Statement by the delegation of Ukraine at the Security Council debate on the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH)
Mister President,
I would like to thank Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti Sandra Honoré for her briefing on the situation in the country.
Ukraine welcomes the fact that the long period of institutional instability that plagued the electoral process in Haiti appears to be behind.
We are pleased that, despite the significant difficulties, the country has returned to the constitutional order based on the will of voters.
We commend the Haitian authorities on their positive steps to restore democratic institutions and congratulate the Haitian people who, while facing many political, economic and social challenges, have managed to bring the country back to order.
We underline that the efforts of all political stakeholders should be focused on ensuring stability and security as a crucial element for further democratic consolidation.
A broader unity is indispensable to achieve such goals as strengthening national human rights institutions as well as ensuring respect for human rights, combating criminality, sexual and gender-based violence, putting an end to impunity and providing accountability.
Mister President,
Ukraine commends the important role MINUSTAH has played for nearly ten years in ensuring stability and security during particularly difficult times, such as the last elections or hurricane Matthew. Its contribution to strengthening the capacity of the Haitian National Police is second to none.
This April the Security Council adopted resolution 2350 extending the mandate of MINUSTAH for the last six months. The resolution also outlined the legal framework for the transition to the United Nations Mission in Support of Justice in Haiti. We welcome the special attention given in the recent Secretary-General’s report to the planning for MINUJUSTH, in particular on the issues of the rule of law and human rights.
During its recent visit to Haiti the Security Council reviewed the implementation of the mentioned resolution, focusing on the smooth transition from MINUSTAH to MINUJUSTH.
The Council saw that while the security situation in this Caribbean country has improved it is still fragile. Thus, it is important to ensure a well-prepared continuity of the UN presence so that mistakes of the past are not repeated.
We consider as essential continuation of the work on strengthening the Haitian police. The recent SG´s report highlighted the gains made over the years in developing the capacity of the HNP. At the same time further consolidation of those achievements is vital.
On the other hand, we would like to underline the necessity of continued efforts of the international community, multilateral agencies, Haiti’s regional partners and individual states in supporting long-term security and development of Haiti. Those actors (UN, national and international) constitute basic three pillars supporting the country’s stability.
Mister President,
We recognize that considerable national, regional and international efforts has been made in combating cholera. However, Haiti continues to face significant challenges that affect these efforts. In this context we welcome the consensus adoption on July 13 of the GA resolution that reaffirmed support for the Organization’s new approach to cholera in Haiti, including the establishment of the United Nations Haiti Cholera Response Multi-Partner Trust Fund, and invited Member States, donors, financial institutions, private sector and others to extend financial support for the initiative.
Taking this opportunity we also would like to welcome the appointment of Josette Sheeran as Secreatary-General Special Envoy for Haiti. We wish her every success in her challenging task to implement the United Nations’ new approach to reduce the impact of cholera in Haiti and support national efforts to fulfill Haiti’s 2030 sustainable growth and implementation plan.
Thank you.