On Wednesday, UNITED NATIONS, CMC—The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, described the crisis in Haiti as a “protracted human tragedy” and urged the international community to “step up to support the Haitian people in their efforts to restore stability.”
In a message to the Ministerial Meeting on Haiti, which was held under the theme “Building on Progress to Restore Security in Haiti,” Guterres said that the human tragedy in Haiti has a long and well-known history.
“It is one of the most disastrous humanitarian situations in the world. The international community is responsible for supporting the Haitian people in their efforts to restore stability.”
Guterres said that recently, there has been some progress in establishing transitional governance structures in the French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country, which he described as “a vital step on the way to inclusive democracy and the rule of law.
“But the Haitian people are still subjected to egregious human rights abuses by gangs. Young women and girls continue to suffer appalling levels of sexual violence and abuse.”
Guterres said that during the first half of this year, the United Nations documented 3,638 homicides, an increase of nearly 74 percent over 2023.
He said despite the imposition of the arms embargo in October 2023, gangs and other non-state actors continue to procure arms and ammunition illicitly.
But he said that the first deployments of the Kenya-led United Nations Security Council-sanctioned Multinational Security Support mission (MSS)are a positive step, commending the African country “for its leadership as well as those countries that have pledged to contribute with personnel, equipment, and necessary logistical resources.
“I also commend countries that have contributed to the Trust Fund for the mission, set up by the Secretary-General at the request of the Security Council. The fund now stands at US$85.3 million.
“However, funding for the mission and for the Haitian National Police remains totally inadequate. I urge all those who have made financial commitments to deliver on them urgently.”
The UN Secretary-General said the world must continue working to mobilize sufficient resources for the mission and the humanitarian response in Haiti.
He said close to 703,000 people have been displaced, and more than 5 million Haitians are food insecure – almost half of the population.
“There is an urgent need for resources to support humanitarian efforts. The Humanitarian Needs Response Plan for Haiti, totaling US$674 million, is currently only 39 percent funded.
“A durable solution to the current crisis can only come from a political process that restores democratic institutions through elections. Improving security is crucial to creating the conditions necessary for these elections.”
Guterres said that the UN would not waver in its commitment to Haiti, adding, “We continue to support the transition process, in line with our current mission, BINUH—the UN Integrated Office in Haiti.
“I also welcome CARICOM’s support of the Haitian-led efforts and cooperation with BINUH. Like people everywhere, Haitians demand and deserve to live in dignity, free from the threat of violence,” Guterres said.
Haiti has been without an elected government since July 2021, when President Jovenel Moise was assassinated at his private residence overlooking the capital, Port au Prince.
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