Mister President,
I would like to thank the Assistant Secretary-General, Mr. Miroslav Jenča, and the National Security Advisor to the President of Kenya, Ms. Monica Juma, for their statements. We thank Dr. Pape for his contribution. We take note of the comments of Mr. Cohen.
The multidimensional crisis in Haiti continues, marked by serious human rights violations and abuses, including numerous killings and extrajudicial executions, as well as widespread sexual and gender-based violence. Switzerland condemns this brutal gang violence. In the words of Sister Paésie Philippe, director of schools for street children in Cité Soleil, “The situation has not returned to its starting point, it has worsened”. Although some political progress has been made, recent developments illustrate the political fragility. We call on Haiti's political actors to overcome their differences and stay on the path defined in the final declaration of last March.
I would like to stress two fundamental points:
First, the vicious circle of violence must be broken. This means ensuring the implementation of the arms embargo and stopping the illicit flow of arms to Haiti. Threats, terror and gang violence against the population must stop. The use of children by gangs is unacceptable. Those already recruited must be considered as victims, and survivors supported in their reintegration, in line with international standards. At the same time, investing in prevention is crucial, notably by guaranteeing access to education. The closure of over a thousand schools this year due to the security situation is depriving young people of prospects. This situation is unacceptable.
Second, we urgently need to improve the humanitarian situation. Gang violence is forcing thousands of people to flee their homes. Over 700,000 people, more than half of them children, are displaced, and almost half the population is facing acute famine. Rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access remains essential to save lives. To this end, Switzerland remains committed on the ground to contributing to the unprecedented humanitarian needs of the Haitian people.
Mister President,
This situation threatens international peace and security. This Council - in agreement with the States of the region - must act in solidarity with the Haitian people. We applaud Kenya's leadership in implementing the MSS mandate. However, due to resource constraints, the MSS is struggling to achieve its objectives, and the fulfillment of its mandate is in jeopardy.
Switzerland remains open to examining other options, including transforming the MSS into a UN peacekeeping mission, as requested by Haiti. However, there has to be a peace to keep, which also requires the prospect of a stable political future. In addition, the complex history of missions in Haiti calls for a considered approach, taking full account of lessons learned. A thorough and comprehensive assessment, defining a precise mandate, size, structure and capabilities of such a mission, based on the principles of peacekeeping, would be a good starting point.
This Council has already demonstrated its ability to reach consensus on this issue three times this year. We must continue our discussions in this spirit in order to meet the aspirations of the Haitian people to live in peace and security.
Thank you.