Mr. President,
I would like to begin by thanking the United States and Panama for the constructive approach and flexibility that they have demonstrated throughout this negotiation, leading to the adoption of this resolution by unanimity.
Mr. President,
1. With this adoption, the Council sends an unequivocal message about the international community’s determination to use all the tools at its disposal to help restore peace and security in Haiti.
Last September, we provided new momentum to international support for security in Haiti with the creation of the new Gang Suppression Force (GSF) and the United Nations Support Office in Haiti (UNSOH), both of which are currently being deployed. We attached to this new security architecture a robust sanctions regime, the renewal of which last October provided an opportunity to extend it to new individuals in order to fight impunity and corruption.
The current resolution, the third in four months, provides the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) with the framework and means to operate in support of these security efforts. The Office will focus on specific tasks where it can bring added value. France particularly welcomes the provisions relating to the protection and promotion of human rights, as well as the support for the Haitian justice system in handling high-risk individuals. Without combating impunity, there can be no return to stability. We also recall that the participation of women in the political process must be guaranteed.
Mr. President,
2. The full cooperation of the Haitian authorities in this collective effort is essential to enable the country to emerge from the crisis.
The national security forces, which at the height of the crisis prevented the country from descending entirely into chaos, continue to fight with courage and selflessness. Their strengthening is essential so that, in the long term, Haiti can assume responsibility for its own security. This is our shared aspiration, and France will continue to work towards this goal.
The Haitian transitional authorities must also act responsibly and with a sense of the general interest. Any change at the head of the government at a time when the current transition period is about to come to an end on February 7, would jeopardize the current momentum. The restoration of security must remain the absolute priority of the transition.
Mr. President,
In conclusion, this Council will remain vigilant to ensure that international engagement in favor of Haiti translates into concrete terms as a return to security, an end to massive human rights violations— particularly the unbearable sexual violence and violations of children’s rights—and the restoration of democratic institutions for the benefit of the Haitian people.
Thank you.