the status of the magistracy school, the Superior Council of the Judiciary and the status of the magistracy, the latter paving the way for the recruitment of a corps of magistrates, including women, supported by United Nations-backed efforts. Of course, prison overcrowding remains a crippling issue, with a pretrial detention rate of 65 per cent, though down from 80 per cent in 2004. But it is encouraging, for instance, that in the jurisdiction of Port-au-Prince, the rate of prolonged pretrial detention has decreased by 14 per cent since October 2017. Throughout the past 15 years, the good offices of the Secretary-General have sought to continuously contribute to defusing periods of political uncertainty and tension. The community violence reduction programmes have also proved to be a valued element of MINUSTAH’s and MINUJUSTH’s work. By providing short-term employment to former gang members and disenfranchised youth, they have, for example, led to the construction of over 100 kilometres of canals and the rehabilitation and revegetation of 200 kilometres of ravines. The support provided by MINUSTAH and MINUJUSTH in the area of human rights has strengthened the ability of the national human rights institution and civil society organizations to promote and protect human rights, as well as to foster accountability for human rights violations and redress for victims. Those achievements do not, however, mask the fact that Haiti continues to need the support of the international community and of the United Nations. While peacekeeping in Haiti has done a lot to create an enabling environment for political and democratic processes to take place, there is a need for more political solutions to systemic political challenges. The unfolding crisis, in all its dimensions, is also a powerful reminder of the interlinkages between peace, security and development. Lasting stability must be anchored in sustainable development. Turning that principle into practice has proved to be challenging in Haiti. 4/23 15/10/2019 (spoke in French) In that difficult context, the closure of MINUJUSTH does not mean that the United Nations will leave Haiti. On the contrary, it will lead to ongoing United Nations support for Haiti in another form. Building on the achievements and lessons learned from MINUSTAH and MINUJUSTH and facilitated by the reforms undertaken by the Secretary-General within the Organization, the transition of peacekeeping is an opportunity to refocus the priorities of the United Nations system in order to bring the right kind of support at the right time for the Haitian people. Through that transition, the capacities of the United Nations will be adapted to meet the needs on the ground and the political role and good offices will be undertaken by the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), which will focus on promoting political solutions while the country team will take over all programme and technical support activities. The principle of the peace, security and development nexus has guided all our planning for the transition, by identifying the specific priorities of the United Nations for the coming period and by providing integrated support for their implementation. Similarly, the new indicators, requested by the Council and presented in the Secretary-General’s report (S/2019/805), reflect a stronger political orientation and include socioeconomic objectives that are essential for Haiti’s stability, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. (spoke in English) Today, we also remember the difficult parts of MINUSTAH’s life and legacy, and those who have been adversely affected by it. The end of peacekeeping does not put an end to the work of the United Nations in eliminating cholera nor does it put an end to our efforts to address sexual exploitation and abuse and related paternity cases. The sustained efforts to support the Government of Haiti in eliminating the transmission of cholera and alleviating the suffering of the Haitian people remain a key focus of the United Nations, under the leadership of the Special Envoy for Haiti, Josette Sheeran. Those efforts have led to enormous progress. Ms. Sheeran will make a public announcement on the results achieved and on the requirements for follow-up actions in the coming days. 19-31648 15/10/2019 The question concerning Haiti The United Nations will also continue to address pending sexual exploitation and abuse and paternity cases from the peacekeeping period and provide support to the victims and their families. We will work with national authorities and institutions in Haiti and other Member States concerned to ensure that the rights and dignity of the victims remain at the centre of all of our efforts. (spoke in French) Considerable progress has been made in Haiti over the past 15 years but the gains of stability remain fragile and must be further rooted in democracy and development. The start of BINUH’s operations tomorrow will mark a renewed United Nations commitment to the stability and prosperity of Haiti. I take this opportunity to encourage the Haitian people to continue to work closely with the United Nations in order to preserve and strengthen the progress made and to realize their aspirations for the future. The President: I thank Mr. Lacroix for his briefing. I shall now give the floor to those Council members who wish to make statements. Mrs. Craft (United States of America): I thank Special Representative Lacroix for his briefing. I would like to welcome our friend Foreign Minister MezaCuadra back to the Council. Today is a historic day for Haiti and for the United Nations. In so many complex circumstances, the status quo prevails, but today is different. Today marks the transition, after 15 years of commitment and sacrifice, of a peacekeeping mission to a special political mission. Our gratitude goes to the brave men and women who served in both the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) and United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti (MINUJUSTH) is very deep. Their contributions have been instrumental in helping lay Haiti’s path towards security and stability. We also acknowledge and welcome the leadership of Helen La Lime. The transition of MINUJUSTH to a special political mission demonstrates that the United Nations can and should adapt its peacekeeping presence to reflect evolving circumstances and in support of its own evaluations. Given the current state of Haiti’s political landscape, a successful transition between the Mission and the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) is more important than ever. The United S/PV. 8641 States is ready to support Haiti, BINUH and Ms. La Lime — a sentiment that I am confident is shared by the entire Council. We commend the progress made during the Mission’s work in Haiti, including the expanded protection of Haitian citizens by the country’s human rights institution and the increased capability and capacity of civil society organizations to promote human dignity. We are particularly pleased with the development of the Haitian National Police, which is now ready to shoulder Haiti’s domestic security burden. The professionalism it has shown in the face of a volatile security environment is both commendable and heartening. As part of that development, we encourage accountability through timely investigations and prosecutions in any case where excessive force is used. We also recognize the serious resource constraints the Haitian National Police faces. We call on the Government of Haiti to provide that essential institution with the support it needs for effective work. Beyond law enforcement, as the Secretary-General’s report (S/2019/805) indicates, Haiti will require continued assistance in several key areas, including the following five domains: the organization of free and fair elections, the continued professionalization of the Haitian National Police, the protection of human rights, the strengthening of the justice sector and the reduction of violence, with particular emphasis on gang-related violence. We expect that both the Government and BINUH will continue working towards those goals. More broadly, we encourage the Government of Haiti to continue a peaceful dialogue that results in a parliamentary Government that strengthens the rule of law and anti-corruption institutions. Likewise, we urge Haiti’s political, economic and civil society stakeholders to work peacefully to address the most pressing economic and social challenges facing the country. We must be clear, however, that the Government of Haiti is ultimately responsible for the success of the new mission. That represents not merely a new challenge but an opportunity to bring long awaited peace and prosperity to the Haitian people. We encourage the Government to take full advantage of that opportunity and to engage comprehensively with BINUH to that end. Finally, it is vital for the internationally community, as a whole, and Member States, bilaterally, to support Haiti through investments and active engagement. As 19-316485/23 S/PV.8641 The question concerning Haiti we partner with other countries all over the world, the United States is investing significant economic and political resources in a better future for Haiti. We remain its largest bilateral donor, with $5.2 billion committed for humanitarian relief, reconstruction and development assistance since 2010. We urge all members to increase support via foreign direct investment and other means. Together, we have done the important work of seeing that peacekeeping mission transition into something new. May we not tire in our efforts as we and the Government of Haiti now strive to convert the new political mission into tangible human advancement for all Haitians. The President: I now call on the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Peru. Mr. Meza-Cuadra (Peru) (spoke in Spanish): At the outset, I would like to express my delegation’s satisfaction in seeing you, Mr. President, steer the work of the Security Council during the month of October. Similarly, we welcome Her Excellency Ms. Mona Juul, President of the Economic and Social Council. We thank you, Mr. President, for convening today’s meeting, and Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix for his informative briefing. We commend the Department of Peace Operations for supporting stability in Haiti for more than 15 years. Peru has a historic commitment to a safe and prosperous Haiti. During the 13 years of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), we deployed 24 military contingents, with nearly 6,000 troops, to support that brotherly country. Today, we welcome the progress that has made it possible to reach this juncture and advance towards peacebuilding. We must recognize that the path is not free of obstacles. Indeed, we are concerned about the development of a multidimensional crisis in Haiti, given complex political tensions, fragile institutions and economic standstill, which exacerbate social discontent and the complex security situation. In that regard, we believe that it is essential to promote constructive and inclusive national dialogue among all political actors so as to address the root causes of the crisis. General interest in and the legitimacy of the fight against corruption and impunity must guide those efforts. At the same time, we must continue to make progress in strengthening access to justice and respect for human rights. In that regard, we welcome the 6/23 15/10/2019 adoption of the strategic plan for the sector and of the Legal Aid Law, which have helped to reduce protracted pre-trial detentions. We call for the adoption of crucial normative legislation to strengthen the rule of law, such as the criminal code, the code of criminal procedure and the budget and electoral laws. Regarding the latter, we welcome the support provided by the United Nations system for the early resumption of the electoral calendar. We trust that institutional strengthening will help towards resolving