I thank SRSG La Lime for the briefing. Norway welcomes that this meeting was brought forward to today. The situation in Haiti is alarming.
We are appalled by the reported levels of violence, including widespread sexual and gender-based violence - as reported by the BINUH and OHCHR report published just this past Friday.
It is also reported that many children have been killed or injured in crossfire, even while in their homes or schools. And boys and girls are being coerced to engage in gang activity.
The population, especially children, in Haiti must be protected. And impunity for violations and abuses of human rights must end.
We note the request by the Government of Haiti for a "specialized armed force" to address the acute security crisis. And we welcome today’s discussions on how we can best support Haiti’s national police in improving the security situation.
President,
We commend the UN, and humanitarian workers’ tireless efforts in Haiti during this difficult period. Their work is critical, particularly with the worrying resurgence of cholera. Swift action must be taken now to stop its spread.
But this cannot happen if it remains impossible to reach areas in need with basic services, like clean water. We reiterate the need for humanitarians to be granted access, their freedom of movement ensured, and for their supplies to be respected.
President,
With food insecurity on the rise, we strongly condemn the looting of World Food Programme warehouses. This severely diminishes critical provisions. Civilians should not have to bear the brunt of criminality, and yet that is what we are seeing every day.
Political compromises must be found to forge reconciliation, and a path towards elections. The only solution for Haiti is one created by Haitians themselves. Steps must be taken to restore order and trust for the sake of the Haitian people.
President,
Norway believes sanctions, as proposed by US and Mexico, can be an important tool to address violence committed by armed groups and criminal networks. It is important for the efficiency of such a sanctions regime, that it includes safeguards for due process.
The Security Council should have a clear view on how to deal with this issue going forward. One option is to look to existing processes, such as the Office of the Ombudsperson in the 1267 regime.