Mr. President,
Distinguished Members of the Council,
Excellencies,
It is an honor to brief you today on the latest developments in Haiti in the presence of Prime Minister Alix Dider Fils-Aimé. This underscores the strong commitment of the Haitian authorities to engage directly with the Council at this critical juncture.
I also welcome the participation of the Special Representative of the Gang Suppression Force, Jack Christofides, whose recent arrival in Haiti signals the progress achieved since my last briefing. I also wish to commend the appointment of Ms. Daniela Kroslak as the Head of UNSOH. I am very satisfied that BINUH, along with the UN Support Office in Haiti, and the Gang Suppression Force have established a close and constructive working relationship in support of national efforts towards security, stability and the restoration of democratic institutions in Haiti.
Mr. President,
When I last briefed you in January, I underscored that Haiti was entering a decisive phase requiring sustained efforts across the political and security tracks. This phase is now fully underway.
Haiti stands at a pivotal moment, where political and institutional progress is laying the foundations for a credible path forward.
On the political front, the transfer of executive authority on 7 February to the Council of Ministers, under the leadership of Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, ensured institutional continuity at a moment of significant vulnerability.
The National Pact for Stability and the Organization of Elections, signed by hundreds of political and civil society organizations, has created a broader Haitian-led political framework – one that reflects a collective commitment to steer the transition and reinforce national cohesion. Building on this momentum, efforts are underway to widen participation and further broaden national buy-in.
Against this background, BINUH continues to use its good offices to foster inclusive dialogue – bringing together political actors, civil society, women and youth – and to help maintain the transition on an effective path towards the restoration of democratic institutions.
Mr. President,
Haitian stakeholders are clear: elections remain the only legitimate path back to constitutional order.
The recent completion of political party registration – the first since 2016 – is a critical milestone. National authorities are now updating the electoral legal framework, an important step to turn commitments into timely actions. Other critical steps, such as the revision and approval of the electoral budget, require prompt attention. BINUH will continue to be engaged in supporting national efforts and coordinating international assistance to help deliver credible and inclusive elections in Haiti.
Other developments on the ground also indicate signs of progress. Security gains in parts of downtown Port-au-Prince, though difficult to sustain, demonstrate that change can be achieved. The recent holding of Council of Ministers meetings at the National Palace, after more than three years of limited State presence in the area, is not only symbolic. It is also a powerful signal of the State’s gradual return.
Mr. President,
This progress is real, but the context remains fragile.
The security situation continues to be of great concern. The recent massacre in Jean-Denis, in the Artibonite department, where dozens were killed on 28 and 29 March, and the attacks in Marigot, in the South-east department, on 11 April, are tragic reminders that insecurity remains a daily reality for far too many Haitians. This violence spreads fear, drives displacement, and continues to expand beyond Port-au-Prince as criminal gangs broaden their reach.
Today, more than 1.45 million people are internally displaced, mostly because of violence, and an estimated 6.4 million Haitians will require humanitarian assistance in 2026. Behind these figures are communities under immense strain, where insecurity and humanitarian needs are increasingly intertwined.
Without tangible improvements on the security front, progress will be difficult to sustain.
As national security forces continue to be strengthened, the full and timely deployment of the Gang Suppression Force is essential to reinforce these efforts.
Mr. President,
Unity of purpose, cohesion and operational clarity are indispensable in such a complex environment.
In this regard, the Coordination Mechanism established on 14 April – bringing together BINUH, the recently established United Nations Support Office in Haiti and the Gang Suppression Force – is instrumental in ensuring that international support is coherent, coordinated and aligned with national priorities.
At the same time, as this Council has recognized, the security response alone will not suffice.
Renewed national efforts on disarmament, dismantlement, reintegration and community violence reduction play a significant role in consolidating security gains and creating space for further political and electoral progress.
The reconstitution of the National Commission for Disarmament, Dismantlement and Reintegration, on 24 February, is a welcome and important step forward. BINUH is already providing technical support to help design viable pathways for disengagement and reintegration, particularly for children and youth associated with gangs.
During a visit to Les Cayes on 7 April, where the Prime Minister and other international partners were also present, I witnessed firsthand how Orientation and Transit centers can help to restore hope, offering meaningful alternatives to children and youth, vulnerable to violence. These initiatives must be sustained and scaled up, under the leadership of national authorities, and with the continued support of BINUH, the entire UN System, and the international community.
Mr. President,
Without visible progress in the administration of justice, and the fight against impunity, the restoration of State authority will remain susceptible to reversal.
I welcome the progress made in establishing the two specialized judicial units on mass crimes and financial crimes and look forward to the appointment of the judges that would allow these courts to be fully operational.
Concurrently, we must address one of the key drivers of violence: the continued flow of illicit arms and ammunition.
While sanctions remain a critical tool to deter those seeking to further destabilize the country, it is equally important to intensify efforts to curb these flows, which continue to fuel gang expansion and criminal control.
Major attacks – such as those recently registered in Jean-Denis – are closely linked to these dynamics. When access to ammunition is reduced, violence declines. When supply resumes, large-scale attacks follow. This cycle must be broken. Strengthening the implementation of the arms embargo, combating trafficking and tightening weapons controls must remain a top priority.
Monsieur le President,
Distingués membres du Conseil,
En janvier, nous soulignions que cette année devait être celle de progrès tangibles – celle où les efforts politiques et sécuritaires devaient converger pour remettre la transition sur une trajectoire irréversible.
Aujourd’hui les bases ont été établies : la continuité institutionnelle a été préservée, un cadre politique haïtien a émergé, et des progrès ont été enregistrés pour avancer vers le rétablissement des institutions démocratiques. Mais ces acquis resteront fragiles tant qu’ils ne se traduiront pas en résultats concrets pour la population, en particulier en matière de sécurité.
Les Haïtiennes et les Haïtiens doivent pouvoir reprendre leur vie quotidienne sans la peur d’être tués, violés ou kidnappés.
L’heure est à la responsabilité collective.
Avec un engagement national soutenu et un appui international coordonné, il est possible de transformer cette phase critique en véritable tournant pour le pays. Les Nations Unies, à travers le BINUH, resteront pleinement engagées aux côtés des autorités haïtiennes pour aider à convertir cette fenêtre d’opportunité en progrès tangibles vers la restauration de la sécurité et le rétablissement des institutions démocratiques.
L’engagement constant et uni du Conseil de Sécurité et de ses membres demeure indispensable pour maintenir l’élan, assurer la cohérence de l’appui international et accompagner Haïti sur la voie d’une stabilisation durable.
Comme le rappelle un proverbe haïtien, « Men anpil, chay pa lou ».
(“A plusieurs, la charge est plus légère”.)
Je vous remercie.
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