the volatile security situation, marked by gangs and political violence. In that regard, we must acknowledge and commend the role of the Haitian National Police and its increased operational capacities through the implementation of the Strategic Plan for the Development of Haiti. In order to preserve that progress and strengthen the trust of the population, it is necessary for the Haitian National Police to continue to have the necessary resources to carry out its mandate, as well as to strengthen human rights monitoring mechanisms and proper training, including on sexual violence. The Mission’s community violence reduction and weapons management programmes and cooperation with the Haitian National Commission for Disarmament, Dismantlement and Reintegration Commission also contribute to that end. We believe it key to work with local communities, particularly young people, to address the root causes of gang violence. The humanitarian situation is another area of ongoing concern, in particular Haiti’s vulnerability to natural disasters and the risk of severe food insecurity. In that context, the support of the United Nations and the international community is essential, as demonstrated by the positive results of the new approach against cholera. In that regard, Peru supports the role that, from tomorrow, the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti is set to play in support of the efforts of the Haitian Government in coordination with the country team. We stress the need for close cooperation with other entities of the system, in particular the Ad Hoc Advisory Group on Haiti of the Economic and Social Council. We welcome the inclusive transition process under way, including the strategic workshop in Port-auPrince, which helped to develop the new objectives of the Integrated Office, envisaging that the humanitarian, 19-31648 15/10/2019 The question concerning Haiti peace, security and development strands be mutually supportive and reinforcing and provide a comprehensive overview of the situation. In that regard, we would like to congratulate Mrs. La Lime on her appointment as Head of United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti, while at the same time expressing our appreciation and acknowledgement of her work, as well as that of her predecessors at the head of MINUJUSTH and MINUSTAH for their dedication and valuable contribution to peace and institutional strengthening in Haiti. In that regard, we emphasize the importance of continuing to work with the Haitian Government to strengthen its understanding and ownership of those objectives, while adjusting the role of the United Nations in Haiti and assessing how best to continue to support national efforts to achieve sustainable peace. (spoke in French) In that undertaking, Peru reaffirms its commitment to the stability and development of Haiti. We will continue to work together and to assist the efforts of the United Nations system and the international community to bring about lasting peace in the country. (spoke in Spanish) Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to express my most sincere and deepest gratitude to all my colleagues, Ambassadors and their entire teams, whose valuable support I have counted on in our work during my participation on the Council as Permanent Representative of Peru. I would also like to extend that sincere and deep gratitude to the Secretariat and all its staff for their much-appreciated support, without which our work in the Council would not have been possible. I again thank you very much, Mr. President, for all the support. I hope to see everyone soon in Peru. The President: I congratulate the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Peru on his appointment and wish him well in his next post. Mr. Singer Weisinger ((Dominican Republic) (spoke in Spanish): We would like to thank Mr. JeanPierre Lacroix for his detailed briefing on the progress and latest developments in Haiti. We appreciate the presence of Her Excellency Ms. Mona Juul, President of the Economic and Social Council, and welcome Ambassador Meza-Cuadra. S/PV. 8641 I would like to begin by expressing our hope that this meeting will allow us to join forces and make firm commitments with the common objective of supporting the legitimate authorities of the Republic of Haiti in their efforts towards democratic stability and development. In particular, we trust that we will move forward on measures to address the humanitarian needs of the population and support the institutional framework of the country. This is the first time since 2004 that Haiti will not have a peacekeeping mission. We congratulate the United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti on its work during the years of its deployment and commend its efforts to ensure a successful transition. In order to ensure that it meets its goals and contributes to stability in the Republic of Haiti, the political mission to be deployed must have our full support, backing and resources. Haiti is at a crucial juncture today and the Haitian State needs our collective assistance in order to move forward. Various challenges, ranging from the worsening economic situation and food insecurity to the adverse effects of climate change and the high levels of violence, continue to be of concern. All that could derail the efforts under way to achieve peacebuilding and stabilization. It is essential to take into account the security conditions and Haiti’s ability to ensure stability on its territory; hence, the importance of the efforts being made to strengthen the response capacity of the Haitian National Police through an increase in its personnel, training on human rights and crowd control and appropriate equipment so as to enable it to maintain public order and respond to group and gang violence. In that regard, we are optimistic about initiatives such as the community violence reduction programme, which has been successfully implemented. That is an example of the impact of those initiatives on such important areas as the strengthening of the rule of law and the protection of human rights at the community level. However, for such efforts to be successful, it is necessary to deal with other fundamental issues, such as the economic situation, which is becoming more complex every day. In that regard, we encourage all key actors in Haitian public life to participate without delay in an inclusive and good-faith dialogue that strengthens institutions, overcomes individual interests and fully benefits the Haitian people. Likewise, we call on the international 19-316487/23 S/PV.8641 The question concerning Haiti community to join those efforts and support national initiatives to promote stability and development. The humanitarian situation continues to be fragile and is affected by the unpredictable weather in the country, exacerbated by climatic phenomena such as drought, which has weakened the ability of the most vulnerable to meet their basic needs, for example food, water and health-care services. Given the existing challenges, there is a need for an in-depth review of the appropriate strategies to assist the Haitian people, as well as close cooperation between the Government and its partners, in order to achieve the successful transition to a new stage in the United Nations presence in the country. We wish to conclude this statement by appealing to the international community to stand with the Haitian people and to support the efforts of the SecretaryGeneral and his representatives in the country in pursuit of stability and sustainable development of Haiti. Mr. Djani (Indonesia): At the outset, I would like to join others in welcoming home to New York our old friend the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Peru, His Excellency Mr. Gustavo Meza-Cuadra. I must say that I am among those who feel proud to see one of the finest representatives of the United Nations attain higher offices. It is an honour for us, and I once again congratulate him on assuming his new high responsibility. I should also like to thank Under-SecretaryGeneral Jean-Pierre Lacroix and Ambassador Mona Juul, President of the Economic and Social Council, and I welcome them to the Chamber. It has been 15 years since the United Nations started its peacekeeping mission in Haiti — 15 years of struggle, tension, experience, laughter and tears. Hundreds of Indonesia’s finest peacekeepers shared many moments in that period, through their participation in the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti and in the United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti (MINUJUSTH). Several other countries have also contributed their troops, for which we are deeply grateful. We wish to join Mr. Lacroix in paying tribute to the 188 peacekeepers who sacrificed their lives in the fight to achieve peace and security in Haiti over the past 15 years. A lot of work has been done, but of course there are still challenges that need to be addressed. I would also 8/23 15/10/2019 like to express our appreciation to Mr. Lacroix and his team for producing the excellent chart in the handout he distributed to Council members — he knows I like numbers. I think that it shows clearly, and in one page, what has been achieved by United Nations peacekeeping in Haiti, not only in trying to develop the Haitian National Police (HNP) but also in strengthening the rule of law, and most importantly, for Indonesia and all of us in the Chamber, in promoting and protecting human rights, which is much needed by our Haitian colleagues. I would therefore like to reiterate my gratitude, and I hope that this approach will be replicated across other issues on the Council’s agenda. I would like to bring the following three points to the attention of the Council. First, I should like to talk about stability in Haiti. Indonesia commends the Haitian National Police for its efforts and achievements in maintaining peace and stability in Haiti. Despite all of its limitations, there have been successful operations leading to the arrests of gang leaders, as well as a reduction in the levels of community violence. They have dealt with protests and unrest nationwide and achieved sustained progress in the second, evaluation stage of its strategic development plan, with support from MINUJUSTH. In future, it will be important to address the logistical challenges facing the Haitian National Police. The lack of equipment should be addressed promptly. The HNP’s role in maintaining law and order is the bedrock for Haiti’s recovery. We share the Secretary-General’s concern about the urgent need for the Haitian National Police to be well resourced and better equipped to fulfil its mandate. The acute equipment needs of the police are urgent. There is therefore a need for the international community to work together. Secondly, a comprehensive national dialogue is needed. We have already had many meetings on the issue of development in Haiti, yet the reality on the ground is still far from what is expected. Comprehensive dialogue is the most feasible way to transform that setback into the advancement of political stability in the country. Haiti currently finds itself at a delicate point in time; it needs an inclusive, broad-based and comprehensive national dialogue. The challenges are real. The development and implementation of the rule of law in Haiti is quite important. Haiti must take bold steps to start addressing these challenges by immediately holding a comprehensive national dialogue. 