61th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council
Item 10 - ID with HC on Haiti.
Statement delivered by H.E Ambassador Riia Salsa-Audiffren
on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic States: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden
26 March 2026
Mr. President,
I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic States. We thank the High Commissioner for the report and affirm our support for ongoing stabilization efforts in Haiti, including through the UNSC Gang Suppression Force.
We remain seriously concerned about the dire human rights situation and persistent security challenges in Haiti, including ongoing pervasive gang violence and other that further fuels insecurity and instability, driving a dramatic surge in internally displaced people, now exceeding 1,4 million.
Women and girls are particularly affected by this crisis and face alarming level of sexual and gender-based violence, particularly in displaced and gang-controlled areas. In this context, we strongly emphasize the need to ensure the safety of women and girls, to strengthen prevention and response measures, and to ensure accountability for these grave violations.
Equally alarming are reports of children being recruited and trafficked by gangs, highlighting their increased vulnerability to abuse and exploitation. We stress the urgent need to place children at the center of the response to the security crisis in Haiti.
High Commissioner, how can it be ensured that human rights, including children’s rights are fully protected at all times, including during the planning and conduct of operations by the Gang Suppression Force (GSF)?
I thank you.