Madam President,
I would like to thank the Special Representative, María Isabel Salvador, the Executive Director of UNODC, Ghada Fathi Waly, and the Executive Director of UNICEF, Catherine Russel, for their statements. I also welcome the presence of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic, Roberto Álvarez Gil, and the Permanent Representative of Haiti to this meeting.
The multidimensional crisis in Haiti continues and continues to worsen. The pursuit of an inclusive and participatory intra-Haitian dialogue, including women among others, is the key to a political solution, and should allow to reach the goal for which it was set up: the holding of free, participatory, fair and safe elections.
Switzerland welcomes the recent formation of the Transitional Presidential Council and the facilitation of this process by CARICOM. Given the importance of the phase of political transition initiated by these encouraging measures, it is essential that they are implemented swiftly and comprehensively, without creating a political vacuum that could further disrupt the security situation.
In this respect, I would like to highlight three points:
First, humanitarian aid must be significantly increased to meet the needs of the Haitian population. Almost half of Haitians, especially children, are food insecure. There is a real risk of famine, due to restrictions on movement and supply difficulties caused by gang violence. The humanitarian situation could further deteriorate with the onset of the hurricane and tropical storm season in June. We commend humanitarian workers for their unfailing commitment, and reiterate that they must be protected and have freedom of movement. With this in mind, Switzerland is currently preparing a resolution aimed at recalling the protection of all humanitarian and UN personnel providing assistance and protection, including national and locally-recruited staff. Switzerland is also continuing to respond to the situation on the ground, for example by supporting the World Food Program's emergency response.
Second, the BINUH is a central element of the international response in Haiti. Switzerland salutes its work and the efforts of its staff. BINUH's human rights monitoring mechanism, as well as its efforts in the field of Community Violence Reduction and Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration, are to be commended. It is also important that the Office continues to work with the Haitian authorities to re-establish a judicial and penitentiary system that guarantees the rule of law. The review of BINUH's mandate next July will provide an opportunity to reassess the resources at its disposal, including human and security resources.
Third, the international community must use all available means to support the Haitian National
Police. Time is running out, and too many months have passed since the Council authorized the Multinational Security Support Mission. We thank the States that have confirmed their participation, and call for its deployment as soon as possible to enable the Haitian National Police to regain the ground lost to the gangs. Furthermore, the flow of arms and ammunition continues to fuel armed violence. The sanctions regime and the embargo on arms and ammunition must be effectively and fully implemented. The cases previously reported by the 2653 Committee's Expert Panel must be followed up to cut off the gangs' sources of supply. This must not be hindered by political considerations. Switzerland calls on all states, particularly in the region, to redouble their efforts to put an end to the proliferation of weapons in Haiti.
Madam President,
The situation is at a tipping point, and it may soon be too late to act. The Security Council and the international community must continue their efforts to respond to the hopes of the Haitian people.
I thank you.