19-31648 15/10/2019 The question concerning Haiti Thirdly, I would like to focus on the presence of the United Nations in the country. The mission of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) — which is not the same as that of MINUJUSTH — is to continue the important work carried out by MINUJUSTH, albeit in a different form, but with the same essence. BINUH’s role as a special political mission will not have a peacekeeping element. The Government of Haiti therefore needs to take the lead and exercise ownership in promoting peace and stability in the country. We also believe that the Government of Haiti would benefit tremendously from help from the Peacebuilding Fund as it collaborates with the United Nations country team to support and accelerate the transition to a non-peacekeeping presence. It is clear that Haiti is a litmus test for the success of the United Nations in making the transition from peacekeeping to peacebuilding to sustainable development. We would also like to draw the Council’s attention to the new benchmarks set for BINUH. We believe that the fulfilment of those benchmarks is not BINUH’s responsibility alone: both BINUH and the United Nations country team serve as catalysts for improvements in Haiti. The Government and people of Haiti should have full ownership in and take responsibility for fulfilling these benchmarks. S/PV. 8641 promoting human rights. These efforts followed the work carried out since 2004 by the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti and were pursued with constant commitment from all MINUJUSTH teams, which should be commended. In this respect, I wish to commend Ms. Helen La Lime for her work and congratulate her on being appointed Head of BINUH yesterday. We must be clear about the gravity of the crisis that has been afflicting Haiti for more than a year. The report of the Secretary-General (S/2019/805) accurately reflects the many dimensions of this worrisome crisis. The country’s political institutions are no longer functioning, owing in particular to the absence of the Government, and Haiti is facing a constitutional crisis with the postponement of legislative elections. The violence is widespread. Corruption is endemic. Haitians are being hit hard by the deteriorating economic situation and demanding better access to basic services. In the light of the situation, waves of protests have been a regular occurrence since the riots of July 2018, which has given rise to unacceptable levels of violence, which we strongly condemn. Mrs. Gasri (France) (spoke in French): I join others in thanking Under-Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix for his briefing, and I welcome the presence among us of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Peru, Mr. Gustavo Meza-Cuadra, to whom we wish every success in fulfilling his new responsibilities. The resolution of the crisis is in the hands of Haitians themselves, but the international community must continue to support Haiti along this demanding path, especially through the action of BINUH starting tomorrow. Given the systemic difficulties in Haiti, France believes that the solution lies in inclusive national dialogue, with the involvement of all political, business and civil society stakeholders. It is the responsibility of President Jovenel Moïse to put in place measures for genuine dialogue. The Special Representative of the Secretary-General will have as her top priority to contribute to this process through her good offices. France is ready to support this dialogue together with such other organizations as the European Union, whose observer will speak shortly, and the International Organization of la Francophonie. The relationship between the United Nations and Haiti has reached another important stage, with the transformation of the United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti (MINUJUSTH) to the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH). In this regard, I wish to thank MINUJUSTH for the work carried out over the past two years — often in difficult circumstances — with a view to strengthening the rule of law, particularly in the justice and prison-system sectors, supporting the Haitian National Police and BINUH should also advise the Haitian authorities in other key areas to allow for the restoration of political stability, including on preparing elections, promoting human rights and providing support to the Haitian National Police. It will carry out this work with the support of the United Nations country team in Haiti and by taking into account the lessons learned by the United Nations from its presence on the ground in Haiti for more than 25 years, especially through the Economic and Social Council Ad Hoc Advisory Group on Haiti. Before I close my statement, I would like to quote a Haitian proverb: Men anpil, chay pa lou, which loosely translates as “many hands make light work”. It is up to all of us in the international community to lend many hands and help lighten Haiti’s load so that it may achieve stability and prosperity. 19-316489/23 S/PV.8641 The question concerning Haiti 15/10/2019 In this regard, I welcome the presence among us of the President of the Economic and Social Council. The fight against corruption and impunity at the heart of protesters’ demands must also be given top priority. By leading this fight, Haitian politicians can re-establish a dialogue of trust with the people. another dramatic deterioration. We hope that President Moïse and the opposition parties will show goodwill and explore every route towards breaking the current stalemate by engaging in a deep, inclusive and sincere political dialogue. This is, first of all, what the Haitian people expect from their political leaders. The Security Council will remain vigilant in relation to the situation in Haiti, which it showed in the closed consultations it held on 3 October. In this regard, we hope that the Council will be able to publicly express its concerns about the current situation in the country, its support for inclusive political dialogue and the transition between MINUJUSTH and BINUH. The Council will continue to take into account the changing realities on the ground to determine the most appropriate forms of international community support for Haiti. It is seriously worrisome that the elections scheduled for 27 October have been postponed indefinitely as a result of the persistent failure to adopt a new electoral law and the lack of funds. In this situation, another breakdown on the political track can be expected as the terms of one third of the Senators and all local elected officials will expire in January 2020, as UnderSecretary-General Lacroix mentioned earlier. Lastly, I reaffirm that France stands by Haiti and Haitians more than ever to face the challenges of the current crisis and to achieve the stability and prosperity to which they aspire. Mr. Lewicki (Poland): First of all, let me join other colleagues in warmly welcoming Foreign Minister Gustavo Meza-Cuadra to the Security Council and in expressing our deep appreciation for his and his team’s positive contribution to the work of the Council. Allow me also to thank Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, for his very informative briefing. I would also like to join Ambassador Djani in expressing our appreciation for the handout, which, on the one hand, reflects all the achievements made over the past 15 years, and, on the other hand, demonstrates the challenges faced by the new United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), starting with the ongoing development of Haitian National Police despite the progress already made, the rule of law, and, last but not least, safeguarding human rights and basic freedoms. Furthermore, we pay tribute to the almost 200 brave men and women peacekeepers who have lost their lives while serving the Haitian people in Haiti over the past 15 years on behalf of the United Nations. To say that Haiti’s situation is grim seems like a major understatement today. The situation in almost every area, including the social, political and financial areas, has gone from bad to worse. Regrettably, during the past couple of weeks, we have witnessed yet another outbreak of violence as the security situation saw 10/23 Today, we are ending a 15-year-long peacekeeping presence in Haiti as the new political mission, BINUH, takes over. In this special moment, we have to acknowledge the positive role that was played by the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti and the United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti (MINUJUSTH), which contributed in particular to the transformation of the national police force and the significant growth of its role and capabilities. However, we are concerned that the Haitian National Police has not been able to fully respond to the latest outbreak of violence and conduct effective operations against gang members, who, according to the latest report of the Secretary-General (S/2019/805), are now effectively in charge in certain parts of Portau-Prince. We may lose everything we have gained in the blink of an eye without the proper funding and continued support of the international community. We have to bear in mind that a number of the objectives set out in the two-year exit strategy of MINUJUSTH, including those relating to the rule of law and human rights, have not been fully achieved. It is creating a very demanding environment in which BINUH has no time to lose. Turning to the humanitarian situation, we hope that the Government will work closely with United Nations agencies and all relevant international actors to bring humanitarian aid to millions of people who are still in dire need of humanitarian food assistance. It is worrisome that this crisis remains constantly underfunded. To tell the truth, this remains one of the most underfunded humanitarian crises in the world, and we still need to resolve it. 19-31648 15/10/2019 The question concerning Haiti In conclusion, the first review of BINUH in the form of a Security Council discussion should take place in February 2020. However, with this level of political disengagement in Haiti, we have to be realistic about the Security Council’s capabilities. If neither side is ready to make significant concessions, we might not have much to review. Mr. Clay (United Kingdom): I thank UnderSecretary-General Lacroix for his briefing, and I would like to join others in welcoming the Peruvian Foreign Minister back among us once again today. Today marks a milestone for the United Nations engagement in Haiti — the end of United Nations peacekeeping and a fundamental reconfiguration of United Nations assistance. I would therefore like to start by commending the efforts of the United Nations personnel who have worked to support Haiti and the Haitian people over the past 15 years, as well as, of course, the Haitian partners of the United Nations. With the support of the United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti (MINUJUSTH), the Haitian National Police has assumed sole responsibility for the provision of security, and important benchmarks have been met with regard to pre-trial detention and the institutionalization of human rights instruments. However, there has also been a lack of progress in critical areas, including in tackling impunity and rolling out reforms in the justice sector. Just 2 of the 133 priority actions in the 2017-2021 strategic development plan on policing have been completed to date. More broadly, the United Kingdom, like those around the table today, is acutely aware that the political, security and economic situation in Haiti today is highly volatile. The continuing political crisis give serious cause for concern, and I would like to reiterate the United Kingdom’s call to all parties to resolve their differences peacefully. MINUJUSTH and its predecessor, the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti, made important contributions in Haiti, but external security assistance and technical support are not capable on their own of resolving the political and governance problems undermining the country’s stability. The establishment of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) now provides an opportunity for Haiti and the United Nations to embark on a fundamentally new relationship — one that focuses on national ownership, political engagement and the forging of strong S/PV. 8641 partnerships for achieving stability and development in Haiti. There are three priorities that I would