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Madam President,
At the outset, I would like to thank Ms. Helen La Lime for her briefing and efforts as well as the efforts of BINUH in Haiti. I also thank Deputy Secretary-General Ms. Amina for her opening remarks. We also congratulate Gabon on their chairmanship of the Haiti Sanctions Committee and thank them for their briefing. We welcome the participation of the Foreign Ministers of Haiti and Dominican Republic, and the representative of Canada in today’s meeting. We also listened carefully to Mr. Kim Ives.
Madam President,
As we continue to follow the situation in Haiti with great concern, the ending the blockade of the Varreux fuel terminal last month was an important development. It will provide some much-needed relief to many people in Haiti, who depend on fuel for the delivery of critical goods and services. However, this does not resolve the remaining challenges, including the obstruction of roads and control of neighborhoods by gangs that directly impede access for ambulances, medical personnel, humanitarian aid and basic goods– in addition to the resurgence of cholera in Haiti. The impact of gang control on the daily lives and security of civilians is unacceptable and we should not ignore it.
We also remain concerned by the rampant levels of sexual and gender-based violence in Haiti, and once more deplore such unacceptable acts. This Council should utilise the tools it has to address this, including the recently adopted sanctions regime and its specific designation criteria aimed at those who perpetrate and facilitate such abhorrent crimes.
Madam President,
One of the main drivers for peace in Haiti is political progress, as it will contribute positively to the economic, security and humanitarian situation. It is necessary to maintain any progress made and continue to prioritise an inclusive, Haitian-led and Haitian-owned dialogue. As such, it is critical to focus on the political process and we look forward to further updates in this regard. Constructive engagement, by the international community and Haitian actors, is necessary to forge a path towards an environment conducive to peaceful elections as soon as the security situation permits.
In all our efforts, we should work in tandem with other actors such as the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the ECOSOC Ad Hoc Advisory Group on Haiti. They play a critical role in contributing to regional and international efforts in a consistent and sustainable approach for the development and stability of Haiti.
The UAE stands ready to work within this Council, the Haiti Sanctions Committee and other relevant fora to address the different challenges and crises gripping Haiti.
In conclusion, Madam President, as we conclude the last formal meeting of the Council this month, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you on your distinguished presidency of the Council and on your exceptional efforts during your membership in the Council for the past two years. We would also like to express our sincere appreciation and gratitude to all the outgoing elected members, and we wish the incoming members success, and we look forward to working with you all next year.
Thank you, Madam President.
Source: UAE Mission to UN