Chair,
Haiti’s severe multidimensional crisis is deeply concerning for us all. Addressing the security situation is a key priority but it must go hand in hand with broad efforts for long-term peacebuilding and conflict prevention in order to help Haiti onto a new path. We must get at the root causes of the violence.
The mandates of both MSS and BINUH are up for renewal in the Security Council within the next few months. Today, we must clearly signal that we expect the Security Council to request the written advice of the PBC for both mandate renewals. In that way, we as the PBC can contribute to ensuring that the long-term peacebuilding dimension is well-integrated in the mandates.
A range of peacebuilding interventions could be effective in supporting peaceful development in Haiti based on Haitian ownership. Allow me to highlight two:
Firstly,
ECOSOCs Ad Hoc Advisory Group on Haiti’s plans for disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of young gang members, through measures such as Community Violence Reduction, is one path.
Secondly,
Strengthening institutions and the rule of law should be at the core of a peacebuilding programme. A cohesive criminal justice chain is needed to address the scourge of gang violence.
Finally,
Efforts to improve security must be matched by efforts to end the political crisis. Peacebuilding measures that aim at, once conditions allow, the holding of peaceful, inclusive and fair elections that can deliver legitimate government, will be key to help Haiti onto a new path.
Thank you.