like to highlight in particular. First, immediate progress towards an inclusive national dialogue is an essential first step towards political stability, as are concrete measures to address impunity, corruption and human rights violations. I urge the Haitian leadership to be bold in taking such steps. Secondly, with support from BINUH, Haiti and its partners should continue to invest in the development of the Haitian National Police at this critical time. Thirdly, I would urge for further momentum on human rights issues, including justice for victims, in anticipation of Haiti’s Universal Periodic Review in the Human Rights Council in 2021. With regard to the transition process from MINUJUSTH to BINUH, I would like to welcome the progress made by the United Nations with regard to the first two phases of its reconfiguration. Given its importance in setting the initial direction of the new mission, as well as the working relationship between BINUH and the United Nations country team, it is vital that the third phase be completed in a timely and effective manner. The co-location of the United Nations entities should help to facilitate achievement of this objective. The United Kingdom also welcomes the use of distinct core and contextual benchmarks for BINUH, as indicated in the bottom left-hand corner of the handout that I join others in commending. We urge that the indicator targets and any revisions or additions to the current benchmarks should not only be realistic and robust, but also nationally owned. I would like to conclude by thanking Special Representative of the Secretary-General La Lime and her team for their work. In this new generation of Haitian-United Nations cooperation, I would like to urge all actors to work together in search of bold and creative solutions to Haiti’s challenges Mr. Alotaibi (Kuwait) (spoke in Arabic): At the outset, we welcome the participation at this meeting of His Excellency Mr. Gustavo Meza-Cuadra, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Peru, and wish him every success as he takes up the duties inherent in his new role. We also sincerely thank Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, for his invaluable briefing this morning. I also wish to thank Ms. Helen La Lime, Special Representative of the 19-3164811/23 S/PV.8641 The question concerning Haiti Secretary-General for Haiti, for her efforts undertaken in coordination with the United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti (MINUJUSTH) and her communications with all relevant stakeholders with a view to moving the political process forward. I would like to focus today on three main issues: the political and security situation, the humanitarian situation and the next steps to be taken. With regard to the political and security situation, we are deeply concerned about the current political environment in Haiti and its adverse effect on the stability and security of the country. According to the latest report of the Secretary-General on MINUJUSTH (S/2019/805), negotiations in the last few months on the confirmation of a new Government have been unsuccessful, and a constitutional crisis caused by the failure to organize elections in time to renew the current legislature, whose term expires on 13 January 2020, is looming, which has led to the escalation of violence in the country. We therefore call upon all parties to keep calm, observe selfrestraint and refrain from taking any steps that might lead to renewed violence. We commend the measures taken by the Haitian President to continue the national dialogue in order to find a solution of the current crisis. We also commend the Haitian National Police in its efforts to contain the situation and maintain security. The latest report of the Secretary-General further identifies impunity as a core issue. Impunity impedes progress in substantially improving governance and accountability. In this regard, we call upon the Haitian National Police and the judiciary to carry out full investigations of perpetrators of State corruption and human rights violations, thereby ensuring accountability. Efforts to reform the judicial system must be extended in order to restore the trust of ordinary Haitian citizens in the country’s political and economic elite and convince them that national recovery and the building of their future are best obtained through democratic and peaceful means. With regard to the humanitarian situation in Haiti, we are concerned that if the security situation continues as it has it will jeopardize access to humanitarian aid for those who need it. We note in particular the major challenges facing hospitals in Haiti, owing to shortages of fuel, potable water and other necessities. As Council members are aware, these challenges also affect orphanages, civil-protection units and other emergency services, whose capacity is already limited. Moreover, 2.6 million people in Haiti are suffering from food 12/23 15/10/2019 insecurity. If the current situation persists, thousands more people will be affected. Accordingly, we welcome the allocation of $5 million by the Central Emergency Relief Fund to enable humanitarian actors to respond to the emergency needs of the country resulting from food insecurity. In terms of the next steps, I would like to propose measures that we believe would be useful as Haiti begins a new chapter in its history. First of all, we stress the need to conduct a broad and inclusive dialogue among the Haitians in order to remove political obstacles, revitalize the economy and restore stability in the country. We also urge all stakeholders to set aside their differences and personal interests and work together to overcome the current obstacles the country is facing. This is the only way to ensure progress towards achieving sustainable development and fulfilling the 2030 Agenda. We are also concerned about the failure, to date, to confirm a new Government. We would also warn against applying pressure to conduct elections in Haiti if the country is not yet ready for them, because of the potential for unintended negative effects. We know that Haiti might need external aid given the challenges it faces. We therefore encourage the United Nations — through the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti and the United Nations country team — as well as regional and international partners, including the Organization of American States, to provide the necessary support to Haiti in this decisive and very sensitive phase. The closure of MINUJUSTH and the departing staff means that there will be no peacekeeping operation in Haiti for the first time since 2004. We would like to take this opportunity to commend the women and men of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti and MINUJUSTH for their efforts aimed at helping Haiti achieve political gains, develop the capacity of the Haitian National police and create an environment conducive to the development of the country. In conclusion, we would once again like to express our sincere thanks and gratitude to Ms. Helen La Lime, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Haiti, the women and men of MINUJUSTH and the United Nations country team for their tireless efforts, dedication and contributions to stability in Haiti and the support that they have provided in helping the country achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. 19-31648 15/10/2019 The question concerning Haiti S/PV. 8641 Mr. Schulz (Germany): First of all, I would like to thank Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix for his comprehensive briefing. I would also like to extend a particularly warm welcome to His Excellency Mr. Gustavo Meza-Cuadra, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Peru. we must take a regular and comprehensive look at the security and socioeconomic situation. In that context, we very much welcome the fact that the President of the Economic and Social Council has joined us at this morning’s briefing. Today’s withdrawal of the United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti (MINUJUSTH) marks the first time in 15 years that Haiti will not have a United Nations peacekeeping operation present on its soil. We would like to commend the women and men of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti and MINUJUSTH who dedicated their efforts and sacrifices to contributing to the stabilization of Haiti. Today, the United Nations is embarking on a new partnership with the country. We enthusiastically welcome the startup of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH). We would like to emphasize the need for BINUH to be appropriately equipped and staffed from the time it begins its operations. A seamless transition from MINUJUSTH to BINUH is crucial. The transition to a non-peacekeeping United Nations presence in Haiti comes at a moment when the country finds itself in the midst of a multidimensional crisis. We are deeply concerned about the recent developments and violent events in Haiti. It goes without saying that freedom of assembly and freedom of expression must be respected. But all protests have to be peaceful; collaborating with armed groups is completely unacceptable. We strongly condemn all actions that undermine democratic processes and the rule of law. Any spoilers of the transition, including criminal gangs and those who support them, need to understand that there will be consequences and that there will be no impunity for crimes. Germany strongly supports the new approach to the benchmarks, which reflects the mutually supportive relationship between the peace and security pillar and the development pillar of the United Nations system. We especially welcome that two of the benchmarks are contextual, as they reflect minimum conditions for socioeconomic progress to sustain stability in the country and enable progress towards sustainable development. We welcome in particular that one of the proposed indicators refers to increasing resilience to climate-related threats, including through disaster management and risk mitigation. Haiti is one of the countries in the world most vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change. For Haiti, the effects of climate change constitute a threat multiplier, as they threaten to further destabilize the country, create new conflicts over increasingly diminishing resources and derail peacebuilding and stabilization efforts. As the Security Council, we need to include the security-related effects of climate change into our overall assessments and decision-making. To do so, we need a proper information base, including a substantial risk assessment. With regard to the way forward, we encourage BINUH and the Government of Haiti to agree on specific targets for each indicator as soon as possible. Today, it is crucial that we get the transition right. Rather than sticking mechanistically to benchmarks, Like France, Germany would strongly support the Council publicly expressing its concerns about the situation in Haiti in the follow-up to today’s debate. Ending a 15-year United Nations peacekeeping engagement is the very opposite of business as usual and deserves the Council’s appreciation. It also provides a good opportunity to say something about the way ahead and the continued United Nations commitment to Haiti in difficult political circumstances. We are worried about the persistent political deadlock in Haiti and deeply disappointed with the failure of the national authorities and political stakeholders to find a lasting solution. We therefore encourage the Haitian Government and opposition to make use of international assistance by accepting offers of mediation. Finally, with regard to the development of the Haitian National Police, and looking back at the progress that has been achieved over the past 15 years, we welcome and salute the increasing self-sufficiency of the Haitian National Police in providing security across the country, while also recognizing that certain gaps still exist, as the Under-Secretary-General