Statement by the Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations, Ambassador Sérgio França Danese, on Haiti - July 6th, 2023

Mister President,

I have just presented my credentials to Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and am honoured to start here today as the new Permanent Representative of Brazil.

I thank the SG Special Representative Maria Isabel Salvador and the Permanent Representative of Gabon for their comprehensive briefings. I also recognize the presence of Their Excellencies the Foreign Ministers of Haiti and the Dominican Republic, and the Permanent Representative of Barbados. I thank the important participations of Ms. Marie Yolene Gilles, Civil Society representative, and of His Excellency Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica, on behalf of CARICOM

The dreadful security situation in Haiti has shown no signs of improvement since our previous meeting. Brazil remains extremely concerned with the ongoing human rights abuses in the country, the alarming levels of food and nutrition insecurity and the far-reaching impact of gang violence in nearly all aspects of life in Port-au-Prince and other cities in Haiti. The rise of vigilante groups is further aggravating the situation.

It is evident that the Haitian National Police lacks the necessary expertise and resources to respond adequately to its many challenges. Recognizing the multiple appeals from the Haitian government for the deployment of an international specialized force to aid the Haitian National Police in curbing gang violence, Brazil supports further Council discussions aimed at identifying tangible actions to achieve this goal.

Mister President,

The Haitian political stalemate exacerbates the country’s security and humanitarian crises.

The reestablishment of institutional normalcy in Haiti demands a comprehensive national political consensus. The Secretary-General acknowledged, in his latest report, that efforts have been made at broadening the political consensus and further implementing the National Consensus Agreement for an Inclusive Transition and Transparent Elections, signed on December 21st, 2022.

In this regard, Brazil commends CARICOM’s support of inter-Haitian dialogue, particularly the organization of meetings involving key parties. Prime Minister Ariel Henry’s commitment to put in place a government of national unity, appoint a Provisional Electoral Council, and enlarge the High Transitional Council to include representatives from a broader political spectrum is a positive sign.

We must ensure that Haitian crises are not fuelled or exploited for political or economic purposes, either from inside or outside the country. We remain hopeful that the Council's sanctions regime adopted last October can play and will play a positive role in facilitating a peaceful political understanding, especially by helping to sever the link between political and economic elites and the Haitian gangs. We take note of the report made by the President of Committee 2653 regarding his recent visit to Haiti and the Dominican Republic and call upon the Committee to initiate its deliberations to impose sanctions with the full support of the international community.

As we intensify our negotiations to renew the mandate of BINUH, it is vital to reinforce the Mission in terms of security, capacity and resources. These enhancements are vital for the Mission to effectively carry out its mandate to assist Haiti in the current challenging and deteriorating circumstances. Brazil hopes that the Council will shortly reach an agreement, so that the resolution can be adopted by the end of next week.

In the coming days and months, Haiti must remain at the forefront of our attention. The Council needs to closely follow new developments on the ground, while carefully considering new measures.

Any security assistance for Haiti must fully align with Haitian needs and aspirations and be formulated with the comprehensive engagement of Haitian stakeholders.

Brazil stands ready to continue working with Haiti and key international partners in this regard.

Finally, the escalating crises in Haiti are intensifying the need for humanitarian support. It is imperative that we respond to the immediate humanitarian requirements outlined in the 2023 Humanitarian Response Plan, which is currently only 23% funded. At the same time, we must address Haiti’s chronic food and nutrition insecurity by increasing investment in the country's food systems.

Brazil thus emphasizes the critical importance of socio-economic progress for addressing the crisis in Haiti in a sustainable manner. We reaffirm our commitment to place Haiti high in our international cooperation efforts. We encourage the international community to intensify their endeavours to promote economic and social development, preventing Haiti from descending into further violence and instability, and thus really helping it to overcome its present unsustainable situation.

Thank you, Mister President.