UNSC Briefing on BINUH/Haiti

17 June 2021

Statement by

Mr. R. Ravindra

Deputy Permanent Representative - Political Coordinator

At the outset, I would like to thank SRSG and Head of BINUH, Ms. Helen La Lime for her detailed briefing on implementation of the Mission’s mandate and related developments in Haiti. I also welcome the presence of Representative of Haiti in today’s meeting. I will focus my intervention mainly on key issues concerning Mission’s mandate.

2. The political situation in Haiti has seen no major changes since our last meeting in February 2021. The stalemate has continued with the opposition parties remaining steadfast on their position on formation of a transitional government. Meanwhile, a new PM, sixth under the current President, has been appointed and has been tasked to form a new government. The Constitutional referendum has been postponed sine die and uncertainty over its happening remains. The Independent Constitutional Consultative Committee has also reviewed the draft text of the new Constitution. The Provisional Electoral Council has begun preparations for elections and a revised election calendar has been announced.

3. All these developments raise pertinent questions about the holding of elections. We believe the government and the opposition must engage constructively on the way forward to ensure that the election process is completed in 2021 as scheduled. Haiti has seen enough of brinkmanship and now it is time for all stakeholders to work towards democratic renewal. The efforts of the BINUH and SRSG need this Council’s support. We also welcome the visit by the delegation of the Organization of American States to Port-au-Prince last week and its engagement with all stakeholders.  Holding free and fair elections is important for Haiti.

4. The security situation has unfortunately further deteriorated. The failed police operation in Village-de-Deu, prison breakout, recent deadly clashes between the rival gangs in Port-au-Prince reflect the serious security challenges. We have taken note of the ongoing efforts to address these challenges, including recruitment to the police, review of draft law on firearms and ammunition and draft National Strategy for Community Violence Reduction. These efforts should be expedited further. We also hope that the quick implementation of PBC funded projects will help in facilitating greater involvement of communities, thereby positively impacting the security situation. The authorities also need to take immediate action to end impunity and bring to justice those responsible for killing of the President of Port-au-Prince Bar Association and other emblematic cases mentioned repeatedly in Secretary General’s reports. The justice and prison systems also need immediate attention.

5. The socio-political situation and the Covid pandemic have added to the difficult economic situation. This has increased the vulnerability of the population, which the report has highlighted under benchmark 5. The humanitarian situation has also worsened with 4.4 million people in need of assistance of one form or the other. There is a clear need to enhance the humanitarian assistance. In this regard, we hope the funding shortages faced by humanitarian agencies including OCHA will improve in the coming months.

6. Haiti, as rightly mentioned by the Secretary General, has numerous strengths that can propel its socio-economic upheaval, provided there is improvement in political and security condition. We have no doubt that the people of Haiti have the strength and resilience to overcome the current challenges. We hope that the upcoming elections will pave the way for Haiti’s revival, ushering progress and prosperity. To this end, we encourage continued close collaboration and coordination between BINUH and the United Nations Country Team in Haiti with the government of Haiti.

7. India has had a long association with Haiti and its people. India was a major TCC to UN Peacekeeping Operation in Haiti and had contributed 3 Formed Police Units (FPUs) to MINUSTAH. India has also been extending assistance to Haiti in the times of need, including during the 2010 earthquake and the COVID – 19 pandemic. India remains committed to supporting the people of Haiti in these challenging times.

I thank you Mr. President

****