pointed out in his briefing. It will be imperative to further strengthen the capacity of the police. In conclusion, I want to say that the past weeks have proved how volatile and unpredictable the situation remains. We must remain closely engaged and be ready to adapt our response to the crisis quickly 19-3164813/23 S/PV.8641 The question concerning Haiti and nimbly, including in the start-up phase of BINUH, which we wish every success in implementing its important mandate. Mr. Wu Haitao (China) (spoke in Chinese): China welcomes Mr. Meza-Cuadra, Peru’s new Minister for Foreign Affairs, to today’s meeting. We also listened carefully to the briefing by Under-SecretaryGeneral Lacroix. The mandate of the United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti expires today, marking the end of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Haiti. For the past 15 years United Nations peacekeepers have diligently delivered on their mandates and made important contributions to Haiti’s peace and stability at great sacrifice. Eight Chinese peacekeepers have died in the line of duty in Haiti, making the ultimate sacrifice for peace in that country. It pains us to see that despite the outstanding support that the United Nations has given Haiti in maintaining peace and promoting development, the country’s political crisis recently escalated yet again. In his report (S/2019/805), the Secretary-General notes the near-paralysis of Haitian State institutions, the demonstrations and protests that are ongoing in multiple locations and the troubling security situation. The country’s deteriorating economy has posed enormous challenges to people’s livelihoods and has exacerbated the humanitarian situation. China calls on the Haitian authorities to commit to resolving differences properly through consultation, strengthening the rule of law and its own development capacities and settling the current political crisis as soon as possible. The international community, especially countries with significant influence on Haiti, should step up attention to the political, economic and humanitarian situations in Haiti and help it maintain stability, boost economic growth, improve people’s livelihoods and implement the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. The United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) will officially become operational tomorrow. It will continue to provide support and assistance to Haiti together with the United Nations country team. China supports the Office’s work pursuant to resolution 2476 (2019) and supports its role in assisting the Haitian Government in promoting political stability, enhancing the rule of law and building a stronger police sector. The Haitian Government should strengthen its coordination with BINUH and work with it to ensure 14/23 15/10/2019 that the Office starts off on the right foot. The road to stability and development in Haiti will be long and hard. We hope that the Haitian Government will place the interests of the Haitian people first, step up capacitybuilding, chart a course towards greater self-reliance and effectively assume responsibility for maintaining national security and stability and promoting economic and social development. Mr. Repkin (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): I would first like to join previous speakers in welcoming the participation of the new Minister for Foreign Affairs of Peru in the present meeting. We wish Mr. Meza-Cuadra every success in his important new post. We thank Under-Secretary-General JeanPierre Lacroix for presenting the final report on the United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti (S/2019/805), which represents a milestone — the conclusion of 15 years of a United Nations presence in the country under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations. Throughout those years, the Blue Helmets and Berets, as well as the civilian personnel of the two United Nations of peacekeeping missions, helped the Haitian people address acute issues. Starting tomorrow, not only will Haiti’s people, political leaders and law enforcement bodies assume greater independence from the international community’s provision of assistance, but they will also take on full responsibility for the fate of their country and the security of its citizens. However, Haiti’s Government and society are entering a crucial phase of development that will be no easier than the previous one. The awareness of national responsibility inevitably ramps up social action and encourages society to express civic positions, and that creates the kinds of challenges that define a mature State. In the past few months we have been alarmed by developments in the social and political situation,because of which the elections planned for October will likely not even be held this year. That is most unfortunate, since a peaceful and inclusive electoral process is precisely what could bring the country some long-awaited stability. Meanwhile, as the Secretary-General’s report rightly notes, a dire socioeconomic situation has unfolded in Haiti, with a food crisis, a bleak humanitarian situation and institutional paralysis. Under these circumstances, the first order of business is approving the nomination of the new prime minister and forming a Government capable of achieving national reconciliation and 19-31648 15/10/2019 The question concerning Haiti tackling socioeconomic issues head on. We hope that can be dealt with as soon as possible. We believe that the prevailing disagreements can and must be resolved through broad-based social engagement. Unfortunately, the attempts to hold such discussions have gone nowhere. The right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression and opinion is of course indisputable, but we should not forget that those rights should only be exercised with full respect for national law. We also want to point out that there is nothing new about disagreement in society, which can be found elsewhere in the region and indeed all over the world. We keep on saying that the only effective way to resolve domestic disputes is through an inclusive national dialogue, which is the only path to a viable solution, regardless of the State at issue. Resorting to armed force has never brought political stability or economic development to any country. We call on all forces of conscience in Haiti to consider that and engage immediately in a dialogue aimed at finding mutually acceptable solutions. We believe that no one, neither the Haitians themselves nor the international community, wants to see a repetition of the negative experience that followed the withdrawal of the United Nations in 2000. We hope that in beginning its work tomorrow, the special political mission will provide the host State with the necessary advisory support. We believe that the United Nations can only give effective support when it there is full cooperation with the host State, to which primary responsibility belongs. We therefore expect that United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti will support the development of Haiti’s national capacity based on the priorities of Haitians themselves and in strict compliance with its mandate under resolution 2476 (2019), while avoiding any interference in the country’s domestic affairs. We will be closely monitoring its work in that regard. The attention of both the United Nations and the Security Council will enable the Haitian people to maintain confidence in the support of the international community. In conclusion, we want to assure the Council that the Russian Federation supports Port-au-Prince and will continue to work to ensure that the Council’s efforts will lead to a genuine normalization of the situation in Haiti and reinforce the country’s sovereignty and selfsufficiency. S/PV. 8641 Mr. Ipo (Côte d’Ivoire) (spoke in French): My delegation welcomes the participation of His Excellency Mr. Gustavo Meza-Cuadra, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Peru, in today’s debate on the situation in Haiti, and on behalf of Côte d’Ivoire would like to take this opportunity to congratulate him warmly on his recent appointment as his country’s chief diplomat. We also commend Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-SecretaryGeneral for Peace Operations, for his excellent briefing. On 25 June (see S/PV.8559), by a vote of a majority of its members, the Security Council decided to establish a new special political mission in Haiti, the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), to replace the United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti (MINUJUSTH), whose mandate expires today, 15 October, after 15 years of a United Nations peacekeeping presence in Haiti. My delegation would like to pay tribute to Special Representative of the Secretary-General La Lime and the staff of МINUJUSTH, as well as the various United Nations entities in Haiti. The remarkable work that has been done, in collaboration with Haitian stakeholders, has made possible encouraging progress with regard to the rule of law, human rights and capacity-building for the Haitian National Police. Côte d’Ivoire welcomes the establishment and official launch on 16 October of the new mission. Its main tasks will be to assist the Government in consolidating political stability, good governance and the rule of law and establishing an inclusive inter-Haitian dialogue. It will also work to support strengthening the protection of human rights and planning and organizing free and transparent elections. In that regard, my delegation welcomes the constructive approach that has enabled the identification of new targets and indicators for measuring the progress of sustainable development in Haiti after BINUH is deployed. We also welcome the efforts of the Haitian Government to reduce violence and urge it to redouble its efforts to increase the financial and logistical resources of the Haitian National Police, with a view to enabling it to carry out its mission effectively. Like the rest of the Council, my country continues to be concerned about the situation in Haiti, with its ongoing political crisis, socioeconomic difficulties, soaring insecurity and an alarming humanitarian situation. With respect to the political situation, the open conflict between the opposition and the executive branch has so far prevented the formation of a new 19-3164815/23 S/PV.8641 The question concerning Haiti Government and has led to the indefinite postponement of new parliamentary elections, which runs the risk of creating a constitutional crisis after 13 January 2020. On top of that, the Parliament’s rejection of President Jovenel Moïse’s calls for an inclusive dialogue has focused the Council on the magnitude of the current crisis, which requires an urgent response. The economic situation continues to be just as worrying, due largely to the negative effects of the political crisis and the business surrounding the PetroCaribe funds. In addition to the fuel shortages and the people’s deteriorating living conditions, which are resulting in paralysing social protests, Haiti is struggling to enact its 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 budget laws in a context of insufficient external budget support. The security situation, in which the armed-gang activity continues, is also seriously worrying, and the security challenges remain daunting and require urgent action, despite the efforts of the Haitian National Police. The humanitarian situation is also alarming. We note that 1.3 million people are still waiting for humanitarian assistance, while the United Nations specialized agencies are having difficulty mobilizing the funds needed to cover the 2019 humanitarian response plan. Only $26.2 million of $126.2 million has been raised so far, and if nothing is done, 39,000 children under the age of five could face acute malnourishment. My country reaffirms its commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes and emphasizes the need for an