UNITED NATIONS, CMC – Haiti’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Jean-Victor Harvel Jean-Baptiste, has warned that the socio-economic and political security crisis in his homeland “is like the Sword of Damocles above us.”
Jean-Baptiste, participating in the meeting of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), said he had issued a similar warning to Caribbean Community (CARICOM) foreign ministers at their meeting here on Monday, on the margins of the UN General Assembly (UNGA).
He told the ECOSOC, whose Ad Hoc Advisory Group on Haiti is chaired by Ambassador Bob Rae of Canada, that the priorities for the French-speaking Caribbean country include the need “to re-establish social peace so that the people can vote in safety” and to support the government in implementing development, economic, and social programs to resolve gang violence.
“Despite these security challenges, there has been progress. We have demonstrated that we can utilize your assistance effectively. Now we need more support to conclude this effort.”
The UN said armed gangs control large swathes of the territory, more than six million people are in urgent need of assistance, and 1.4 million have fled their homes, mainly women and children.
It said killings and abductions are rampant, while cases of sexual and gender-based violence have significantly increased.
Rae told the meeting about the latest violence, as eight children were killed in a drone strike in the Cité Soleil neighborhood of the capital, Port-au-Prince, last weekend.
“We need to understand that this is not a problem of theory. This is a problem that is affecting the daily lives of people,” Rae said.
The UN said the discussions were held as the Security Council prepares to resume debate on a proposal by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to establish a new UN Support Office in Haiti.
Canada said it would provide logistical and operational support for the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission, which is already on the ground backing up the national police in their efforts to combat the gangs and create a secure environment conducive to holding elections.
At the meeting, Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand announced that her country is prepared to pledge an additional CAN$40 million (approximately US$0.72 million) to the MSS and its successor mission.
“We are clearly committed to its success, and we count on other partners to also step up their support as the resolution currently proposes a five-fold increase in size, funding, personnel, and equipment,” she said.
Anand said Canada will also contribute another CAN$20 million to help improve maritime security in the Caribbean.
In a video message, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed stressed that while security support is indispensable, “it is not enough to break the cycle of crisis” that Haiti’s population is facing.
“Stability will only come when a political process, credible elections, and economic recovery match security. That means bold financing, blending donor support with investment to mobilize resources at scale and placing them where they matter most: in the hands of the Haitian people,” she said.
The new UN Special Representative for Haiti, Carlos Massieu Ruiz, expressed the hope that the Security Council will act urgently on the Secretary-General’s proposals and urged countries to take advantage of this opportunity and reaffirm their commitment to Haiti.
“The path forward demands political will, vision, but mostly resolve. Together, we can help Haiti and Haitian society, Haitian authorities, to turn the tide and embark on a trajectory of peace recovery and inclusive development,” Ruiz said.
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