Monsieur le Président, Distinguished Members of the Council, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I come before you hopeful for the signs of progress in the political front, despite serious setbacks in the security one.
On 11 November, armed gangs targeted commercial aircraft near the Port-au-Prince international airport, forcing its closure and the suspension of all flights. At least three aircraft were hit, injuring a flight attendant in one instance. The resulting US Federal Aviation Administration ban on US-registered aircraft exacerbated Port-au-Prince’s isolation, and at least one major airline has announced it will not return to Haiti for the foreseeable future. This marks the second time in less than a year that commercial operations at the airport have been suspended, leaving the population of the capital increasingly cut off from the rest of the country and the world.
Shortly after, gangs launched coordinated and simultaneous attacks across the capital, including in areas previously untouched by such violence. These attacks, aimed at destabilizing state institutions, triggered violent responses from self-defense groups, with residents armed with machetes and firearms. This cycle of violence, in Port-au-Prince, led to at least 220 deaths and displaced nearly 41,000 people.
In December, armed gangs carried out mass killings in Wharf Jérémie, in the commune of Cité Soleil, resulting in 207 fatalities, mostly among the elderly. Meanwhile, the Artibonite Department saw a sharp escalation in violence, with retaliatory attacks between gangs and self-defense groups leading to 114 deaths. On 24 December, the Hospital of the State University in Port-au-Prince was attacked ahead of its reopening ceremony, resulting in the deaths of a police officer and two journalists.
On 18 January, an additional 217 Kenyan police officers (including an advance team of 5 women) were deployed to Haiti. In addition, 150 Guatemalans and an advance team of eight Salvadorean troops have also arrived.
The Haitian National Police (HNP), supported by the Multinational Security Support mission (MSS) and, in some cases, by the Armed Forces of Haiti, has made efforts to respond to this surge in violence. Improved coordination between the MSS and national security forces has led to better planning and execution of anti-gang operations. The recent appointment of a Secretary of State for Public Security is a positive step, signaling a stronger focus on addressing Haiti’s security challenges.
A significant milestone was reached on 10 January, when 739 new recruits, including 213 women, graduated from the National Police Academy. The hope and pride reflected in these young recruits and their families provide a much-needed reminder of resilience and determination.
However, challenges faced by the HNP remain immense, with high attrition rates, insufficient specialized training, and a lack of equipment. Enhanced international assistance is critical.
I take this opportunity to thank Member States for their contributions in personnel and through the Trust Fund for the MSS, this honorable Council for its steadfast support of it and, once again, commend Kenya for its leadership. I urge Member States to provide additional contributions to ensure the success of this multinational effort.
Excellencies,
The worsening security crisis has significantly impacted United Nations operations. In response to the suspension of flights to Port-au-Prince and widespread violence, the UN decided to temporarily reduce its footprint in the capital, while continuing to provide lifesaving assistance. This mechanism has enabled BINUH, with a skeleton team, and UN agencies to continue to deliver on their mandates through hybrid efforts, combining national staff and critical international presence in Port-au-Prince with remote work.
The UN remains committed to scaling up its presence as soon as security conditions permit, continuously monitoring the security environment to ensure the safety of personnel while delivering assistance to those in need.
Monsieur le Président, Excellences,
Le paysage politique en Haïti a connu des évolutions positives depuis ma dernière intervention devant ce Conseil. La nomination d’Alix Didier Fils-Aimé au poste de Premier ministre le 11 novembre a amélioré la collaboration entre le Gouvernement et le Conseil Présidentiel de Transition. Cette coopération a permis de faire avancer des dossiers clés en matière de gouvernance.
Une meilleure coordination entre le Conseil présidentiel de transition et le gouvernement actuel a permis d’affiner et de cibler avec succès les « priorités des priorités » de la transition : « sécurité, élections et apaisement social », et a contribué à faire avancer certaines décisions clés de gouvernance qui étaient auparavant en suspens. Je félicite la nomination des deux membres restants du Conseil électoral provisoire. Quatre des neuf membres sont désormais des femmes, une étape importante vers une plus grande inclusion du genre dans le processus électoral.
Je salue également la nomination des ministres délégués aux Affaires électorales et constitutionnelles et à la Solidarité et aux Affaires humanitaires, qui, je l’espère, renforceront la visibilité de ces deux portefeuilles clés.
In response to a request from the Haitian government, the United Nations deployed an Electoral Needs Assessment Mission in November. The mission’s recommendations, approved by the UN Focal Point for Electoral Assistance, include targeted support for constitutional and electoral processes.
Meanwhile, the National Conference on constitutional reform continues its work. In November and December, the Working Group on Constitutional Review engaged with various sectors of society to gather perspectives on key constitutional tenets. Broader consultations with the Haitian diaspora and across the country are starting this week to ensure inclusivity. The constitutional referendum and general elections remain targeted for this year, requiring security increasing measures, sustained commitment and timely progress.
The establishment of the National Security Council is another notable achievement. This planning and coordinating mechanism, has the potential to significantly strengthen Haiti’s security efforts. I encourage authorities to fully operationalize this structure to maximize its impact.
Mister President, Excellencies
While there is progress on the political front and reason to be timidly hopeful, the transition framework remains fragile. The increasing fragmentation of the political sectors represented on the Transitional Presidential Council, combined with persistent criticism of this Council, complicates the process. Serious corruption allegations targeting three members of the Council have heightened tensions and called into question the legitimacy of its actions.
Recently, some political actors have sought assistance from the CARICOM Eminent Persons Group to facilitate a national dialogue. A letter addressed to CARICOM by actors from three political groups that are part of the Presidential Transitional Council, proposes different options for resolving disputes around this issue. However, the letter’s mention of a gang coalition sparked strong criticism, highlighting widespread opposition to any interaction with criminal gangs.
These developments show that any attempt to legitimize armed gangs is rejected by the majority of Haitian actors and the public in general.
Mister President,
The humanitarian crisis in Haiti has reached alarming levels. Over 6 million people – nearly half the population – require humanitarian assistance, with 3.9 million targeted for aid. The number of internally displaced persons has tripled to over 1 million, with more than half being children. Displacement sites are overcrowded and lack essential services such as clean water, sanitation, and education.
Food insecurity affects 48 per cent of the population, with nearly 2 million people in emergency conditions (IPC phase 4) and 6,000 in catastrophic conditions (IPC phase 5). Despite these challenges, humanitarian partners conducted 700 UN missions in the fourth quarter, including 500 directly related to life-saving assistance.
The 2025 Humanitarian Response Plan requires USD 908 million, and I call on donors to contribute generously to alleviate suffering and support recovery.
Excellences,
En cette période cruciale, Haïti a plus que jamais besoin de votre soutien continu. Pour organiser un processus de révision constitutionnelle et des élections crédibles, participatives et inclusives dans ce contexte de crise, les acteurs haïtiens doivent surmonter leurs différences et collaborer. Une solution durable nécessite des progrès simultanés sur les fronts politique et sécuritaire, soutenus par une solidarité internationale constante.
Le BINUH continuera à offrir ses bons offices et son soutien stratégique pour aider Haïti à relever ces défis complexes.
Merci.