inclusive inter-Haitian dialogue to create the appropriate conditions to resolve the current crisis, with the support of the international community. In that regard, my delegation urges the stakeholders to consider consensus-based measures to authorize the President to govern by decree until the renewal of Parliament after 13 January 2020, when the term of the legislature expires.In view of the recurring social protests, which pose a serious threat to sociopolitical stability, my country calls for urgent multisectoral measures aimed at restoring and strengthening the people’s confidence in public institutions and attracting foreign investment. It will also be important to clarify the allegations of the mismanagement of the PetroCaribe funds and ensure accountability. In conclusion, Côte d’Ivoire continues to believe that the only way out of the crisis is for the Haitians themselves to show willingness to find consensusbased solutions through dialogue. In that regard, we call 16/23 15/10/2019 on the international community, including the United Nations and especially the Council, to support all the national efforts to create the necessary conditions for restoring lasting peace and stability in Haiti. Ms. Van Vlierberge (Belgium) (spoke in French): At the outset, I would like to thank Under-SecretaryGeneral Jean-Pierre Lacroix for his briefing and to warmly welcome the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Peru, Mr. Gustavo Meza-Cuadra, and wish him every success in his new role. Today is a special day for the United Nations presence in Haiti, as we turn the page on a new chapter with the end of the mandate of the United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti (MINUJUSTH), after 15 years of a United Nations peacekeeping presence there. A new chapter is being written with the new phase of our involvement with the country in continuing the work begun by MINUJUSTH and the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti. That historic transition is taking place under difficult conditions, as many of my colleagues have already emphasized. Haiti is facing multiple challenges in the areas of governance, the rule of law, the Haitian National Police, the fight against corruption and the promotion of human rights. The humanitarian situation and food insecurity are only making it more urgent that the Haitian authorities produce an adequate response. Belgium condemns the recent violence and urges all the parties to refrain from violence and to express their views through peaceful means. We especially deplore the recent violence against journalists. There is an urgent need to launch an inclusive national dialogue to address the country’s political, social and economic challenges. The Haitian Government has the primary responsibility to address the factors creating instability and inequality. National ownership and responsible political leadership will be crucial during this time. The Haitian people’s feelings of impunity and insecurity are their main sources of frustration. Reforming the judicial system, eradicating corruption and protecting and promoting human rights are essential if the confidence of Haitian citizens in their authorities is to be restored. In that regard, we are paying particular attention to the judicial follow-up to the extremely violent events that occurred in La Saline last year. We regret that no legal proceedings have been initiated with regard to the murders committed in the Grand Ravine and that the legal proceedings relating 19-31648 15/10/2019 The question concerning Haiti to the ongoing mismanagement of funds have not yet made it possible to see justice done for the victims. We also deplore the fact that the elections scheduled for October will not be held on time, which could be an additional source of frustration for the people. Looking ahead, I would like to reiterate our full support for the new political mission, the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), which starts work tomorrow. Providing BINUH with the necessary staff and resources to carry out its mandate will be crucial. The benchmarks proposed by the Secretary-General will be valuable tools for monitoring the country’s progress in key areas of the mission’s mandate. We commend the United Nations and its partners for the preparation of those benchmarks. Strong collaboration between BINUH and the country team will be essential to the mission’s sustainability and success. To conclude, I wish to emphasize Belgium’s sincere gratitude vis-à-vis the women and men who have served under the banner of the United Nations in Haiti over the past 15 years. The circumstances were arduous, but their commitment and dedication made a positive difference. The men and women who perished in Haiti remain in our thoughts. In this period of uncertainty and transition, Belgium reiterates its staunch commitment to working alongside the Haitian people and Government to achieve a democratic, peaceful and secure future. Mr. Ndong Mba (Equatorial Guinea) (spoke in Spanish): Our delegation welcomes with great pleasure and satisfaction His Excellency Mr. Gustavo MezaCuadra, the recently appointed Minister for Foreign Affairs of Peru, to whom we reiterate our sincere congratulations on having earned this mark of high trust from his Government as a Minister of Peru. This is a major and delicate responsibility in which we wish him the greatest success. We are certain that the same values with which he led his country’s delegation to the United Nations in New York will continue to guide him in his work, now and always, for the benefit of his country, Latin America and the world in general. We ask the all-powerful Lord to light his way and protect him as he undertakes these complex and delicate tasks. We also thank the team represented by Mr. JeanPierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, who provided this morning, as always, a clear and detailed briefing. S/PV. 8641 The Republic of Equatorial Guinea deems this important debate to be very relevant, as it coincides with a turning point for the Republic of Haiti, which has been marked by a protracted political crisis, increased insecurity and severe economic difficulties. This situation threatens, on an ongoing basis, the wellbeing and stability of the Haitian population in general. Given this delicate context and bearing in mind that we are at the end of the United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti (MINUJUSTH), we believe that this brotherly Caribbean country is about to enter a crucial period for its political elite, which is called upon to redouble its efforts and give thought to the future that it wishes for Haiti, bearing in mind the dynamic that will characterize its new cooperation with the United Nations. The political situation in Haiti this year has not been promising, but we have seen an increasingly tense atmosphere between the Government and the various opposition factions. The Republic of Equatorial Guinea believes that political instability can be addressed only through an inclusive inter-Haitian dialogue that allows the parties to address their differences and reach agreement on the political challenges that fuel hatred and confrontation between the parties. Democratic governance implies constructive dialogue with the opposition and civil society, including genuine accountability. The Government must promptly form completely in order to prevent any blockage of development programmes, and we therefore call on all parties to set aside their differences and private interests and work together to overcome the increasingly worrisome situation in the country. It is only then that our sister Republic of Haiti will be able to ensure peace and stability and relaunch its progress towards the implementation and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals in the framework of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The renewed legislative power is a decisive stage in the consolidation of democracy. We note with concern the indefinite postponement of elections in Haiti, and we reiterate the importance of adopting an electoral law without delay and updating electoral lists in order to pave the way for credible, inclusive and timely elections. Another worrying aspect of this new phase of State-building is the fragility of the security situation in Haiti, which is a due not only to the absence of institutional capacity to support the security apparatus, 19-3164817/23 S/PV.8641 The question concerning Haiti but also to social conditions, which do not allow for a dynamic leading to a virtuous circle of development and hope. We should also note that the economic situation is becoming increasingly complicated, which could deepen the crisis and intensify social instability and violence if adequate measures are not taken, as the various statements made this morning have pointed out. It is clear that the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti will begin its mission in a difficult context, and, unfortunately, we are concerned that this unstable situation could deteriorate in the coming months. This will have to be taken into account in the efforts of the new Office. The goals set by the Secretary-General for this new special political mission are vital in order to carry out the necessary work in Haiti. Before concluding, I would like to take this opportunity to commend the work of Ms. La Lime, Special Representative of the Secretary-General. We wish her every success in meeting this new challenge, and we also pay warm and well-deserved tribute to all the women and men who have served in MINUJUSTH, which comes to a close today. We also express our support to the people and the Government of Haiti and hope that they will soon be able to assume full national ownership of their country’s destiny, stability and development. Finally, the Republic of Equatorial Guinea believes that the Security Council and the international community must continue to work to ensure a genuine normalization of the situation in Haiti and to strengthen its institutions and its sovereignty, so that it can restore calm and social harmony and achieve lasting and sustainable peace. The President: I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of South Africa. At the outset, South Africa wishes to congratulate Mr. Meza-Cuadra and wish him well in his high-level assignment to lead his country’s diplomatic efforts. Knowing him, we are certain that he will succeed in this assignment. Let me also welcome and congratulate Ms. Helen La Lime, Special Representative of the SecretaryGeneral and the new Head of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), following her recent appointment. We assure her of our support. 