UN backs CARICOM Haiti plan, condemns gang violence

The United Nations Security Council on Thursday expressed strong support for efforts by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to broker a political resolution to the crisis in Haiti.

In a statement, the council “recognised the key role of CARICOM in facilitating Haiti’s efforts to overcome the ongoing political stalemate and security situation”.

It took note of the outcome declaration from a March 11 CARICOM summit in Kingston where Haitian stakeholders committed to establishing “a transitional governance arrangement” including “a transitional presidential council and the naming of an interim prime minister”. Embattled interim Prime Minister Ariel Henry agreed to step down once the transitional council was in place.

“The members reiterated their full support for a Haitian-led, Haitian-owned political process,” the statement said, urging inclusive dialogue to pave the way for “free and fair legislative and presidential elections, with the full, equal, meaningful, and safe participation of women and the engagement of youth”.

The Security Council strongly “condemned the violence and the attacks carried out by the armed gangs” in Haiti, and stressed the need for more humanitarian aid and support for the Haitian National Police to “restore law and order”. It called for the “swift deployment” of a Multinational Security Support Mission as authorised last year.

Barbados is one of five nations to have committed troops to the force. But following Kenya’s withdrawal which was reportedly based on the absence of a transitional administration in Port-au-Prince, Foreign Minister Kerry Symmonds last week announced a hold on Bridgetown’s participation.

Citing the “illicit flow of arms and ammunition into Haiti” as a major source of instability, the Security Council reiterated the obligation of UN member states to implement an arms embargo under previous resolutions. It warned of potential “further actions” to enhance the embargo.

Throughout, the statement emphasised the Security Council’s “continued solidarity with the people of Haiti” and support for the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) to help build “a better future for Haiti”.
(BT)