SG appeals relief aid, security, political action to end gang violence in Haiti

Anjali Sharma

GG News Bureau

UNITED NATIONS, 7th July. Secretary-General António Guterres on Thursday said that the world must act now to stop the violence and instability in Haiti and appealed for simultaneous action on the humanitarian, security and political fronts.

He said citizens of the Caribbean nation are “trapped in a living nightmare” as armed gangs encircle the capital, Port-au-Prince, blocking roads, controlling access to food and healthcare, and undermining humanitarian support.

Mr. Guterres was speaking at UN Headquarters after a visit to the country and a summit of regional leaders held in Trinidad and Tobago, during which he participated in a special session on Haiti.

He told reporters that predatory gangs there are using kidnappings and sexual violence as weapons to terrorize entire communities.

“I have heard appalling accounts of women and girls being gang-raped, and of people being burned alive,” he said.

Mr. Guterres met with Prime Minister Ariel Henry and representatives from many sectors of society, acknowledging signs of hope and possibility during his one-day visit to Haiti on Saturday.

“But it requires action on several fronts and a recognition of a core truth,” he said.

He stressed “There can be no sustainable security without a political solution that allows for the restoration of democratic institutions.  And there can be no lasting and inclusive political solutions without a drastic improvement in the security situation.”

Mr. Guterres urged the international community to take action in what he called three essential areas, starting with addressing the urgent humanitarian needs in the country.

The UN said that a $720 million plan to support more than three million people there is currently only 23 percent funded.

He said “I appeal to the world to extend a lifeline of support and fill that financial gap without delay,”.

Guterres appealed to the UN Security Council “and all relevant potential contributing countries” to create the conditions for allowing the deployment of a multinational force to assist the Haitian National Police, which the Government had requested back in October.

“I repeat: We are not calling for a military or political mission of the United Nations,” he said.

“We are calling for a robust security force deployed by Member States to work hand-in-hand with the Haitian National Police to defeat and dismantle the gangs and restore security across the country.”

He added that the police force will also need financing, training and equipment, which are all critical to restoring State authority and delivery of vital services.

Mr. Guterres appealed for all social and political actors in Haiti to step up efforts toward a desperately needed political solution.

He also expressed full support for mediation efforts by the regional bloc, CARICOM.

“Taken together, these three vital and simultaneous steps are fundamental to breaking Haiti’s cycle of suffering by addressing dramatic humanitarian and security challenges – and forging a political pathway out of the crisis,” he said.

Security Council will discuss Mr. Guterres latest report on Haiti during a meeting on Thursday afternoon.