18/23 15/10/2019 I should also like to thank Under-Secretary-General Lacroix for his briefing and detailed factual chart he shared with the Council this morning summarizing the situation in Haiti. Today is a historic moment for the Government and the people of Haiti, as this marks the first time in 15 years that Haiti will not have a United Nations peacekeeping operation presence. We wish to commend the tireless efforts of the personnel of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti and the United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti. We would also like to commend the efforts of the Haitian authorities, civil society, local and international partners and the United Nations country team for their efforts in helping Haiti navigate a difficult path. Nonetheless, South Africa remains concerned by the recent political developments, which have heightened tensions in Haiti. The ongoing political discord has given lawlessness a lifeline, which needs to be contained if BINUH is to succeed. We call on Haitian stakeholders to attend to the issue of forming a Government and formalizing the appointment of the Prime Minister as a matter of urgency. South Africa believes these are critical steps in assuring the international community, particularly donors, that the Haitian stakeholders are genuinely committed to returning their country to constitutional normalcy and sustainable development. It was during this month of October that Haiti was to hold elections to the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate. As things stand, the current mandate of those two components of the legislature will expire on 13 January 2020. That does not leave much time before the deadline, and what lies beyond it may trouble us even more if the right steps are not taken to ensure adherence to democratic principles. We appreciate the fact that the United Nations has already made resources available to assist in that regard and encourage the Haitian political stakeholders to seize this opportunity. We welcome the efforts by President Jovenel Moïse to reach out to various stakeholders in Haiti, including the opposition and civil society, in order to engage in dialogue to discuss the challenges facing Haiti, including the finalization of the appointment of the Prime Minister, the importance of addressing corruption and the challenging economic and social climate. In our view, all the parties, including the Government, opposition groups, civil society and 19-31648 15/10/2019 The question concerning Haiti the non-governmental organizations in Haiti should continue to engage fully in inclusive dialogue to seek a peaceful solution to the current challenges. Addressing the root causes of the situation in Haiti will also continue to be critical to supporting the country’s efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. That includes addressing impunity in the context of human rights violations and corruption by strengthening judicial and State institutions, including the capacity of the Haitian National Police to respond to challenges on the ground. Reform of Haiti’s justice system in Haiti will be instrumental in building trust among all of the people and we agree with the assessment of the Secretary-General in his recent report in this regard (S/2019/805). We look forward to the work of BINUH, the United Nations country team and international partners in supporting the implementation of reforms to address the multidimensional challenges facing Haitian society. Let me conclude by stating that the current approach of BINUH and its benchmarks represent a critical opportunity to advance peace and security, including by enshrining human rights and fostering sustainable development in Haiti, which should be supported. For those benchmarks to succeed, however, political will and commitment from all Haitian stakeholders is required. We should remind all that Haiti was the first black Republic in modern history. Having been free for more than 200 years, Haiti should now welcome and embrace the new political mission. Haitians must close ranks, make the necessary compromises and carve a new pathway towards a stable, democratic, peaceful and prosperous country. I now resume my functions as President of the Council. I give the floor to the representative of Haiti. Mr. Saint-Hilaire (Haiti) (spoke in French): At the outset, I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for kindly inviting me to participate in this meeting of the Security Council in order to present the observations of the Government of the Republic of Haiti on the report of the Secretary-General contained in document S/2019/805 and dated 9 October, issued pursuant to Security Council resolution 2466 (2019). I welcome the presence of Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Ms. Mona Juul, President of the Economic and Social S/PV. 8641 Council, and Mr. Silvio Gonzato, chargé d’affaires of the Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations. I thank Mr. Lacroix for his very informative briefing and would like to ask him to convey my warmest congratulations to Ms. Helen La Lime, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Haiti, on her exemplary commitment. (spoke in Spanish) I also welcome and congratulate His Excellency Mr. Gustavo Meza-Cuadra, a career diplomat, on his appointment as Minister for Foreign Affairs of Peru, and wish him every success in his new role. (spoke in French) This meeting of the Security Council comes at a pivotal moment, after 15 years of United Nations peacekeeping operations in Haiti and 15 years since the reactivation of the Economic and Social Council Ad Hoc Advisory Group on Haiti. The temptation to take stock is extremely strong because today more than ever, the country is facing a multidimensional crisis. For the past few weeks protests on an enormous scale, and sometimes marred by multiple forms of unacceptable violence, have been going on all over the country. In the view of many, the closure of the United Nations peacekeeping mission is taking place at the height of the crisis and at a delicate time of increasing uncertainty. There can be no doubt that the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti and the United Nations Mission in Support of Justice in Haiti (MINUJUSTH) played a major role in the country over the past 15 years. They contributed to undeniable progress in a number of areas, but we are still far from achieving stability and long-term development in my country. On behalf of President Jovenel Moïse, I would like to thank the Security Council and the Secretariat, especially Secretary-General António Guterres. I also want to thank all the Member States that contributed to the implementation of those two peacekeeping missions. My special thanks go to all who served with dedication in the two missions, and my thoughts go to all United Nations personnel who perished in the earthquake of 2 January 2010. Before I comment on the Secretary-General’s report, I want to stress that the United Nations must continue to comprehensively consider the root causes of the Haitian crisis in order to contribute to the implementation of lasting solutions. The resources 19-3164819/23 S/PV.8641 The question concerning Haiti made available so far are not enough to respond to the challenges we face. It is vital that our Organization, inspired by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, redouble its efforts in Haiti in line with the priorities outlined by the national authorities. Its actions should be based on the three pillars of peace and security, human rights and sustainable development. Beyond the current circumstances, the Haitian crisis is a result of an incoherent, indifferent, grossly unequal and exclusionary system that is incapable of capturing and channelling the legitimate aspirations and hopes of the Haitian people. We are a people who have been impoverished throughout our entire history, a people who have suffered too much and have often been branded as rebels whereas, in reality, we have always asked only to be able to live in human dignity. The Government of Haiti welcomes the excellent report of the Secretary-General and takes note of all the concerns it expresses. The points in the report deserve the full attention of all of Haiti’s national institutions and major partners. The Secretary-General is reporting on the main developments in Haiti since his previous report (S/2019/563), and he puts a strong emphasis on the protracted political crisis. Among other things, he highlights the decline in agricultural production, food insecurity and the growing difficulties facing the national economy. In that regard, we are unanimous in recognizing that enormous efforts will be needed to build essential agricultural infrastructure, promote rural development, increase agricultural production and ensure access to food, especially for vulnerable populations. Our President is fully aware of the delicate political situation in the country and its negative consequences for every aspect of national life, and the resulting need for a inclusive, good-faith dialogue, which is the only way will we be able to emerge from the current crisis. The Secretary-General painted an encouraging picture of the progress made in the implementation of MINUJUSTH’s mandate and the efforts of the Haitian authorities in the areas of human rights, justice and the strengthening of the Haitian National Police. However, much remains to be done. Reducing community violence is a major challenge. The Haitian National Police is doing its best, but it needs ongoing training and adequate resources and equipment to protect and serve all segments of the Haitian population. We must urgently restore State authority, without clashes or 20/23 15/10/2019 bloodshed, in the areas that have sadly been described as lawless. The Secretary-General expressed concern about the evolving food and humanitarian situation, while acknowledging the efforts of humanitarian partners and development agencies in support of the Haitian Government. He also reported on the progress made in the implementation of MINUJUSTH’s mandate, highlighting the challenges that remain with regard to combating community violence, strengthening public institutions, professionalizing the Haitian National Police, fostering justice and fighting corruption, managing prisons, ensuring human rights, preparing elections and planning the transition. We particularly welcome the progress noted by the Secretary-General in the context of the United Nations strategy in support of the national plan for the elimination of the cholera in Haiti. In that connection, we strongly encourage Ms. Josette Sheeran, Special Envoy for Haiti, to conduct the country visit that was originally planned for 6 to 8 October as soon as possible. The people and the Government of the Republic of Haiti hope that the responsible support of the United Nations under track 2 of the new approach to cholera in Haiti will continue as planned after the closure of MINUJUSTH with an adequate level of resources. In that connection, we note the memorable regrets voiced by former Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in his last address to the Assembly during the 2016 general debate (see A/71/PV.8), regarding the heinous acts of sexual exploitation and violence and the introduction of cholera in Haiti. The United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), which will take over from MINUJUSTH tomorrow, will be called on to provide its good offices, offer advice and raise political awareness. The Haitian Government will focus special attention on the strategic objectives outlined in the report related to the tasks assigned to BINUH. We would do well to recognize that the new mission will begin its operations in a national context that is characterized by major political, economic, social, security, humanitarian and environmental emergencies, which are compounded by the disturbing disaffection of an overwhelming majority of the population with public institutions and a climate of mistrust. The discussions held in the Council (see S/PV.8559) at the time of the adoption of resolution 2476 (2019), 19-31648 15/10/2019 The question concerning Haiti which established BINUH, highlighted the importance of acting quickly and decisively to address the root causes of those emergencies. In the past few years, several United Nations missions in Haiti, including those of the Economic and Social Council Ad Hoc Advisory Group on Haiti, have made a compelling assessment of the main challenges facing the country. On behalf of the Haitian Government, I would like to commend the exceptional work done by the Ad Hoc Advisory Group under the chairmanship of Canada. We hope that BINUH will also collaborate closely with the Advisory Group. Today more than ever, the problem of the country’s long-term development looms large. I am convinced that the United Nations can go even further in support of Haiti’s national vision and priorities. In conclusion, I want to convey the President’s call to all Haitians for dialogue and unity, in which he said that it is no accident that he and we belong to the same country, the unique and indivisible Republic of Haiti. Despite painful moments and difficulties in our daily lives, he said, we all