Haiti cannot afford another year in which insecurity outpaces political progress: UK statement at the UN Security Council
Statement by Ambassador Sarah MacIntosh, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Haiti.
The security situation in Haiti remains very difficult, with gangs continuing to terrorise communities with their vicious violence, seeking to coerce individuals, to undermine state authority, and to deny millions of Haitians the security and stability that they seek.
In response, this Council has renewed the mandate of the Gang Suppression Force and the UN Sanctions Regime.
The United Kingdom thanks the United States and the Standing Group of Partners for their work to expand and strengthen the Gang Suppression Force.
Working in the face of unacceptable violence and attacks, such as those of this weekend against Salvadorian members of the Gang Suppression Force.
Significant steps have been taken to support Haitian authorities to restore state authority and to extend security beyond Port-au-Prince, including a first operational presence outside the capital, a stronger GSF Headquarters, and deployments to support capacity.
As operations expand, close coordination with the Haitian authorities, and compliance with GSF’s human rights compliance framework will remain central.
Second, on sexual and gender-based violence.
The levels of sexual and gender-based violence in Haiti are atrocious.
Almost 700 women and girls reported rape by gangs in July and August of this year alone, with 87 per cent subjected to collective rape.
This is shocking, and it is unacceptable.
The United Kingdom welcomes the progress made by Haitian authorities, with support from the UN Integrated Office in Haiti and OHCHR, to improve reporting and response mechanisms for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.
Coordination platforms in six police stations helped to identify and to refer to police 151 cases of sexual violence, including 96 involving minors.
But much more remains to be done.
Third, on elections.
As preparations for elections continue, we welcome efforts by the Haitian authorities to broaden participation in the electoral process.
Measures to facilitate voter registration and to reduce barriers to participation are important steps towards inclusive elections.
At the same time, inclusion must not come at the expense of accountability.
Changes to candidate eligibility requirements must not weaken important safeguards against the participation of individuals who may seek to exploit violence, coercion or criminality to secure influence within Haiti’s democratic institutions.
We urge the Haitian authorities to ensure that eligibility requirements uphold the
integrity and credibility of the process, and enable all eligible Haitians to participate.
A sustained improvement in security is essential to protect the population and to create the conditions for credible elections.
Those with influence over the gangs must use it to ensure that they lay down their arms and stop their vicious violence.
And the Council, Gang Suppression Force partners and, critically, Haitian authorities must maintain momentum and ensure that operational gains translate into lasting security for Haitian communities.
Security, accountability, and inclusive political participation must advance together.
And, Special Representative, you asked for our sustained support to these aims.
From the United Kingdom, you have it.