This Saturday, the Secretary-General arrived in Haiti on an official visit to express solidarity with the Haitian people as they face a terrible cycle of mutually reinforcing political, humanitarian and security crises.
The country’s capital, Port-au-Prince, is surrounded by armed gangs blocking the main roads leading to the northern and southern regions Control access to water, food, health care, and other services. The violence of these groups affects all aspects of citizens’ public and private lives.
“I am deeply concerned by the extreme vulnerability posed to individuals and communities by these predatory gangs, and in particular the disproportionate impact of violence on women and girls,” Guterres said.
In this sense, the UN chief condemned the widespread sexual violence that armed gangs have used as a weapon to incite fear.
international force
The Secretary-General requested the urgent and sustained care and adopting an approach that takes into account not only political and security challenges, but also the rule of law, humanitarian and development issues.
“I reiterate my call to all partners to do so increase their support for the National Policebe it in the form of funding, training or equipment.”
In addition, he again asked the Security Council to approve it immediate deployment of an international force to support the Haitian National Police in their fight against gangs.
A viable and credible choice
For the UN chief, it is essential bring the country back to the democratic order as soon as possible and urged all parties to facilitate the restoration of institutions.
“Everyone must transcend personal interests and make concessions in order to pave the way for the emergence of a shared vision and a viable and credible electoral path,” he said.
Likewise, Guterres met with the Prime Minister, the High Transitional Council, civil society and political parties to discuss the need for an inclusive national dialogue with the full participation of women and youth End the uncertainty and find lasting political solutions.
720 million humanitarian aid required
The Secretary-General pointed out that humanitarian needs continue to grow and international support is insufficient. Every second person in Haiti lives in extreme poverty, suffers from hunger and has no regular access to clean drinking water.
“Our humanitarian relief plan, which requires $720 million to help more than three million people, is only 23% funded. I appeal to the international community for help. “It’s a question of solidarity and moral justice,” he explained.
In addition to targeting Haitian citizens, the gangs have also attacked aid workers or made it difficult for relief supplies to be distributed in different parts of the country. “I want to recognize the courage and commitment of humanitarian workers in the face of many obstacles,” he said.
An inclusive and sustainable development
Finally, Guterres referred to the chronic development deficit of the country as one of the main causes of the crises it is currently facing.
“Only inclusive and sustainable development will help break the historic cycle of crises; to address humanitarian and security challenges; and create a stable constitutional and political environment,” he said.
“I say to the Haitian people: the United Nations supports you in supporting national efforts on behalf of all Haitians, especially the youth deserve a safer, fairer and more peaceful future“, he finished it.