remain firmly committed to the ideals of the founding fathers of our national independence. Many peoples have gone through dark times. What is most important is not how they have been affected, but the wisdom, sense of self-sacrifice, humility and spirit of unity they have developed in order to chart a path to a better tomorrow. As Haitians at home and abroad, he continued, it is our primary responsibility to seek healthy and sustainable solutions together, through genuine dialogue, to the problems that undermine the political, economic, social and environmental stability of our country, once the pearl of the West Indies. It is up to us to set and maintain the course, but we cannot do it without appropriate and enhanced international support, he added, for the mobilization of sufficient resources is critical to the implementation of the objectives that will help us to rebuild mutual trust and ensure the security, stability and long-term development of our dear Haiti. He concluded by expressing the hope that our international partners will understand the urgent need for a paradigm shift and enhanced support. International support must match the realities and genuine needs of the country and must respect the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and unity of the Republic of Haiti. The President: I now give the floor to Ms. Juul. S/PV. 8641 Ms. Juul: I am honoured to participate, in my capacity as President of the Economic and Social Council, in this open debate on the question concerning Haiti, a clear example of the complementary work of the Security Council and the Economic and Social Council. The situation of Haiti has been on the agenda of the Economic and Social Council since 1999, primarily through the work of its Ad Hoc Advisory Group on Haiti, which was set up in response to a Security Council request to the Economic and Social Council, under Article 65 of the Charter of the United Nations, to provide recommendations on the country’s longterm development. The work has included interactions between the Security Council and the Chair of the Ad Hoc Advisory Group, Ambassador Marc-André Blanchard of Canada. The Chair informally briefed the members of the Council on the Ad Hoc Advisory Group’s findings and recommendations following a visit to Washington, D.C., and Haiti earlier this year. In our view such briefings are a useful information-sharing practice that should continue, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank Ambassador Blanchard for his outstanding work in that regard. However, the Ad Hoc Advisory Group’s most recent report, dated 20 June (E/2019/80), should sound the alarm for the international community. It highlights the fact that Haiti remains under significant economic and social stress, that it has persistent humanitarian needs and that those factors, traditionally considered to be purely development issues, are the root cause of the current political instability and deteriorating security situation. The figures speak for themselves: 60 per cent of the country’s population lives below the poverty line; more than 40 per cent lacks access to health and nutrition services; 2.6 million people are currently food insecure and in need of humanitarian assistance — twice as many as in 2018; 36 per cent of young people are unemployed; and 85 per cent of college graduates leave Haiti in search of better opportunities elsewhere. The statistics regarding Haiti’s youth are of particular concern. Stability is at risk if economic policies and lack of educational opportunities leave young people without jobs. Unemployment makes young people feel disenfranchised and uncertain of their future, which, as we know, are conditions that can easily lead to youth falling prey to criminal organizations and violent gangs. 19-3164821/23 S/PV.8641 The question concerning Haiti Haiti is also one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change. Its vulnerability to natural disasters adds significant complexity to the fragility of its economic and social situation. As we speak in this Chamber today, Haiti is facing both physical and socioeconomic factors that have converged to threaten its stability. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development recognizes that there can be no sustainable development without peace and no peace without sustainable development. To improve the lives of the people of Haiti and ensure peace, we need to undertake major efforts to reduce poverty and improve access to education, health care and decent work, while also implementing climate adaptation and mitigation strategies. Let me turn to the question of the transition of the United Nations presence in Haiti. We welcome the decision of the Security Council for the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti to ensure collaboration among all United Nations political, development, humanitarian and financial entities, as well as other local and international partners operating in Haiti. Now more than ever, partnership among all stakeholders is needed to effectively respond to the country’s problems. The transition of the United Nations presence to a more development-oriented configuration should not lead to less engagement by the international community. It should lead to more. We should learn from previous transition experiences and equip the United Nations country team with adequate resources and capacity to do its job. With the aim of turning Haiti into a model for future United Nations-supported transitions in complex settings, we should redouble our joint efforts to support the people of Haiti and to put in place the conditions for long-term sustainable development and stability. The need for continued collaboration between the Economic and Social Council and the Security Council is evident. We must work towards breaking down the traditional silos between the peace and development pillars of the United Nations. Only then can our collective efforts be more coherent and effective and address the interconnected challenges facing Haiti. We owe that to its people. The President: I now give the floor to the observer of the European Union. Mr. Gonzato (spoke in French): I thank you, Sir, for giving me the floor in this debate on Haiti. The European Union (EU) has always had the honour of participating in meetings on this item. The candidate countries the 22/23 15/10/2019 Republic of North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Albania, and the country of the Stabilization and Association Process and potential candidate Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova align themselves with this statement. First of all, I would like to thank Mr. Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, for his briefing and the Permanent Representative of Haiti for his intervention. Since July 2018, Haiti has been in a deep multidimensional crisis at the institutional, economic, social, financial and security levels. The European Union is concerned about the overall situation in the country, which, faced with major urgent challenges, has been waiting for almost seven months for the new Government to be ratified. While the positions of political actors are becoming more radical, the country and its institutions are breaking down. At the political level, the opposition and civil society have exerted strong pressure since July 2018 in an attempt to force President Moïse to resign. Other political, civil society and business actors have demanded a genuine national dialogue that, unfortunately, after several unsuccessful attempts, has yet to take place. In recent weeks, the country’s economy has stalled and the security situation has deteriorated significantly. The President’s recent proposal to respond to political violence through dialogue has been rejected by demonstrators who no longer trust the discredited Government. For several weeks now, the President’s public appearances have been extremely rare. His statement on 25 September, calling for dialogue, and his proposal on how to resolve the crisis had no positive effect. In the light of the repeated failure of the executive’s attempts at dialogue, since early this year the European Union has initiated meetings with several parliamentarians from both the moderate and the more radical opposition. The objective was to try to identify the bottlenecks, expectations and scope for discussion that the opposition would be open to in order to break the deadlock. The EU also actively participated in the meetings of the core group on Haiti, together with the Ambassadors of Germany, Spain and France. As stated in the benchmarks for an exit strategy set by the United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti (MINUJUSTH), a consensual and far-reaching reform of the electoral system is a key element not only in preventing further institutional crises, but also in 19-31648 15/10/2019 The question concerning Haiti S/PV. 8641 rebuilding a strong link between elected officials and voters and thereby regaining the trust of the population. The elections scheduled for 27 October have been postponed indefinitely owing to the continued lack of an electoral law and budget and to the current climate of tension. Without elections, the terms of one-third of the Senate, the entire Lower Chamber and all local elected officials will expire in January 2020. The European Union remains a loyal partner of the Republic of Haiti and resolve to support the country in this period of deep crisis, in coordination with the other partners. continued inability, amid allegations of collusion and other shortcomings, to control gang violence. We therefore consider it essential to complete the work of strengthening and professionalizing the Haitian National Police while preserving its autonomy and political neutrality. At the same time, we must continue to stress the importance of reforming and strengthening justice and the prison system, as well as of upholding human rights. The EU is monitoring the legal followup to the extreme violence that took place in La Saline last year. The European Union appreciates and backs the work of MINUJUSTH in support of the development of the Haitian National Police (HNP), the justice system, the rule of law and the defence and promotion of human rights. Any State based on the rule of law that hopes to be at least minimally effective in upholding the law needs an effective law enforcement system that respects human rights. In conclusion, allow me to reiterate the European Union’s appreciation for MINUJUSTH’s contribution to security, conflict prevention and consolidating democracy and the rule of law in Haiti. The real challenge now lies in the Haitian National Police’s lack of resources. It is essential that the police and the Haitian judicial system be prepared and equipped to assume all tasks currently being carried out by the United Nations mission. It is important that the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti have the necessary staff and resources to help the Government to confront the multiple security issues, including the possibility of reviewing its mandate if the situation continues to deteriorate. In that context, during the 15 years of United Nations presence in Haiti — first through the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti, then MINUJUSTH — much attention has been devoted to the development and training of the Haitian National Police. Although it is one of the few remaining stable institutions amid a widespread institutional crisis, the force’s size — 15,000 staff for 11 million inhabitants, in other words three times fewer than in Europe — equipment and intervention capacity remain grossly insufficient. Of particular concern is the Haitian National Police and national authorities’ Together with the United Nations and the international community, the EU will support the country in its efforts to secure a better future of peace, democracy, stability and well-being for the entire Haitian population. The meeting rose at 12.10 p.m. 19-3164823/23